Chevrolet Camaro LS7 Concept

[Sledgehammer]

(from General Motors Press Release)

Designed to highlight the capability of the new Camaro as a weekend bracket warrior, the Camaro LS7 Concept combines the power of a GM Performance Parts’ LS7 crate engine and targeted bolt-on upgrades to deliver the wheels-up spirit of the legendary COPO Camaros.

Made famous by Chevy dealers like Don Yenko and Fred Gibb in the late 1960s, the COPO cars were ordered for one thing: drag racing. They were quickly outfitted after delivery with the requisite tires, safety equipment and other accessories necessary for competition in popular Stock-class drag racing series.

The LS7 Concept honors the COPO ethos with features such as drag strip-ready rubber on the rear wheels – and unlike many of the stripped-down racers from 40 years ago, this strip-ready competitor serves double duty as both a racecar and a daily driver.

The LS7 crate engine (part number 17802397) uses a high-performance replacement camshaft from GM Performance Parts (part number 12480033) to help it produce approximately 550 horsepower. Complementing upgrades include GM Performance Parts-developed headers and air intake system that will be offered at the Camaro’s launch in early 2009. The LS7 also is modified with a wet-sump oiling system; the production engine features a dry-sump system that requires an external oil tank.

Backing the LS7 engine is a production Tremec 6060 six-speed manual with a GM Performance Parts Hurst shifter. Additional drivetrain details include:

-- Brembo four-wheel disc brake package
-- Lowered ride height
-- Custom 20-inch wheels
-- Driveshaft safety loop
-- GM Performance Parts exhaust system

The Camaro LS7 concept is painted Victory Red, with matte black accents on the hood and taillamp panel. “LS7” logos are strategically placed and warn those in the know this Camaro means business when the Christmas tree lights count down to green. It’s all business on the spartan interior, too, with base trim and few accessories to minimize overall mass for a quicker elapsed time.

Although the Camaro LS7 Concept is just that – a concept – its duplication by enterprising enthusiasts and racers is enabled by GM Performance Parts’ LS7 crate engine package. It delivers a fully assembled, production version of the engine, complete from the intake manifold to oil pan. An oil reservoir for the standard dry sump system and GM Performance Parts’ LS7 engine controller (part number 19166567) are all that’s necessary to get the engine running in an enthusiast’s project vehicle – well, that and a chassis capable of handling more than 500 lb.-ft. of torque!

[Tall_G]

Nice. Menacing and purposeful, and full of tough mechanicals. And totally buildable, unless GM falls over a cliff or fuel goes up to US$150 and they bottle out.

Please GM, survive and build the thing. Limited numbers if you have to (500+), just get them into the showrooms so we can test drive them and be ridiculously happy.

[Rockefella]

The Camaro can't come soon enough for America.

[cmcpokey]

they should have the LS7 as an option. i really dont see why they dont.

[fisetdavid26]

They need to bring back the COPO Camaro's.

LS7 in the '09 Camaro = 427 in the '69. Epic.

[092326001]

i like

[Roentgen]

Tint the windows and this will be the coolest camaro... other than Bumblebee.

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by fisetdavid26

They need to bring back the COPO Camaro's.

LS7 in the '09 Camaro = 427 in the '69. Epic.

Well at least you could somewhat build a modern Yenko with an LS7 crate engine.

[fisetdavid26]

Originally Posted by Ferrer

Well at least you could somewhat build a modern Yenko with an LS7 crate engine.

Yes, that's a possibility.

You could also use a 427 crate engine.

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by fisetdavid26

Yes, that's a possibility.

You could also use a 427 crate engine.

That probably wouldn't pass emission tests, while the LS7 would.

[fisetdavid26]

Originally Posted by Ferrer

That probably wouldn't pass emission tests, while the LS7 would.

Depends where

[whiteballz]

I want to see this made along side the HSV coupe 60 concept.. two epic RWD coupes made from AFIAK the same chassis..