Chevrolet Camaros at SEMA are a mobile accessory catalog

Wed, 06 Nov 2013

Chevy's goal at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this week seems to be to show as much of its Performance and Accessories catalog as possible. That's why it brought three different Camaros - two with V8s and one powered by a V6 - with all of the best goodies from the catalog already fitted.

We gave a more in-depth recap of the Performance Camaro V8 Concept, the Performance Camaro V6 Concept and the Performance Garage Concept already, but we figured you'd like a short recap for each. It should be noted, though, that you can order all of the items you see here for your own Camaro, so be sure to take a long, hard look at our live galleries, just in case you're in the market for some mods.

Essentially, the Performance Garage Concept and the Performance V8 Concept are the same car - the only difference is that the later features a whole host of aesthetic tweaks in addition to its aftermarket, shorty exhaust headers and 2.75-inch exhaust. (The Performance Garage Concept has been usefully placed on its side; the better to see the new parts added to the vehicle.) The Performance V6 Concept is notable because, despite being a V6, there's no shortage of performance goodies fitted. All three of the Performance Camaros benefit from items from the Camaro ZL1, which can also be ordered through the catalog.

Finally, Chevy built a Spring Special Edition Camaro SS Convertible, to help remind those of us who live in the icy north that winter is coming. The Special Edition will enter limited production with 2LT and 2SS trims, and can be easily picked out by its Summer White paint with Blue Ray striping. Large, 21-inch wheels, a ground effects package and a body-colored spoiler borrowed from the ZL1 help to finish off the fetching drop top.

Chevrolet Performance Cars Flex Muscles at SEMA Show
Concept Corvette, Camaro and SS models highlight breadth of performance range

LAS VEGAS – Chevrolet provided the first look at nine high-performance concept cars today at the SEMA Show. The horsepower-infused range includes stylized versions the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray, SS sports sedan and a variety of restyled 2014 Camaros – including the all-new Z/28.

"From the all-new Corvette Stingray to the new Camaro Z/28 and SS performance sedan, Chevrolet is America's choice for performance cars. Our new lineup of racing-influenced models gives customers more choices for exciting driving experiences," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "It's our most diverse range of performance-car choices in nearly 20 years."

Through the end of September, Camaro's total sales lead over Mustang was more than 5,000 for the year, putting it on track to be the industry's best-selling sports car under $50,000 for the fourth consecutive year. The Camaro enters 2014 with revised styling and the new Z/28 model – the most track-capable Camaro in the car's history.

The all-new SS returns Chevrolet to its rear-wheel-drive performance sedan roots, established with the small-block V-8 in the 1950s and enhanced with the Impala SS in the early 1960s.

And Chevrolet dealers can hardly keep the all-new Corvette Stingray in stock, with sold orders rolling to new owners off transporters.

"Racing is the common thread among Chevrolet's performance cars and that comes from decades of transferring race technology to our production models," said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. "Corvette, Camaro and SS deliver well-balanced, exhilarating driving experiences forged on the racetrack and refined for the street."

Many of the concepts unveiled at the SEMA Show have roots at the racetrack. Others show racing-influenced styling for the street. Most incorporate Chevrolet Accessories available from Chevrolet dealers, allowing customers to personalize their new performance car with factory-engineered and validated components that match the performance and quality of original equipment.

Also on display was a 2014 COPO Camaro – Chevrolet's factory-built race car, designed for NHRA's Stock Eliminator and Super Stock drag racing classes. As with the previous two model years, only 69 COPO models will be built. Racers interested in purchasing one must sign up for the COPO mailing list at chevrolet.com.

Jeff Gordon SS performance sedan concept
With input from the No. 24 driver himself, Chevrolet designers restyled the all-new SS to reflect Gordon's style and the performance credentials of the brand's all-new, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan. A satin exterior finish lends an all-business appearance to the car, complemented with No. 24 graphics, custom-finished 20-inch wheels, a carbon fiber rear spoiler and a custom front grille.

The car casts a more aggressive stance with a lowered suspension. The Gordon SS concept features high-performance brakes and a Borla performance exhaust system. The interior is re-trimmed with perforated suede seat inserts and embroidered headrests and a racing-style flat-bottom steering wheel and Chevrolet Accessories pedal kit.

Under the hood beats the small-block heart of all SS production models: The LS3 6.2L V-8 rated at 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. It is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission with TAPShift.

Corvette Stingray Gran Turismo® concept
A special-edition Corvette Stingray concept is revving to go in the new Sony PlayStation® 3 game Gran Turismo 6 commemorating the game's 15th anniversary – and Chevrolet has built a real version of the virtual racing winner. Its distinctive exterior and interior elements include:

Custom exterior paint scheme
Yellow-tinted headlamps
Carbon fiber rear wing
Custom carbon fiber hood and extractor design
Ground effects kit with carbon fiber rockers and front splitter
Custom exhaust tips
Racing-style front tow hook
Custom front grille
Custom front fender and rear quarter vents
Custom-trimmed Competition Sport seats
Driver and passenger racing harnesses
Custom flat-bottom steering wheel
Leather-wrapped safety belt bar and rear braces.
Like all 2014 Corvette Stingray models, the Gran Turismo® concept is powered by the new LT1 6.2L V-8, which uses direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing to produce 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque (with the available performance exhaust) – enabling EPA-estimated 29 mpg on the highway. The concept vehicle is also equipped with the standard seven-speed manual transmission.

Corvette Stingray Convertible Atlantic concept
One of a pair of right- and left-coast-themed concepts, this Blade Silver Convertible model represents the Atlantic side, with sophisticated styling enhancements resembling the details and refinement of a private jet. The exterior wears new Carbon Flash Metallic front splitter, rocker extensions and rear lower diffuser, along with Fusion Gray headlamp housings and hood accents. It is trimmed with a sueded-wrapped interior package.

This East Coast cruiser also wears a number of Chevrolet Accessories available to all 2014 Corvette Stingray customers, including:

Chrome five-spoke wheels – 19 x 8.5-inches in front and 20 x 10-inches in the rear
Wheel center caps with the Stingray script
Under-hood liner with the Stingray logo
Carbon Flash Metallic rear license plate holder
Molded splash guards
Windscreen mounted behind the seats
Custom luggage
Premium carpet floor mats
Sill plates
Embroidered center armrest with the Stingray logo.
For effortless driving and performance, the Atlantic concept features an LT1 engine with a six-speed automatic.

Corvette Stingray Coupe Pacific concept
Influenced by West Coast culture, here racing-influenced performance and appearance matter this track-inspired Torch Red Corvette Stingray Z51 Coupe's design is purposeful and compelling.

The high-performance hue is complemented by a carbon fiber hood and a visible carbon-fiber weave on the removable roof panel, as well as a satin-black front splitter and rocker extensions. The Z51 rear spoiler is painted Carbon Flash Metallic with a Carbon Flash graphics package. The interior features a carbon fiber trim kit, along with the available Competition Sport seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel with a carbon fiber finish.

Because it's a Corvette Stingray Z51, the LT1 engine features a dry-sump oiling system, the cooling and brake systems are enhanced and the transaxle features an electronic limited-slip differential. Even the gearing in the seven-speed manual transmission is unique.

Like the Atlantic concept, the left-coast Corvette concept wears a number of Chevrolet Accessories, including distinctive satin black aluminum wheels with a red accent stripe (19 x 8.5-inch in front/20 x 10-inch in the rear).

COPO Camaro
Chevrolet Performance's COPO Camaro program returns for 2014 with another limited run of factory-produced race cars and a pair of new racing engine choices. The COPO exclusives will carry the distinctive, updated styling of the 2014 Camaro lineup, including new front and rear fascias.

Each COPO Camaro race car is built by hand starting with hardware from the Oshawa, Ontario assembly plant that manufactures regular-production Camaros. Each production car is fitted with an NHRA-approved roll cage and other safety equipment, along with racing chassis and suspension components – including a unique solid rear axle system in place of a regular-production Camaro's independent rear axle.

The new LS-based racing engines include a revised version of the naturally aspirated 427 engine and supercharged version of the 350 engine introduced in 2013. It will feature a 2.9L Whipple screw-type compressor. Naturally aspirated 350 and 396 engines are also available. The car displayed at the SEMA Show features the supercharged 350.

Serial number 1 of the limited-production 2014 run will be auctioned by Chevrolet Performance at Barrett-Jackson's annual January event in Scottsdale, Ariz. Proceeds will benefit the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans, an organization dedicated to helping wounded veterans participate in marathons and share their success within a supportive community and their families.

2014 Camaro Z/28
There was no need to modify the all-new 2014 Camaro Z/28 for the SEMA Show – it's already a comprehensively engineered car that recently lapped Germany's challenging Nürburgring road course in 7:37.40 – on wet track conditions. It was four seconds faster than the Camaro ZL1, and beats published times for the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.

In terms of lap times, the Z/28's improved speed comes from three areas:

Increased grip: The Z/28 is capable of 1.08 g in cornering acceleration, due to comprehensive chassis revisions
Increased stopping power: The Z/28 features Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes capable of 1.5 g in deceleration, and consistent brake feel lap after lap
Reduced curb weight: The naturally aspirated Z/28 weighs 300 pounds less than the supercharged Camaro ZL1, with changes ranging from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass.
The heart of the Z/28 is the 7.0L LS7 engine. The LS7 uses lightweight, racing-proven, high-performance components, such as titanium intake valves and connecting rods, CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads and a forged-steel crankshaft to help produce an SAE-certified 505 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque. Air-conditioning is available, but only as an option.

The Z/28 goes on sale next spring.

Chevrolet Performance Garage Camaro
Serious performance enthusiasts will appreciate the combination of Chevrolet Performance parts and Chevrolet Accessories used to create the Garage Camaro concept, which is based on the production Camaro SS. It's a track-oriented car, incorporating performance and suspension components from the all-new Z/28 – and a few from the ZL1.

The exterior is enhanced with a ground effects package, Chevrolet Accessories rear spoiler and grille, RS headlamps and taillamps, blacked-out mirrors and rear diffuser, and Chevrolet Accessories satin-black 10-spoke Track Pack wheels. "Chevrolet Performance" graphics adorn the rockers and windshield header.

Brakes and a short-throw shifter from the Camaro ZL1 come straight out of the Chevrolet Performance catalog and are available through Chevrolet dealers, while the following Z/28 parts are being evaluated by Chevrolet Performance for future release:

"Shorty" exhaust headers and 2.75-inch exhaust system
Front ride/handling links
Rear upper control arms
Stabilizer bars
Helical differential with internal cooling system
Brake ducts
Racing-derived DSSV® (Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve) dampers.

Chevrolet Performance Camaro V-8 Concept
This one-of-a-kind concept car showcases the personalization and performance possibilities with Chevrolet Performance parts and accessories, from its performance air intake to its concept Z/28 exhaust. Many components are available through Chevrolet dealers, including:

Ground effects package
Chevrolet Accessories rear spoiler
Blacked-out badges, mirrors and rear diffuser
Body-color hood louver
Chevrolet Accessories 45th anniversary wheels in black
Chevrolet Accessories grille in black
Hood wrapped with body-color stripe
RS headlamps and taillamps
Chevrolet Performance rocker decals and windshield header
Chevrolet Performance armrests, door sills, pedal kit, floor mats and ambient lighting kit
RECARO® performance seats with Mojave stitching
Chevrolet Performance instrument panel decal and sill plate
Instrument panel, door, steering wheel and armrest with Mojave stitching
Soft-touch black interior bezels.

On the performance side, this Camaro concept incorporates a performance air intake, ZL1 brake kit and ZL1 short-throw shifter, along with these concept parts from the 2014 Camaro Z/28:

2.75-Inch exhaust system
Front ride link
Rear upper control arms
Shorty exhaust headers
Helical differential with internal cooling system
DSSV dampers
Brake ducts
Stabilizer bars.

Chevrolet Performance Camaro V-6 concept
With 323 horsepower from its direct-injected, DOHC V-6, the Camaro doesn't need a V-8 to be considered a performance car, and this Chevrolet Performance concept proves it with enhancements available through Chevrolet dealers that give it track-ready reflexes, including:

Brembo brake kit from the Camaro SS
Camaro 1LE suspension kit
Camaro 1LE strut tower brace
Borla performance exhaust system
20-inch black wheels (45th anniversary design).
The car also wears Z/28 rear upper control arms, which are being evaluated for the Chevrolet Performance catalog.

Exterior and interior appearance accessories lend a more athletic aesthetic to this more-capable Camaro. The exterior features a Chevrolet Accessories grille, front splitter and rear spoiler, along with "Chevrolet Performance" graphics. Inside, it is ready for the road course or street, with:

Chevrolet Accessories premium carpet floor mats
Chevrolet Accessories ambient lighting kit
Black trim bezels
Kicker® 200-Watt subwoofer and 200-Watt DSP amp available for MyLink
RECARO® performance seats
Flat-bottom performance steering wheel
Chevrolet Performance sill plates
Chevrolet Performance armrest
Chevrolet Accessories auxiliary gauge package
Instrument panel and door inserts wrapped with carbon-fiber weave
Door armrests and instrument panel inserts trimmed with black suede and Light Stone stitching
Chevrolet Accessories pedal kit
Chevrolet Accessories engine cover.
Camaro Spring Special Edition
Continuing a tradition of introducing special-edition production models at the SEMA Show, Chevrolet introduces the 2014 Spring Special Edition. Shown in its Camaro SS convertible version, the limited-production package will be offered in uplevel 2LT and 2SS trims distinguished by:

Summit White exterior with Blue Ray stripe – including hood louver painted Blue Ray
Body-color ZL1 spoiler
Chevrolet Accessories ground effects package and grille
Chevrolet Accessories 21-inch wheels
RS high-intensity discharge, or HID, headlamps and light-emitting diode, or LED, taillamps
Blue fabric top on convertible models
Blue-accent leather-appointed interior with blue stitching
White interior trim kit with Blue Ray stripe
Chevrolet Accessories floor mats (black with silver Camaro logo).
LT models include the direct-injected, 323-horsepower V-6 engine, while SS models include a 6.2L V-8 rated at 426 horsepower when paired with the six-speed manual transmission or 400 horses with the available six-speed automatic.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

By Brandon Turkus