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Chevy Camaro SS wants to make you faster on the quarter mile

Chevy Camaro SS Drag Race Development test car
Photo: Chevrolet
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Guillaume Rivard
2017 COPO Camaro also unveiled

Chevrolet has just announced the launch of a Camaro SS Drag Race Development Program, which explores the quarter-mile capability of the sixth-gen Camaro with concept parts designed to support 10-second elapsed times in a production-based model.

A test vehicle was built to mimic the typical stair-step enhancements many amateur racers make with their production Camaro SS models, including swapping the differential for a numerically higher ratio and adding horsepower-building components such as a cam-and-heads package to push the SS’s LT1 engine to more than 530 horsepower.

“More than simply achieving quick ETs in the Camaro, we are exploring the supporting components that help the car to go quicker with great durability,” said Mark Dickens, director, Performance Variants, Parts and Motorsports Engineering. “We’ve tested stronger axles and chassis components aimed at improving launch and traction attributes.”

The company insists the Chevy Camaro SS Drag Race Development concept is a work in progress. It will continue to develop the car and listen intently to customers’ reactions and what they believe would help them the most on the drag strip.

In related news, Chevrolet’s 2017 COPO Camaro show car—serial number 01 of 69—was introduced yesterday with a supercharged 350 engine, custom Weld racing wheels, and a unique “anodized” concept version of the production Hyper Blue Metallic exterior colour. It will be sold at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction in January 2017, with proceeds to benefit United Way.

Like the previous editions, the 2017 COPO Camaro is designed for NHRA’s Stock Eliminator classes. The production race cars are fitted with racing chassis and suspension components, including a unique solid rear axle system in place of a regular-production Camaro’s independent rear axle.

2017 Chevrolet COPO Camaro
2017 Chevrolet COPO Camaro
Photo: Chevrolet
Guillaume Rivard
Guillaume Rivard
Automotive expert
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