Chevy launches all-out drag strip assault at SEMA with the 2017 COPO Camaro

By Stephen Edelstein November 1, 2016

The current Chevrolet Camaro was designed to be a more well rounded performance car, one that can carve corners as well as blitz quarter miles. Now that it’s accomplished that goal, Chevy is taking the Camaro back to its roots.

At the 2016 SEMA show, Chevy unveiled the 2017 COPO Camaro, an updated version of the Camaro drag racer it builds in limited batches every year. Most people will never get their hands on a COPO Camaro, though, so Chevy is also trying to spread the love with a new Drag Race Development Program that will churn out performance parts for other Camaro models.

The COPO Camaro references a famous bit of muscle car lore. “COPO” stands for “Central Office Production Order,” a backdoor ordering system Chevy dealers and customers used beginning in 1969 to create high-performance Camaros that weren’t available through official channels. Chevy revived the name in 2012 for Camaro drag racers. Just 69 2017 COPO Camaros will be built.

Read more: Spruce up your BMW with these M Performance Parts

Like all versions built since 2012, the 2017 COPO Camaro is designed for the National Hot Rod Association’s (NHRA) Stock Eliminator class. It uses a stock Camaro body, but with completely reworked steering, brakes, and suspension. Buyers can choose from a supercharged 5.7-liter V8 or naturally aspirated 7.0-liter V8 from the old LS family, or a 6.2-liter V8 from the LT family used in the current-generation Camaro and Corvette. All engines come with a three-speed automatic transmission.

Chevy also brought a Camaro SS test car from its Drag Race Development Program to SEMA. It features modifications often made by amateur racers, such as a new differential and tweaked engine internals, according to Chevy. The Camaro SS has made more than 100 drag strip passes to evaluate new performance parts, with a best quarter-mile time of 10.685 seconds at 125.73 mph. Chevy reckons its modified 6.2-liter V8 produces more than 530 horsepower, compared to 455 hp in stock form.

The Camaro SS Drag Race Development car is technically a concept, according to Chevy. But the carmaker plans to gauge customers’ reactions to the car, meaning some of its features could be made available for sale eventually.

Editors' Recommendations

Chevrolet’s one-of-a-kind electric Camaro drag racer is now for sale

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.