Create your own 700hp Camaro with GM Performance Parts catalog

You just have to love the convenience and quality of performance parts that come straight from the manufacturer. After all, who knows the cars better than the ones who make them? And though you can buy virtually anything for a Chevrolet Camaro, you still have to have the expertise to put all those parts together to make something that works cohesively.

The new GM Performance Parts catalog aims to help you in that endeavor by showing you the way to some serious power in your pony car. As demonstrated by DeNooyer Chevrolet in New York, you can plop an LSX454 engine and 6 speed tranny from a ZR1 in a Camaro and have a ready-made 520hp (at the rear wheels) beast.

Or, you could do like NeSmith Chevrolet in Georgia and drop an LS9 in your own Camaro, which with minor tweaks produces over 700hp. The possibilities are endless, but credit GM for stirring up some creative ideas with their latest catalog.

Press Release

GMPP CATALOG COVER CAMAROS REVIVE THE COPO SPIRIT OF DEALER-BUILT SUPERCARS

2010-12-09

GRAND BLANC, Mich. – Dealership-created performance packages were an important part of Chevrolet's muscle car heritage. Names like Yenko, Nickey, Berger and others helped drive high-performance options, while enhancing the mystique of one-off collectables decades later. In fact, it was creative ordering on the part of dealers that created the legendary COPO Camaros of the late 1960s – cars available from those enterprising dealers, but not offered in any official catalog or order guide.

More than 40 years later, a couple of dealers – DeNooyer Chevrolet in New York and Georgia's NeSmith Chevrolet – have rekindled the concept of using Chevrolet's own parts to create specialty Camaros that simply aren't offered in regular production. DeNooyer used GM Performance Parts' (GMPP) LSX454 crate engine (part number 19244611) to build a modern 454 engine for the Camaro SS, while NeSmith transplanted the supercharged LS9 engine from the Corvette ZR1 into their Camaro.

"These great Camaros exemplify the spirit of dealer-built super cars that grew out of the muscle car era," says Dr. Jamie Meyer, product integration manager for GM Performance Parts. "They are the COPO Camaros of the 21st century."

Both cars are featured on the cover the 2011 GM Performance Parts catalog.

The DeNooyer 454 Camaro, dubbed the HTR-SS454 (named for partner Redline Motorsports' owner Howard Tanner), takes the GMPP LSX454 crate engine and adds a port fuel injection system to its LS7-style LSX six-bolt cylinder heads. The engine has an all-forged rotating assembly and an 11.0:1 compression ratio. A front end accessory drive system was added, too, along with a custom flywheel and ZR1 clutch matched to the six-speed manual transmission.

With the custom engine installed and properly tuned, chassis-dyno testing of the Camaro delivered a strong 520 horsepower and 530 lb.-ft. of torque at the rear wheels – or right about the 620-hp/590-lb.-ft. estimates from GMPP for the basic crate engine. The car's driveline was beefed up to handle the 200-horsepower increase over stock, too, with stronger axles and stiffer bushings throughout.

Much like what was done with the legendary Baldwin-Motion cars, of the Sixties, DeNooyer joined forces with an expert performance shop, Redline Motorsports, to help engineer and build the HTR-SS454. Redline a leader in LS-based high-performance engines and vehicles and it also collaborates with DeNooyer Chevrolet on the HTR-600 Camaro, which uses the 505-hp LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06 – also available as a crate engine from GMPP (part number 19211710).

While the DeNooyer 454-powered Camaro evokes memories of yesteryear, NeSmith's LS9-powered "Storm" Camaro is pure modern performance, with the world-beating power of the Corvette ZR1 under the hood. It was created within the dealership's in-house customization facility, NeSmith Customs, with assistance from nearby Jen Jac's Restorations. NeSmith also happens to be the largest GMPP dealer in the country.

The LS9 is offered as a crate engine from GM Performance Parts (part number 19201990) and, because of its similar LS-family architecture to the Camaro's original LS3 engine, easily slipped into the engine compartment – although some fabrication was necessary to accommodate the unique placement of some accessories, as well as the LS9's dry sump-style oiling system. But when the installation was completed, the engine looked factory-installed. And with a few minor upgrades, the engine is producing about 700 horsepower.

Like the DeNooyer HTR-SS454, the NeSmith Storm Camaro matches its greater performance capability with complementing drivetrain parts, including stronger axles and a Baer brake system featuring six-piston calipers, front and rear.


GM PERFORMANCE PARTS RELEASES 2011 CATALOG

2010-12-09

GRAND BLANC, Mich. – GM Performance Parts (GMPP) has released its 2011 catalog. It contains more than 300 pages of crate engines, engine parts and vehicle accessories for vehicles powered by GM's LS, small-block and big-block engines – and almost every one of them is available for purchase online at gmperformanceparts.com.

For 2011, the catalog features more for LS high-performance engine builders, including:

* Vehicle-specific performance parts and accessories
* Expansion of the E-ROD crate engine portfolio
* The LSX454R crate engine
* LSX DR 11-degree cylinder heads and matching intake manifold
* LSX six-bolt L92-style cylinder heads for smaller-bore LS engine.

Along with descriptions and part numbers for all the engines, parts and accessories, the GMPP catalog offers valuable information on selecting matching components for the best-performing combination, as well as detailed specifications on most components – including charts outlining cylinder head specs and camshaft specs. There's also a special section for LS engine builders that provides an overview of the LS engine family and parts interchangeability.

GMPP has also included accessories for new Chevrolets, including the Corvette, Camaro, Cruze and trucks. They include performance, suspension and appearance upgrades.

Enthusiasts and builders can buy the 2011 GM Performance Parts catalog from GM dealers or online at GMPP's eCommerce store, located at gmperformanceparts.com. Simply click on the SHOP button and enter "catalog" in the search function. A free download of a PDF version of the catalog is also available at gmperformanceparts.com.

Cover cars

A pair of dealer-modified Camaros are featured on the cover of the 2011 GMPP catalog and exemplify a growing trend in using crate engines to offer extraordinary performance to a new generation of enthusiasts – all while evoking the spirit of the dealer-driven COPO Camaros of the late 1960s.

The Camaros were built by DeNooyer Chevrolet in New York and Georgia's NeSmith Chevrolet. DeNooyer used GMPP's new LSX454 crate engine to build a modern 454 engine for the Camaro SS, while NeSmith transplanted the supercharged LS9 engine from the Corvette ZR1 into their Camaro. (Please see the separate release for more details on the cars.)

Video: Lingenfelter Camaro uses its 1,243 hp to run 8 second quarter mile

Lingenfelter has set its sights on building the baddest, full interior, new Camaro drag car in existence. Their committment to retaining the streetability of the car results in a 4,075 pound curb weight - making this Camaro quite hefty for a drag racer. Nonetheless, it has proven its worth by running an 8.99 second quarter mile at 158 mph.

To move that kind of mass down the track at that type of velocity, you need lots of power. And the Lingenfelter LS9 V8 delivers, thanks to an Eaton supercharger, fully ported heads, titanium intake valves, long tube headers, and a two stage nitrous setup. The mill is backed up by an RPS triple carbon clutch, 9.5 inch billet rear end, and 4.10 gears. And those parts are needed, thanks to the resulting 1,243 horsepower. See it run in the video above.

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible - more pictures, video, press release

Yesterday we brought you word of the official unveiling of the 2011 Camaro convertible on Facebook. Today, we have all the info on the new drop top, plus new pictures and video.

GM claims that the Camaro 'vert has more torsional rigidity than the BMW 3 series convertible thanks to a significant amount of reinforcement. GM also says that the top stores away in a mere 20 seconds, and has composite knuckles that help do away with the "ribbed" look and make the top smoother looking.

The new convertible will be available in both V6 and V8 form and will start at $30,000, plus another $850 destination. It will be on sale at dealers starting in February, but you can expect to see it this week at the L.A. Auto Show for sure.



Press Release
New Camaro Convertible Blends Top-Down Driving Fun With Precise Engineering

2010-11-16

* On sale in February 2011
* Well-tailored fabric top
* Acoustical headliner for quietness and easy-to-use single latch
* Robust, reinforced structure supports a sports coupe-like driving experience
* Better torsional stiffness than BMW 3-Series convertible

LOS ANGELES – The segment-leading Chevrolet Camaro opens a new chapter as the 2011 Camaro convertible premieres at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The new convertible begins production in January and goes on sale in February. It includes an enhanced body structure and well-tailored top mechanism – a combination designed to deliver sports coupe-like driving fun and precise quality.

"The launch of the new convertible opens Camaro design and performance to a new set of potential customers," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "The 21st century revival of Camaro is tremendously popular, so it's a natural to now expand and elevate the product range in new directions."
The convertible will be offered in similar model configurations as the Camaro coupe. The standard model will have a 312-horsepower direct injection V-6 engine delivering 29 mpg highway. The SS model will feature the 6.2L V-8 engine producing 426 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard, with an optional six-speed automatic.

Camaro seized leadership in U.S. sales in its segment with the original coupe model that launched in spring 2009 as a 2010 model. The right to purchase one of the first convertibles was recently sold at the Barrett-Jackson auction for $205,000, with all proceeds donated to charity. The 2011 Neiman Marcus Edition Camaro convertibles, a group of 100 exclusive cars with custom-designed elements and priced at $75,000 each, sold out in only three minutes.

The Camaro convertible delivers great refinement, along with uncompromising, coupe-like driving dynamics. Its enhanced body structure helps prevent cowl or steering wheel shake, for a strong, confident feel in all driving conditions. The top has a smooth, tailored fit, with acoustical foam in the headliner that helps deliver a quiet ride with the top up.

Camaro convertible is offered in 1LT/2LT (V-6) and 1SS/2SS (V-8) trim packages and priced from $30,000 MSRP (including $850 destination). Nine production exterior colors are available, with tops offered in black or tan. Rear parking assist is standard on all convertible models.

Strong structure
The Camaro's architecture was designed to accommodate a convertible model, which means customers enjoy the fun of top-down cruising with coupe-like driving dynamics. Four strategic reinforcements enhance the already-stiff body structure to eliminate common convertible maladies of cowl and steering wheel shake. They include:

* A tower-to-tower brace under the hood
* A transmission support reinforcement brace
* Underbody tunnel brace
* Front and rear underbody "V" braces.

"Our goal in development was to make the convertible match the coupe as closely as possible in ride quality, handling and overall performance," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer.

A telling example of the Camaro convertible's strength is evidenced in its suspension tuning – specifically, the lack of changes between the convertible and coupe models.

"To compensate for the reduced structure of an open car, engineers often will make the suspension softer, making the convertible a boulevard cruiser," said Oppenheiser. "Instead, we took the more difficult, but better path of bolstering structure rather than softening the suspension. We didn't change a strut, bushing or spring rate from the Camaro coupe."

The result is a convertible that preserves nearly all the acceleration, road-holding and performance capabilities of the Camaro coupe.

Additional safety structural reinforcements are designed to improve noise and vibration characteristics, while also contributing to the elimination of cowl/steering wheel shake. They include a hydrofromed tube in the A-pillars, an inner reinforcement bracket in the windshield header, a reinforced front hinge pillar and reinforcements inside the rockers.

The structural changes to the Camaro convertible body give it superior bending and torsional stiffness than its closest competitor, and better torsional stiffness than the BMW 3-Series convertible.

Exceptional top refinement
At the outset, designers and engineers sought to eliminate the common appearance of convertible top support ribs and they succeeded, using composite knuckles rather than aluminum ones, as well as extending the top material below the belt line and revising the top's stitch lines. The result is a top that has a smooth, taut and carefully tailored appearance that also retains the sleek roofline of the coupe.
The power-folding top retracts in about 20 seconds. It is built in partnership with the same manufacturer as the Corvette convertible top, and operates in a similar manner. That means it folds in a simple "Z" pattern and latches with a single, convenient handle located at the center of the windshield header. Other convertible models in this segment still offer convertible tops with dual latches, forcing drivers into two-hand operations reaching across the car.

Once the latch is turned to the open position, the push of a single button lowers the windows and activates the top. The car doesn't have to be parked for the top to be activated, allowing for spur-of-the-moment lowering while stopped at a stoplight.

The top is made of thick, durable canvas and it features acoustical headliner material that provides a quiet, coupe-like ride when the top is up. It also incorporates a glass rear window and rear window defogger.
A folding, one-piece tonneau cover is standard on 2LT and 2SS models and optional on 1LT/1SS. It covers the folded top for a finished appearance. An accessory windscreen is available from Chevrolet dealers. It installs behind the front seats to limit wind buffeting when driving with the top down.

Additional details
A myriad of fine details distinguish Camaro convertible models, including:
* The OnStar/XM/AM-FM radio antenna moves to the deck lid on LT models without the RS package
* The radio antenna is embedded in the rear spoiler on RS-equipped LT and SS models
* The trunk lock cylinder is moved to the rear seat area for a cleaner exterior appearance
* A new subwoofer design is located in the trunk between the rear seats.
Because the combined OnStar/XM/AM-FM radio antenna is mounted on the roof of coupe models, it had to be relocated on the convertible. On RS-equipped LT models and SS models, which include a rear spoiler, a small "shark fin" OnStar/XM antenna is mounted on the deck lid, while the AM/FM radio antenna is hidden inside the rear spoiler. This patent-pending design creates a sleeker appearance. For LT models without a rear spoiler (without the RS package), the combined antenna is located in the center of the deck lid.

The relocation of the trunk lock cylinder also cleans up the Camaro convertible's appearance, moving from the panel between the taillamps to a discreet area between the rear seat back cushion and driver's side interior panel. The change retains full, lockable access to the trunk, with the keyless remote fob also offering easy trunk access.

Finally, the subwoofer – either an eight-inch unit with the base sound system or a 10-inch subwoofer with the available Boston Acoustics system – is relocated from the trunk to an area between the rear seat cushions.

Performance
Camaro LT convertible models are offered with a 3.6L direct injection (DI) V-6 that delivers more power through increased efficiency, while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions – including a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. It is rated at 312 horsepower (232 kW) and 278 lb.-ft. of torque (370 Nm). Peak fuel economy with the direct injection V-6 is 29 miles per gallon on the highway.

Two 6.2L V-8 engines are offered in Camaro SS models, including the L99 on automatic-equipped vehicles and the LS3 on manual-equipped models. Both engines are derived from the LS3 that debuted on the 2008 Corvette, with an aluminum block (with cast iron cylinder liners) and aluminum cylinder heads. Horsepower for the L99 is 400 (298 kW) and torque is 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm). The LS3 develops 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm).

The L99 features the fuel-saving Active Fuel Management System, which saves fuel by shutting down half of the engine's cylinders during certain light-load driving conditions, such as highway cruising.
All Camaro models can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Aisin AY6 six-speed manual is standard with the 3.6L engine, and a Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic is optional. A Tremec TR 6060 six-speed manual is standard on the SS, and the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic is optional.

Video: Chevy design team talk Neiman Marcus Camaro Convertible

Tomorrow, October 19th is the day the new Neiman Marcus Camaro convertible goes on sale, so you may want to be ready to pounce if you want one. The 100 examples of the car are sure to sell out quickly, even with a $75,000 price tag. The Deep Bourdeaux colored, SS based 'vert is a nice way to celebrate the return of a top down Camaro.

In this video, two Chevrolet designers talk shop about the special edition Camaro. They talk about their particular motivation behind the car, and what makes it so special. Check it out below.

Video: Chevrolet Camaro Z28 at the Nurburgring

The upcoming Camaro Z28 is getting ready to fight a battle royale of sorts with the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and Dodge Challenger SRT8. The Z is looking like a worthy competitor, with 500+ horsepower almost a guarantee. And now we have some video evidence that the car is indeed being tested, in this case at the world famous Nurburgring in Germany. Check it out, and enjoy the sweet sound of a supercharged 6.2 liter LSA V8.

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible priced from $30,000

GM has finally come out and announced that its upcoming Camaro convertible will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, hot on the heels of auctioning off the first example at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale.

The 'vert will be available with both the 3.6 liter V6 and 6.2 liter V8, with either the standard transmission or automatic. It will hit dealerships next February, which is certain to be a drag for those looking to drive off the lot with the top down unless you live in a warmer climate.

Pricing starts at $30,000 with destination, which is a $7,000 premium over the coupe.

Press Release

Opening Soon: 2011 Camaro Convertible

DETROIT – The 21st century rebirth of the Chevrolet Camaro opens a new chapter when the 2011 Camaro Convertible premieres at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on Nov. 17.

The Camaro Convertible will arrive in Chevrolet showrooms in February 2011. Starting price will be $30,000, including $850 destination. (Full details will be released later this year.)

"The Convertible will make the all-new Camaro, already a smash-hit, even more desirable to a greater range of drivers," says Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing.

The Convertible model will be available in the same basic model offering as the Camaro Coupe. The standard model will have a 312-hp Direct Injection V6 engine featuring 29 miles per gallon on the highway. The SS model will feature the 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 426 hp. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard, with an optional six-speed automatic.

Camaro is America's most popular sports car, seizing leadership in U.S. sales with the coupe model that launched in spring of 2009 as a 2010 model. The right to purchase one of the first Convertibles was recently sold at the Barrett-Jackson auction for $205,000, with all proceeds donated to charity.

Spy shots: Camaro Z28 caught testing with LSA engine

The LSA engine, originally found in the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, is a beast of an engine. In its current iteration, it pumps out 556hp and 551 lb-ft of torque. The upcoming Camaro Z28 is a beast of a car that needs the fortitude to go up against the Mustang Shelby GT500 and the more powerful Dodge Challenger. LSA, meet Z28.

Camaro forum extraordinaire Camaro5 has been kind enough to provide us with some not-so-camouflaged shots of a Z28 tester with the supercharged 6.2 liter in all its glory. You can head on over there to see some nice, high resolution shots of the car and engine.

Video: Fifth Gear drives a Camaro SS

Believe it or not, but the new Chevrolet Camaro has been in dealership showrooms for a year now. Sales of the reborn pony car have been very strong, besting its rival Mustang in sales for several months out of the year. Pretty much every automotive journalist has wrung one out, and now Fifth Gear host Jason Plato has gotten his chance. You can expect smoky burnouts and typical Englishman-reviews-American-car fare in the video above.

Video: Lingenfelter Camaro uses it's 855 horsepower to run 10.36 second quarter

At this year's largest gathering of new generation Camaros, Camaro5 fest, there were many sights to be seen. One such sight was a particular high powered Camaro brought out by Lingenfelter Performance Engineering for some drag racing.

The Camaro they brought pumps out an impressive 855 horsepower thanks to a supercharger, upgraded cam, ported heads, forged pistons, and some other goodies hooked up to a six speed manual transmission.

The Lingenfelter Camaro posted a nice 10.36 second best quarter mile run at a stout 136.5 mph. In the video above, the car runs a 10.41 @ 139.9 mph.

Camaro5 event draws largest gathering of new Camaros yet

If you're like most people, you have probrably seen a couple of new Camaros around. Sure, we've seen one here and there, but not exactly what one would consider a group. If you were in Valdosta, GA last weekend you would have seen more than just a few.

Camaro5 sponsored the get-together, which brought out 1,000 fans and 500 of the cars. Chevrolet even made an appearance, bringing along folks instrumental in bringing the car back to life - Al Oppenheiser, Peter Kosak, John Fitzpatrick and Cheryl Pilcher.

The event featured many cool events and features. A 2011 Camaro VIN #002 showed up, there was a three mile long parade through town, drag racing, autocross, and a car show at South Georgia Motorsports Park.

Press Release

Chevrolet Attends Camaro5Fest, the largest-ever gathering of 2010 Camaro owners
2010-04-20

More than 500 2010 Camaros descended on Valdosta, Ga. for the first Camaro5Fest. The event, hosted by Camaro5.com, is believed to have been the largest-ever gathering of fifth-generation Camaro owners. More than 1,000 people attended the event, driving their 2010 Camaros from across the U.S. and Canada to Valdosta on Friday, April 16.

Several members of the Camaro team attended, including Camaro Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser, Vehicle Line Director Peter Kosak, Camaro Marketing Manager John Fitzpatrick, and Camaro Product Manager Cheryl Pilcher. Team Camaro drove from Detroit to Georgia in two Camaro Transformers Special Editions, two Camaro Synergy Special Editions, a development Camaro, and VIN 002 of a 2011 Camaro.

Camaro5Fest kicked off with a cruise through the streets of Valdosta, led by Oppenheiser. Residents lined the streets, cheering as a line of Camaros more than three miles long passed by under police escort. The following day, Camaro fans traveled to South Georgia Motorsports Park for a car show, drag races and autocross competitions. The track events ended with Camaro owners getting the rare chance to drive their cars on the 1/2-mile oval track.

"It was an incredible opportunity to see the passion and enthusiasm owners have for the new Camaro," says Fitzpatrick. "This was such an exciting event that I would not be surprised to see more than 1,000 cars at next year's Camaro5Fest."

For more information, and additional photography, please go to Camaro5.com.

2011 Chevrolet Camaro convertible leaked on Facebook

Thanks to the modern world of internet and social networking, one never knows when some good old leaked automotive information will show up, or where. Facebook has produced some great information in the past, and today it brings us a couple of official pictures of the forthcoming 2011 Chevrolet Camaro convertible.

A convertible is the final missing piece for the Camaro to be able to match it's competitor, the Mustang, model for model. The ragtop Camaro is slated to go into production at the Oshawa assembly plant in the first quarter of 2011.

2011 Ford Mustang GT beats Camaro SS in unofficial 1/8th mile race

Can't wait for the inevitable challenges and showdowns that are coming between the 2011 Mustang GT and the Camaro SS? Well, the fun has already begun in a way. At a sectioned off part of the Camarillo Airport at last week's media launch for the new Mustang in California.

The 1/8th mile section of track was the first test for both the Camaro and Mustang, both featuring six speed automatic transmissions. Popular Hot Rodding managed a 8.82second run at 83 mph in the Camaro, and a 8.62 @ 86 mph in the Mustang.

So the Mustang take the crown in the first showdown in what promises to be many to come. With the Camaro currently besting the Mustang in sales, this is just what Ford's iconic pony car needs to win in the showroom and on the track going forward.

Spied: Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

While the new Camaro has been outselling it's competitor the Ford Mustang, the Mustang has one thing that the Camaro doesn't: a convertible. So it's really no surprise that the Camaro has a ragtop version in the works.

A contributor from Camaro5.com recently caught a pre production version of the Camaro convertible out and about doing some testing with the top down. Follow the link for additional photos.

GM builds 100,000th Chevrolet Camaro

As the pony car wars rage on seemingly unaffected by raising gas prices and the collapsing economy, the big 3 just keep on cranking them out. Chevrolet has now reached a milestone by producing the 100,000th "new" Camaro. The lucky 100,000 was reportedly an inferno orange SS.

Ever since June the Camaro has been outselling it's arch rival Mustang, but the 2011 model is set to debut with it's much improved powertrains. It will be interesting to see if the new developments will alter the pace of muscle car sales.

Chevrolet Camaro convertible contract to go to Mangna

Another hurdle for the new Camaro convertible has been cleared, as Automotive News has reported that Magna's Car Top Systems group has won the contract for the car. GM is reportedly expecting to sell 20,000 of the 'verts per year.

Edscha AG had originally won the contract, but poor convertible sales at the time forced it to back out. Magna will reportedly build the Camaro tops at GM's Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky with materials from Mexico.

Video: Hennessey's HPE700 Camaro on the track

Hennessey has managed to shoehorn a ZR1's LS9 under the hood of a new Camaro, and tuned it to put out 705 horsepower. Not only did they add some serious power, they added some serious suspension parts to make it handle as well as it goes in a straight line.

Of course they wanted to make sure that it lives up to all that promise, so they set out to wring the car out at the track. Specifically, MSR Houston. Check out the video to hear all the sweet sounds of the LS9, and watch the car pull 1g on some turns.

SMS Supercars 620 Camaro

Steve Saleen is continuing his muscle car enhancing tradition with the SMS Mustang, 570 Challenger, and now this, the 620 Camaro. Based on the SS model, the 620 features many of the same visual enhancements that the 570 Challenger does, such as it's hood, wheels, and Alcantara and leather seats.

Power is increased thanks to an SMS supercharger that brings the LS3 V8 up to 575 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque. Just like the Challenger, there is an X model available that boosts engine output to 715 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque. It also brings an upgraded suspension, brakes, rear, and wheels.

The production version of the Camaro is expected in the second quarter of 2010. Check out the full details in the press release below.

PRESS RELEASE:

Corona, CA/Detroit, MI – (January 11, 2010) At the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Steve Saleen is launching the first official images of the 2010 SMS 620 Camaro, the third and latest of the ultra-high performance automobiles produced by Steve Saleen's company, SMS Supercars of Corona, CA.

Steve Saleen, President and CEO of SMS Supercars, explains "The SMS 620 Camaro will be the only Camaro authorized to benefit from my heritage and to incorporate innovations derived from my thirty plus years of racing and manufacturing experience. We are excited to add the SMS 620 Camaro to our line of SMS Signature Series cars, which includes the SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 460 Mustang."

The SMS 620 Camaro has a striking design that makes it stand out in the market. Chief Creative Officer of SMS, Phil Frank notes, "We have incorporated our well-known functional SMS Red Butterfly™ Dual Side Induction Hood as well as our race-proven aerodynamics in this third vehicle in our SMS Signature Series. The SMS 620 Camaro is a dramatic and iconic visual statement that very clearly bears the SMS design DNA."

The bespoke interior includes high performance gauges and all-new Alcantara and leather SMS performance seats that feature the patented Signature Series chevron stripes. SMS offers its Tailor Made™ options for the exterior, interior and engine compartment; highlighted by a dozen show car quality custom SMS exterior colors. This newest creation by Steve Saleen's company is scheduled for a market launch in the second quarter of 2010.

These vehicles' power, performance and engineering befit their design. The SMS 620 Camaro will utilize a 6.2 liter V8 engine featuring 575 hp and 600 ft-lb of torque, while the even more powerful 6.2 liter V8 of the SMS 620X Camaro, with all new internals and CNC headwork, delivers a stunning 715 hp and 700 ft-lb. Both use the (patent pending) SMS 296™ Supercharger for their incredible horsepower and torque gains. Transmission options include a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual on both models.

The SMS 620 Camaro accelerates from 0 to 60 in under 4.3 seconds, while the SMS 620X Camaro manages the same in closer to 4.0. In addition to engine output, handling, road holding and braking improvements, the 620X will feature options such as Magneto-Rheological Semi-Active Dampers and Torvec Isotorque Differential and 21" rear wheels. Both will offer new SMS 16" 8-piston front and 14" 6-piston rear brakes deliver impressive stopping power to match rail like cornering and jaw-dropping acceleration.

1969 Danz Camaro SS "concept"

The 1969 Chevy Camaro is perhaps the most overdone and the most popular muscle car of all time. Every car show, every car magazine has featured more than it's fair share of '69 Camaros. As a matter of fact, there are a couple of companies out there that will supply you with everything you need to build a "new" one.

The 1969's popularity is obviously a big reason why Chevrolet used the car as it's inspiration for the 2010 Camaro. But what would happen if someone had the opposite idea, and wanted to model a '69 after the 2010?

The answer is this particular car, the 1969 Danz Camaro SS concept. While we have mixed feelings on this one, it is an interesting piece and the anser to an interesting question that maybe nobody asked.

GM confirms Chevy Camaro Convertible for Oshawa production

Below you will find a normal looking press release for the 2011 Buick Regal. GM is announcing that it will produce the new Regal in the beginning of 2011 at it's assembly plant in Oshawa, Ontario.

So what, you ask, does this have to do with the Camaro? Well, Oshawa is the same assembly line that builds the new Camaro. That, and GM subtly slipped in something about the upcoming Camaro convertible being produced there as well.

GM has been leading us back and forth on the issue of whether or not it would actually go through and produce a convertible version of it's pony car. This discreet little press release all but confirms it.

PRESS RELEASE:

2011 Buick Regal to be built at the Oshawa Car Assembly Plant

2009-11-25

o Second new car built on Oshawa's state-of-the-art flexible manufacturing line
o Production to begin in first quarter 2011

Oshawa, ON - North American production of the all-new 2011 Buick Regal was today confirmed for the Oshawa Car Assembly plant beginning in Q1 2011. The new 2011 Regal is a midsize sport sedan based on the award-winning Opel Insignia – the 2009 "European Car of the Year" – and it brings all of Insignia's award-winning design, technology and European-inspired performance capabilities to the North American market.

"The new Regal gives Buick a modern performance sedan and its production here in Oshawa is terrific news for our employees, the CAW, dealers and suppliers," says Arturo Elias, president, General Motors of Canada. "Combining Buick's top position in the industry in terms of brand quality with the Oshawa Car Plant's long-standing reputation for top quality assembly means customers' highest expectations will be met with this midsize sport sedan."

Production of the new Buick Regal is the latest in a string of positive news for GM manufacturing in Canada including:

* Oshawa Car Plant running maximum overtime since June 2009 that will continue into the new year to keep up with demand for the Chevrolet Camaro
* Production of the Camaro Convertible in Oshawa beginning in Q1 2011
* The recent addition of a 3 rd shift plus scheduled overtime at CAMI Automotive to keep up with strong demand for the all-new Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain
* The investment of $C90 million in CAMI Automotive which will add an additional 40,000 units of capacity to current production and result in full employment at CAMI
* The introduction of flexible transmission production at GM Canada's St. Catharines facility beginning with assembly of the fuel-efficient 6-speed front-wheel-drive transmission

The new Buick Regal joins the Chevrolet Camaro and Equinox and the GMC Terrain as the third new vehicle in the production commitment that was part of the agreement with the Canadian and Ontario Governments.

General Motors of Canada (GMCL) is headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario and employs 9,000 people nationwide. GM of Canada manufactures vehicles, vehicle powertrains, and markets the full range of General Motors vehicles and related services through dealerships and retailers across Canada.

SEMA 2009: Yenko Camaro makes it's debut

Well that was quick. It was only a couple of weeks ago that we had some nice artist renderings of the new Yenko Camaro, and now we get to see it in the flesh at SEMA.

Behold, the Phase I. It features an LS3, the same 6.2 liter present in the Camaro SS. While that may not match the cubes of the original's 427 big block, it does make a stout 600 horsepower thanks to a supercharger.

The Phase II and Phase III are in the pipeline with what is expected to obviously be more horsepower. Think perhaps an LS7, or LS9?