2018 Chevrolet COPO Camaro Gets All-New 302 Racing Engine
The 2018 Chevrolet COPO Camaro was introduced at Hot Wheels headquarters before heading to the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
Continuing the tradition of COPO Camaros, the latest iteration features an exclusive Supercrush exterior shade and an available Hot Wheels appearance package. Limited to just 69 units, those interested in getting their hands on a COPO Camaro will have to register online and hope they get randomly selected by an independent third party.
New for 2018 is an available 302 racing engine, based on the LT1 found in the Camaro SS. It is, of course, built for drag racing with unique components, with its displacement derived from a shorter-stroke crankshaft than the production engine, giving it exceptional high-rpm capability.
SEE ALSO: Chevy Will Put Hot Wheels Stickers on Your 2018 Camaro for $4,995
Customers can also choose from a naturally aspirated 427 7.0-liter engine or a supercharged 350 5.7-liter racing engine. The supercharged 350 is capable of mid-eight-second quarter-mile times at speeds of nearly 160 mph. All COPO Camaro engines are paired to an SFI-approved ATI TH400 three-speed automatic transmission.
Like previous COPO Camaros, the 2018 model is designed for NHRA’s Stock Eliminator classes and is 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.
AutoGuide.com will get a first look at the COPO Camaro at the upcoming 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas next week.
“The introduction of a new COPO Camaro is always exciting and the new engine and Hot Wheels package expand choices for customers,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “Chevrolet has supported Camaro drag racers for more than 50 years and the historic COPO Camaro program continues to offer them more ways to win.”
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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