Chevrolet to Build 69 New COPO Camaros

When we first encountered the Chevrolet COPO Camaro at the SEMA show last November, it was still technically a concept, but we reckoned Chevy would build it eventually. Our reckoning came true, with GM now announcing it will build a run of 69 drag-ready COPO Camaros. And with that, the Dodge Challenger Drag Pak and Ford Mustang Cobra Jet have some competition from the bow-tie brand.

The limited build is inspired in part by the original run of 69 1969 ZL-1–code COPO Camaros. Beginning this summer, GM will make the new-age Central Office Production Order Camaros available for competitors in the NHRA’s Stock Eliminator and Super Stock classes. Engines will be assembled at GM’s Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan, and buyers will have the option of getting their hands dirty by participating in the build, just like they can with some Vettes and Chevrolet Performance crate motors. All new COPO Camaros will be built using the same factory “body-in-white” shells that are available to racers under Chevrolet Performance part number 19243374. And if you don’t actually want a white one, four other colors are available: Flat Black, Victory Red, Silver Ice Metallic, and Ashen Gray Metallic Three engines are available, selected specifically to conform to the NHRA’s class rules: an LS7-based naturally aspirated “427” V-8 (as is the case with the Z06′s version of the engine, this one actually displaces 428 cubic inches, or 7.0 liters for the metric-minded), and a pair of LSX-based 327-cubic-inch (5.3-liter) V-8s—one with a 2.9-liter supercharger, and the other with a 4.0-liter blower. For those with money and tires to burn, a special collector’s package bundles one Camaro with all three engines, your choice of which installed on delivery. Then again, those who tick that box likely won’t be driving theirs except into a hermetically sealed time capsule to be opened just before a collector-car auction in the year 2069. Just to make sure no one gets any wise ideas about driving one of these ground-pounders down to the local Burger Clown in an attempt to separate a few naïve street racers from their wallets, GM offers the following statement: “The 2012 COPO Camaro is being offered as a performance part, with a specific part number (P/N 20129562). It cannot be registered, titled, licensed, or driven on public roads or highways. COPO is specifically offered for off-highway, competitive NHRA use only.” Prices start at $89,000.