SEMA 2013: Chevy Releases 2014 COPO, Touches On Z/28

Chevrolet Performance’s COPO Camaro program returns for 2014 with another limited run of factory-produced race cars and a pair of new racing engine choices. To purchase one of the exclusive models, potential customers must sign up for the COPO Camaro mailing list at chevroletperformance.com.

It is the third year for the COPO Camaro program and like the previous two, only 69 race cars will be built for NHRA Stock Eliminator and Super Stock competition. They will carry the distinctive, updated styling of the 2014 Camaro lineup, including new front and rear fascias.

Serial number 1 of the limited-production run – the only one to be painted Ice Blue Metallic – will be auctioned by Chevrolet Performance at Barrett-Jackson’s annual January event in Scottsdale, Ariz. Proceeds benefit the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans, an organization dedicated to helping wounded veterans participate in marathons and share their success within a supportive community and their families.

Each COPO Camaro race car is built by hand starting with hardware from the General Motors Oshawa, Ontario assembly plant that manufactures regular-production Camaros, including the same body in white body shells (part number 19243374) racers can purchase from Chevrolet Performance, along with other COPO-specific parts, to build their own dedicated race car. Each production car is fitted with an NHRA-approved roll cage and other safety equipment, along with racing chassis and suspension components – including a unique solid rear axle system in place of a regular-production Camaro’s independent rear axle.

The newly designed racing engines include a revised version of the naturally aspirated 427 engine and supercharged version of the 350 engine introduced in 2013. It will feature a 2.9L Whipple screw-type supercharger. Naturally aspirated 350 and 396 engines are also available. Customers select the engine based on their intended NHRA racing class. They can also purchase all four engines, each serialized to match the car.

The 2014 COPO Camaro also includes new racing seats, updated graphics and a new, available wheel design.

“The COPO Camaro contingent was strong at the first Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in 2013 and we expect an even larger turnout with the new cars in 2014,” said Campbell. “The new engines will make the racing more exciting and COPO drivers more competitive.”

Expanded COPO crate engine lineup

The same high-performance engines used in the COPO Camaro production race cars are available as crate engines for racers building their own Camaro race cars. Each is engineered for NHRA’s Stock Eliminator and Super Stock classes, offering sportsman racers a range of factory-developed-and-assembled racing engines

The COPO crate engine family grows to five for 2014 and includes a naturally aspirated 427 7.0L engine, two 5.3L supercharged 327 engines – a new combination using a Whipple twin-screw 2.9L supercharger and the other using a 4.0L Whipple supercharger – and all-new 396-cubic-inch and 350-cubic-inch naturally aspirated engines. Each is assembled by hand at GM’s Wixom, Mich., racing engine shop.

The 427, 396 and 350 engines are designed to cover NHRA’s Stock Eliminator classes from E to AA. Curb weight adjustments are the primary requirement for class qualification.

Chevrolet Performance engineers designed and tested the engines with the same methods used to develop production engines, ensuring their performance and durability. A Holley engine management system is included with each engine.

Chevrolet Performance’s “COPO Camaro Build Book” (part number 88958767) provides an insider’s look at the assembly of the production race cars through hundreds of color photos. Additionally, the book includes detailed specifications for NHRA classification and descriptions of the aftermarket parts and their manufacturers used for the production vehicles. Important start-up, warm-up and pre-/post-race procedures are also included as well as fluid and maintenance recommendations. The book is available from Chevrolet Performance retailers.

Racing enthusiasts interested in more information on the COPO program can follow the latest COPO information at theblock.com – the online automotive community powered by Chevrolet Performance.

Z/28 Featured in Las Vegas

There was no need to modify the all-new 2014 Camaro Z/28 for the SEMA Show – it’s already a comprehensively engineered car that recently lapped Germany’s challenging Nürburgring road course in 7:37.40 – on wet track conditions. It was four seconds faster than the Camaro ZL1, and beats published times for the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.

In terms of lap times, the Z/28’s improved speed comes from three areas:

Increased grip: The Z/28 is capable of 1.08 g in cornering acceleration, due to comprehensive chassis revisions

Increased stopping power: The Z/28 features Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes capable of 1.5 g in deceleration, and consistent brake feel lap after lap

Reduced curb weight: The naturally aspirated Z/28 weighs 300 pounds less than the supercharged Camaro ZL1, with changes ranging from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass.

The heart of the Z/28 is the 7.0L LS7 engine. The LS7 uses lightweight, racing-proven, high-performance components, such as titanium intake valves and connecting rods, CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads and a forged-steel crankshaft to help produce an SAE-certified 505 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque. Air-conditioning is available, but only as an option.

The Z/28 goes on sale next spring.

 

 

About the author

Mark Gearhart

In 1995 Mark started photographing drag races at his once local track, Bradenton Motorsports Park. He became hooked and shot virtually every series at the track until 2007 until he moved to California and began working as a writer for Power Automedia. He was the founding editor for its first online magazines, and transitioned into the role of editorial director role in 2014. Retiring from the company in 2016, Mark continues to expand his career as a car builder, automotive enthusiast, and freelance journalist to provide featured content and technical expertise.
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