This is probably the coolest of the project vehicles that were displayed. Inside the bright red Camaro was a heart from a Z06. The LS7 the sits so perfectly inside the engine bay, is a far cry from a stock SS. A header-back exhaust, intake, and hot cam boost the stock LS7 power from 505 horsepower to 586 horsepower and 545 ft./lbs.
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A quick stroke of the key and all seven liters came to life, and let me tell you, it sounded dead sexy. The aggressive Camaro sat there with a hefty lope, sounding like it wanted to kill everything in its path. Here are some of the features on the LS7 Camaro:
• Brembo four-wheel disc brake package
• Lowered Ride Height
• Custom 20-inch wheels
• Driveshaft safety loop
• GM Performance Parts exhaust system
Historical Chevy dealers like Don Yenko and Fred Gibb made COPO cars famous in the late 1960’s. The LS7 Camaro blends the delicate balance of a daily driver with the capability of turning the Camaro into a weekend warrior with GM Performance Parts. One difference that sets the modern-day Camaro apart from the 40-year-old counterpart, is luxury. Now you have the ability to own a 600 horsepower streetcar and still have the ability to enjoy air conditioning and cruise control.
Making of the Beast
The idea is to take a new V6 Camaro (or SS if your pocket allows) and rip the heart out of it for the LS7 power plant. GMPP marketing manager, Dr. Jamie Meyer says, “This is a special example of what the end consumer is going to do with their Camaro. This is for the guy that wants a 427 Camaro like the old days, that is not afraid of voiding the warrantee.” Putting the engine in the Camaro is easier then you imagine. Since all LS family engines bolt in the same, the Camaro makes it virtually a bolt-and-go affair. Dr. Meyer says, “You swap it in, re-calibrate the computer, of course you want to put a good intake and exhaust system on it and away you go with one awesome Camaro”. One item you want to take into consideration is the dry sump oiling system that is featured on the LS7 engine, that doesn’t come equipped on either the V6 or SS version. The transmission of choice on the LS7 is the Tremec 6060 six-speed transmission.
Exterior and Interior Styling
The Camaro LS7 has an aggressive appearance. It starts with a Victory Red paint job and matte black accents on the hood and tail lamp panel. Strategically placed LS7 badges can be found on three corners of the Camaro, telling surrounding foes that this Camaro means business. Also the design team put together a set of 20-inch machine-faced wheels that fit 305/35/20s in the rear. Having fat tires out back will help tame the 545 ft./lbs. that is displayed through the LS7 engine.
Interior amenities are something that you won’t find in this Camaro. Only a few accents, such as the gauge pack is all you will find inside. The concept of this is simple: Gear heads care more about performance then they do about extra interior weight and amenities that are not needed. The LS7 Camaro will be a corner stone for inspiration of future 2010 Camaro builders; more horsepower then a Z06 for thousands less? Sure, why not?