The 2018 Camaro lineup will have an optional Hot Wheels® styling package to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the iconic toy car. (Image/Chevrolet)
Chevrolet just pulled the wraps off of the latest Camaro in its COPO race car program.
The biggest news surrounding the 2018 COPO Camaro is under the hood, where Chevy can install an optional 302 cubic-inch engine.
To Camaro enthusiasts, the number 302 is special—Chevy’s original 302 cubic-inch small-block engine was introduced in 1967 to allow the then-new Camaro to compete in the SCCA’s Trans-Am race series.
The fact that Chevy is using that particular displacement in its newest factory race car is probably far from coincidence.
The new 302 is based on GM’s LT1 engine found in the 2018 Camaro SS. It’s heavily modified for high-rpm, track-only applications, so you won’t be able to stuff one under your hood just yet.
The smaller-displacement 302 V8 joins two other engine options for the COPO Camaro: a naturally-aspirated 427 (7.0L) and a supercharged 350 (5.7L).
So if you’re paying attention, in the year 2018, your new COPO Camaro can have a 302, 350, or 427—no word on whether Chevy will include an optional 8-track player.
The COPO Camaro is part of Chevrolet’s race-ready car program, designed to compete in the NHRA’s Stock Eliminator Class. It comes with a roll bar, special chassis, and solid rear axle in place of the Camaro’s stock independent rear suspension.
Now, here’s the problem: Production of the COPO is limited to just 69 cars. (Another throwback nod to the original 1969 COPO Camaro.)
So if you want one, grab your checkbook and get in line. You can register yourself on the waiting list at Chevy’s website.
You can also read the full 2018 COPO Camaro press release here.
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