Camaro SEMA Wrap-Up and SEMA Hottest Car Award
This year's SEMA was a great time for the Chevrolet Camaro, as the vehicle saw a number of interesting models get public release, tons of support from every modification company imaginable, and won the SEMA Hottest Car Award. I'll try and give a brief wrap-up (and avoid a 300+ picture entry, as a lot of places have been giving), and touch on the biggest and brightest high-lights for the Camaro here.
SEMA Hottest Car Award
First off, we have to begin with a congratulations to the Camaro for being given this award. This latest feather in the hat of America's hottest car confirms what we've been saying for quiet some time: the Camaro is, by far, the hottest car on the road today. Of course, they don't just mean hotness in the simple visual aesthetic sense, but also in the sense that this vehicle has the most buzz and support from modification companies. There's no denying the Camaro this one, either. This year has been a fantastic year for the Camaro, as we've seen companies like Borla, Edelbrock, AMS, Pfadt, and others all release incredible new lines of high-end Camaro modification pieces (especially considering that a number of these products, like the Borla ATAK and the Edelbrock E-Force were made first and foremost for the Camaro, before being retooled/ported to work on various other vehicles as well).
Well, the year has come to a head as of late with all of the Z28 news leaking, and now, with the SEMA Convention and the SEMA Hottest Car Award. Coming second and third, respectively, were the Mustang and Challenger, and that just speaks to the popularity of the recent Pony Car revival, and the incredible job that Chevrolet has done with their Camaro. So, congratulations Camaro, on winning the SEMA Hottest Car Award. In addition to the Camaro, the Jeep Wrangler won the SEMA Hottest 4x4 Award, and the Ford F150 won the SEMA Hottest Truck Award. Congratulations to those vehicles as well.
Red Flash Camaro
... and the picture above, of one of the hottest Camaros at SEMA, leads us directly to the Red Flash Camaro. A number of different Camaros were unveiled at SEMA, but none were as gorgeous or exciting (to me, at least) as the Red Flash Camaro. With the focus being to stay pretty true to form to the stock Camaro SS, the Red Flash doesn't fall in to the common tuner trap of doing too much and sullying the look of the vehicle. In fact, Chevrolet does more with less with the Red Flash, and the touches they've installed look absolutely fantastic. With the Red Flash, though, looks were not the only focus: they also wanted to make the Camaro SS perform and sound a lot better as well.
With a well-done high-wing spoiler (something I never thought I'd say about the Camaro), a beautiful two-tone interior, and a fantastic style, the Red Flash Camaro is meant to be showy and sound loud enough to be the Camaro that alerts everyone else of your presence, while still being a Camaro that can be driven on a daily basis.
Features of the vehicle include:
Exterior:
- Red Jewel color
- Heritage hood stripes in gray
- Chevrolet Accessory high-wing rear spoiler (body color with black stanchions)
- Chevrolet Accessory ground effects (body color)
- Chevrolet Accessory 21-inch wheels with gray inserts
- Camaro badges with chrome edges and gray inserts
- Body-color antenna
Interior:
- Ebony leather with titanium stitching and red accents on the seats
- Prototype Chevrolet Accessory racing-style steering wheel with flat bottom
- Red LED lighting in door trim
- Red footwell and cupholder lighting
- Chevrolet Accessory racing pedal kit
- Chevrolet Accessory floor mats and cargo mat
Performance:
- LS3 6.2L V-8 with Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission
- Chevrolet Accessory air intake and exhaust systems
- Chevrolet Accessory engine cover in Red Jewel
- Chevrolet Accessory Hurst shifter with custom stone-color stitching on the boot and shift knob
Synergy Camaro and XM Camaro Packages
Two other interesting Camaro model packages were unveiled at SEMA this year: the Synergy Camaro (and not just Synergy Green this time), and the XM Camaro. They're both pretty neat Camaros, and, apparently will be coming to dealerships near you soon. The Dealership brochures for these two packages have hit the web now, and they offer a lot of insight in to everything that the vehicles will offer. From their custom leather interior options, down to the new dash lights, wheels, and exterior paint options as well.
The Synergy Camaro Package:
Synergy Series Camaro Brochure
XM Series Camaro Package:
Camaro XM Package Brochure
GM OnSTAR MyLink Mobile App Coming to 2010 Camaros
Ok, so, the heading there says it all. The super cool iPhone and Android MyLink App for OnStar outfitted GM vehicles is also being set-up to work with 2010 vehicles. I know a lot of Camaro owners were sad to hear that their 2010 Camaros would not work with the App, so fret no longer, Chevrolet's setting up to be compatible with your vehicle as well.
That's all I have for today. A big update covering a lot of ground from the SEMA 2010 Convention, and some other basic Camaro news. Hopefully I've left myself stuff to talk about tomorrow (considering the Camaro's popularity, I'm sure there will be!)
Camaro Leading in Votes for SEMA 2010 Hottest Car Award
The vehicle which, unquestionably, generated the most buzz at last year's SEMA show seems to be doing it again this year. Every year, before the SEMA conference begins, the SEMA hosts open up voting for their "Hottest Vehicle Award" and at this early stage the Camaro apparently has a pretty hefty lead. Following behind it? Why, none other than the Mustang and Challenger. The Camaro's two closest competitors in most every category are, once again, falling short of it in terms of popularity and buzz. The Camaro is so far ahead that it was dubbed, by the event organizers, to be the "outstanding leader" in voting. Some other also-rans, behind the Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger, include the Audi A4, Scion tC, Hyundai Sonata, and Subaru Impreza. This is great news for Camaro owners because of the very nature of SEMA. As a convention tailored specifically to aftermarket modification, the Camaro's popularity ensures that the biggest and the best will continue to bring out more and more incredible performance modification goodies for the Camaro, building off of the buzz that it seems to continually generate on a daily basis.
Jay Leno and his Camaro at SEMA
Well, the Leno Camaro is definitely one of the most popular cars on the internet right now. This is no surprise when you consider that the Camaro is so incredibly popular, and, well, it's Leno. He was at SEMA to see and receive his special Camaro, and seems like he was really happy with it. Here's a video of him on site seeing it for the very first time at SEMA.
Lingenfelter Awarded Best Car at SEMA by GM
DECATUR, Ind. - Lingenfelter Performance Engineering's (LPE) 750 hp supercharged 2010 LS7 Camaro SS was awarded the General Motors Design Award for Best Sports Car during the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, NV.
"General Motors is pleased to recognize the fine accomplishments of the top vehicle builders in the 2009 SEMA Show," said Bob Kern, GM's SEMA Relations Director. "We are proud to support their efforts and applaud the large number of new accessories produced for GM products through the SEMA activity. This has a major positive impression with our vehicle buyers."
The coveted GM Design Award recognizes Lingenfelter Performance Engineering for their innovative power and styling enhancements to one of the industry's most coveted sports cars.
"We are very honored to be recognized for our efforts on the Camaro, and we appreciate General Motors giving us the opportunity to win this award by introducing the new 2010 Camaro and renewing enthusiasts' hobby and passion for muscle cars," said Ken Lingenfelter, owner, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering.
Featuring the company's 427 CID/7.0L LS7 power plant, the Lingenfelter Camaro's engine has an 8.8:1 compression ratio with forged JE pistons, production GM LS7 crankshaft and titanium connecting rods, and LS7 cylinder heads with titanium intake valves and Inconel exhaust valves. Other engine upgrades include:
* Magnuson/Eaton TVS2300 supercharger
* Custom-fabricated LS7 cylinder head supercharger base manifold
* Lingenfelter 14-rib rear drive system with tensioner pulley
* Lingenfelter/ATI Racing 10-rib front accessory drive
Lingenfelter Camaro at SEMA
* Lingenfelter heavy duty power steering pump
* Lingenfelter low temperature thermostat
* Custom Lingenfelter coil covers
In addition to ensuring the LS7 Camaro SS delivers more raw power, the 2010 Lingenfelter package ups the ante on overall performance and also features: Lingenfelter 6-bolt LS9 twin disk flywheel and clutch assembly; Lingenfelter Camaro SS twin pump fuel system with Lingenfelter fuel pump controller; Lingenfelter double adjustable Sachs shocks; heavy duty Driveshaft Shop halfshafts; Brembo brake calipers and rotors; Corsa stainless exhaust system; and Hotchkis suspension springs, anti-sway bars and subframe brace.
Body enhancements include a front fascia splitter, rocker extensions, carbon fiber grille, new hood with air extractors, rear deck lip and spoiler; rear fascia extension; and Lingenfelter Performance Engineering exhaust tips. Custom Lingenfelter 10-spoke design wheels with Pirelli 275/40ZR20 tires on the front and Pirelli 305/35ZR20 on the back are also part of the performance upgrades.
A number of driver comfort, performance and style improvements finish off the Lingenfelter package, including: Mouth turn signal mirrors; Mito rear view mirror with video display; Lingenfelter/Grant custom steering wheel; and Lingenfelter-brand CNC machined pedal covers, floor mats and embroidered interior.
For more information, visit www.lingenfelter.com, contact Lingenfelter Performance Engineering at 1557 Winchester Road, Decatur, IN 46733, or call 260.724.2552.
Synergy Camaro
Something else out of SEMA, and an image I missed the first time around. Apparently Chevrolet is putting in to motion plans to release the Synergy during 2010 as a Special Edition model. With this Synergy Green color, which is actually fantastic looking on the Camaro, and styling touches such as 21" custom wheels, custom Chevy body kit, hood stripes, and rear spoiler, I'm beginning to think I purchased my Camaro a little too early! Check this thing out and try to tell me that it doesn't look great!
Synergy Camaro
Synergy Camaro
Big SEMA Update! Pictures galore!
Well, it's the end of the week and I have received a ton of pictures and info from SEMA on some of the different Camaros that were shown there. I'm going to post some today, and expect more to come in the following week! Below are some of my favorites and details on each one:
Apparently DSO Eyewear customized this Camaro to support the active Urban lifestyle. I sort of thought the Camaro did that already, but never the less, they did a good job on some customization touches here. The window trim looks great, and the sound system inside is a big step up from the stock Camaro entertainment system (that is, entertainment not pertaining to the actual thrill of driving). The polished stainless touches on the side skirts and rear bumper/diffuser are a nice addition as well.
This Camaro Dusk is finished in a fantastic dark metallic blue, which works really well on the car. The ground effects, while subtle, are a great touch for the Camaro. The custom interior looks fantastic, and is a nice touch to the vehicle as well. The performance bonuses are minor, with a custom Billet exhaust being the only major performance touch for the vehicle, but with a car that looks that good and already performs as spectacularly as it does, we wont hold that against them.
Ok, so, this next one was a little disappointing to see. That Camaro that websites were saying would be the next Z28 (and I must admit, I bought in to the hype also) was in actuality a custom Camaro made by Chevy for America's most famous car collector: Jay Leno.
I must admit, the vehicle looks great and I am certain Mr. Leno is ecstatic to be the owner of it, but it did disappoint me a good bit to learn that it was not the Z28. Outfitted with twin Turbometrics turbos, Tremec 6060 6-Speed Transmission, and just about every customizable under the sun (Exhaust, intake, pressure plate, discs, hood, fog lamps, lip soiler, rear rocker, rear diffuser, and more), this is definitely one of the prize Camaros at the event. Maybe they will use this as a basis for creating the Z28, I like the styling a lot.
Ok, here's one more for today, and expect more to come still:
Well, I said the Leno Camaro was one of the prize machines at all of SEMA, but this right here is the baddest of the bad! This Camaro 2Go by Rick Bottom designs has a list of modifications too long for me to duplicate here. I'll give you the short-hand version though: extremely custom look, extremely custom suspension, braking, handling, performance, everything. Just how custom is it? How about 1000+HP Vortech Supercharged with suspension built to handle over 1G of force on a skid-pad. ARH full Exhaust system, Fedoro and Baer brake components are just a few other awesome components to the vehicle. That sick enough for you? Yeah, I thought it would be.
Anyways, keep up with me as I give you more from SEMA in the week to follow.
More coming out of SEMA
From AutoWeek
The Chevrolet Camaro is back and so is General Motors legend Jon Moss, who unveiled a series of limited-run sports cars based on the 2010 car--with available Corvette ZR1 power--Tuesday at the SEMA show in Las Vegas.
Moss is famous in enthusiast circles for working on GM's COPO cars for years. He teamed up with Arizona performance car company Fesler Built for this series of 60 cars to spawn the 2010 Fesler-Moss Camaro.
They will offer LS9 or LS7 engines, manual or automatic transmissions and an impressive retro-restyling job that still retains the Camaro's modern appearance. Most notably, the front end offers hideaway lights--like the iconic 1969 Camaro--flashy wheels and specialty paint.
A complete car starts at $55,000 for the Enhancement Package, and pricing can go up to $150,000 for the Limited Edition. If the customer provides the car, a package is a low as $15,000.
There is a slew of carbon-fiber options, interior upgrades and performance goodies on the option list.
"It's kind of like how we used to build cars years ago," Moss said.
The SEMA unveiling featured a 2010 car for the show packing 750 hp.
Moss and Fesler also showed a 1969 Camaro customized for a Boston enthusiast. Tim McSweeney, the new owner of both of the display cars, saw his new rides in person for the first time Tuesday.
"Awesome, Awesome," was his reaction.
And just what will he and his wife do with the cars? "
"I'm going to drive 'em both," he said.
Drop-top Camaro, looks hot!
HIGH SPRINGS, Florida — Just as the Dodge Challenger swept last year's show, you can expect the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro will be the focal point of many a tuner's stand this year at the 2009 SEMA Auto Show . In the forefront, as usual, will be Drop Top Customs by Convertible Builders with a — you guessed it — Camaro convertible.
2010 Camaro Drop-Top looks nice
With a factory-built Chevrolet Camaro convertible at least 18 months away (the program is still officially on hold at General Motors), Convertible Builders owner Jeff Moran says, "I do not believe it would be a sound business move for GM to take on a project that has greater potential to lose money than to be profitable."
On the other hand, the low-volume soft-top business has been good for the Florida-based conversion company, which was established in 1976 as Coachbuilders Limited.
Looks great top up or down!
The shop currently offers convertible conversions of the Challenger , which was displayed at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show, as well as the Cadillac CTS and the Chrysler 300C.
Moran says his company is already taking orders for the Camaro convertible, which will cost an additional $18,000 over the price of the stock hardtop.
Man, this Camaro is gorgeous. Of course, that being said, all Camaros are gorgeous!
You can follow the car's development progress on Drop Top Customs' Facebook page or at its Web site.
Inside Line says: If money is burning a hole in your pocket, Moran and his crew also do Ferraris and BMWs. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Source: Edmunds:InsideLine