Chevrolet unveils five Camaro concepts and more at 2009 SEMA
Chevrolet used the 2009 SEMA Show to reveal five distinct Camaro concepts, a Silverado ZR2, and a custom Corvette Grand Sport, highlighting factory-backed customisation options.
Chevrolet brought five Camaro concepts to the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, each designed to demonstrate a different approach to styling, personalisation and performance. Alongside the Camaros, the brand also displayed a Silverado ZR2 concept and an accessorised Corvette Grand Sport, all aiming to show what buyers could achieve using Chevrolet’s own accessories and a few aftermarket touches.
Jay Leno’s twin-turbo Camaro headlines the display
The most technically ambitious of the concepts was built for Jay Leno. Starting with the standard 3.6-litre direct-injection V6 from the Camaro LS and LT, Chevrolet engineers fitted a pair of Turbonetics T-3 turbochargers. The result was a claimed 425hp, a 40 percent increase over the standard engine, with minimal penalty to fuel economy during normal driving. The car’s supporting hardware included a larger-capacity radiator, custom exhaust, upgraded clutch, Brembo six-piston brakes, a Pedders coil-over lowering kit and a six-speed manual gearbox. The exterior featured a unique front fascia, air extractor-style hood and functional brake cooling ducts, all in a radical one-off design intended for both street and track use.
Camaro Synergy previews new colour and accessories
The Synergy concept previewed a new Synergy Green exterior, set for limited production in 2010. It combined this with a suite of dealer accessories, including 21-inch black wheels with polished rims, a ground effects kit, Cyber Grey rally stripes, and a high wing rear spoiler. The package was finished with a performance air intake and interior detailing in green and black, plus a Pedders coil-over kit and Brembo brakes, though not all features were available as accessories at launch. Chevrolet intended to gauge public interest in these features for future accessory offerings.
Chroma, Dusk and Graphics concepts expand customisation options
The Camaro Chroma, based on the SS/RS in Summit White, showcased a new silver stripe package, 21-inch wheels and a mix of current and upcoming accessories. The Dusk concept took a more tuner-inspired approach, blending existing and proposed accessories for a contemporary look. The Camaro Graphics concept presented six potential graphics packages, with Chevrolet inviting the public to vote online for their favourites, indicating a possible route to future production.
- Jay Leno Camaro: Twin-turbo V6, 425hp, track-focused modifications.
- Synergy: Synergy Green paint, dealer accessories, rally stripes.
- Chroma: SS/RS base, silver stripes, 21-inch wheels.
- Dusk: Tuner styling with current and proposed accessories.
- Graphics: Six proposed graphics packages for public voting.
Silverado ZR2 and Corvette Grand Sport join the Camaros
Beyond the Camaro line-up, Chevrolet presented the Silverado ZR2 concept, aimed at off-road performance, and a Corvette Grand Sport fitted with a range of accessories. Both vehicles underlined the brand’s intention to offer personalisation options across its range, not just for the Camaro. The focus at SEMA 2009 was clear: Chevrolet wanted to show that buyers could use official accessories to create unique vehicles, with the possibility of rolling the cost into their monthly payments when buying new.
For more on Chevrolet’s approach to customisation, see the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Facelift at Frankfurt, or for the latest on Corvette performance, visit the Corvette Z06 at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show.
