The SEMA blog

You can expect there to be a few Cuda replicas with so many Challengers headed to SEMA. These two cars are being brought to life by the Famous Mr. Norm, the owner of Grand Spaulding Dodg, famous for building fast Mopars. They both feature Kenne Bell supercharged 6.1 Liter Hemis good for 900 horsepower. They also come with Rodtana wheels, Hotchkis suspensions, SSBC brakes, and custom body pieces. One is just a custom Challenger, while the other has been built to replicate an AAR Cuda.

PRESS RELEASE:

Holy horsepower! It's Mr. Norm and his Super Challenger.

Armed with a pavement pounding 900 horsepower Kenne Bell supercharged and intercooled 6.1 Hemi engine, the Super Challenger is the new Sheriff in town. The neon lit streets and shadowy alleys are rife with pimped out sedans, wicked coupes, and other automotive scum. Life is over for these creatures of the night, 'cause Mr. Norm and the Super Challenger are here to run 'em out of Dodge.

Just the sight of the Super Challenger strikes fear into the hearts of carminals everywhere. With its Jet Black body and Blazing Red stripe, punctuated with the legendary Mark of Mr. Norm on the front fenders, they'll know that they've more than met their match when they face off against the Super Challenger.

And no super heroes ride would be complete without a Katzkin custom leather interior. The guts of the Super Challenger exudes Mr. Norm's take no prisoners attitude, with its black leather and contrasting red accents. Our hero grabs gears with a Hurst Pistol Grip Shifter, the most powerful shifter in the world. Do 'ya feel lucky, punk?

Mr. Norm's Super Challenger forged wheels by Rodtana wear Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires that grip the asphalt with cat woman like claws. Hotchkis Performance created the lowered suspension that provides the crouching, ready to strike stance, while SSBC 8 Piston Disc Brakes are ready to take a Big Bite out of crime.

The bellicose sound produced by the Corsa Performance exhaust on the Super Challenger may wake up the dead in its attempt to muffle the 900 horsepower raging elephant that resides just beneath the Mopar Six Pack hood, but it's music to Mr. Norm's ears. And the Super Challenger's front spoiler and side scoops by Hulst Customs provide the finishing touch to the exterior, providing proof positive that badass really is beautiful.

Introducing the Mr. Norm's Super Cuda.

Drawing inspiration from its race bred relative, the legendary 1970 AAR Cuda, the Super Cuda features a dramatic restyling package that matches heart stopping good looks with heart pounding performance.

Amplifying its presence, the Super Cuda features a modern interpretation of the classic Cuda grille and tail panel, coupled with an aggressive front spoiler that infuses it with undeniable character. Reinforcing the theme, the sides of the Hemi Orange Super Cuda are boldly accented with satin black strobe stripes by Sharpline Converting that match the sinister Sherwin-Williams Planet Color Badass Black that covers the hood and adjacent surfaces, much like its storied ancestor. Inside, the cockpit features a Hurst Shifter for precise shifting of the five speed transmission, a Katzkin "Barracuda" custom leather interior with Hemi Orange perforated inserts and Super Cuda monogrammed carpet mats by Designer Mat.

And if all that's not enough, just wait 'til you push the start button and awaken the wild 900 horsepower Kenne Bell supercharged 16 plug HEMI engine. Singing its siren song through a low restriction Corsa Performance cat back dual exhaust system, the Super Cuda balances tire smoking power with a tuned suspension engineered by Hotchkis Performance. Insuring fade free stops from high speed are massive Stainless Steel Brakes V8 8-Piston calipers. Rolling stock consists of Rodtana 22" modular wheels matched with Pirelli Scorpion Zero Assimetrico ultra high performance tires.

Add it all up and you've got the new Mr. Norm's Super Cuda, the street lethal sport coupe. Armed with nothing less than a ground pounding 6.1 Hemi engine, it's complemented by a chassis with just the right mix of components to harness its power. The Super Cuda looks like a wolf in wolfs clothing, because it is. This is one vehicle that speaks loudly and carries a very big stick.

The official car of SEMA 2008, the Chevy Camaro, will be hitting the show with five different models designed and built inhouse by GM.

First we have the Camaro LS7 Concept inspired by the original COPO Camaros that have become legends. It is powered by GM Performance Parts' LS7 crate engine that is putting out 550 hp which is backed by a Tremec six speed. On the corners are brembo brakes covered in 20- inch custom wheels.

Then there is the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Concept Camaro. This Camaro was designed with the help of Dale Jr. himself and the exterior accessories are all official Chevy Accessories. The car was originally an SS and has been upgraded to be used with E85 fuel.

Here we have the Camaro Black Concept. The name fits perfectly considering the entire exterior and interior has been blacked out. The most striking feature on the car is the red headlight Halos. You would think this car would be equipped with a big powerful v8, but GM decided to the 300 hp 3.6 liter v6 under the hood. It's good to see them put focus on the the v6 powered cars as well, as that will be their biggest seller.

My personal favorite is the Camaro GS Racecar Concept. It is inspired by Mark Donahue's Trans Am series racing Camaro. It is propelled by a stock LS3 V8 and a Tremec 6060 six speed transmission. The hood, trunk lid, doors and fenders are all built out of carbon fiber to keep the weight down. It also features a 3 inch exhaust system built by Coast Fab, and an aluminum radiator, oil, transmission, and differential coolers built by C&R Racing.

Finally there is this Camaro, featuring the Offical GM accessories that will be available.

Here is the official GM press release:
PRESS RELEASE

CAMARO STEALS THE SHOW WITH FOUR DISTINCTIVE CONCEPTS AT SEMA

Camaro LS7 Concept – the spirit of COPO lives with a GM Performance Parts LS7 crate engine that delivers more than 500 hp
Camaro Dale Earnhardt Jr. Concept – customized to Dale Jr.'s style
Camaro Black Concept – a sinister-looking exercise in bold design
Camaro GS Racecar Concept – an homage to a road racing legend

LAS VEGAS – Chevrolet introduces a quartet of stunning concepts based on the all-new, 2010 Camaro at the 2008 SEMA Show. The concepts join regular-production and accessorized models, along with a dream collection of vintage Camaros – including rare COPO, Indy Pace Car and early Z28 models – to mark the introduction of Chevy's re-born sports car. The Camaro is the official car of the 2008 SEMA show.

Each of the concepts represents a different interpretation of the new Camaro's performance, styling and personalization possibilities, from no-holds-barred high-performance to carefully crafted, street-savvy customizing.

"The new Camaro is a 21st century sports car for the young and young at heart," said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. "Wherever your automotive passion lies, the Camaro complements it with world-class design and an exciting driving experience. The concepts unveiled at SEMA accentuate those qualities and trigger the imaginations of countless enthusiasts."

In addition to the concept and classic Camaros, a production 2010 model showed off the range of appearance, performance and convenience accessories that will be available from Chevrolet when the car hits dealerships early next year. The accessories allow customers to personalize their vehicle with genuine Chevy components that are designed, tested and warranted to the same standards as the Camaro itself.

As for the Camaro concepts, they show the extreme possibilities of what the new sports car can offer. See below for highlights on all four vehicles.

Camaro LS7 Concept: Designed to highlight the capability of the new Camaro as a weekend bracket warrior, the Camaro LS7 Concept combines the power of a GM Performance Parts' LS7 crate engine and targeted bolt-on upgrades to deliver the wheels-up spirit of the legendary COPO Camaros.

Made famous by Chevy dealers like Don Yenko and Fred Gibb in the late 1960s, the COPO cars were ordered for one thing: drag racing. They were quickly outfitted after delivery with the requisite tires, safety equipment and other accessories necessary for competition in popular Stock-class drag racing series.

The LS7 Concept honors the COPO ethos with features such as drag strip-ready rubber on the rear wheels – and unlike many of the stripped-down racers from 40 years ago, this strip-ready competitor serves double duty as both a racecar and a daily driver.

The LS7 crate engine (part number 17802397) uses a high-performance replacement camshaft from GM Performance Parts (part number 12480033) to help it produce approximately 550 horsepower. Complementing upgrades include GM Performance Parts-developed headers and air intake system that will be offered at the Camaro's launch in early 2009. The LS7 also is modified with a wet-sump oiling system; the production engine features a dry-sump system that requires an external oil tank.

Backing the LS7 engine is a production Tremec 6060 six-speed manual with a GM Performance Parts Hurst shifter. Additional drivetrain details include:

Brembo four-wheel disc brake package
Lowered ride height
Custom 20-inch wheels
Driveshaft safety loop
GM Performance Parts exhaust system

The Camaro LS7 concept is painted Victory Red, with matte black accents on the hood and taillamp panel. "LS7" logos are strategically placed and warn those in the know this Camaro means business when the Christmas tree lights count down to green. It's all business on the spartan interior, too, with base trim and few accessories to minimize overall mass for a quicker elapsed time.

Although the Camaro LS7 Concept is just that – a concept – its duplication by enterprising enthusiasts and racers is enabled by GM Performance Parts' LS7 crate engine package. It delivers a fully assembled, production version of the engine, complete from the intake manifold to oil pan. An oil reservoir for the standard dry sump system and GM Performance Parts' LS7 engine controller (part number 19166567) are all that's necessary to get the engine running in an enthusiast's project vehicle – well, that and a chassis capable of handling more than 500 lb.-ft. of torque!

Camaro Dale Earnhardt Jr. Concept: NASCAR star Dale Jr. is fan of vintage Camaros – he cruises around in a Pro Touring-style '72 Camaro powered by a GM Performance Parts LS crate engine – and the heritage-inspired design of the 2010 Camaro appeals to him like a checkered flag at Daytona. His vision for the car was channeled to GM's designers and crafted in a multi-color combination of style, capability and comfort.

They started with a new Camaro SS that uses the standard 6.2L V-8, but modified to use E85. Taking advantage of E85's favorable octane rating, the engine was calibrated to deliver a few extra horsepower, with the exhaust exiting through GM Performance Parts' new headers. It's backed by the SS's available six-speed manual transmission and GM Accessories' short-throw Hurst shifter. Additional performance enhancements include a Brembo brake package and a lowered ride height, giving Dale Jr.'s Camaro a sleeker look to match its road-hugging capability.

A custom gray-over-white paint scheme blends the high-performance drivetrain with serious style. It is accented with an orange stripe separating the gray and white sections. Also generating attention on the exterior is a set of 21-inch, five-spoke wheels inspired by the Camaro Convertible Concept. They feature dark-painted center sections on the spokes that complement the body's gray color. The wheels are wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero ZR-rated performance tires.

Additional exterior details include:

Chevy Accessories grille
Chevy Accessories ground effects and rear diffuser
Chevy Accessories exhaust system
Early Camaro-style "dovetail" rear spoiler
Production high-intensity discharge headlamps
Production RS taillamps

Similarly, the interior is outfitted for performance and style, including:

Custom-trimmed leather-and-suede-covered seats with accent stitching
Leather-trimmed steering wheel, shift knob, door armrests and center console lid, with accent stitching
Carbon-fiber treatment on the instrument panel and door panel inserts
Racing-style aluminum pedals
Production-optional four-pack auxiliary gauge cluster
Revised gauge cluster with unique graphics and colors
Custom sill plates

Dale Jr. also specified Chevy Accessories' upgraded audio system for the Camaro, which is matched with a Boston Acoustics speaker system, including amps and subwoofers.

Camaro GS Racecar Concept: One of the most iconic cars of the legendary Trans Am road racing series was the distinctive blue-and-yellow Camaro of Mark Donohue. He was a dominant racer in the series and drove his #6 1969 model to the series championship that year.

With the assistance of GM's High Performance Vehicle Operations, North Carolina-based Riley Technologies re-created the look and feel of that standout racecar with a tribute that looks, sounds and drives like it's ready to do battle with its contemporary pony car competitors. In fact, the heritage-inspired racer is more than concept. It is an early prototype for the Grand Am Koni Challenge GS racing class. Racecars like the GS Concept are offered and manufactured by Riley Technologies for the 2009 Grand-Am season.

The GS Concept features the race-ready suspension, reinforced chassis and drivetrain conform to the specifications required of racecars certified for the series. In fact, this racecar has already logged many hours on the racetrack as Riley team members worked to dial-in the chassis and powertrain. Additional features include:

Seam-welded production Camaro body-in-white
Carbon fiber hood, trunk lid, doors and fenders
Production LS3 V-8 engine (used with solid engine mounts)
Tremec 6060 six-speed manual transmission with close-ratio gearing
Three-inch exhaust system with Coast Fab mufflers
C&R racing aluminum radiator
Upgraded engine oil cooler
Transmission and differential coolers

The GS Racecar Concept is shown at SEMA just as it was last driven off the track, with the grime, brake dust and body imperfections commensurate with a day's worth of racing. Indeed, it isn't a car that spent hundreds of hours in a body shop in a quest of sheet metal perfection. It displays the bruises of competition and wears them as badges of honor.

Like Donohue's '69 Camaro racecar, the GS Racecar Concept wears a deep blue paint scheme that is accented with yellow graphics, a yellow-painted interior and yellow racing wheels.

Camaro Black Concept: It's hard to go unnoticed in a 2010 Camaro, but the Camaro Black Concept suggests a stealthy approach to street style. From its matte black-finished hood and ground effects to its dark wheels and red-glowing HID headlamp halo rings, the Camaro Black Concept is a sinister-looking urban tuner vehicle.

The Camaro Black Concept prowls the streets with the following equipment:

Chevy Accessories ground effects package and rear diffuser
High-intensity discharge headlamps with unique red "halo ring" color
Revised, darker grille finish
RS tail lamps with dark-tinted lenses
Color-matched exterior badging
SS-model spoiler
Matte black hood finish
Tinted glass
Chevy Accessories 21-inch wheels with darkened finish
Brembo four-wheel disc brake package

The interior also carries a slightly sinister ambience, with:

Red LED instrument lighting and red footwell ambient lighting
Black chrome trim accents
Dark-finished accents, including the shift knob, radio face, steering wheel ring, gauge trim and door handles
Custom sill plates
Leather-covered seats with grey accent stitching

The Camaro Black Concept also features Chevy Accessories' premium audio upgrade package, along with MTX speakers.

Under the hood is the production 3.6L V-6 that produces 300 horsepower. A Chevy Accessories engine cover provides a suitable accent.

CHEVY CAMARO GETS PERSONAL WITH FULL ARRAY OF ACCESSORIES AND PERFORMANCE PARTS

LAS VEGAS – The Chevy Camaro has always been a car that owners love to personalize. The all-new, 2010 Camaro carries on that tradition with a diverse lineup of accessories and performance components ready at launch.

Ranging from interior accessories and audio/electronic upgrades to exterior styling accessories, 21-inch wheel-and-tire kits and parts that enhance performance, the Camaro "add-on" portfolio offers something for every taste and budget. The accessories and performance parts can be ordered and installed at the dealership and, in some cases, their cost can be rolled into the vehicle's financing for a seamless, one-stop personalization experience.

Camaro designers and engineers worked from the earliest stages of vehicle development to design, test and validate the accessories and performance parts to GM production-vehicle specifications. They are manufactured with production-quality materials, too, so customers are assured of original-equipment-quality parts with the best fit and finish for their Camaro. The performance parts are 50-state legal, for worry-free emissions compliance.

Here's a look at the all-new portfolio of Camaro accessories and performance parts:

Interior trim kits – For Camaros equipped with the factory illumination package, Camaro's accessory interior trim kits offer colors that enable owners to match or contrast the vehicle's exterior color. They're available in yellow, orange, white and silver.

Interior accessories – A variety of accessories bolster both the style and convenience of the Camaro's cabin, while helping maintain its original condition. They include floor mats, sill plates and more. The deluxe carpeted floor mats feature embroidered Camaro logos, while the sill plates add a distinctive appearance and added protection when entering the car. A cargo-area floor mat, cargo net and a smoker's package are also available.

Audio and electronics – Customers can take the Camaro's technology to a higher level with upgraded audio and lighting systems, as well as remote starting. The upgraded audio system brings greater features and capability, while a peripheral device interface module allows portable players to play through the audio system. Remote starting brings the convenience of letting the vehicle heat up on a cold morning or cool down on a hot day. Also, Camaro's accessory footwell and cupholder lighting kit delivers customizable, colored ambient lighting for a premium, high-tech interior appearance.

Car covers – Protecting the Camaro from the elements and UV rays is easy with custom-contoured car covers. They are designed to fit the Camaro's contours and are available in red or black – each with stylish, heritage-inspired black stripes.

Exterior accessories – Customers can create a unique look for their Camaro with a diverse lineup of exterior accessories, from a grille insert and satin nickel fuel door to color-matched splash guards and a complete ground effects kit. And don't forget to check out the stylish, wing-style rear spoiler.

The ground effects package creates a dramatic, ground-hugging look for the Camaro, and comes in a great, Metallic Grey color that accents the car's original color. The wing-style rear spoiler complements the ground effects' competition-ready appearance. All Camaro exterior accessories are designed and manufactured to the same quality and durability standards as regular-production components.

Stripe kits – The heritage-inspired 2010 Camaro is accented perfectly with accessory stripe kits. They give the Camaro a classic look and contemporary style. Available styles include hockey stick-style, hood and hockey stick-style and rally-style stripes in a variety of colors.

Wheels and tires – The 2010 Camaro comes with a family of attractive, 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels, but Camaro enthusiasts can take it a step further with great-looking, racing-inspired 21-inch wheels and complementing performance tires. The wheel design features a contemporary split five-spoke center that is available in two finishes. The first is a black-painted finish and the other has a machined-aluminum finish with black accents. They are offered in an 8.5-inch width for V-6 models; and 8.5-inch front and 9.5-inch rear widths for SS models.

Center caps, chrome lug nuts and necessary tire pressure monitor sensors are available seperately. For convenience, complete kits of wheels, tires, center caps, lug nuts and pressure sensors are available.

Performance parts – GM Performance Parts (GMPP) designers and engineers worked with the Camaro engineers to develop emissions-legal bolt-on components that would accentuate and enhance overall performance.

GMPP developed air box, header and exhaust kits, as well as complementing short-throw shifters for manual-transmission applications. Also available are color-coordinated engine covers that add a dash of color-coordinated style under the hood.All the components are 50-state emissions legal, with CARB EO numbers where required.

Details of the performance parts include:

Air box kits include an open-element, performance air filter for lower restriction and a great-looking, performance-style housing, with a chrome lid for a true tuner appearance. They're available for V-6 and V-8 applications
Exhaust kits upgrade the look and sound of the Camaro and are offered in quieter street-legal systems and off-road-only kits. Different applications are designed to work with or without the Camaro accessory ground effects package
Headers enable exhaust gases to be carried away from the engine quicker, boosting the engine's airflow efficiency and overall performance. GMPP's bolt-on header kit for V-8 engines is emissions-legal and a simple bolt-in replacement for the factory exhaust manifolds. Match them with one of GMPP's exhaust kits for even greater performance
Short-throw shifter. A greater feeling of control comes with a precise, quick-acting shifter, and GMPP's kits for both V-6 and V-8 models deliver sharper and quicker throws between gears. They were developed with legendary shifter manufacturer Hurst, so they complement great performance with classic styling
Engine cover kits give the Camaro's V-6 and V-8 engines a stylish, show-quality upgrade. They're available to match most exterior colors, allowing customers to complement or contrast the color to suit individual style. They are easy to install and don't interfere with oil fill or other common maintenance access points