The COPO stayed true to its heritage by being a no-VIN, race-only, and limited-run (only 69 produced) vehicle. Engine options changed from year to year, but initially included a 427-ci LS7, 327-ci LSX with a 4.0L Whipple supercharger, and a 327-ci LSX with a 2.9L Whipple supercharger. A naturally aspirated 350- and 396-ci LSX, as well as a supercharged 350-ci LSX, were offered from 2013 to 2014 to be more compatible with NHRA’s Stock Eliminator and Super Stock classes.
It is worth noting that the main gauge cluster was updated in 2012 with more modern typography, after this version drew sharp criticism.
The rearview mirror changed twice during the production run. In 2011, it was changed to project the rearview camera images, but when MyLink was introduced for 2012, the rearview images were transmitted to the LCD radio screen.
The Inferno Orange interior accent color was an option made available from the first year, which appropriately matched the exterior color.
The convertible model was released for 2011, available with a V-6 or V-8. Its most impressive achievement was in improving visibility of the handicapped coupe, and in maintaining torsional stiffness thanks to added underbody bracing.
The power top used one twisting lock handle and a rocker switch by the rearview mirror to open and close. It retracted with a “Z” pattern in around 20 seconds. The taut canvas top was made by the same manufacturer as the C6 Corvette’s and has an acoustical headliner to reduce noise. The use of composite knuckles and other designs eliminated the appearance of support ribs.
The “45th” logo incorporated the Camaro stripes logo within. Unique red and blue contrast stitching was visible on the outside of the seat.
The 45th Anniversary Package came only in Carbon Flash Metallic paint for 2012, with its signature stripes, wheels, sill plates, and seat embroidery.
The Camaro ZL1 model was released in 2012. Although it used the same chassis, 30 percent of its parts were replaced or re-engineered from the SS.
The ZL1 convertible followed in 2013. The improvements needed to stiffen the chassis were carried over to the SS model as well.
The unique flat-bottom steering wheel was built for performance driving.
From 2013 to 2015 the 1LE Handling Package was offered on the SS coupe, which used many of the parts developed for the ZL1. In fact, the 1LE was a replica of sorts of an internal test mule (an SS with ZL1 wheels, tires, and sway bars) that the Camaro team knew would be perfect for the road racing enthusiast. For production, the 1LE was only offered with a manual transmission, red brake calipers, and suspension upgrades.
The 2014 Camaro Z28 took that idea one step further. It was the ultimate road racing machine with specially designed R-compound tires, huge carbon brakes, a 427-ci LS7, Recaro racing seats, all sorts of weights savings, race-bred suspension, an adjustable rear wing, and many other aerodynamic enhancements. At $75,000, the 505 hp Z28 was the crown jewel of the collection.
Even the interior was given a makeover, from the flat-bottom steering wheel to the plush suede used throughout.
The 1LE option package for the SS was created amid development of the ZL1. It was modeled after the famous “mule,” an internal development vehicle the Chevrolet engineers used to improve the Camaro’s handling. It borrows the ZL1’s front wheels and tires (matched front and rear, unlike the ZL1), adds red-painted SS brake calipers, matte-black vinyl-wrapped hood, and has a number of suspension and drivetrain components. Available with a manual trans only, this car was built for enthusiasts with SCCA class racing in mind.
From the heat-extractor hood with its carbon-fiber insert to its badging, staggered wheels, front bumper, and rocker panels, it is easy to tell the ZL1 from the SS.
Although handcuffed on the design of the SS, designers had a field day in the wind tunnel with the ZL1. The spoilers, bumper, and grille were all tweaked. And the designers even added a belly pan to enhance the underbody aerodynamics.
The 2014 Camaro Z/28 took the 1LE’s concept a step or two further, as a purpose-built track day racer that is street and emissions legal. Instead of robbing the parts bin and making a few tweaks, the engineering team was on a mission to create the best-handling Camaro possible. They even used the opportunity to improve the aerodynamics significantly, which was subsequently carried over to the base Camaro.
The adjustable spoiler was unique to the Z/28 and offered more than 110 pounds of downforce at 125 mph and above. The front splitter and wheel flare moldings also worked with the wider wheels and body shape to move air around and enhance downforce. There’s even a belly pan with NACA ducts and brake cooling ducts.
The standard Recaro seats were later offered as an option on SS models. Although mainly used to better hold the driver in place at extreme g-forces, they were also integral to the Z/28’s extensive weight loss.
Like the ZL1, a carbon-fiber heat extractor was incorporated into the hood to eliminate lift and enhance cooling.
The smaller upper front grille and bumper