Jay Leno Chevrolet Camaro Concept

Jay Leno Chevrolet Camaro Concept

Chevrolet took the covers off five dramatic Camaro concepts at this week’s 2009 SEMA Auto Show, kicking off what is expected to be one of the event’s biggest showcases. The lineup of tuned muscle cars from Chevrolet cover nearly the full spectrum of Camaro modifications, with forced-induction, six-cylinder and V-8 fans all accounted for.

The best part is that rather than showcasing wild concepts that would never feasibly make it to production, many of the Camaro modifications and accessories on show can be ordered through Chevrolet dealers for installation at the time of the vehicle’s purchase. This allows customers to personalize their cars to their exact wishes, with installation handled by the dealer and the cost rolled into the monthly payments.

First up is a specially tuned V-6 Camaro built for comedian and avid car nut Jay Leno. Powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter direct injected V-6 that is standard in Camaro LS and LT models, Leno’s Camaro blends high performance with surprising efficiency in a racing-ready package.

Jay Leno Chevrolet Camaro Concept

Jay Leno Chevrolet Camaro Concept

A pair of Turbonetics T-3 turbochargers blows through a custom air-to-air intercooler, force-feeding the engine about 7 psi of boost and lifting its horsepower level to about 425—the same as the V-8 model. That’s about 40% greater than stock and in normal driving (when the turbochargers aren’t making boost), there’s virtually no penalty in fuel economy over the non-turbocharged 3.6-liter engine.

Next up is the Camaro Synergy, which essentially showcases a new green paint scheme that will be offered on a special-edition Camaro in the first half of 2010. Other details include 21-inch wheels, a full bodykit and a performance intake system.

Similar to the Camaro Synergy, the new Camaro Chroma demonstrates how carefully selected accessories available through Chevrolet dealers can create a very unique look for the popular sports coupe. Apart from 21-inch wheels, however, most of the highlights are basically custom graphics for the car.

The same story goes for the last two Camaro concepts, the Camaro Dusk and Camaro Graphics. Both cars feature extensive accessory graphics packages, with the intent of soliciting feedback from Camaro enthusiasts for possible production.

In addition to the Camaro contingent, Chevrolet is also showing the Silverado ZR2 concept and an accessorized 2010 Corvette Grand Sport. Some of the accessories, which will go on sale in early 2010, include mesh inserts for the front fender vents, an iPod connector, Grand Sport-logos, and several ZR1 pieces.

[General Motors]