Return to Form: 2022 COPO Camaro Now Packs Big-Block V8 Power
New COPO Camaro is ready to dominate the drag strip with newly available 572-cubic-inch engine.
On its face, the Camaro is an American legend, but the COPO Camaro is an even more special version of that legend.
Beginning with the limited run of 69 cars in 1969, the COPO Camaro is a purpose-built drag racer. These are rare and wonderful cars. Since the COPO program was restarted back in 2012 fewer than 700 of these have been built. The 2022 COPO Camaro is back and back in a BIG way.
The 2022 car is available with a selection of engines, but the big block is the COPO 572. The 572 is NHRA rated at 430 horsepower. “The COPO 572 uses a cast-iron block with four-bolt main caps, aluminum heads, a forged steel crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods and forged aluminum pistons. Pricing for the COPO Camaro with the 572 starts from $105,500 (excluding tax, title, license, and dealer fees).”
That might seem pricey for a Camaro that you can’t even register for street use. However, it is quite reasonable for a factory-built race car.
The car competes in NHRA Stock and Super Stock eliminators and comes standard with a carbon fiber hood and wheelie bars. Customers have several customization options available to them as well. Other engine choices include LSX-based small block 350 with a supercharger and a naturally-aspirated 427. There are also “Racer’s Package” options that include items such as a weight box and parachute package. You can also choose from a set of four standard colors or for an extra $18,000 you can select any color from the GM pallet.
In past years Chevrolet limited production to just 69 COPO Camaros. Interested buyers had to enter a lottery for the opportunity to buy one. The good news for 2022, besides the big block option, is that COPO production will not be limited. You can buy as many as you want. Orders are filled on a first come, first served basis so don’t delay.
Orders are open now. Another benefit to ordering one of these special cars is that you may also participate in a private tour of the COPO Build Facility in Oxford, Michigan, where each car is custom made. Pretty cool.
In the world of electrification, it is heartwarming to see that Chevrolet is not only continuing the COPO tradition but giving racers the option of a big block V8. These days may not last forever, so if you ever wanted one of these, 2022 might just be your year. The 2022 engine choices are a lot more exciting than choosing which battery pack you want in your next electric car. Become a COPO owner and continue the legacy of these drag strip monsters. And maybe even win a few trophies along the way. Let us know what you think of the 2022 COPO Camaro in the LS1 Tech forums.
Photos: Chevrolet
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