2001 Camaro 302 Concept

In the spirit of that original 1967-69 Camaro Z28, Westech Automotive and Chevrolet have built a new 302 Camaro, which debuted at the 2000 SEMA Show. It features a new 302: a high-revving 5.0-liter LS1-based V8 that is high performance--and all business.

The 302 Camaro's V8, a descendant of the original, has a host of modern, computer-age technologies on board to help it recreate the magic of the muscular original. The engine creates a whopping 435 horsepower at 6000 rpm and is mated to a blueprinted T-56 6-speed transmission, with a heavy-duty 4.10:1 limited-slip differential. The engine features specially modified LS6 cylinder heads, custom-built pistons and lightweight rods. Its high-flow air intake and mass air sensor help keep breathing steady, fast and furious.

SLP Engineering, which works with Chevrolet and Pontiac to build the Camaro SS and Firebird Firehawk, among other high-performance vehicles, contributed a lightweight flywheel, aluminum differential cooler and a heavy-duty axle assembly. The 302 also features a carbon fiber driveshaft. The chassis has been stiffened with Hotchkis springs, sway bars, rear control arms, panhard bar and strut tower brace. Koni double-adjustable shocks and Baer Racing 14-inch cross-drilled brake rotors and PBR calipers help with cornering at speed.

The 302's interior is complete with an L.G. Motorsports roll bar, special Recaro seats with 5-point safety harnesses and a billet Hurst 6-speed shifter. The exterior is graced with an SLP Bow Tie grille assembly, as well as special striping and "302" badging. The car rides on really cool looking 18-inch American Racing Torq-Thrust II wheels shod with extra sticky BFGoodrich Z-rated ultra-high-performance tires.