Since the Camaro has been a frequent flyer on drag strips nationwide for about 50 years now, Chevrolet thought it was time to continue exploring its quarter-mile prowess while also offering a first look at their race car program for 2017.

While the 2017 COPO Camaro program is meant to extend the production legacy of special-order high-performance Camaro models, the Camaro SS Drag Race Development Program is all about putting the Gen Six Camaro to the test on the drag strip.

“From sportsman classes to the pro ranks, Camaro has been one of the most popular cars ever to launch down the drag strip,” said Jim Campbell, GM VP of Performance Vehicles & Motorsports. “For 50 years Chevrolet has supported Camaro drag racers and these new SEMA vehicles demonstrate our commitment to the sport, with parts development and the advancement of the historic COPO Camaro program.”

In order to carry on their drag racing legacy, Chevrolet build a test vehicle out of a Camaro SS, though much improved, with over 530 HP on tap and about 600 HP available with a power adder. Engineers have performed more than 100 passes down the quarter-mile with this development car, and their best data shows the custom Camaro SS running the quarter-mile in 10.685 seconds at 125.73 mph (202.34 km/h), with an eighth-mile time of 6.764 seconds at 100.85 mph (162.30 km/h) and a 60-foot time of 1.425 seconds.

“We worked this car just as hard as any serious racer would,” said Motorsport engineering exec Mark Dickens. “We made pass after pass, pushing it harder, and were amazed at the capability and durability that came straight off the assembly line.”

Still, in order to support the extra horsepower, the Chevy engineers installed a few heavy-duty parts from the Gen 6 Camaro ZL1, such as the half-shafts, prop shaft, as well as a beefier driveline upgrade straight from the previous-gen ZL1. Since then, the car has earned the nickname “Gravedigger”, because it never broke down, despite heavy punishment.

“The Camaro SS Drag Race Development concept is a work in progress, but Chevrolet is serious about developing parts and packages tailored for drag racers,” added Dickens. “As we continue to develop the car, we’ll be listening intently to customers’ reactions to it and what they believe would help them the most on the drag strip. This is only the beginning.”

As for the 2017 COPO Camaro program, Chevrolet is finally introducing the show car (serial number 01 of 69), with its supercharged 350 engine, custom Weld racing wheels and a unique “anodized” concept version of the production Hyper Blue Metallic exterior color. Just like previous editions, the 2017 COPO Camaro is designed for the NHRA’s Stock Eliminator classes. This means that all production race cars are fitted with racing chassis and suspension components, a custom manual steering rack, a fuel cell with built-in high-pressure fuel pump, as well as a unique rear axle system in place of the Camaro’s independent rear axle.

As for power, racers can choose from a variety of supercharged and naturally aspirated LS and LT-family units, such as a supercharged 350 (5.7L), a naturally aspirated 427 (7.0L) and the LT-based 376 (6.2L). All engines are backed by an SFI-approved ATI TH400 three-speed automatic transmission.

Both the Camaro SS Drag Race Development test car and the COPO Camaro show car will be on display this week at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

PHOTO GALLERY