Contemporized muscle car highlights new Corvette Z06-based crate engine
Chevrolet Performance is showing off the new LT4 crate engine in the most attractive way possible – under the hood of a classic 1970 Camaro RS. The concept vehicle was introduced today at the SEMA Show, in Las Vegas.
As the supercharged 6.2L heart of the Corvette Z06, the LT4 is rated at 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful production-vehicle engine ever from General Motors. The new crate engine – offered in dry-sump and wet-sump versions – allows builders to use the high-tech performance engine in their hot rod projects.
This Camaro concept uses the wet-sump kit, along with complementing air conditioning and front-end accessory drive kits.
“Chevrolet Performance pioneered the concept of high-performance crate engines and the LT4 represents a new threshold in technologically advanced, production-based choices for builders,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “Whether it’s in a classic Camaro, like this resto-mod concept, or a vintage truck or street rod, the possibilities are almost endless – and that’s exactly how we continue to fuel the dreams of enthusiasts.”
In addition to the LT4 crate engine, the Camaro features a T-56 Super Magnum six-speed manual transmission.
To harness the power of the supercharged powertrain, the concept’s chassis and suspension systems have been upgraded with an independent front suspension with coil-overs and a rack-and-pinion steering system, as well as a four-link rear suspension, also with coil-overs. It rides on a set of 19-inch polished aluminum wheels and stops with the assistance of Corvette Z06-based front and rear disc brake kits developed as upgrades for the Stingray.
A blend of design cues inspired by the all-new 2016 Camaro complements the contemporary powertrain that drives the vintage muscle car, starting with the Hyper Blue Metallic exterior color. It’s one of the available colors on the Gen Six Camaro and it’s accented with white rally stripes – just like the 2016 Camaro Hyper concept on display at the SEMA Show.
The exterior also features LED headlamps and taillamps, as additional nods to 21st century technology.
Inside, the black, stock-appearing cabin features custom-trimmed seats from a third-generation Camaro and a custom instrument cluster with new gauges that work with the powertrain’s electronic systems. The instrument panel itself is wrapped in custom-trimmed leather. There’s also a six-point roll cage for added protection.
About the LT4 crate engine
The LT4 is based on the same Gen V small block architecture as the LT1 engine used in the Corvette Stingray and 2016 Camaro SS, with several unique features designed to support its higher output and the greater cylinder pressures created by forced induction. They include Rotacast A356T6 aluminum cylinder heads that are stronger and handle heat better than conventional castings, lightweight titanium intake valves and stronger forged aluminum pistons.
Chevrolet Performance offers the LT4 with wet-sump (part number 19332702) or dry-sump (part number 19332702) oiling packages. Front-end accessory drive systems are offered for both applications, along with an air conditioning kit and a power-steering kit (wet sump only).
An engine controller –part number 19331517 – is available for manual transmission applications. A custom control system must be used for automatic applications.
The 1970 Camaro LT4 concept vehicle is one of more than 20 additional concept and production vehicles at the SEMA Show designed to showcase Chevrolet’s growing range of vehicle accessories, performance parts, crate engines and transmissions.
