Chalk this up to one of Chevrolet’s best SEMA concept vehicles. The Chevrolet Camaro Turbo AutoX was revealed at the 2016 SEMA Show to be the SCCA driver’s dream vehicle.
The Camaro Turbo was utilized for this concept specifically for its weight, or lack of rather, and benefits from the Camaro’s overall power-to-weight ratio.
“This concept pushes Camaro in a new direction, integrating new performance parts that make the most of the turbocharged Camaro’s lightweight dynamics,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports.
Plenty of engineering has gone into making the Camaro Turbo AutoX concept a cone killer. Specifically, the Camaro Turbo AutoX features a suspension lowering kit, which includes stiffer springs and tuned dampers. Together, these components lower the AutoX concept 0.75 inches. But that’s not all on the handling side of things.
The Camaro AutoX includes a concept “plus performance” handling kit including larger stabilizer bars and stiffer suspension links. A concept strut tower brace under the hood provides additional chassis stiffness. This may be what Camaro chief engineer Al Oppenheiser was speaking of when he mentioned of a 1LE-inspired track package for the 2.0-liter LTG turbocharged four-cylinder Camaro.
Power is enhanced from the 2.0L turbo with engine and calibration upgrades to its controller. They optimize performance across the RPM band for consistent power delivery. The turbocharger generates up to 20 pounds of boost and its twin-scroll design helps make the most of the usable power from the engine, practically eliminating turbo lag and helping deliver a broad powerband.
When it comes to grip, the Camaro Turbo AutoX has that, too. Chevrolet Accessory 20-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear 285/35R20 performance tires ensure the vehicle is planted to the pavement. It’ll stop, too. Engineers added Chevrolet Performance’s front brake kit, featuring six-piston calipers and 370mm, two-piece slotted rotors.
The Camaro AutoX concept isn’t just a play at professional autocrossers, though. It’s also Chevrolet’s attempt to hold a hand out to younger audiences. Foremost, the Shock Yellow exterior hue has been described as a departure from more subdued colors; the title of the paint color speaks for itself. Pearl Nickel hood stripes and satin Carbon Flash Metallic accents on the hood vents.
“Appearance is very important to the owners of vehicles like this, and the Camaro Turbo AutoX concept was designed to be both race- and show-worthy,” said Adam Barry, Chevrolet designer. “The new Shock Yellow color on the concept reaches out to the new generation of enthusiasts and explores how the Gen 6 Camaro looks in brighter, bolder hues.”
There’s a GoPro camera mount up front, sitting above an SS-inspired front splitter, a concept short-throw manual gear shifter, a new rear spoiler and a rear splitter.
Inside, black leather is mixed with race-ready cues. A suede, flat-bottom steering wheel, shift knob and boot are present, and the seats feature bolt-in harness ready to mount a five-point safety harness.
If there’s one issue with the AutoX concept, it’s current SCCA rules and classes. The sixth-generation Camaro, no matter SS, V6 or turbo-four, all sit in the same class. Therefore, a Camaro Turbo simply won’t do well against big V8 vehicles. But, we dig it. A lot. And we can’t wait to see if this kind of package has production intent.
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Love that paint! Anybody know the code? It looks like a metallic version of WA5248.