Chevrolet will be presenting a wide range of high-profile one-off cars and trucks at this week’s SEMA Show – not to mention a limited-edition production model. The lineup includes everything from Corvettes and Camaros to the Chevy SS sedan and a lightweight, seriously potent Silverado pickup. Here’s a quick rundown on several of the key players that will feature prominently in its presentation.
Corvette Stingray Convertible Atlantic Concept
Finished in Blade Silver with Carbon Flash Metallic and Fusion Gray accents, this East Coast-themed drop-top gets its motivation from a 460-horse LT1 V8 backed by a 6-speed automatic transmission and embodies styling elements intended to emulate the look and character of a private jet. In addition to its bespoke front splitter and rear diffuser, the Atlantic Concept features numerous Chevrolet Accessory items and rolls on staggered-size (19-inch/20-inch) chrome alloys wrapped in performance rubber.
Corvette Stingray Coupe Pacific Concept
A track-oriented exercise with West Coast flair, this Z51-spec Stingray Coupe features all the good stuff: an LT1 V8 with a race-style dry-sump lubrication system, upgraded cooling/brake setups, a 7-speed manual transmission with custom ratios and an electronic limited-slip differential. It’s Torch Red exterior is set off with Carbon Flash Metallic and satin-black painted body bits along with numerous Chevrolet Accessories and a staggered-size wheel/tire fitment. Inside, the cabin features Competition Sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and a carbon fiber trim kit.
Corvette Stingray Gran Turismo Concept
Built to replicate a vehicle that will be part of the new Gran Turismo 6 video game for the Sony PlayStation 3, the bright blue Corvette Stingray Gran Turismo Concept sets off its performance-modified/carbon fiber enhanced bodywork with custom paint and graphics, yellow headlamps, and a full ground effects kit. A 460-horse/6.2-liter LT1 V8 sits beneath its distinctive hood while the cabin features Competition Sport seats, a racing-style flat-bottom steering wheel, and multi-point harnesses.
Jeff Gordon SS Performance Sedan Concept
A subtle but striking one off that we think would make an impressive limited-run offering, the Jeff Gordon SS Performance Sedan Concept takes Chevy’s hot, new full-size/rear-drive 4-door to another level of cool. Using input from NASCAR star Gordon, who drives a race-spec version of the car in the Sprint Cup, this street variant complements its satin red exterior with a tasteful "Number 24" graphics package and also sports a custom grille, carbon fiber rear spoiler and unique 20-inch alloy wheels. While the powertrain remains the standard 415-horsepower/6.2-liter LS3 V8 backed by a 6-speed automatic with TAPShift, this distinctive SS one-off does feature a lowered suspension, high-performance brakes and a custom Borla exhaust. Cabin upgrades include seats that are trimmed with perforated suede inserts, a flat-bottom steering wheel and a Chevrolet Accessories pedal kit.
2014 Chevrolet Camaro Special Edition
Chevy brought no fewer than six different Camaros to the SEMA Show, including three Performance Concepts, the production Z/28 and the exotic drag-racing-only COPO (Central Office Production Order) Camaro. The mix also included the first appearance of the 2014 Camaro Special Edition, which will be available on either the Coupe or Convertible models in 2LT or 2SS level trims. All will be finished in Summit White with a Blue Ray stripe and hood louver, while the al fresco variants also will sport a blue fabric top. Other Special Edition exterior elements include a body-color ZL1 spoiler, Chevrolet Accessories grille and ground-effects package and Chevrolet Accessories 21-inch alloy wheels plus RS-style HID headlamps and LED taillamps. A white interior trim kit with Blue Ray stripe, blue accent leather and stitching and Chevrolet Accessories floor mats complete the package. The LT Special Edition models will be fitted with a 323-horsepower/3.6-liter V6 while the SS-spec cars will have the 6.2-liter V8 that makes 426 horses when paired with the 6-speed manual transmission or 400 when backed by the 6-speed automatic.
Chevrolet Silverado Cheyenne Concept
Offering an intriguing look at the performance potential lurking within the new Silverado, the Cheyenne Concept gets our vote as the most interesting of Chevy’s truck-based SEMA set. Based on a Regular Cab/rear-drive 1500 series model, the Cheyenne replaces its steel bumpers, tailgate and inner cargo box with custom carbon fiber alternatives, shedding some 200 pounds in the process. In addition to adding aero-enhancing tweaks to the nose and a spoiler atop the recast tailgate, the Cheyenne remix also includes carbon fiber ground-effect side sills, a Z/28 air extractor on the hood and neatly faired exhaust outlets.
Other less visible mass-reduction changes on the Cheyenne include Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, a lightweight aluminum driveshaft, composite rear leaf springs and charcoal-finish 19-inch Z/28 alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance rubber. The trailer hitch, interior center console and some sound deadener also were jettisoned to help the slim-down effort while the 355-horsepower/5.3-liter V8 – the top engine in the 1500 Regular Cab lineup — has been replaced by the 420-horse/6.2-liter V8 that also pumps the peak torque figure by 18 percent. Inside, the Cheyenne features Recaro sport buckets and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
Does this high-performance one-off have a shot at ever hitting a showroom floor? Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing admits that the Cheyenne "is only a concept right now, but we are continually exploring new ways to give Silverado customers more."
More Concept Cars…
Audi Sport Quattro Concept previews a future range-topping super coupe
BMW Concept X4 sets the stage for its next Sports Activity Vehicle
The Jaguar C-X17 Sports Crossover Concept has production potential
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