Yahoo Autos Is This '80s Chevy Camaro Hiding a New Crate Engine?
Our spy photographer spotted this third-gen Chevy Camaro on GM's proving grounds in Michigan, but we can only speculate about what it was doing there.
The test mule has GM Performance Parts badging. Could this outing have something to do with the aftermarket division?
The car could also be getting a shakedown run for a later debut. SEMA?
Seeing some old car on an automaker's proving grounds is nothing out of the ordinary. Often it's a cover for something underneath that can't be risked in broad daylight, like this weird probably-Bronco that Ford built. This third-generation Camaro recently spotted at the General Motors Milford Proving Grounds, however, seems odd.
For starters, this car is old. The exterior comes from a model year between 1987 and 1990 based on the fact that it has the integrated high-mounted rear brake light (CHMSL) but is lacking the 1991 facelift's different body kit. While a 30-year-old Camaro is a cheap way to hide some interesting development parts under the body, the period-correct BFGoodrich tires don’t speak to any modern chassis or suspension development going on. Interestingly, the current Camaro is actually shorter overall than the third-gen F-body and only a couple of inches wider, although the wheelbase is nine inches longer. As much as we can wish, it seems unlikely that this is a resurrected Code 130R concept in disguise.
Also, this car is too clean. It looks like a pretty standard '80s Camaro, albeit lacking in energy-drink stickers on the rear glass. The only cues to something different are the dual rear exhausts, roll cage, and bulging hood. And then there are the badges behind the front wheels on the rear bumper. On a stock Camaro, you might see the Z28 sticker here. On this test car, it says GM Performance Parts.
Which leads us to believe that this has something to do with GM's aftermarket arm. It's possible that this is a test mule for a new crate engine, a variation on an existing motor, or a test bed to make sure the electronic engine controls play nicely in the real work. A reader suggested the same theory on a Jalopnik post. Our spy photographer says it sounded like a small-block V-8 and was using a six-speed transmission. If that's the case, however, it could still be anything; you can buy any of five variations of the LT engine alone.
It's also possible this car is slightly more than just a test vehicle and is getting a shakedown run for a later debut, like the '73 Chevelle Laguna that debuted at the 2018 SEMA show. If you’ve got your own theory to add, let us know.
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