Yahoo Autos Chevrolet eCOPO Camaro Concept Is a 700-HP Electric Drag Racer
Unlike the nasty intestinal bacteria of nearly the same name, Chevrolet’s eCOPO Camaro concept has none of the trademark thunder or exhaust fumes characteristic of its gasoline-powered counterpart. Developed by General Motors and constructed in partnership with Hancock and Lane Racing, the eCOPO Camaro Concept demonstrates an electrified vision for drag racing.
Hancock and Lane Racing is successful in NHRA competition but also has ties with Patrick McCue, the driving force behind the record-holding Shock and Awe electric drag-racing car. McCue in turn is a driving force behind the automotive technology program at Bothell High School in the Seattle area, from which more than a dozen students participated in the development and assembly of this electrified drag car. "This project exemplifies Chevrolet and General Motors' commitment to engaging young minds in STEM education," said Russ O'Blenes, director of Performance Variants, Parts and Motorsports at General Motors. "It also represents our goal of a world with zero emissions, with the next generation of engineers and scientists who will help us get there."
Motivation for its quarter-mile conquests comes by way of a pair of BorgWarner HVH 250-150-based electric motor assemblies that generate 300 lb-ft of torque each and more than a claimed 700 horsepower combined. Unlike many electric vehicles that use a direct-drive setup, however, the eCOPO utilizes a conventional racing-prepared Turbo 400 automatic transmission to funnel the output rearward to the same solid rear axle used in traditional gasoline-powered COPO Camaro race cars.
While the eCOPO is strictly a concept at this point, it's worth mentioning that the electric motor assembly utilizes the same bellhousing mounting pattern and crankshaft flange as the highly prevalent LS family of engines favored by racers, tuners, and general gearheads. Likewise, the packaging and mounting points for the transmission, driveshaft, and other drivetrain components remain in the same locations as in the gasoline-powered COPO, permitting the electric motor to bolt in and mate with nearly any GM tranny with a minimal of hassle and fabrication.
Juice for the motors is stored in an all-new 800-volt battery pack optimized for faster recharging. Packing more than twice the voltage in the current Chevrolet Bolt EV and Volt models, the battery pack is composed of four 200-volt modules, each weighing approximately 175 pounds. Combined, that’s approximately 700 pounds; to optimize weight distribution, two are mounted in the rear-seat area and the other two are in the trunk–one in the spare tire well and one over the rear axle. The rear batteries are sealed off from the interior of the car, and an integrated driveshaft tunnel and an expanded roll cage have been added for increased module protection. The battery-management system doubles down on safety by monitoring all critical voltages and temperatures within the pack. The setup gives the eCOPO Camaro a slightly better than 56 percent rear-weight bias, which is key for efficient launches. Although testing is ongoing, Chevrolet estimates quarter-mile times in the nine-second range.
While it may seem 90 percent of the hard work is done and the dawn of a new sportsman drag racing class is upon us, Chevrolet’s official statement is that “The eCOPO project points to a future that could include electric crate motors for racing, or even your street rod. We’re not there yet, but it’s something we’re exploring." In the meantime, Chevrolet and Hancock and Lane Racing will continue to develop the eCOPO Camaro and test it on the drag strip, seeking quicker elapsed times with all-new technology.
The Electric Blue eCOPO concept is on the floor at SEMA alongside the 50th-anniversary 2019 COPO Camaro production race car and approximately two dozen additional Chevrolet concept and show vehicles.
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