When Global Vice President of General Motors Design Ed Welburn pulled the silk off the final vehicle in a special event with a small amount of journalists on the first night of SEMA, the guests were surprised to find none other than Jay Leno sitting behind the wheel.
The talk show host, comedian, and car enthusiast was on hand to reveal his special edition Camaro concept propelled by the 3.6-liter direct-injected V-6 that is standard in Camaro LS and LT models. Making it especially high-powered is a pair of Turbonetics T-3 turbochargers that blow through a custom air-to-air intercooler boosting output by 40 percent to about 425 horsepower.
Upgrades for the turbo system include a larger-capacity Be-Kool radiator and a custom exhaust system, as well as a Centerforce-supplied clutch and pressure plate for the six-speed manual transmission. Additional performance upgrades include a Brembo six-piston brake package, Pedders coil-over lowering kit, custom fog lamps and integral brake cooling vents, and an air extractor-style hood.
Leno's car is the most radical exterior styling of all the Camaro concepts revealed at SEMA tonight. The front fascia and hood, upper and lower grilles, and the ground effects package (including a rear diffuser) have been restyled for Jay's custom road racer.
Inside, Leno's concept Camaro has been retrimmed with jet black Katzkin leather with dark gray accent stitching, and features a sports black painted I/P and door trim panel inserts.
"Jay's Camaro offers style, performance and efficiency in a big way," says Brent Dewar, vice president, Global Chevrolet Brand. "It delivers the power of a Camaro SS on demand, but with the fuel economy of a V-6."
Rock on, Jay. We're so glad your car enthusiasm can help to envision such an awesome creation!
Read more about Chevrolet Camaro here at autoMedia.com
By Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com Contributing Editor
(Photos by Brandy Schaffels. Left to right: Jay Leno, Ed Welburn, and John Fitzpatrick, marketing manager for the Camaro.)