Camaro Concept Previews New EV Architecture

 General Motors Co.’s Chevrolet unit unveiled an all-electric concept of the COPO drag-racing version of the Camaro sports coupe ahead of this week’s Specialty Equipment Market Assn. show in Las Vegas.

The eCOPO Camaro features four 200-volt lithium-ion batteries, giving the car twice the capacity (800-v) of the batteries used in the Chevy Bolt EV and Volt plug-in hybrid. The concept racer’s electric motor generates more than 700 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque, which is expected to allow the eCOPO Camaro to run the quarter-mile in less than 10 seconds.

Chevy reportedly is considering commercial applications for the electrical system, starting with aftermarket sales of the BorgWarner-based electric motor. The unit has the same bell house mounting pattern and crankshaft flange as GM’s LS V-8 engines, which will the motor to be teamed with most GM transmissions.

The 800-volt battery will enable faster charging times. In the eCOPO, the four 200-volt modules are positioned in different areas of the vehicle to spread weight distribution (44:56 front-to-rear).  To enhance safety, the dragster’s roll cage has been extended to encompass the batteries.

Chevrolet developed the eCOPO with electric drag racing pioneer Hancock and Lane Racing. The carmaker introduced the original COPO Camaro dragster in 1969.