The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro: A Closer Look at Chevy Performance Parts
Yesterday, at the prestigious Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch, Chevrolet showcased the vast range of performance parts and accessories available for their fleet, including the Camaro, the new Cruze hatchback, the Colorado, and the Silverado. These offerings include air intake and exhaust kits, performance suspension and brake upgrades, providing an array of customization options for potential and current owners.
Performance Parts: A Testament to Chevrolet's Engineering Precision
Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports, assured the audience that Chevrolet's performance parts and accessories are crafted, tested, and perfected with the same rigorous standards as production components. These upgrades promise the utmost quality, precise fit, and longevity, rendering these enhancements more than mere afterthoughts.
Highlighting the impact of these modifications, Chevrolet Performance engineers arranged an on-track comparison between factory-stock vehicles and their performance-enhanced equivalents. Journalists were given the opportunity to drive around the Spring Mountain road course, experiencing first-hand the distinct improvements these performance parts bring to each model.
Assured Quality and Warranty with Chevrolet Performance Parts
According to Mark Dickens, director of Performance Variants, Parts and Motorsports Engineering, Chevrolet's performance parts and accessories promise not just impressive performance and aesthetic appeal, but peace of mind. Importantly, Chevrolet maintains the new-vehicle warranty when these upgrades are installed by a certified Chevrolet dealer.
Boosting the Camaro's Performance
Chevrolet showcased the prowess of performance-enhanced Camaro models, including the LT1 V-8-powered SS and LT models with 3.6L V-6 and 2.0L turbocharged I-4 engines. The upgrades were contrasted with stock models, demonstrating the immense potential of factory-developed upgrades to elevate an already impressive machine.
The performance-upgraded SS models featured a performance air intake, exhaust systems, brake and suspension upgrades. The revamped brake system boasted six-piston front calipers and larger rotors, providing substantial improvements in stopping power. The suspension upgrades included a lowering kit with new springs and dampers that reduced the car's height by about 0.75 inch (approximately 20mm), and a handling kit that incorporated larger-diameter stabilizer bars and stiffer suspension links for superior handling.
The V-6 model was furnished with new Chevrolet Performance intake and exhaust systems, a brake upgrade featuring four-piston calipers, and the aforementioned suspension lowering kit. The 2.0L turbocharged Camaro was similarly upgraded with a new performance exhaust system, six-piston brake system, and the suspension lowering kit.
Performance Parts: Tailored for Each Camaro Model
Interestingly, these performance-enhancing kits were specifically designed for each Camaro model and its respective propulsion system. In certain cases, the enhancements were even customized for coupe and convertible models. These carefully calibrated upgrades were engineered to provide a noticeable performance boost while maintaining an enjoyable ride quality.
Mark Dickens explained the benefit of these enhancements, noting that the upgraded brake systems allow drivers to maintain higher speeds into turns, and the new suspension parts enable flatter, more confident cornering. The Gen Six Camaro is already a formidable track car straight from the showroom floor, but with these performance parts, its capabilities are significantly extended.
