2019 Yenko Camaro Preview & Buyer's Guide

The Yenko nameplate returns for the newly facelifted 2019 Camaro, complete with styling to match wild power claims out of Specialty Vehicle Engineering, GM's Tier One Supplier for dealers. With two packages that seriously up the ante in the escalating power wars, the Yenko/SC is set to take on just about anything on the road.

Exterior Styling

Specialty Vehicle Engineering has made sure that their Yenko/SC definitely won't be mistaken for just another Camaro straight off the dealer floor. Starting with an enormous side stripe graphic screaming YENKO/SC, the SVE design further builds upon where the 1LE track-focused package left off. A flat black painted rear spoiler sit atop the trunk, which is mirrored below by a black diffuser surrounding quad exhaust tips.

Torque thrust wheels in gun-metal finish with SYC centercaps and machined rims sit at each corner, shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and hiding Yenko-badged brake calipers. Like the striping and plenty of other details, the calipers can be had in a wide range of optional colors. All in all, 10 paint choices are complemented by nine different stripe graphic colors and two spoiler badge options.

Plenty of SYC, SVE, and Yenko badging adorns just about every surface of the Yenko/SC's exterior, including a massive graphic painted onto the carbon fiber hood which itself features a massive cowl to feed the enormous supercharger that lurks within. Depending on a customer's horsepower selection, the figures 835 or 1000 also are also prominently displayed.

Drivetrain & Mechanicals

As much as the exterior gives plenty of advance warning that a Yenko is rolling up, the heart and soul of this limited-edition supercar is its powerplant modifications. Stage I cars are said to crank out 835 horsepower, while the fully-stocked Stage II package boasts up to 1,000 horses.

To produce that kind of power, SVE custom-built a 6.8-liter V8 based on the Camaro's factory 6.2-liter LT-1 engine, and then bolted a healthy supercharger onto it. The Stage I Yenko/SC receives an automatic transmission upgrade (complete with a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty).

The Stage II setup goes much more in depth, adding ported heads, ARP high-strength studs, a 20% larger supercharger allowing up to 25% more boost, and a 10 rib belt drive system. It supports the massive power figures with a 10% larger throttle body, stainless headers with high-flow cats, and an upgraded fuel system. Stage II is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

Customers worried that their Yenko/SC won't be able to handle so much beef can rest assured that SVE's modifications utilize a blueprinted LT-1 aluminum block, forged steel crankshaft and H-beam rods, forged aluminum pistons, and a computer-balanced rotating assembly. The engine and supercharger are covered by SVE's 3-year/36,000-mile assembly warranty, as well.

But peak power isn't the only goal here, as the 1LE's track-specific modifications fit into the mix, including magnetic ride control, an electronic limited-slip differential, upgraded bushings and sway bars, while a heavy-duty cooling system comes complete with dual outboard radiators as well as engine oil, transmission, and rear differential coolers. Splitters front and rear keep the car planted on the tarmac.

Interior & Tech

The Yenko/SC Stage I and II packages don't make massive changes to the Camaro 1LE's interior, which is highlighted by a sleek look, Recaro Performance Seats, and alcantara finishes on the steering wheel and shifter knob. Of course, simple details like Yenko trademark embroidery on the floormats and headrests, as well as badged door sills and even a special-edition key fob fit into the mix.

Pricing & Buying

SVE has priced the pair of Yenkos at a high level befitting the limited-edition run available. Only 25 examples of either Stage I or Stage II cars will be sold, available exclusively through GM dealers in the US and Canada. Pricing starts at $46,995 for the Stage I package, and $66,995 for the Stage II iteration—bear in mind, this is on top of the purchase price for a brand new 2019 Camaro SS 1LE, which starts at $44,995 itself. Depending on which boxes customers check, these beasts can easily eclipse the $100,000 mark.

Competition

The Yenko/SC fits well into the modern power wars dominating headlines coming out of Detroit. While Chevy, Dodge, and Ford are dueling it out with their Corvettes, Challengers, and Mustangs, plenty of aftermarket tuners are jumping into the mix to bump power output above the magical four-figure mark. Lebanon Ford Performance's supercharged and twin-turbocharged Mustangs, anything by any brand coming out of Hennessey in Texas, and the highest-end Demon and Redeye packages all offer insane stats at a range of price points. The Yenko/SC sits at the higher end of the spectrum, but given the history of the Yenko name, exclusive production figures, and the impressive underlying Camaro, the 50 examples sound likely to fly off the shelves.

NEXT: 2019 ROUSH MUSTANG STAGE 3 PREVIEW & BUYER'S GUIDE