General Motors is going big in 2022 as it brings back the legendary COPO Camaro, a purpose built drag-racing special featuring the largest available V8 engine from the manufacturer.

Channeling the spirit of the original 1969 COPO Camaro, the vehicle is offered with a whopping 572 cu.in. (9.4 liter) big block engine, with two additional LSX-based small block motors optionally available.

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No Limit On Prodcution, But First Come First Served

Camaro_BigBlock
Photo: Cheverolet Media

According to Chevrolet, the COPO 572 uses a cast-iron block with four-bolt main caps, aluminum heads, a forged steel crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods and forged aluminum pistons. For all engine variants, power is routed through a ATI Racing Products TH400 three-speed automatic transmission.

While the original COPO Camaro was available in limited numbers and special-ordered by dealers using the Central Office Production Order system, Chevy says they will not limit production in 2022 but will fill orders on a first come, first served basis.

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History of the Big Block V8 COPO Camaro

Camaro Big Block V8
via Chevrolet

Introduced in 1958, Chevrolet designed the big block V8 to augment the already existing small block motor, and provide additional power for larger and heavier cars and trucks that were in the works.

In response to dealerships that were seeking higher-powered Camaros, Chevy introduced the COPO program for this model in 1969, offering a 427 cu.in. engine rated at 425 horsepower. In total, 1,084 special-order COPO vehicles were delivered to dealerships, according to available sources.

Fast forward to 2011, when Chevrolet unveiled a COPO concept car at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Based on overwhelming consumer response, the automaker decided to re-introduce the vehicle in limited numbers in 2012 – 2015, building just 69 units per model year.

The contemporary COPO Camaro is designed for competition in National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Stock Eliminator and Super Stock classes, and is available with a solid axle and chrome-moly roll cage, racing bucket seats, a competition spoor shifter, performance gauges and a safety harness.

Because it’s engineered for the purpose of drag racing, the COPO Camaro will be sold as a Chevrolet Performance part and cannot be registered for general street use.

Chevrolet says that buyers lucky enough to take delivery of a 2022 model may also participate in a private tour of the COPO Build Facility in Oxford, Michigan, where each car is custom made.

Sources: Chevrolet, GMpartscenter.net

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