Chevrolet’s eCopo Camaro Excites and Innovates
While a fully electric dragster might sound like a paradox, the Chevrolet eCopo Camaro is working to disprove doubters by shattering stereotypes on the drag strip. The electric blue, lightning-bolt emblazoned Camaro was put to the test at Arizona’s Wild Horse Pass drag strip, and it passed with flying colors. Driven by an electric crate motor that delivers nearly 800 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque, the eCopo Camaro ran the quarter-mile in 10.14 seconds on its first pass — and even popped a wheelie. On its second pass, it shaved its time down to 10.03 seconds, crossing the finish line at 138 mph.
Electric Innovation: GM increases production of the new Chevrolet Bolt EV
Forward-thinking design
The eCopo Camaro concept explores Chevrolet and General Motor’s commitment to pioneering electric vehicle technology. While the eCopo Camaro isn’t intended to be a daily driver, its engineering innovations pave the way for future electric cars. Since its electric motor has the same bell house mounting pattern and crankshaft flange as Chevy’s popular LS-family engines, it can bolt up to nearly any General Motors transmission. Better yet, its transmission, driveshaft, and other components remain in the same place as in the gas-powered COPO, so the electric motor can easily bolt in and replace the conventional engine.
A glimpse into the future
According to Russ O’Blenes, director of GM’s Performance Variants, Parts, and Motorsports, the original COPO project strove to push boundaries, and the eCopo project carries forward that same spirit. To develop and build the eCopop Camaro, Chevrolet teamed up with Hancock, Lane Racing, and Patrick McCue. While McCue was the driving force behind the groundbreaking “Shock and Awe” electric dragster, he also spearheads an effort to get high school students involved with the design and engineering of electric cars. With his assistance, more than a dozen students participated in developing and assembling the eCopo Camaro.
O’Blenes explains that the eCopo Camaro project exemplifies Chevy’s commitment to engaging the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Built to Last: The most rust-resistant Chevy models
Naturally, Chevrolet is proud of its electric-blue speedster. Chevy’s newly appointed head of engineering, Al Oppenheiser, says that the eCopo Camaro represents the automaker’s dedication to creating a world with zero emissions, zero crashes, and zero congestion.
Sources: Chevrolet, Motor Trend
Kimiko Kidd is a native Daytonian. She graduated from Wright State University with degrees in environmental science and sociology. She loves her trusty old Honda Civic, but dreams of owning a 1974 Ford Falcon XB with a custom paint job and a vintage Kawasaki Z1000. In her free time, Kimiko can be found watercolor-painting, baking muffins, collecting rocks, playing old-school Nintendo games, writing her novel, sewing stuffed animals, and cosplaying as her favorite Mad Max characters. See more articles by Kimiko.