Autoweek Features eCopo Camaro All-Electric Racer Doling Out 9-Second Run

There is a major development brewing within the auto industry right now that may very well change the face of drag racing for good, and usher in a new era of planet-friendly technology that will never be the same. The Autoweek blog ran a feature last week about the Chevy eCopo Camaro running a pure electric 9-second pass in front of a captivated audience, and also posted the video here. Just before launch, the announcer himself admits that he hopes gas-powered engines remain as the heart and soul of drag racing, as the loud roar is definitely a large part of the excitement that fans love so much about the sport.

There are two Borg Warner electric motors under the hood, that complete the task of driving the rear wheels through a torque-converter automatic transmission. Completely re-writing the playbook as far as drag racing and gas-powered engines are concerned, the eCopo finally proves that the existence of a 700-horsepower beast touting top speeds of 140-plus mph can exist without the presence of gasoline. The NHRA has been said to be “receptive” of the concept, even though we can be sure that they may be a bit hesitant about the potential loss of what some think is the only tried-and-true roots of drag racing. When the eCopo Camaro debuted at least year's SEMA show many were understandably in shock, but as one takes a close look at models such as the Tesla Model S sedan, it was only a matter of time before fully-fledged speed demons powered by battery were in the works.

One peek at the video and all of us on staff here at Chuck Hutton could tell that the brand we so love to represent was not playing around in the least with the eCopo Camaro: it comes straight out of the hole with guns blazing, wheels in the air, and keeps pulling with all its might until the car streaks past the beams. We know that it is quick in the unearthly sense, but there is something a bit strange about a Camaro that can launch and perform like this minus noise from the engine. But with neighborhoods constantly being built in closer proximity to racetracks, this strange silence could become a big selling point for the pastime's future.

When the dust finally settled at the dragstrip that day, the quarter-mile time was 9.837 seconds, from a standing start, which is pretty monumental considering the power source. As we've seen with battery and motor technology, the eCopo will probably just be a starting point for cars that boast even more capability in the future, but having what is truly the first dragster of this caliber as a memoir for what is going to come is excellent. What is so monumental about the eCopo concept is that it is completely unlike EV cars such as the NIO EP9 or upcoming second-generation Tesla Roadster: it looks like it derives from the traditional muscle car club on the outside.

The power pack is split into four 200-volt modules that are tucked into different spots around the frame: two sit in the rear-seat area, and two are situated in the trunk. Distributing the mass of the batteries in this fashion helps improve performance on the strip by giving the car a 56 percent rear weight bias, which is the key to a successful launch. It also really showcases what a work of mastery this was on the part of Hancock and Lane, the skilled drag racing team that helped Chevy with the build. It is a project that really embraces Chevy and GM's commitment to engaging young minds in STEM education, and represents the sensible goal of a world with zero emissions via the crop of scientists and engineers who will lead the way expertly to the finish line!

GM Performance Director Gives Detailed Overview of Chevy Camaro eCOPO Concept

1320 Video recently caught up with Russ O'Blenes, who is in charge of a very important and future-focused job: development regarding the all-electric Chevy Camaro eCOPO concept for GM. The future of electric performance vehicles is going to be thrust in the spotlight in a major way soon, and all of us here at Chuck Hutton have been fascinated with the potential, performance, and versatility of the electric motor in the Camaro eCOPO concept.

For many years, GM “Crate” engines have been the core of our performance line. After many hours of thought, research, and testing, a package was developed that was the ultimate solution for a direct replacement for a small block Chevy. The flex plate bolts right on, and any torque converter pulls up to it with ease. When asked in detail about the torque factor and exactly when the electric crate motor could be available to hot rod enthusiasts in the future, Russ laments that “it's more of a when than an if.” after a very strong reception during SEMA, it was recognized that even though gasoline has dangers, consumers have become comfortable, and began to realize the possibilities.

In regard to electrification, people are still in the early learning stage, and Russ is eager to expand on the element of safety that many are understanding needs to be learned and understood. The electric eCOPO offers up 720 hp, in a fashion of power provision that was previously only dreamed of.  Even though the torque spec sits a bit lower then what some may expect, it is truly amazing that we are peeking in on such a time of dire change, where pioneers such as Tesla have paved the way for a more receptive climate in terms of electrification.

You can view the video here, and at about 3:36 you get a glimpse of raw drag action. It is true that some may be overly amazed that this is an electric car, period. How the motor is designed is based on how much power is needed, and the battery weight is about 750 lbs total. Batteries are situated two in the backseat, two in the trunk, and under the hood is the dual motor assembly. The batteries are water-cooled courtesy of partner Hybrid Design Systems, and the high level of voltage is an element that has to be constantly considered in terms of safety. 800 volts and 1400 amps are quite serious in terms of sheer muscle factor.

Here at Chuck Hutton of Memphis, we realize that many of our customers have become very used to driving around gas-powered vehicles, and that the change on the horizon can sometimes be a different stretch to adapt to. We will keep you posted on how things progress with electrification in general, and just how fast this glimpse of the future will be arriving permanently on our showroom floor!