COPO Camaro Returns For 2023 With Available 10.35-Liter V8 Engine

Dec. 19, 2022 5:59 PM ET byJarryd Neves Engine /2 Comments

The new Big-Block 632 was first introduced last year as the automaker's most powerful crate motor.

The track-only iteration of theChevrolet Camaro,incredible COPO Camaro, will return for MY2023 with a rather exciting powerplant option.

First discovered byMotor1,the automaker will offer its drag strip-destroying muscle car with the new Big-Block 10.35-liter (632 cubic-inch) engine. Chevrolet is yet to announce the exact performance figures, but it's safe to assume it will pack explosive outputs. The powerplant was firstrevealed as the ZZ632 crate motor last yearand boasts a heady 1,004 horsepower and 876 lb-ft of torque.

At the time, Chevrolet described it as "the biggest [and] baddest crate engine we've ever built." It appears the 9.3-liter COPO 572 is no longer available, but the automaker will provide two additional options.

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Chevrolet will continue to offer the naturally aspirated COPO 427 powerplant, along with the LSX-based supercharged engine. These packages offer 470 and 580 hp, respectively.

Hopeful customers can already submit an online order to Chevrolet Performance, but that doesn't mean you'll secure yourself a build slot. As per the automaker, submitting your information doesn't secure your order. But if you're lucky enough to nab one of the spots, you'll be required to pay a $15,000 deposit to secure your 2023 COPO Camaro. Once everything is finalized, customers will receive a call from Chevrolet to finalize the deal.

As a reminder, the COPO Camaro isn't eligible for road use and cannot be registered in any of the 50 states. As such, the vehicle does not have a VIN and is sold without a title.

Chevrolet

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We're guessing that won't discourage performance-hungry buyers from forging ahead with the deal. COPO Camaros remain strong contenders in NHRA events across the country, and the latest engine will certainly encourage healthy competition.

But it's not the most extreme new engine to be released by an American automaker in recent weeks. Stellantis-owned Dodge recentlyunveiled revised Hellephant engineswhich, depending on the configuration and fuel, can produce up to 1,100 hp.

Chevrolet is yet to announce pricing and availability for the 2023 COPO Camaro, but it should prove popular in motorsport circles. What's more, as GMcontinues to focus on the electric future, we can't see something like this surviving for long. For that reason alone, it may be worth trying to get your hands on one.