SEMA 2009: Jay Leno Camaro a pre-emptive strike against EcoBoost 'Stang

What do you get the guy who has everything? For SEMA 2009, GM decided to go with the less-is-more approach and built Jay Leno his own special Camaro... with less. Less cylinders at any rate, as this V6 special more than makes up for its lack of firing pots by adding a pair of turbochargers.

The 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 is otherwise similar to the unit that resides in run-of-the-mill Camaro LS and LT models, but with the dual huffers helping it, it produces the same 425 horsepower as its V8-propelled SS brother. And in a playful EcoBoasting slap, Chevy points out that they get the extra performance with virtually no penalty in fuel economy. Take that, rumored EcoBoost Mustang!

Besides the power upgrades, the Leno Camaro also gets a beefed up clutch for its six-speed transmission, an upgraded radiator, Brembo brakes, a Pedders coil-over kit, and a bodykit that includes a new rear diffuser as well as a revised front fascia and hood with additional venting for brakes and engine. It's one of a handful of Camaros in the GM booth, but it's the only one sticking its chin out, egging on the Ford boys. Press release after the jump and full gallery below.

Photos copyright ©2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Chevrolet]

PRESS RELEASE

The Jay Leno Camaro

Powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6L direct injected V-6 that is standard in Camaro LS and LT models, Leno's Camaro blends high performance with surprising efficiency in a racing-ready package. A pair of Turbonetics T-3 turbochargers blows through a custom air-to-air intercooler, force-feeding the engine about seven pounds of boost and lifting its horsepower level to about 425. That's about 40 percent greater than stock and in normal driving (when the turbochargers aren't making boost), there's virtually no penalty in fuel economy over the non-turbocharged 3.6L engine.

"Jay's Camaro offers style, performance and efficiency in a big way," said Dewar. "It delivers the power of a Camaro SS on demand, but with the fuel economy of a V-6."

Supporting upgrades for the turbo system include a larger-capacity Be-Kool radiator and a custom exhaust system, as well as a Centerforce-supplied clutch and pressure plate for the six-speed manual transmission. The tubing for the turbo system is powder-coated blue. The powertrain was designed to deliver consistent, controllable power for both the street and race track. In fact, road racing was a primary mission for the car during its development.

Additional vehicle also support its racing intent:

• Brembo six-piston brake package
• Pedders coil-over lowering kit
• New front fascia with custom fog lamps and integral brake cooling vents
• Air extractor-style hood

The exterior styling of Leno's car is the most radical of all the Camaro concepts at SEMA. The front fascia and hood are one-off creations, as are the unique upper and lower grilles and the ground effects package (including a rear diffuser). The heritage-inspired vent styling in front of the rear wheels has been replaced with functional brake cooling ducts.