2012 SLP Chevrolet Camaro Panther 600: An extra dose of power

Panther unleashed






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<!--This is where the subscribe if date entered in slug was -->The front of the 2012 SLP Chevrolet Camaro Panther 600..



A rear view of the 2012 SLP Chevrolet Camaro Panther 600..




The engine of the 2012 SLP Chevrolet Camaro Panther 600..

By: Barry Winfield on 5/15/2012







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There is no shortage of aftermarket Camaro offerings, so it's nice to see veteran General Motors tuners SLP come up with a novel Camaro package, one that even has some historical significance. The company calls its limited-edition series Panther, a name used by Chevrolet for the original project to produce a Ford Mustang rival in 1965.

That name was changed to Camaro before the model went into production. Painted all black, appropriate for something called a Panther, 100 augmented Camaros will be available as 560-, 585- and 600-hp versions, with another 45 available in 700-hp form. Because the stock LS3's 425 hp just isn't enough.

We drove the 600-hp model in and around Las Vegas and found it very appealing, devoid of unpleasant noises and comfortable to boot. The extra power comes from a Magna Charge TVS 2300 supercharger package abetted by high-lift rocker arms, springs and titanium retainers, along with an SLP Blackwing cold-air induction system and an axle-back Loud Mouth II exhaust system.

An upgraded spring package that lowers the ride height about an inch is a standard chassis upgrade on the Panther 600 model, but there also are various optional suspension upgrades available, including an adjustable sway bar package for $695 and a coil-over spring/shock package for $2,595.

Needs will vary, but our car's setup was optimal for real-world use. It had a respectable ride quality, and the sound levels weren't obnoxious, apart from some low-rpm boom when lugging along.

Much of the Panther's appeal is in its appearance, and the basic package includes fascia, hood and trunk graphics, plus side-gill inserts, a prominent rear spoiler, Panther-logo mats and headrests and a car cover with the logo. Our test car also wore handsome black-chrome wheels ($2,995), a front splitter ($495) and a rear diffuser ($1,195), which improved the look.

The car's makers estimate the Panther 600's 0-to-60-mph time to be in the region of 3.5 seconds, which is confirmed by online calculators. But good luck finding a surface with enough traction to support that claim, because our car would spin up in first gear (even after a near-idle-speed launch) as the supercharger boost came up.

Wheelspin in second gear is possible, too, so optimal drag-strip performance probably will require wider tires and lower pressures. But out on the regular highway, the extra power is great for passing and for going really fast when nobody's looking. The short-shift kit in the Panther pulls the gates closer than we'd like and increases the effort beyond the need for everyday driving, but hot-rodders seem to demand this feature, so what do we know?

The stock Brembo brakes that came on the 1SS donor car seemed up to the task of slowing this two-ton vehicle, but there are two Brembo upgrade packages in SLP's catalog if you have cash to spare, and the pricier of the two runs $6,000. It all sounds fabulously expensive, but SLP reminds us that a basic Panther can be had for less than $60,000 and will avoid the gas-guzzler tax found on the factory ZL1.


2012 SLP Chevrolet Camaro Panther 600


ON SALE: Now

BASE PRICE: $57,000 (in-cluding $32,000 1SS donor car)

DRIVETRAIN: 6.2-liter, 600-hp, 560-lb-ft (est) supercharged V8; RWD, six-speed manual

CURB WEIGHT: 4,000 lb

0-60 MPH: 3.5 sec (mfr)

FUEL ECONOMY (EPA): 15 mpg (est)
Auto Week <~Source

 

I'll take two. Of course I'd have to win the lottery first. Now you're talking some serious horsepower. The only problem with having that much power in any car, is you can't truely enjoy it unless you get it on a track. Trying to stretch that car's legs on a public highway is just asking for trouble. Probably get cut off by some little toyota and wreck an awesome ride.

 

Which one do you like best or want ?
The Panther or the below ?
Hennessey HPE1000 Twin-Turbo 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1


By <A id=disclaimer_popup href="http://www.insideline.com/staff/email-disclaimer.html">Mike Lysaght, Correspondent |


<FORM id=yui-gen5 class=rating>Just the Facts:</FORM>

• The HPE1000 Twin-Turbo spits out 1,021 horsepower, thanks to completely redone internals.
• It gets a 7.0-liter LSX power plant, twin ball-bearing turbochargers, forged low-compression pistons, a stainless-steel freer-flowing exhaust and a lot more go-fast goodies.
• The Texas tuner is also offering less powerful 600, 650, 700 and 800 hp variants.

SEALY, Texas — If you thought the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was already powerful enough with its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 making 580 horses and 556 pound-feet of torque, Hennessey Performance Engineering surely disagrees. The tuner just released its plans for a variety of upgrade kits for the Chevy supecar with the top performer developing 1,021 horsepower.
The flagship tuning kit, called the HPE1000 Twin Turbo, will lay down a reported 1,021 horsepower at 6,400 rpm. Completely redone internals, which includes the installation of a 7.0-liter LSX power plant, forged low-compression pistons, new connecting rods, camshaft, Callies 4340 forged steel crank, high-flow cylinder heads and an upgraded fuel system with new injectors, are credited for the substantial increase in power.
A twin ball-bearing turbo system with dual wastegates, an electronic boost controller, air-to-air intercooler and completely redone stainless-steel exhaust system takes the setup to the next level. The only transmission offered for the car will be a manual setup with a Centerforce dual friction clutch.
Non-performance items include HPE1000 exterior badging, serial-numbered dash and engine plaques, floor mats and embroidered headrests.
For those looking for slightly more manageable amounts of output, HPE is also offering 600, 650, 700 and 800 hp variants.
Orders will begin in late 2011, and all cars will come with a 1-year/12,000-mile limited warranty. The upgrade is not compliant with California emissions laws.
Inside Line says: Hennessey's package elevates Chevy's ZL1 to supercar status — if it wasn't there already.


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I love all these special edition Camaro's but like Taz said you cant really use all that power. I still want one of each tho in a few different colors and a convertible or two

 

Quit adding power and cut some g-d weight!

 

hennessey hpe 1000hp twin turbo is my dream but ill be happy with a 2012 camaro 2ss (im hoping to have it by my birthday at the end of august!!)

 

..Hi `Matt, yes the Camaro needs to go on a diet 4-Sure..
If Ford can do it with the Mustang, then Chevy should to 4-Sure

'

Hi `John, SuperSuper `Dream 4- Sure...Keep Work'in
How would you equip your 2012 S.S. (What options/color etc)...Did you check the cost 4 in$urance ? WoW...I know it's high for me on any performance ride LOL, I wouldn't be racing `if I had one (LOL) ~> lol

 

Looks nice too bad I dont fit. I have sent many angry emails about being no big coupes on their lineup. I really like the black chrome wheels with the black paint.

 

hi space, i am planning on getting the 2012 camaro 2ss fully loaded, leather, HUD, auxiliary gauges, hurst short throw 6 speed, rs package, high soprt spoiler, painted crystal red tint coat with black synergy and heritage striping. when i buy it i plan to have the money saved for the american racing long tube headers with mid pipes, magna flow axle back exhaust, CAI, and tint the windows.

my payments will be around $600.00 a month for 6 years

my insurance will go up $66 a month by adding the camaro.

i have a personal loan out that is almost paid off and it was $500 a month and i paid my 2 credit cards off which i was paying $200.00 on each one a month so under my calculations......

i was paying $900.00 a m onth in these bills, once paid off ill be spending $700.00 on the camaro a month including the insurance and $200.00 a month in turbo monte parts and im still even

 

WoW `John, that's a Big Payment to take on, but life is short & we must `do everything we can to EnJoy the Journey... WoW...Wish you the best in getting what you want/desire 4-Sure...

It's great that you are keeping your Turbo Monte also
p.s. will you have garage space 4 both ?

Hopefully since you are planning on buying in August this year, I hope there's some decent discounts on the 2012's & that you can get a Super Price ? Good Luck & I look 4ward to reading all about it & seeing your pictures...

You had a dream, you are making your plans, & you are work'in your butt `off 2 get to your dream ride~> Good Luck 4-Sure