The year 2024 marks the end of an era for the beloved Chevrolet Camaro, as the sixth-generation model will be retired. However, Chevy has not yet announced when a successor will be released, or whether it will resemble the current Camaro. In the meantime, Specialty Vehicle Engineering (SVE) is taking advantage of this final opportunity to build one last round of Yenko Camaros.
The 2024 SVE Chevy Camaro Yenko/SE will be the last modern Yenko Camaro, at least for now. SVE is based in New Jersey and holds the license for the Yenko trademark, which became famous thanks to the Canonsburg, Pennsylvania dealership Yenko Chevrolet and its special-order muscle cars in the 1960s.
For the 2024 model year, SVE will offer three different upgrades: Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III. All three versions will use the Camaro SS with the 1LE performance package as a starting point. The Stage I and Stage II upgrades will feature a supercharged 6.8-liter V-8, which is based on the General Motors LT1 6.2-liter small-block engine used in the stock Camaro SS. The Stage I version will deliver an impressive 1,150 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque, while the Stage II will offer even more power with 1,200 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque. These upgrades represent a 100-horsepower increase for Stage I compared to the 2023 model year, while Stage II sees a 50-horsepower increase and a 40 lb-ft increase in torque.
In addition to the Stage I and Stage II upgrades, SVE also introduces a new Stage III option for the 2024 Camaro Yenko/SE. This version will feature a supercharged 7.0-liter V-8, which is based on a GM 6.6-liter iron block engine that has been bored and stroked. The Stage III version will produce an astonishing 1,500 horsepower and 1,280 lb-ft of torque. Both the Stage II and Stage III versions will be available only with the 6-speed manual transmission from the stock Camaro SS, while the Stage I will use the stock 10-speed automatic.
Related Post
Many of the performance features from the factory 1LE package will carry over to the SVE upgrades. This includes magnetic dampers, an electronic limited-slip differential, and a heavy-duty cooling system with dual outboard radiators, a transmission cooler, and a rear differential cooler. The 1LE package’s functional front splitter, rear spoiler, and Recaro seats will also be retained. To enhance its appearance, SVE adds forged aluminum wheels, side stripes, and a carbon-fiber hood with a scoop.
SVE plans to build 50 units each of the Stage I and Stage II 2024 Camaro Yenko/SE models, and 100 units of the Stage III version. Prices for the Stage I package will start at $87,995, while the Stage II and Stage III will be priced from $89,995 and $129,995, respectively.
Not to be outdone, Hennessey is also launching its own 1,000-horsepower sendoff for the Camaro. Known as the “Final Edition,” this special version is based on Hennessey’s Exorcist Camaro ZL1 upgrade package. Only 57 units will be built, symbolizing the number of years since the Camaro was initially launched. Pricing for the Final Edition starts at $54,950, excluding the cost of a customer-supplied Camaro ZL1 donor car.
Though Chevy has its own sendoff for the Camaro, it takes a slightly tamer approach. The Collector’s Edition package offers unique styling features but does not include any performance upgrades.
As we bid farewell to the sixth-generation Camaro, enthusiasts can take solace in the fact that companies like SVE and Hennessey are giving the iconic sports car the grand exit it deserves. With their powerful upgrades and limited-production models, these final iterations of the Camaro will surely leave a lasting impression on both car enthusiasts and collectors alike. While the future of the Camaro remains uncertain, car enthusiasts can enjoy these last hurrahs and eagerly await what comes next from Chevrolet.
