Callaway SC572: A Blown Camaro with Real Go for the Dough

Throughout the years,
the Camaro has been
in the shadow of GM's
Corvette. However,
in these more subdued
economic times and
with the latest Corvette
priced at over $100,000,
the Callaway SC572
Camaro is a motoring
alternative to the Corvette.

Callaway has been mostly
associated with modified
and racing Corvettes.

However, the tuner has put its motoring magic into the fifth-generation Camaro.

So what does this Callaway have to offer? The SC572 performance package
can be purchased separately and installed on a Camaro SS (requires shipment
of the car to either Corona, California or Old Lime, Connecticut for instillation)
or it can be built-to-order at one of 26 dealers located in the United States or
Canada.

The cost of the Callaway package in $16,990. It includes a Magnuson/Eaton
TVS 2300 4-lobe, Roots-type supercharger, an intake manifold with integrated
intercooler, exhaust, carbon fiber engine covers, interior and exterior badging as
well as a matching computer tune. Furthermore, this package provides anodized
doorsills, embroidered headrests and floormats, a key fob, and documentation.
The system is built with original equipment tolerances and it comes with a 3-year
36,000 mile powertrain warranty.

On the road, the Callaway package provides 572 hp and 541 lb. ft. of torque
from the supercharged LS3 engine. This makes the 0-60 mph time 4.1 seconds
and the ¼ mile in 12.2 seconds at 118.5 mph. Compared to a stock Camaro SS,
the built up Callaway version is a half-second faster to 60, and .8 second and
7-miles per hour faster in the quarter mile.

The power is transmitted through the standard SS Tremec TR-6060 6-speed
transmission and shifting is controlled by Callaway's short-throw shifter
and a Corvette inspired shift knob. And except for Callaway's special wheels,
the remainder of the powertrain is the stock hardware.

For the handling side of things, there is an optional suspension package priced
at $2,990. This includes progressive rate springs and stiffer anti-roll bars at both
ends. Additionally, the ride height is lowered by 25 millimeters and the springs
rest on adjustable perches for fine tuning.

Overall, the suspension package is noticeably stiffer than the stock SS,
however, the Callaway unit is more composed and therefore more controllable.
Thus, the Callaway Camaro is remarkably settled over bumps and pavement
heaves.

There is a $3,900 optional PowerWindow hood which combines a carbon-
fiber framed window that allows the driver to see the supercharger.

Although there are other sources for more Camaro power which include
Fastline, Lingenfelter, Fesler-Moss, and Saleen, Callaway has a long and
successful history in the performance industry.

With the Callaway SC572 Camaro you get near Corvette performance for
less than half the price - $50,000-$55,000 and a three-year warranty in the
deal.

Have an auto question or comment? You can email it to me at
Kbusch3@verizon.net. Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best
for the Price..." www.DriveTheBestBook.com.