Zac Quinn 
We’ve been watching the development of the Garage 56 Camaro since it was first announced last year. And during the weekend of the Daytona 500, NASCAR officially unveiled the heroic race car that will compete in the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans this June as the Garage 56 entry. The unique Camaro is a partnership between NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet, and Goodyear.
Garage 56 Chevrolet Camaro: Details
The systems and components of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 are largely unchanged from the Next Gen race car that competes weekly in the NASCAR Cup Series. But race fans will nevertheless immediately notice the changes made to prepare the vehicle for an endurance race. These include functioning headlights and taillights, a larger fuel cell, carbon brake discs, and specially designed Goodyear Eagle race tires. Drivers will still have to enter/exit from the window, like true Americans.
On-track testing for the project began last August at Road Atlanta with two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller, who will be joined by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and 2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button behind the wheel at the upcoming 100th anniversary of the world-famous endurance race. Altogether the test car and its previous iteration have logged over 3,500 miles at six separate tests.
The 2023 Garage 56 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 features a six-inch spoiler, a composite symmetric body featuring integral flap systems, camera mounts, and dive planes. Additionally, the car has been equipped with full carbon underwings with a Le Mans spec splitter, engine panel, and rear diffuser. The car’s chassis comprises steel tubing, bolt-on front and rear clips, and front/rear bumpers.
As for the power of this epic Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, the engine is a NASCAR Cup Series Chevrolet 5.8-liter R07 cast iron small block V8, which means it has the potential to make over 750 horsepower. However, the exact number under the hood of the Camaro has yet to be revealed. Power from the engine is sent to a 5-speed paddle shift sequential with a ramp and plate differential. Connecting the car to the track will be a set of BBS-G56 forged aluminum wheels with Goodyear Racing Eagles wrapped around them. As for stopping power, six-piston monobloc front and four-piston monobloc rear calipers will ensure the car can slow down for the turns.
Not slowing down, the Le Mans-bound Chevrolet Camaro is currently testing at Sebring International Raceway to log more endurance racing data.
Join us for a Garage 56 announcement from @DAYTONA @nascarg56 | #NextGenG56 https://t.co/mAHbdXb9eC
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 17, 2023
NASCAR Next Gen Garage 56 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Specs:
Length: 195.4” / 4,961 mm
Width: 78.6” / 1,996.4 mm
Height: 50.4” / 1,280 mm
Wheelbase: 110” / 2,794 mm
Weight: 2,960 lbs / 1,342 kg
Spoiler: 6” / 152.4 mm
Body: 2023 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 composite symmetric body featuring integral flap systems, camera mounts and dive planes
Underwing: Full carbon undertray w/Le Mans spec splitter, engine panel and rear diffuser
Chassis: Steel tubing w/bolt-on front and rear clips and front/rear bumpers
Transaxle: 5-speed paddle shift sequential with ramp and plate differential
Suspension (Front and rear): Double wishbone billet aluminum control arms w/adjustable coil over shock absorbers
Steering: Rack and pinion
Wheels: Dry Fronts – BBS-G56 forged aluminum 18” x 12.5” / 462 mm x 317.5 mm
Dry Rears – BBS-G56 forged aluminum 18” x 13.5” / 462 mm x 342.9 mm
Wets – BBS forged aluminum 18” x 12” / 462 mm x 304.8 mm
Tires: Dry Fronts – Goodyear Racing Eagles – 365/35R18 (day / night)
Dry Rears – Goodyear Racing Eagles – 380/35R18 (day / night)
Wets – Goodyear Racing Eagles – 365/35R18 (inter / full)
** Cured in-tire, passive TPMS system, Powered by Goodyear Sightline
Brakes: Six piston monobloc front calipers / four piston monobloc rear calipers – heavy duty carbon disc packages
Front Brake Rotors: 15” x 1.57” / 381 mm x 40 mm carbon disc w/titanium bell
Rear Brake Rotors: 14” x 1.26” / 355.6 mm x 32 mm carbon disc w/titanium bell
Engine: NASCAR Cup Series Chevrolet R07 cast iron small block V8
Engine displacement: 358 cu in / 5.8 L
Induction system: Naturally aspirated
Fuel system: Fuel injection
Oil system: Dry sump
Engine cooling: Air exits radiator through hood louvers
Exhaust: Split-side exit exhaust
Fuel cell: 32 gallons / 127 L (Total Excellium Racing 100)
