Chevy’s Chevelle Slammer Is An Old Skool Concept With New Tricks Up Its Sleeve

Find Chevrolet’s 2017 Camaro SS Slammer Concept too modern for your taste buds? Fear not, as GM’s bow-tie brand has also prepped an old-school stanced study for SEMA, the Chevelle Slammer.

Looks can be deceiving though, as this 1969 Chevelle runs on GM’s all-new LT376/535 crate engine based on the same V8 powering the Camaro SS and Corvette Stingray, but with a unique camshaft-and-heads package to help it gain another 75 horses for a total of 535hp.

“The LT376/535 crate engine represents the best of Chevrolet’s performance engineering,” said Rocko Parker, Chevrolet Performance Parts engineer. “Adhering to the same standards as the development of production engines, the LT376/535 offers tremendous power with the drivability expected with a new vehicle. It’s the best of both worlds.”

The V8 is mated to Chevrolet’s new SuperMatic 4L75-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with a torque capacity of 650 lb.-ft.

As you may have already figured out, the Slammer was made to advertise GM’s new crate engine and transmission, but in order to get your attention, Chevy’s designers rejuvenated the ’69 Chevelle with some tasty mods. 

“The ’69 Chevelle is one of the best-looking cars of the muscle car era and we didn’t want to mess with its classic cues or period-perfect proportions,” said Humberto Ortiz, Chevrolet designer. “We’ve simply enhanced it where we could, knocking down the chrome in certain areas and tightening other exterior details such as the bumpers, grille and more. It’s still a 1969 Chevelle at a glance, but as you continue to examine it, the details really stand out.”

Riding on 18-inch front and 20-inch rear polished wheels with an air-suspension offering the necessary stance when stationary, the Chevelle also gets a 6th gen-Camaro performance braking system. The deep black exterior paint is contrasted by a red interior. 

“The contrast between the exterior and interior is stunning and dramatic,” said Ortiz. “The idea was to give the cabin the appearance of being dipped in red.”

Among other interior modifications, the Slammer gained front seats from a 2016 Camaro and custom gauges in the instrument panel.