2018 Chevrolet Camaros Mark Hot Wheels' Half-Century

CARS.COM — Chevrolet has unveiled its latest special edition of the popular Camaro sports car, the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary Edition. Meant to mark the golden anniversary of Hot Wheels next year (the Camaro’s own 50th birthday party was this past year), it features a host of cosmetic changes to pay homage to the iconic die-cast model toys that have been a staple of car-crazed kids’ bedrooms for half a century.

Related: Chevrolet Unveils 50th Anniversary Camaro at Woodward Dream Cruise

The changes to make a new Hot Wheels Camaro do indeed make it stand out. It starts with a bright orange color called, simply, Crush, meant to mimic the orange color of Hot Wheels’ plastic toy race tracks. On the outside of the car, you get new Satin Graphite gray stripes with silver accents, Satin Graphite ground effects, a unique grille with chrome inserts, 50th Anniversary Hot Wheels fender badges, blacked-out taillights with a black panel between them, and orange brake calipers to match the body paint. All the Chevy Bow Tie badges have been blacked out, as well.

Inside, you get Jet Black leather with bright orange inserts and orange accent stitching. There are orange kneepads on the doors, and even the seat belts have been given the orange treatment. The front-seat head restraints have been embossed, and orange stitching adorns the floor mats. Last but not least, illuminated doorsill plates with the 50th Anniversary Hot Wheels badges are fitted.

The package is a standalone $4,995 option deal that can be had on either the 2SS or 2LT models, in coupe or convertible body style. Any engine and transmission can be fitted, as well, so you can have a turbocharged four-cylinder model or a hairy-chested V-8 version, with manual or automatic transmissions. The package goes on sale early next year for 2018 deliveries.

COPO Camaro Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary Edition

Is the 2SS V-8 Camaro not fast enough for you? Well, Chevy is also offering the Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary package on the new 2018 COPO Camaro, the brand’s factory racing dragster that is primarily meant for racing teams. The COPO Camaro (short for “Central Office Production Order”) has a history, as well — it is available to order as a single part number, paying homage to a special model ordered by an Illinois Chevy dealer back in 1969 with a special engine.

For 2018, the COPO Camaro can be had with three different powertrains. Returning this year are the 427 (7.0-liter) and supercharged 350 (5.7-liter) V-8 racing engines, but new for 2018 is a 302 (5.0-liter) V-8 based on the LT1 V-8 engine in the Camaro SS. It has been modified for drag racing with a shorter-stroke crankshaft for high-rpm capability and durability. All engines are mated to an ATI TH400 three-speed automatic transmission.

Since the COPO Camaro is built to compete in the National Hot Rod Association’s Stock Eliminator class, other changes to the car include a full race chassis and suspension, including a solid rear axle in place of the street-oriented Camaro’s independent rear.

For 2018, the COPO Camaro can also be specified in Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary livery. It will get the same exterior appearance changes as the lesser Camaros, but not its interior upgrades. The color seen on the concept car, Supercrush, will also not appear — it will be the same orange Crush color seen on the street-oriented Camaros.

For the chance to own one of the COPO models, interested buyers must register for a lottery here. Just 69 lucky buyers will be randomly selected for the limited-production run.