Culture|Garage

There’s a segment of the muscle car domain that breaks from the norm, in that going around corners is just as important as going fast- it’s called “pro touring.” Although they are much-hyped, Air Ride Technologies has just completed the latest “pro-tourer,” and although I am loathe to offer praise to a car built solely for marketing purposes, I have to admit, this car is (in my best preteen parlance) freakin’ awesome.

Don’t expect me to rattle on about the car’s Air Ride suspension, however, as I don’t want to further fuel the fire of one-off, SEMA, never-to-be-driven project cars. I’ll just say that there is airbag suspension all around, and leave it at that. There are other elements that make this Camaro worth noticing, and it’s the little details that set the car off.

First of all, the orange paint scheme is right on, and the silver striping, well, isn’t really striping at all. What the builders actually did was mask and then clearcoat the bare metal, lending a very trick, painted effect to what is otherwise just carefully sanded and stripped metal. Neat feature. Old-school racing mirrors with a brushed finish give off just the right vibe as well.

The wheels, which break from traditional musclecar style are CCW 3-piece wheels, powdercoated black. With 18×11s on the rear and 18×8s up front, the rollers aren’t what you’d call “tiny,” but they do compliment the car’s overall appearance quite nicely.

The splitter up front is actually handformed sheetmetal-no chinsy fiberglass or Euro-chic carbon fiber- secured by allen bolts all around.

Taillamps, housings and exhaust tips appear fabricated, and actually suit the car quite well, eschewing the time-honored cheap-appearing rectangular lights of old in favor of a more modern look. The tips mimic the concept Camaro’s pipes quite well, adding to the idea that this car is meant to perform in many more environments than just the dragstrip.

Ok, ok, I lied- I hafta talk about the suspension- it’s just too important to pass up! The suspension is, of course, an Air Ride “Street Challenge” system, which includes, quote, “StrongArm™, DA ShockWaves®, Musclebar™, PosiLinks™, and billet tie rod adjusters. The rear system uses the AirBar® and DA ShockWaves® in conjunction with the Detroit Speed mini tubs to allow the larger 335 series rear tire. The 4100 series AirPod™ with the LevelPro™ sensors controls the air system.” Ahem. Whatever all that means. The Devil’s in the details, however, as the carefully drilled pieces and overall fit and finish of the parts is magnificent. The Wilwood brake setup is impressive, and the integration of a Ford nine-inch rear axle (That’s right, no A-arms out back for this thing! ) is clean and looks sharp.

The color is Duplicolor Hot Hues Velocity Orange. Precision Coachworks got the stripes right, giving the car its signature look, silver juxtaposed on orange.

Inside, a RacePak IQ3 digital gauge cluster keeps drivers informed of what’s going on inside the engine compartment, while passengers are assailed by a Kicker system with a whopping 8 speakers and a 5-channel amplifier. Shifting is done ala Ferrari- with a set of paddle shifters behind the wheel. Did I mention that the windshield wipers have seven speeds? (I know, I know, I couldn’t believe it either!) A full ‘cage surrounds driver and passengers, ready to go into service should the unthinkable happen. Oh, and in case any delicate posteriors enter the cockpit, a Vintage Air system handles cooling duties, but then, what are you doing in a 30+ year-old Camaro if you need A/C anyway?

Perhaps the most important part of this car resides under the hood- in this case, a “Warhawk” 427, which belches 614 horsepower out onto the blacktop. Oh, that’s injected, as well- no “old ‘n busted” carbureators here, folks.

The inspiration for the Camaro came from an unfortunate event, as the original Air Ride Camaro was stolen during the ‘07 Year One experience, where it was being put though its paces. Since the theft, Air Ride has needed a car to act as a testbed for their products, and thus Velocity was born. Meant to outcorner, outrun and simply outdo import competition, pro touring rides such as the Velocity Camaro are fine examples of where the American muscle car is headed. Looks like this time, it’s headed in more than just straight lines. Don’t believe me? See video HERE and HERE.

via: Ridetech, Precision Coachworks

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