Illicit 1969 Camaro: Lopez Performance Unleashes a 1200HP Supercharged Beast

March 5, 2025 by Drive Magazine Editorial Team

Lopez Performance Built Whipple Supercharged ‘69 Camaro 

As the editor of Drive Magazine, diving into the story of the 1969 Camaro “Illicit” is pure excitement. This ride isn’t just a revamp of a classic; it’s a fusion of sheer muscle and modern innovation that gets any auto enthusiast revving with enthusiasm.

Listening to designer Sean Smith share the inspiration behind ‘Illicit’ is like tapping into the heart of the muscle car world. The commitment to preserving the ‘69 Camaro silhouette while infusing it with contemporary flair is nothing short of genius. The melding of carbon fiber aero parts, a killer stance, and meticulous attention to detail create a machine that’s just as captivating as it is powerful.

Peeling back the layers, it’s mind-blowing to realize that what seems like a classic ‘69 Camaro grille is actually a meticulously engineered multi-piece design, housing a monstrous 1200hp Dart LSX engine. The craftsmanship under the hood, with its EVOD Industries machining and Speedkore carbon fiber, is pure automotive artistry.

Then, there’s the heart of the beast—the 2.9L Whipple supercharged Dart, complemented by an Aeromotive fuel system that guarantees relentless power delivery. The custom touches, from the stainless steel Doug’s Headers to the Taylor wires, are all about precision and consistency, ensuring every spark counts.

But it’s not just about power; it’s about the symphony of engineering. The Bowler-built T56 Magnum transmission paired with the all-carbon fiber ProMod driveshaft is automotive innovation at its peak.

The design journey doesn’t stop under the hood; it’s painted to perfection. Jesus Lopez’s vision of Solar Bronze, a hue that dances between honey and bronze with charcoal mid tones, is a visual spectacle. Paired with carbon fiber accents and black trim, it’s a head-turner from every angle.

The interior, crafted by Gabe’s Custom Interiors, speaks volumes about the marriage of luxury and performance. Recaro seats featuring carbon fiber rear shells draped in truffle brown leather are a testament to elegance fused with raw power. The attention to detail in the dashboard, center console, and the bespoke aluminum instrument cluster is automotive artistry personified.

Ultimately, ‘Illicit’ isn’t just a showstopper unveiled at SEMA; it’s a rolling masterpiece destined to grace numerous shows. It’s an ode to the iconic ‘69 Camaro, redefined for a generation that craves power, precision, and sheer automotive brilliance.

TECH SPEC

1969 Chevrolet Camaro “Illicit” by Lopez Performance

Engine:

• Dart LSX V8 with Whipple 2.9L supercharger, Aeromotive fuel system with in-tank TVS Brushless Pump, Extreme Flow EFI Regulator, and Pro-Series in-line filter in stainless steel fuel tank from Rick’s Tanks, colored wires by Taylor Cable, stainless steel Doug’s Headers, 3” stainless steel custom exhaust with low-profile mufflers by JBA Exhaust Systems. Tuned by Westech Performance to 1200hp

Transmission:

• T56 six-speed manual transmission built by Bowler Performance Transmissions, carbon fiber ProMod driveshaft by Aeromotive

Brakes:

• Baer Pro+ 6S six-piston calipers and 14” rotors front and rear

Wheels / Tires:

• 19×10” front, 20×12” rear Brixton Forged Vl4 Carbon+ Series wheels, 295/30 R19 front, 345/30 R20 rear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires

Chassis:

• Speedtech Performance ExtReme Track Time frame with ExtReme front subframe and torque arm rear suspension, control arms, dual power rack & pinion steering, single adjustable coilover shocks, splined front sway bar

Exterior:

• Carbon fiber hood manufactured for Lopez Performance by SpeedKore, billet grille machined by EVOD Industries with carbon fiber inlays, carbon fiber front spoiler, splitter, rear diffuser and rockers by Brothers Composites, flush-mounted custom rear bumper, flush glass by Eddie Kotto Glass, car painted Solar Bronze by Lopez Performance with BASF/Glasurit products

Interior:

• Interior by Gabe’s Custom Interiors featuring Truffle Brown Impact Leather and Lamborghini Black Hyde’s Leather upholstery, custom dashboard with billet instrument cluster, custom console, door panels and steering wheel all upholstered in leather, custom gauges from Classic Instruments, air conditioning by Restomod Air, audio by Art of Sound