“The concept for ‘Illicit’ was inspired by modern muscle car innovation such as the ZL1,” said designer Sean Smith. “Jesus Lopez from Lopez Performance wanted to keep the classic silhouette of the ’69 Camaro while accenting it with contemporary design cues such as aero parts forged from carbon fiber, a better stance, and more.
“After agreeing on the exterior sketches with owners JR and Celeste Villarreal, we focused on 3D design to create the splitters, rocker panels, hood and decklid spoiler,” Smith continued. “Designing on the computer allowed us to refine the proportions and details such as the fillets and specific radii. The trick was balancing our re-imagining with classic details such as the multi-piece billet grille.”
Engineered by Martin Horton at Blue Point Scan and machined by EVOD Industries, what appears at first sight to be a classic ’69 Camaro grille is actually a multi-piece design with precise carbon fiber inlays. It’s the mouthpiece for the 1200hp Dart LSX engine that lurks under the Lopez Performance carbon fiber hood manufactured by Speedkore.
Fitted with a 2.9L Whipple supercharger, the Dart features an industry-leading Aeromotive fuel system to ensure consistent power using an in-tank TVS Brushless Pump, Extreme Flow EFI Regulator, and Pro-Series in-line filter. Drawing from The Aeromotive Group’s portfolio of companies, stainless steel Doug’s Headers were connect to a 3” stainless steel custom exhaust with low-profile mufflers from JBA Performance Exhaust. Custom-colored Taylor wires were also fitted to provide consistent spark to the Dart.
The engine is backed by a Bowler-built T56 Magnum six-speed transmission connected to the very first all-carbon fiber ProMod driveshaft, which was developed by Aeromotive for “Illicit.”
With the powertrain resolved, the stunning paint was created by Jesus and the Lopez Performance crew. “We wanted something shocking yet seductive. We mixed up Solar Bronze, which flips from a honey hue to a bright bronze with muted charcoal mid tones. In sunlight, the car looks like it’s on fire as you move around it. The effect is sensational and the tones work well with the black trim and carbon fiber accents that create contrast on our high-horsepower build,” Lopez told us.
Designed by Smith, the interior was created by Gabe’s Custom Interiors in San Bernadino, CA. As a family business run by Jesus’ father, the interior combined luxury and performance elements, such as the custom Recaro seats featuring carbon fiber rear shells and upholstery by Gabe’s in truffle brown leather accented with vanilla.
Following Smith’s designs, Gabe’s Custom Interiors created the new dashboard and center console, as well as an aluminum instrument cluster that was 3D modelled and milled before gauges from Classic Instruments were installed. The steering wheel was also designed and machined specifically for this application.
The finished result is a stunning interpretation of the iconic ’69 Camaro that was unveiled in The Aeromotive Group booth at the 2023 SEMA Show and will be seen at numerous shows throughout the year.
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.
