Visitors to the 2023 Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, Calif., were treated this weekend to the unveiling of vehicle designer Sean Smith’s latest creation.
Smith, known for his work with companies such as Saleen Automotive, Rockstar Games, Ringbrothers and SpeedKore, has over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. He was approached by car owner Michael Shields to build a custom 1969 Chevy Camaro that would rival a similar Smith-designed Camaro that debuted at the 2019 SEMA Show.
The result is a supercharged 1,180 horsepower (868 kilowatts) Chevy Camaro named Fenix that combines luxury and elegance with performance.
The build team, led by Mikey Dascoli at Driven Speed Shop, worked virtually with Smith to bring his vision to life. The body has been painted in stunning silver with Liquid Champagne and Satin Charcoal Gray accents to create a timeless combination that commands attention. The front of the car was redesigned by Smith, with the team making a front valance and new bumpers. The rear has also been updated with a custom light panel and 3D printed trunk spoiler. The bodywork was extensively reworked to ensure a perfect fit, and the car was mounted on a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis.
The Fenix Camaro’s Roadster Shop frame, made from 10-gauge boxed steel, features RS Fast Track front suspension with C7 Chevy Corvette axle and hub assemblies, splined front stabilizer bar 1/25-inch wheels with C7 end links and six-piston Baer brake calipers with 14-inch rotors on each corner. To handle the power, 18 by 9 wheels in the front and 19 by 12 in HRE RS103 with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 255/35 and 325/30 tires were fitted.
Under the hood, the Fenix Camaro is powered by a supercharged 427 LS7 V8 built by Wegner Motorsports and mated to a Tremec T56 six-speed transmission. The engine bay was fabricated by Driven Speed Shop, and the paint was handled by Kandy Shop Creations in Mesa, Arizona. The interior was inspired by European sports cars and was designed by Smith, with the dashboard, door panels and center console accurately transferred from 3D CAD files.
