1996 Callaway Camaro C8

Callaway Cars Inc. was founded by Reeves Callaway in 1977 and the company quickly became known for its high performance tuning, particularly with the Corvette. Between 1994 and 1997, they lended their talents and expertise to eighteen examples of the Camaro, enhancing its engine, suspension, and brakes. The bodies were modified with an aero kit called the 'CamAerobody.' Known as the Callaway C8 SuperNatural, these fourth generation Camaros were initially tuned to produce 400 horsepower, with output later reaching 450 bhp. The top speed was in the neighborhood of 170 mph, and its impressive performance was matched by the aerodynamic and streamlined body upgrades. Production was limited by the (USD) $56,000 (or more) MSRP on top of the Camaro's base price.

Reeves Callaway was the son of Callaway Golf founder Ely Callaway Jr. His passion for racing led him to Bob Bondurant's racing school, where he worked as a driving instructor. Believing the BMW 320i that he was driving at the school was capable of more performance, Callaway added a prototype turbocharger and then sent the car to Car and Driver journalist Don Sherman to get his impressions. The one-page article championed its modifications, prompting Callaway to supply turbocharger kits to the BMW community. In 1977, Callaway Cars, Inc. was formed.

Additional turbocharger kits were offered by Callaway for various manufacturers over the years including Porsche, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. Perhaps the company's most known and memorable upgrades were to the Corvette. In 1987, they adapted the twin-turbo conversion for the Corvette, under Regular Production Option (RPO) B2K and offered through Chevrolet dealers as a factory option. Over the five years of production, Callaway sold 510 examples.

- Callaway produced 55 examples of the SuperNatural Camaro
- Callaway produced 18 examples of the C8 SuperNatural Camaro

The C8 SuperNatural Camaro, compared to the SuperNatural Camaro, had both engine and body kit upgrades.

The standard Camaro came equipped with 275 horsepower, and Callaway upgrades boosted that figure to 400 bhp. Later, the company offered a smorgasbord of engine modifications with outputs of 425, 435 or 450 bhp.

The body modifications were known as a CamAerobody (say it out loud - 'Camaro body'), and endowed the Camaro with a top speed of approximately 170 mph.

To cope with the increase in power, Brembo brakes were installed at all four corners, and various modifications were made to the suspension.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2025