2009 SEMA Show - Chevrolet Leno Camaro SEMA Concept

At a special sneak preview of their 2009 SEMA Show offerings last night, Chevrolet pulled back the cover on a car in the center of their display to reveal two surprises: a twin-turbo V6 Camaro and comedian Jay Leno sitting inside.

Dubbed the Cehvrolet Leno Camaro SEMA Concept, the car is a collaboration between GM Design and famous car-enthusiast Leno. With fuel economy similar to the V6 Camaro and horsepower more like the V8 SS model, it's designed to demonstrate that automakers can develop more fuel-efficient vehicles that still appeal to enthusiasts.

The heart of the Leno Camaro is a 3.6 liter direct injection V6 with twin Turbonetics T3 turbochargers. It develops 425 horsepower, which is about 40 percent more than the standard V6 Camaro with virtually no penalty in fuel economy during normal driving. The engine is mated to a modified six-speed Tremec manual transmission. Custom exhaust, clutch, Bosch engine controller software, and air flow round out the performance upgrades.

The exterior features restyled ground effects, deck lid spoiler, and rear diffuser. Additional enhancements include a custom front fascia, grille inserts and unique fog lights. The air scoops on the hood and rear quarter panel are functional. It's riding on Pirelli P Zero performance tires on 20-inch wheels. The whole car is finished on a custom silver metallic paint mixed by GM Design.

Interior tweaks include re-trimmed seats, steering wheel, armrests and console lid finished in jet black leather with dark gray accent stitching. The instrument panel and door inserts have been painted black.

Word on the street is that this is simply a one-off concept car built at Leno's request. Still it's reasonable to believe that a Camaro with the power of a V8 and the fuel economy of a V6 would likely appeal to a lot more gearheads than just Mr. Leno. Add all-wheel drive and keep it under $50,000 and you might just have a GT-R killer.