2012 Camaros lead Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour to secret GM proving grounds

GM offers unprecedented access to its “Area 51” of vehicle testing as part of the 2012 Hot Rod road show.

Hidden in the woods of Michigan is an area that is cloaked in mystery. Spy photographers hide in the nearby looking for the chance to snap exclusive (and lucrative) photos of alien technology, correction, General Motors technology, in development. In support of the 2012 Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour (HRMPT) General Motors has sent the 2012 COPO dragster Camaro and the Camaro Hot Wheels Concept to lead the 3,000 plus vehicles into its secret test facility. Attendees will be closely monitored and photos will only be allowed in designated areas, but they will be granted more access than ever before.

GM Milford Proving Ground
The Milford proving ground was the first dedicated testing facility for car manufacturing in the US. It opened in 1924. With over 130 miles of driving surfaces it can provide all the types of testing required for a car in development. One of its most famous courses is the 4.5 mile circular track that has banking so steep cars can travel at up to 120mph without having to steer. There is even a 67 acre pad of pavement used for a variety of testing. Milford is also the home to GMs crash testing, product development and hand-build area for prototypes. At this time the next-generation 2014 Chevrolet Corvette is in the late stages development.

2012 Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour
The 12,000 enthusiasts following the HRMPT will have more access to see this facility than ever before. Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet Performance Vehicles & Motorsports said in a press statement “ “This is a great opportunity for enthusiasts to get a glimpse behind the curtain at GM and for us to get in touch with our performance customers. It also allows enthusiasts to get a closer look at our product development and the people behind our engines, performance parts and vehicle accessories.”

The vehicles from GM travelling with the tour include:
- The Camaro Hot Wheels SEMA show car
- The 2012 Camaro SS Synergy Convertible
- The 2012 COPO Camaro drag car prototype. 69 Production units will be built
- The 2012 Corvette Grand Sport Centennial Edition Convertible
- The 2013 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car recently driven by celebrity Guy Fieri
- The Sonic Boom SEMA Show car and its incredibly powerful sound system
- The 2012 Sonic 5 door
- Chevrolet’s new 2012 Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle

The HRMPT starts at the Milford Proving Grounds on June 2nd. It then visits 6 other cities and ends in Arlington Texas on June 9th. For more information please click here.