LAS VEGAS — Leading the pack of four Camaro concepts at the 2008 SEMA Show is the 550-horsepower Camaro LS7 Concept, which pays homage to Chevrolet dealers in the late 1960s who quickly modified the first-generation muscle car for the drag strip.The concept — dolled up in Victory Red — harks back to such legendary vehicles as the Yenko Super Camaro. The Yenko Super Camaro was a customized Chevrolet Camaro readied by Chevy dealer Don Yenko. He and other Chevrolet dealers bristled at a General Motors command that prevented the Camaro from carrying an engine larger than a 6.6-liter V8. 'This put the Camaro at a serious disadvantage to the Ford Mustang and Plymouth Barracuda since neither Ford nor Plymouth had such a limit,' according to Wikipedia. 'Don Yenko, however, knew there was a market for an ultra-powerful Camaro and found ways around the GM limit.' The postmodern version of the COPO Camaros 'honors the COPO ethos with features such as drag strip-ready rubber on the rear wheels — and unlike many of the stripped-down racers from 40 years ago, this strip-ready competitor serves double duty as both a racecar and a daily driver,' said GM in a statement.The concept uses the LS7 crate engine with a high-performance replacement camshaft to crank out 'approximately' 550 horsepower. The engine is linked to a production Tremec 6060 six-speed manual with a GM Performance Parts Hurst shifter. 'Complementing upgrades include GM Performance Parts-developed headers and air intake system that will be offered at Camaro's launch in early 2009,' said GM.Other goodies on the concept include a Brembo four-wheel disc brake package, custom 20-inch wheels and a GM Performance Parts exhaust system. GM assures the Camaro faithful that the duplication of the Camaro LS7 Concept can be 'enabled by GM Performance Parts' LS7 crate engine package.'Inside Line says: Here's one SEMA Camaro concept that should strike an emotional chord in the Baby Boomers who remember the legendary COPO Camaros — and even in those who don't. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent