Latest news with #Camaros
USA Today
2 days ago
- Automotive
- USA Today
America's most stolen vehicle? This muscle car tops the list
A high-performance muscle car is the most commonly stolen car in America, according to a new report. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 tops the list for America's most stolen vehicle for 2022-2024 models, according to new research from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDA). It is 39 times more commonly stolen than the national average for all vehicles. The standard Camaro was 13 times higher than average. While vehicle theft claims don't distinguish between full vehicle versus partial theft, the report's methodology considered the monetary value lost as result of the theft. Aside from Camaros, trucks, high-horsepower and expensive models rank highly on the list. 'Muscle cars have often topped this list, as thieves are attracted to vehicles with high horsepower,' said Matt Moore, chief insurance operations officer at HLDI and IIHS. 'That also helps explain why the more expensive, more powerful ZL1 is stolen so much more often than the standard Camaro.' Camaro thefts declined after the introduction of push-button start systems in 2016. However, thefts began to rise again in 2023, peaking in March 2024, according to a separate analysis by HLDI. That month, there were 18.3 theft claims per 1,000 insured Camaros from models years 2016 to 2024. 'We expect powerful and high-value vehicles to be targeted, and these models check both these boxes,' Moore said. 'But it stood out to us that Camaros nearly 10 years old had such high claim frequencies.' Last year, California ranked highest in the frequency of theft claims for these vehicles. Tennessee, Mississippi, Maryland and Texas followed. To combat theft, in March 2025, General Motors introduced a software update for 2020 to 2024 Camaro models. While the reports said there's no available data on the effectiveness of the software update, a similar software worked for Hyundai and Kia. Thefts subsided 46%. Whole vehicle theft claims were 52% less common for vehicles with the upgrade. 'This intervention showed dramatic results right off the bat, offering owners some peace of mind,' Moore said. 'Owners who still haven't gotten the software upgrade should do so immediately, as it's the best way to protect their vehicle.' 2022-2024 models with the highest theft rates 2022-2024 models with the highest theft rates
Auto Blog
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Texas Theft Ring Steals $1M in Camaros & Corvettes, 29 Cars Recovered
The 'C8,' or eighth-generation, Corvette brought the most dramatic transformation in the history of 'America's sports car.' But Chevrolet today revealed a pair of new concept vehicles that suggest equally dramatic changes are in the works. A brazen theft ring in Texas managed to steal more than $1.1 million worth of Chevrolet Camaros and Corvettes in just two months, according to the Plano Police Department. Their preferred targets were parked in apartment complexes and gym lots — prime hunting grounds for crews exploiting weaknesses in keyless entry systems. Once in, the thieves didn't immediately ship the cars off or dismantle them. Instead, they often took them for joyrides, posted videos online, and then sold them on for as little as $5,000 each. Dashcam footage from one Camaro SS even captured the break-in, helping investigators locate a storage unit containing 29 stolen vehicles. From Social Media Fame to Arrests Fortunately, it was the groups arrogance that was the demise that did them in. Police tracked the suspects through Instagram posts showing them doing donuts, revving engines, and boasting about their 'finds'. Within weeks, authorities had recovered all of the 29 vehicles and arrested the five individuals responsible for the crimes. The cars in question weren't random — the Camaro, in particular, is already the most-stolen vehicle in America, largely because of its high-performance hardware and the black-market demand for its LT engines. Corvettes, with their similarly potent drivetrains, offer the same appeal for illegal street racers and parts resellers. Source: General Motors Why These Cars Are Targets Beyond the obvious horsepower, both models share mechanical platforms that make engine swaps relatively straightforward. Add in a thriving underground market for body panels, wheels, and interiors, and it's easy to see why these Chevrolets are on every thief's shopping list. While U.S. car theft rates fell by 17% in 2024, thanks to better vehicle security and law enforcement crackdowns, certain high-powered models remain disproportionately at risk. Push-button start systems and easily accessible OBD ports continue to be exploited, sometimes in under two minutes by the right thieves who are familiar with such systems. Source: Exotic Car Trader Protecting What's Yours For owners of Camaros, Corvettes, and other high-performance vehicles, multi-layered security is the best defense. OBD port locks, hidden kill-switches, and GPS tracking systems can make theft far harder and recovery far more likely. Simple changes like parking nose-in against a wall or inside a locked garage can also deter thieves. Law enforcement officials stress that while national trends may show an overall drop, the market for stolen performance cars is still thriving — especially when they can be acquired cheaply and resold quickly. For now, it's a dangerous time to be driving America's most desirable muscle cars without added protection. About the Author Max Taylor View Profile
UPI
08-08-2025
- Automotive
- UPI
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 ranked most stolen car in United States
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is the most frequently stolen car in the United States. Photo by Mauricio Duenas Castaneda/EPA Aug. 8 (UPI) -- The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has become the most frequently stolen car in the United States, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute, or HLDI. The HLDI's analysis shows that in relation to the number of Camaro ZL1s on the roads, it has a whole-vehicle theft rate 39 times the average compared to all other vehicles. The regular Camaro has also become a top target for thieves, with a whole-vehicle theft rate 13 times the average of all vehicles. The targeting of Camaros is a recent development, according to HLDI, which reports it hasn't historically appeared near the top of its vehicle theft claim frequency rankings. However, its two latest reports for 2025 rank the ZL1 two-door, Camaro two-door and Camaro convertible among the 10 2022-24 passenger vehicles with the highest theft and whole vehicle theft claim occurrences. "Muscle cars have often topped this list, as thieves are attracted to vehicles with high horsepower," said Matt Moore, chief insurance operations officer at HLDI and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in a press release. "That also helps explain why the more expensive, more powerful ZL1 is stolen so much more often than the standard Camaro." Aside from the horsepower, Camaros also have a technical issue that allows thieves to clone the key code for newer models by accessing the car's on-board ports. General Motors launched a service campaign in March for 2020-24 Camaro models, under which owners can bring their vehicles to dealerships for a free software update that should reduce the theft risk. In the other direction, the 20 least-stolen vehicles include eight electric vehicles and two plug-in hybrids, which all have whole-vehicle theft claim incidences that are more than 85% lower than the all-vehicle average. HDLI studies have shown electric vehicles are not as attractive to thieves because they're more likely to be in a garage or parked near buildings to facilitate charging.
Miami Herald
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Hennessey Demon 1700: Twin-Turbo, 1,700 HP, 7.9s Quarter-Mile
The Dodge Demon 170 is already one of the most ludicrous muscle cars ever made. With 1,025 hp sent to the rear wheels through a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 Hemi, it rockets through the quarter-mile in just 8.91 seconds - quicker than most hypercars. That should have been the end of the story. But Hennessey, the Texas tuner known for modified Mustangs, Camaros, and the Venom F5, has done something unimaginable. It's called the Hennessey Demon 1700. Muscle cars are supposed to have humongous, gas-guzzling naturally aspirated V8 engines, with a high-performance oddball flaunting a supercharger. However, Hennessey just broke the unspoken rule. They ditched the Demon's supercharger in favor of a set of turbochargers, much like Chevy did with the ZR1. Usually, this would result in outrage. A turbocharged muscle car? A modern Dodge muscle car without a whine? That's like microwaving a steak. But when your name is Hennessey, you can get away with pretty much anything. After bumping its displacement from 6.2 to 7.2 liters and adding two turbochargers, the V8 generates a staggering 1,700 hp and about 1,400 lb-ft of torque on E85, as you can see on the video below. When you mash the accelerator pedal in the standard 1,025-hp Demon 170 from a standstill, you're met with clouds of smoke, the smell of rubber, and a 0 to 60 mph time of 1.66 seconds. The quarter-mile is said to arrive in a brisk 8.91 seconds, but Hennessey claims the 1,700-hp Demon 170 will do it in 7.9 seconds, making it the fastest car down the drag strip in the world. That title is currently held by the McMurtry Speirling, with the electric fan car clocking a time of 7.97 seconds. During this dyno test, Ram's CEO, Tim Kuniskis, can be spotted in sheer disbelief. While this doesn't necessarily confirm anything, it gives petrolheads hope that this monstrous V8 might stumble its way into a RAM truck, or perhaps even save the brand-new Dodge Charger from remaining a laughing stock. One thing is certain, though: there's more than enough reason to celebrate Hennessey's Frankenstein creation, and we're on the edge of our seats waiting to see what's coming next. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
These Are The Weirdest Cars You've Seen Used By Local Government
Last week we asked you to share the weirdest car you've seen used by your local government, and the answers were sufficiently strange. Some cars that your local governments use aren't even sold in this country, but that doesn't stop them from being mighty useful. Other cars that you've seen used by local governments work in roles that demand respect, but the vehicles chosen are potentially the least intimidating vehicles possible. My answer to the question is still the first-generation Honda Civic Hybrid that I saw recently being used by the City of Los Angeles as the street sweeper chase vehicle. It was a pre-facelift model which means it had to be a 2003 model year car that is still serving is civic duty over 20 years later, and while I appreciate that the government isn't spending needlessly on expensive brand-new cars, I am still surprised that such an old vehicle is still in service. If you've got an interesting car you've seen used by your local government, feel free to share in the comments. These are the weirdest cars you've seen used by your local government. Read more: These Are The Dumbest Looking Cars Of All Time, According To You 20 plus years ago, I saw a CHP Volvo, North of Escondido on the I-15, at the time I worked with CHP closely and never saw another one before, or after. Submitted by: towman I always enjoy seeing cops on horses. It's not super rare, but horses are cool and there is something funny about knowing the horse might actually be a top-notch chaser in dense, urban environments. Submitted by: engineerthefuture Pre-pandemic, my town used to have a small fleet (maybe 3 or 4) of Polaris side-by-sides that were used for parking enforcement and other jobs in the downtown area where a Charger or Explorer cruiser would be overkill. I haven't seen them used recently, so they may have been retired. Submitted by: Earthbound Misfit I Growing up, my local Washington State Patrol office was pretty small, so instead of buying fleet vehicles, they'd just use seized, auction cars ..80's Camaros, Mustangs, Caravans .. my neighbors "patrol car" was an unmarked '90 Cavalier .. he said they had a good dozen of oddball unmarked cars (with hidden lights) at the station to choose from... even a Corvette. Submitted by: JCB Any small town that thinks it needs an armored tank to keep the peace 🙄 Submitted by: Jimboy Junio I don't know how weird it is considered given the context, but i have seen a Smart ForTwo used as a police car during exceptionally congested rush hour where i am from. Submitted by: epep- Up until a few years ago my County's crime scene unit used a Ford Aerostar... I remember watching the show CSI as a kid thinking that could be a cool job then I started seeing the local CSI group rolling around in an Aerostar. Hard pass. The most recent string of County pool vehicles has been Dodge Nitros, Jeep Cherokees (with the V6's and leather which seems awfully fancy for municipal pool vehicles) and now Bronco Sports. Submitted by: cintocrunch1 My town's parks and recreation department has a Daihatsu Hijet mini truck as a maintenance vehicle. Submitted by: Giantsgiants Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
