Chevrolet Camaro (United States of America, 2009-present)

After being dropped from the Chevrolet portfolio in 2002, the Camaro model was revived with a fifth generation in 2009.

The new series was preceded by a Camaro Concept in 2006 which eventually lead to the coupe version of the 2010 Camaro going on sale in 2009. For the 2011 model year, a convertible version became available too.

Both body variants became available on the European markets in 2011.

Chevrolet introduced the refreshed 2014 Camaro at the New York Auto Show. The refreshed Camaro gets an updated exterior with improved aerodynamics, better cooling and improved high-speed stability.

The design has been tweaked to be wider and lower. The front fascia dips lower to give a more aggressive look, and the upper grill is wider, which gives the Camaro a visually wider appearance. SS models get a functional hood vent to reduce heat and mostly to look cool. At the rear, the designers also tried to make the car look wider and added horizontal taillights and a rear diffuser.

The 2012 Camaro received a number of updates including a more powerful version of the Camaro’s V6, a new suspension set-up and a revised interior.

Engine updates

The 3.6 litre direct injection V6 which powers the Camaro receives an 11 hp increase for the 2012 model, taking total power to 323 hp at 6,800 rpm. Fuel economy will remain the same at 30 mpg thanks to numerous improvements to the engine bay including a new cylinder head design with integrated exhaust manifold, optimized-flow fuel injectors, larger intake valves and a new fuel pump.

Suspension updates

The improved FE4 suspension package is designed for improved handling and features retuned front and rear dampers, new front and rear stabilizer bars and twenty-inch aluminium wheels.

Interior updates

Interior upgrades for the 2012 Camaro include a revised instrument panel featuring new graphics and trim as well as a new steering wheel design and a power lift feature for the front passenger seat. A rear vision package has also been added to the list of features and consists of a rear view camera system and an auto-dimming mirror.

Exterior updates

The Camaro’s exterior will gain a new rear spoiler and RS tail lamps as standard features.

A 432 hp, 6.2-liter V8 engine generating 569 Nm of torque powers the new Camaro. First seen on the 2008 Corvette, this engine features high-flow cylinder heads. When fitted with the six-speed automatic transmission, it delivers 405 hp/556 Nm and includes GM's Active Fuel Management system, enabling it to cruise on four cylinders during light load conditions.

Electronic stability control (GM's StabiliTrak system) and traction control both come as standard equipment. A Competitive/Sport mode is adjustable for performance driving, such as on track days. With the six-speed manual transmission, this also includes a Launch Control feature for consistently quick take-offs.

The large, ventilated disks (355/365 mm) are clamped by four-piston aluminum Brembo calipers.

The front suspension uses a multi-link strut arrangement with a double ball-joint configuration. The unique, 4.5-link independent rear suspension is double-isolated from the chassis.

Interior design

A pair of deeply recessed instrument binnacles, with round gauges in square housings, is a nod to classic Camaros. This contrasts with an ambient light package which uses LED light pipe technology. The center-console gauge cluster takes its cue from a similar option on 1969 Camaros, adding LED backlighting.

The 2010 Camaro is available in LS, LT and SS trim levels.

The LS and LT versions feature the 3.6 L V6 engine producing 312 hp (233 kW) while the SS trim with manual transmission comes with the 6.2 L LS3 V8 producing 426 hp (318 kW). The automatic SS is equipped with the L99 V8 with 400 hp (300 kW).

The Camaro offers safety features, such as dual-stage front airbags, front seat- mounted thorax side airbags and head curtain airbags for front and rear occupants.

A more powerful Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was announced for the 2012 model year.

It produces 580bhp and is reaches 170mph. To keep all of this in check it also received some aerodynamic fettling. The downforce has allowed the Camaro ZL1 to lap the Nürburgring in 7:41.27 and has erased the lift produced by the standard car. The downforce makes the car more stable, meaning at high speeds the ZL1 is more responsive.

2012 - 45th Anniversary Edition

The 45th Anniversary Special Edition Camaro is launched in the summer and offered on the 2LT and 2SS level Camaros in both coupe and convertible forms. It comes with all the upgrades of the 2012 Camaro plus a host of extras such as a red and silver rally stripe, 45th anniversary badging, dark silver wheels and tail lamps, a jet Black interior with leather-trimmed seats and a white instrument panel.  

2011 - Transformers Special Edition

For the occasion of Michael Bay’s film, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Chevrolet released a Special Edition Camaro to customers in the United States, Canada, China, Japan, Europe, South America, and the Middle East. The limited edition model is offered as a $3,000 package on the 2LT and 2SS Camaro Coupes with Rally Yellow paint. The Special Edition Bumblebee Camaro can be ordered by customers beginning in July 2011.

2011 - Camaro Convertible Neiman Marcus Edition

Cheverolet presented a special edition of its 2011 Camaro Convertible that featured at the annual Neiman Marcus “Christmas Book”. It is limited to 100 convertibles and offers luxury appointments inspired by Neiman Marcus combined with the performance of the Camaro SS.