First generation (1967–1969)
The Camaro debuted in September 1966, for the 1967 model year, up to 1969 on a new
rear-wheel drive GM F-body platform and would be available as a 2-door, coupe or
convertible with a choice of 250 cu in (4.1 L) inline-6, 302 cu in (4.9 L), 307
cu in (5.0 L), 327 cu in (5.4 L), 350 cu in (5.7 L), or 396 cu in (6.5 L) V8.
The SS (Super Sport) package included a special domed hood with simulated vents,
"bumble bee" paint stripes, safety-wired fuel cap, SS badges, performance suspension,
and larger tires on 14-inch wheels. Another upgrade was the Rally Sport (RS) package,
which included hidden headlamps operated by electric motors, front valance-mounted
parking lamps, rear valance-mounted backup lamps, safety-wired fuel-filler cap,
RS identification, and a special black-out grille. Camaros could be ordered with
both SS and RS packages, the resulting car having black-out grille, hidden headlamps,
valance mounted parking, backup lamps, and SS trim. About 100 white-on-blue convertibles
with this SS/RS trim combination and bearing Indianapolis 500 Pace Car decals were
sold to the public. The Z/28 was a mid-year introduction, with production not getting
underway until December 29, 1966.
Yenko Chevrolet also offered the famous Yenko Super Camaro which was a modified
Chevrolet Camaro prepared by Yenko Chevrolet, under the command of Don Yenko. The
Yenko Chevy Camaro came with 427 cubic inches (L-72) of all-iron big-block making
425 horsepower, either an M21 or M22 transmission, and a fiberglass replacement
hood similar to the "Stinger" hood featured on 1967 big-block Corvettes. Since these
Camaros were not allowed to race for Chevrolet, Chevy introduced the COPO (Central
Office Production Order) Camaros in 1969. The COPO Camaros were equipped with the
same 427ci engine and were allowed to race for Chevy.
Second generation (1970-1981)
The second generation camaro made it to market in February of 1970 (1970½). The
car was heavily restyled with a larger and wider with new styling and no longer
available as a convertible. Still based on the F-body platform, the new Camaro was
similar to its predecessor, with a unibody structure, front subframe, an A-arm front
suspension and leaf springs to control the solid rear axle. Road & Track magazine
picked the 1971 SS350 as one of the 10 best cars in the world in August 1971.
The Camaro was offered with the 155-horsepower 250-cubic-inch six (base engine),
200-horsepower 307, and a 250-horsepower two-barrel 350. The SS package came with
a four-barrel carb 350 and additional compression to reach 300 horsepower. SS options
included a 350 or 375 horsepower 396 big-block V8.
The second generation Camaro would grow less powerful, due to the pressures of emission
regulations and a fuel crisis. The Z28 package was reintroduced in mid-year 1977,
largely in response to enthusiast demand as well as the remarkable success of its
corporate stablemate, the Pontiac Trans Am1980 and 1981 Z28s included an air induction
hood scoop, with an intake door that opened under full throttle.
Third generation (1982–1992)
The third generation camaros offered modern fuel injection, Turbo-Hydramatic 700R4
four-speed automatic transmissions, five speed manual transmissions, 16 inch wheels,
a standard 4-cylinder engine, and hatchback bodies. Base sport coupes started with
a 90-horsepower 2.5-liter "Iron Duke" four-cylinder and could be optioned up to
a 112-horsepower 2.8-liter V6 or a four-barrel carbureted 5.0-liter (305-cubic-inch)
small-block V8 with 145 horsepower. The Z28 was offered with the 305 or opt for
a Z28 "Cross-Fire Injection" (throttle body-injected) version producing 165 horsepower.
The IROC-Z (the IROC stands for International Race of Champions) was introduced
in 1985 and continued through 1990.The IROC featured 16-inch five-spoke wheels and
unique graphics. The big improvement came with Tuned Port Injection (TPI) to that
engine to produce 215 horsepower. However, the TPI engine was only offered with
the four-speed automatic (in either the IROC or the regular Z28).
1987 introduced a 350 (5.7-liter) V8 with 225 horsepower and the convertible option,
the first convertible since 1969.
Fourth generation (1993–2002)
The fourth generation camaros introduced an updated F-body platform, coupe body
style with 2+2 seating (with an optional T-top roof) or convertible (introduced
in 1994), rear-wheel drive, and a choice of V6 and V8 engines. Two models were offered,
the base sport coupe with 160-horsepower 3.4-liter V6 and the Z28 with the Corvette's
5.7-liter LT1 small-block V8 underrated at 275 horsepower. The 1997 model year included
a revised interior, and the 1998 models included exterior styling changes, and a
switch to GM's aluminium block LS1 used in the Corvette C5. The convertible Camaro
returned with the 1994 model year
Due to slowing sales, a deteriorating market for sports coupes, and plant overcapacity,
production platform was stopped.
Fifth generation (2010–Present)
The fifth generation camaros were based on the 2006 Camaro Concept and 2007 Camaro
Convertible Concept. Available as a coupe in LS, LT, and SS trim levels. The LS
and LT models are powered by a 3.6 L (220 cu in) V6 with 312hp for the 2010 and
2011 model with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic with manual shift.
The SS is powered by the 6.2 L (376 cu in) LS3 V8 producing 426 hp and is paired
with a 6-speed manual. The automatic SS gets the L99 V8 with 400 hp (300 kW). The
RS appearance package is available on both the LT and SS with 20-inch wheels, a
darker gray tone, halo rings around xenon headlamps, a unique spoiler, and red RS
or SS badges.
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