-
First of the Camaro's
In August 1966, Chevrolet revealed the first Camaro; for 2016, they will introduce an all-new version. Over the last fifty years, the Chevrolet Camaro has become more than an American icon -- it has become a microcosm of the American automotive industry, riding the peaks and wallowing in the trough -
Period: to
The contiuation of Camaro's
In 2015, Chevrolet revealed the next-generation 2016 Camaro -- smoother, trimmer, and smaller, but just as muscular as the 2010-2015 car. The Camaro ZL1 featured a 580 horsepower supercharged 6.2 liter V8. -
Second generation Camaro's
The second-generation Camaro, which debuted in 1970, is my personal favorite; I love the rounded styling and the clear family resemblance to other Chevrolets, including the Corvette and the Vega. The Z28 shown here featured the Corvette's 350 cubic inch LT-1 V8, tuned for 360 horsepower, and Camaros could be had with engines up to 402 cubic inches (though this engine was still labeled as a 396 to avoid GM's 400 cubic inch ceiling on smaller cars). -
Third generation Camaro's
As the 1980s dawned, America was rushing head-long into the techno age, and the Camaro was more than just dated; it was outright old-fashioned. GM responded with an all-new third-generation It was a sign of the times that the base engine was now an anemic 2.5 liter four-cylinder (mercifully,this inadequate engine was dropped after two years), with GM's new 60-degree 2.8 liter V6 as a popular option. The 350 gave way to a new 305 cubic inch (5.0 liter) V8, available with optional fuel injection. -
Fourth generation of the Camaro
The fourth-generation Camaro made its debut in 1993. Styling-wise, it looked like a more aerodynamic version of the third-gen car, but this was a much more sophisticated Camaro, with a greatly improved suspension and composite material (rather than sheet metal) used in the roof panel, door skins, and trunk lid. The base engine was now a 160 hp V6, while the Z28 featured a 350 cubic inch (5.7L) LT1 engine producing 275 hp -- the most powerful Camaro engine since the early 1970s. -
First concept Camaro
At the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, Chevrolet debuted this concept of a new Camaro -- at nearly the same time that Chrysler showed off their Dodge Challenger concept. The Challenger was a clear homage to the original, while the contemporary Mustang was a modern design with retro cues. The Camaro concept was something unique: Inspired by the first-gen Camaro, to be sure, but a thoroughly modern design. -
Fifth generation of Camaro's
When the production version of the fifth-generation Camaro arrived at dealerships in mid-2009, fans were pleased to see that it looked almost exactly like the 2006 concept car. And the engine choices were magnificent: A 304 horsepower V6 and a 426 (!) horsepower V8. At the time, I criticized the Camaro for its gloomy interior and slightly disconnected steering feel, but it was an outstanding performance value, with base models starting at $23k and V8 cars at $31k -
Sixth generation of Camaro's
2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Photo © Aaron Gold
For 2012, what may be the greatest name in Camaro-dom returned: The ZL1. And no tape-stripe package, this: The Camaro ZL1 featured a 580 horsepower supercharged 6.2 liter V8, a version of the engine found in the Corvette ZR1. And unlike muscle cars of the 1960s, this one had the suspension and handling ability to match its incredible engine. A convertible version followed in 2013.
