{"id":31867,"date":"2023-12-15T18:49:40","date_gmt":"2023-12-15T22:49:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=31867"},"modified":"2023-12-15T18:49:40","modified_gmt":"2023-12-15T22:49:40","slug":"camaro-rip-six-generations-of-chevys-iconic-muscle-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2023\/12\/camaro-rip-six-generations-of-chevys-iconic-muscle-car","title":{"rendered":"Camaro RIP: Six generations of Chevy&#8217;s iconic muscle car"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">As the Chevy Camaro rides into the sunset this month, here\u2019s a look back at six generations of the iconic sports car from its 1960s roots to its first retirement in 2002 to its triumphant return in 2010 as America\u2019s best-selling muscle car.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The 1960s made the reputation of a number of performance car brands and nameplates: Porsche (911), Jaguar (E-Type), Corvette (Sting Ray), Ford (Mustang). So, too, the Camaro.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914687007-1967-chevrolet-camaro-body-drop-c-15280122.jpg?width=990&amp;height=671&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"588\" height=\"399\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Camaro was Chevy\u2019s response to Ford\u2019s wildly popular Mustang coupe. Affordably priced but with the looks of a more expensive European sports car, Ford\u2019s rear-wheel-drive \u201cpony car\u201d sold a staggering 680,995 units in its first, 1965 model year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Reports of a Chevy competitor surfaced in 1965, codenamed Panther. Legend has it the name Camaro was loosely based on the French word\u00a0<em>camarade<\/em>\u00a0(comrade in English). With a base price of $2,466, Camaro was unveiled in September 1966 as a 1967 model.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-2\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"llx\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">First generation: 1967-69<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Built on the rear-drive, F-body platform, Camaro boasted a base three-speed automatic gearbox (or manual) paired with a V-6 engine. The model lineup featured a Rally Sport (RS) appearance package, Super Sport (SS) performance package stuffed with either a 5.7 or 6.2-liter V-8 engine, and a track-ready Z28 trim.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914686007-1967-chevrolet-camaro-rs-z-28-135227.jpg?width=660&amp;height=456&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The first of a breed: The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS.\" width=\"473\" height=\"327\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914686007-1967-chevrolet-camaro-rs-z-28-135227.jpg?width=660&amp;height=456&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914686007-1967-chevrolet-camaro-rs-z-28-135227.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=912&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"The first of a breed: The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The first of a breed: The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS.\" data-c-credit=\"Chevrolet, Chevrolet\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Camaro was the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 that year (and again in 1969, 1982, 1993, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2016). Camaro sales in year one? Over 220,000.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">For its sophomore year, Camaro received subtle styling updates and an optional, 350-horse, 6.5-liter V-8 for the SS. Roger Penske campaigned a blue-and-yellow Camaro in SCCA Trans Am racing, winning the title in 1968 and 1969. On the production side, the \u201969 \u2018Maro got new sheet metal \u2014 and the convertible option was axed, not to return until 1987.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914680007-1969-chevrolet-camaro-ss-pace-car-convertible-46474.jpg?width=660&amp;height=454&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS Pace Car is one of nine Camaros used in that role at the Indianapolis 500.\" width=\"513\" height=\"353\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914680007-1969-chevrolet-camaro-ss-pace-car-convertible-46474.jpg?width=660&amp;height=454&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914680007-1969-chevrolet-camaro-ss-pace-car-convertible-46474.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=908&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS Pace Car is one of nine Camaros used in that role at the Indianapolis 500.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS Pace Car is one of nine Camaros used in that role at the Indianapolis 500.\" data-c-credit=\"Chevrolet, Chevrolet\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">Second generation: 1970-82<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">For its second act, the Camaro was redesigned longer, lower and wider, with the grille and headlights separated and four Corvette-inspired taillights. Taking learnings from track racing, the suspension was upgraded. Under the hood, engine options ran from the standard 4.1-liter V-6 to the 6.5-liter V-8 in the SS. The move to unleaded gas in 1970 brought less horsepower, with the V-8 falling from 350 horses to 300. Government regs also added a full chrome front bumper.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914692007-1970-camaro-z-28.jpg?width=660&amp;height=422&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The second-generation Camaro was redesigned with more European flair. The grille and headlights were separated, rear quarter window eliminated, and four Corvette-inspired taillights added.\" width=\"497\" height=\"318\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914692007-1970-camaro-z-28.jpg?width=660&amp;height=422&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914692007-1970-camaro-z-28.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=844&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"The second-generation Camaro was redesigned with more European flair. The grille and headlights were separated, rear quarter window eliminated, and four Corvette-inspired taillights added.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The second-generation Camaro was redesigned with more European flair. The grille and headlights were separated, rear quarter window eliminated, and four Corvette-inspired taillights added.\" data-c-credit=\"Chevrolet, Chevrolet\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">A 1972 labor strike pinched sales to under 70,000 units and V-8 horsepower numbers declined to 240 horsepower under federal regulations, leading to the discontinuation of the SS. Competitors suffered even more. As the &#8217;70s wore on, Mustang downsized to a Pinto platform and 4-banger engine, while Challenger, Plymouth Barracuda and AMC Javelin all exited the market. As a result, Camaro (and sibling Pontiac Firebird) saw sales soar to over 150,000.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-3\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"llx\" data-x-c=\"2\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Camaro sales hit a record 282,571 record in 1979 even as the 5.7-liter V-8 was choked to just 185 ponies. The Z28 led the lineup and the coupe sported advances like intermittent windshield wipers, rear windshield defroster, and a T-Top. The decade closed with a shrinking economy and even a shrinking speedometer as the feds mandated an 85 mph limit.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914678007-1979-chevrolet-camaro-z-28.jpg?width=660&amp;height=500&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The posh LT trim was replaced by the even more luxurious \u201cBerlinetta\u201d option. Camaro also gained modern conveniences like an electrically-heated rear windshield defroster. Z28 (pictured) rocked on with a fresh front-air dam and side badging. (Chevrolet photo)\" width=\"495\" height=\"375\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914678007-1979-chevrolet-camaro-z-28.jpg?width=660&amp;height=500&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914678007-1979-chevrolet-camaro-z-28.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=1000&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"The posh LT trim was replaced by the even more luxurious \u201cBerlinetta\u201d option. Camaro also gained modern conveniences like an electrically-heated rear windshield defroster. Z28 (pictured) rocked on with a fresh front-air dam and side badging. (Chevrolet photo)\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The posh LT trim was replaced by the even more luxurious \u201cBerlinetta\u201d option. Camaro also gained modern conveniences like an electrically-heated rear windshield defroster. Z28 (pictured) rocked on with a fresh front-air dam and side badging. (Chevrolet photo)\" data-c-credit=\"Chevrolet, Chevrolet\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">Third generation: 1982-92<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">With its new chassis, Camaro went on a diet, losing 500 pounds while gaining a sippier, four-cylinder engine to meet federal rules and complement the V-6 and V-8 engines. The front was remade with scalloped headlights \u2014 the rear got a hatchback. Model year 1983 brought upgrades like a digital speedo. In 1985, Camaro became the official race car of the International Race of Champions competition featuring pro drivers from different series \u2014 and customers got a production IROC-Z variant. In 1986, Camaro kicked the 4-banger to the curb, and the convertible returned for 1987. Still sales lagged.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914716007-1985-chevrolet-camaro-iroc-z-mpg-23840202.jpg?width=660&amp;height=424&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"For 1985, Camaro got an IROC-Z model.\" width=\"515\" height=\"331\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914716007-1985-chevrolet-camaro-iroc-z-mpg-23840202.jpg?width=660&amp;height=424&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914716007-1985-chevrolet-camaro-iroc-z-mpg-23840202.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=848&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"For 1985, Camaro got an IROC-Z model.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"For 1985, Camaro got an IROC-Z model.\" data-c-credit=\"Chevrolet, Chevrolet\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">Fourth generation, 1993-2002<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Resisting the industry trend to front-wheel drive models to save fuel, the fourth-gen Camaro debuted on the familiar, solid-rear axle F-body platform with a more streamlined body shape. Production moved out of the United States to Quebec. By 1996, horsepower numbers were back on the rise with the V-6 engine making 200 horsepower and the V-8 a healthy 330 horses. The SS badge returned and was offered as a 30th anniversary model with orange stripes on a white body. Price? 38 grand.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914684007-1994-camaro-z-28-convertible-assembly.jpg?width=660&amp;height=489&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"For its fourth generation, the Camaro shared its push-rod V-8 with Corvette. The 5.7-liter, 275-horse LT1 propelled the Z28 model from 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.\" width=\"537\" height=\"398\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914684007-1994-camaro-z-28-convertible-assembly.jpg?width=660&amp;height=489&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914684007-1994-camaro-z-28-convertible-assembly.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=978&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"For its fourth generation, the Camaro shared its push-rod V-8 with Corvette. The 5.7-liter, 275-horse LT1 propelled the Z28 model from 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"For its fourth generation, the Camaro shared its push-rod V-8 with Corvette. The 5.7-liter, 275-horse LT1 propelled the Z28 model from 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.\" data-c-credit=\"Chevrolet, Chevrolet\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Despite a new front fascia in 1998 with flush, rounded headlights, sales continued to sag to under 30,000 in 2001 and the handwriting was on the wall. In 2002, Chevy pulled the plug on the on Camaro \u2014 the last model, a Z28, auctioned \u00a0off for $70,500.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914683007-2002-chevrolet-camaro-ss.jpg?width=660&amp;height=496&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The curtain came down on the Camaro program in 2002 with last Gen 4 car rolling off the Quebec line on August 27. Chevy honored the car\u2019s 35-year run with a Penske\/Sunoco-colored Z28 at the Woodward Dream Cruise. (Chevrolet photo)\" width=\"490\" height=\"368\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914683007-2002-chevrolet-camaro-ss.jpg?width=660&amp;height=496&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914683007-2002-chevrolet-camaro-ss.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=992&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"The curtain came down on the Camaro program in 2002 with last Gen 4 car rolling off the Quebec line on August 27. Chevy honored the car\u2019s 35-year run with a Penske\/Sunoco-colored Z28 at the Woodward Dream Cruise. (Chevrolet photo)\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The curtain came down on the Camaro program in 2002 with last Gen 4 car rolling off the Quebec line on August 27. Chevy honored the car\u2019s 35-year run with a Penske\/Sunoco-colored Z28 at the Woodward Dream Cruise. (Chevrolet photo)\" data-c-credit=\"Chevrolet, Chevrolet\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">Fifth generation, 2010-15<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">A determined team within GM kept the Camaro flame alive after 2002 with convertible concepts teased at the 2006 and 2007 Detroit Auto Shows. The flame became a bonfire in 2007 when the hit movie \u201cTransformers\u201d featured a robot transforming into a classic 1997 Camaro and then the 2007 concept.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914714007-2014-chevrolet-transformers-age-of-extinction-01.jpg?width=660&amp;height=312&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"Chevrolet and a Camaro that converts into the iconic Bumblebee will once again turn heads when the Transformers movie franchise returns to screens around the globe in the upcoming \u201cTransformers: Age of Extinction\u201d from director Michael Bay, in theaters June 27. This Chevrolet Camaro was built under the supervision of GM Design for use in the upcoming film.\" width=\"550\" height=\"260\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914714007-2014-chevrolet-transformers-age-of-extinction-01.jpg?width=660&amp;height=312&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914714007-2014-chevrolet-transformers-age-of-extinction-01.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=624&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"Chevrolet and a Camaro that converts into the iconic Bumblebee will once again turn heads when the Transformers movie franchise returns to screens around the globe in the upcoming \u201cTransformers: Age of Extinction\u201d from director Michael Bay, in theaters June 27. This Chevrolet Camaro was built under the supervision of GM Design for use in the upcoming film.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"Chevrolet and a Camaro that converts into the iconic Bumblebee will once again turn heads when the Transformers movie franchise returns to screens around the globe in the upcoming \u201cTransformers: Age of Extinction\u201d from director Michael Bay, in theaters June 27. This Chevrolet Camaro was built under the supervision of GM Design for use in the upcoming film.\" data-c-credit=\"Photo Credit: Andrew Cooper, Chevrolet\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Fueled by Hollywood marketing, Camaro was the most searched car online in 2009. The production model hit dealerships for the 2010 model year, rocketing to No. 1 in muscle car sales over Mustang, which had never abandoned its pony car.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Built on the all-new Zeta platform and in LS, LT, and SS trims, Camaro featured a modern, independent rear suspension to counter the \u2018Stang\u2019s antiquated solid rear axle. The V-6 engine returned with 312 horsepower, the SS\u2019s 6.2-liter V-8 pumped out 425. In the escalating arms race with Mustang, Camaro launched the 580-horse ZL1, its most powerful model yet.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914688007-2014-chevrolet-camaro-z-28.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"Camaro received significant cosmetic changes for 2014, including a slit cowl, bigger lower air intake, narrower greenhouse and a wider stance.\" width=\"542\" height=\"361\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914688007-2014-chevrolet-camaro-z-28.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914688007-2014-chevrolet-camaro-z-28.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=880&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"Camaro received significant cosmetic changes for 2014, including a slit cowl, bigger lower air intake, narrower greenhouse and a wider stance.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"Camaro received significant cosmetic changes for 2014, including a slit cowl, bigger lower air intake, narrower greenhouse and a wider stance.\" data-c-credit=\"Richard Prince, Richard Prince\/Chevrolet\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">Sixth generation, 2016-24<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Countering Mustang\u2019s Extreme Makeover in 2015, Camaro answered with a nimble, angular sports car with the same Alpha chassis as the Cadillac ATS.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Despite raves from enthusiasts \u2014 and a 455-horse V-8 in the SS \u2014 sales suffered as customers complained of poor visibility from the narrow greenhouse. Performance trims 1LE and ZL1 continued to raise the bar, with the latter gaining a 650-horse engine and sophisticated magnetic shocks. The 2019 model evolved with an updated fascia and turbo-4, but sales continued to slip behind the Mustang and resurgent Dodge Challenger. With a surge of emissions rules beginning in 2020 \u2014 reminiscent of the 1970s \u2014 GM decided to sunset its V-8 pony car for the second time to focus on Corvette.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/12\/14\/PDTN\/71914690007-2019-chevrolet-camaro-r-sand-ss-009.jpg?width=660&amp;height=240&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"2019 Camaro line features new front-end styling with distinct differences between LS\/LT, RS and SS, including the fascia, grille, LED dual-element headlamps and reshaped hood.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"2019 Camaro line features new front-end styling with distinct differences between LS\/LT, RS and SS, including the fascia, grille, LED dual-element headlamps and reshaped hood.\" data-c-credit=\"Lisa Linke, Chevrolet\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">To commemorate its final year of production, Chevrolet released the 2024 Collector&#8217;s Edition for all Camaro trims featuring signature Panther Black Metallic paint (a reference to the original 1965 project codename), exterior stripes, black front grille and unique panther badging on the steering wheel and exterior.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or @HenryEPayne<\/em>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the Chevy Camaro rides into the sunset this month, here\u2019s a look back at six generations of the iconic sports car from its 1960s roots to its first retirement in 2002 to its triumphant return in 2010 as America\u2019s best-selling muscle car. The 1960s made the reputation of a number of performance car brands [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31867"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31867"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31867\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31868,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31867\/revisions\/31868"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31867"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31867"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31867"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}