CAMARO
(first-generation)
The Camaro
debuted in September 1966, for the 1967 model year, up to 1969 on a brand
new rear-wheel drive GM F-body platform and would be available as a 2-door,
2+2 seating, coupe or convertible with a choice of inline-6 and 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 powerplants. Aftermarket Camaros sold by Yenko Chevrolet in
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, as well as several other dealerships across America,
were also equipped with 427 cu in (7.0 L)V8s by way of heavy modifications
to the Camaros themselves. Concerned with the runaway success of the Ford
Mustang, Chevrolet executives realized that their compact sporty car, the
Corvair, would not be able to generate the sales volume of the Mustang due
to its radical rear-engine design, as well as declining sales, the Camaro
was touted as having the same conventional rear-drive, front-engine configuration
as Mustang and Chevy II. In addition, the Camaro was designed to fit a variety
of power plants in the engine bay. The first-generation Camaro would last
until the 1969 model year and would eventually inspire the design of the new
retro fifth-generation Camaro.
(
Second generation)
Introduced
in February 1970, the second-generation Camaro would be in production for
a total of 11 years. The car grew somewhat larger and wider with the new styling,
thus resulting in a heavier car. Still based on the F-body platform, the new
Camaro was engineered much like its predecessor in that it still used a unibody
structure with a front subframe, leaf springs in the back and A-arms up front
for suspension. The car would see major changes in both styling and performance
as time progressed from the introduction through the end of second-generation
production in 1981.
(The third-generation)
Camaro was introduced
for the 1982 model year. It continued to use General Motors' F-body platform
and would produce a "20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition" for
1987 and a "25th Anniversary Heritage Edition" for 1992. These were
also the first Camaros with throttle body fuel injection TBI, Turbo-Hydramatic
700R4 four-speed automatic transmissions, five-speed manual transmissions,
15 inch or 16-inch wheels, hatchback bodies, and a rear window third brake
light. It was during the third generation that the famous IROC-Z Camaro was
available, which included upgrades such as Performance Suspension and 16-inch
Z rated tires.The
third-generation Camaros would continue through the 1992 model year.
(The fourth-generation)
Camaro
debuted for the 1993 model year on an updated F-body platform. It would retain
the same characteristics since the first-generation's introduction back in
1967; 2-doors, 2+2 seating, available as a coupé (with optional T-top
roof) or convertible (with the latter introduced in 1994), rear-wheel drive,
and a choice of V6 and V8 powerplants. Options included the 3.4 L (207 cu
in) 160 hp (119 kW) V6 (changed to 3.8 L (232 cu in) 200 hp (149 kW) V6 in
mid-1995: The LT1 V8 engine (350 CID) 5.7 L V8 with 275hp (flywheel rated)
that had been introduced in the Corvette one year earlier, as well as an optional
six-speed manual T-56 transmission.(The motor was later rated at 285hp) The
1997 model year introduced a newer interior, while the 1998 model year was
refreshed and revised with both exterior and engine changes. The engine was
replaced with GM's all-aluminum LS1 (346 CID) which had been introduced with
the Corvette C5.The
fourth-gen Camaro would last up through the 2002 model year, marking 35 years
of continuous production. Production of the F-Body platform was stopped due
to slow sales, a deteriorated sports coupe market, and plant overcapacity.
(Fifth
generation)
Based on the 2006 Camaro Concept and 2007 Camaro Convertible Concept, production
of the fifth-generation Camaro was approved on 10 August 2006. Oshawa Car
Assembly will produce the new Camaro which will go on sale in spring of 2009
as a 2010 model year vehicle.[10][11] The 2010 model is offered as a coupe
only in LS, LT, and SS trim levels. The LS and LT trim levels will be powered
by the LLT 3.6L (217ci) V6 producing 304 hp (227 kW). The SS is powered by
the LS3 6.2L (376ci) V8 producing 426 hp (318 kW) when paired with the 6 speed
manual. When paired with the 6 speed automatic the L99 V8 producing 400 hp
(300 kW) is installed. The RS appearance package will be available on both
the LT and SS. Production began on 16 March 2009 as a 2010 model. Motor Trend
has called it "The best new car from Chevrolet in over 30 years".
It's competitors are the Dodge Challenger and the Ford Mustang GT. Chevy plans
a Z-28 version to debut in late fall 2009 with a supercharged V-8 from the
CTS-V, boosting power to over 550 HP. However, Chevy is the last car company
to develop a high-performance version of their pony car, as the Shelby GT500/GT500KR
and the Dodge Challenger SRT8 have already been released.
