The new Camaro features design elements
from the '69 Camaro and other Chevy performance cars are given a
modern adaptation to the Camaro concept. The linear Proportions, short
front overhang, longer rear overhang and powerful fender shapes all
speak to its athletic prowess. Functional design is apparent with the
front opening port, hood bulge and brake port all serving a
performance function. This concept car places the powerful heart into
a form-fitting angular package and gives it a forward-thrusting aspect.
Just the thought of it gets your heart racing.
The History of the Chevy Camaro
Theres nothing quite like the style or the sound of an honest,
powerful sports car. And right from day one - in the fall of 1966 -
the Chevrolet Camaro never compromises. This classic Chevy was the V8-powered,
rear-wheel drive muscle car for millions of enthusiasts. Here's a
taste of the pure-bred's heritage.
1966
Camaro was named. A French dictionary cited it as meaning comrade or
pal. Others said it implied being a part of the owner and personal
driving experience. Either way, it would become an American icon,
prompting songs, movies, plays, and books to be written about it.
1967
The first Camaro was introduced as a '67 model. Unlike its main
competitor, Camaro consisted of a sub-frame attached to a uni-body for
better road and noise isolation as well as better ride quality. Right
from the beginning - with its dramatic style, 350 small block, V8, and
choice of options such as the Style Trim Group, Rally Sport Package,
and Super Sport - Camaro was the closest thinf to a Vette yet. There
was even a special edition Z28 with a special small block V8 engine
that was developed as a contender for an established racing series.
220,906 Camaros, including approximately 100 Ermine White Convertible
pace car replicas, were produced.
1970
A short model year beginning in the spring introduced the all-new
second-generation Camaro. While it maintained the semi-unitized body
concept, almost every other part of the car was redesigned - with a
definite European influence. New racing circuit rules allowing larger
engines spurred a more powerful Camaro. The New Camaro Z28 came with a
fierce 350ci, 360-hp engine and SS offered an optional 350ci, 375-hp
engine. 124,901 Camaros were produced.
1978
T-tops made there way to the market along with body-colored fascias
for a cleaner, more aerodynamic look at previous models. Camaro proved
it was here to stay when the 2-millionth Camaro rolled off the Van
Nuys assembly line in L.A. on May 11, 1978. Owned by a Chevy dealer in
Nevada, it still looks as good today. In total, 272,631 Camaros were
produced that year.
1980
A new decade gave way to new engines. For the first time, a V6 was
available on a Camaro. But while 49 states recieved 229ci engine,
California recieved 231ci. Z28's featured a new hood, with a rear
facing scoop and intake door that was solenoid-controlled. A variety
of radios, including the popular integral CB, were available. 152,005
Camaros were produced.
1982
A third generation Camaro arrived. For the first time in 12 years,
Camaro's body was totally redesigned, this time witha futuristic look
and a hatch instead of the traditional trunk. Another first for Camaro:
A 4-cylinder engine available in the Sport Coupe. 189,747 Camaros,
including 6,360 Silver pace car replicas were produced.
1985
A special Z28 sport equipment package, IROC-Z, commemorated the
International Race of Champions that featured identically equipped
special Camaros. This package allowed the Camaro to pull .92 gs on the
skidpad. The V6 engine recieved multi-port fuel injection, and top
horsepower came with the LB9 Tuned-Port fuel injected 305ci engine
rated at 215 hp. 10 of the 12 colors available on the Camaro were new
this year along with revised interior fabrics and colors. 180,018
Camaros were produced.
1987
After an 18-year hiatus, the Camaro Convertible was brought back to
life. An engine similar to that used in Corvette was available on the
IROC-Z and rated 225 hp. However, Camaro's heads and exhaust manifolds
were made of iron instead of aluminum and stainless steel. The Norwood,
Ohio, closed at the end of this model run. 137,760 Camaros were
produced.
1993
With a totally redesigned body and significant mechanical improvements,
the fourth-generation Camaro debuted. All models included dual air
bags along with analog instrument displays and tachometer. The V6
bulked up from 140 hp th 160 hp and Z28 recieved an
LT-1 V8 similar to that used in the Corvette and rated at 275 hp.
Camaro's fourth appearance as pace car was a Z28 with striking black-over-white
exterior with multicolored stripes and interior seat covers. 40,224
Camaros, including 633 pace car replicas, were produced.
2002
For 35 years Camaro had remained true to its brand promise of offering
honest American performance with rear-wheel drive, sport-tuned
suspensions, exceptional power and eye-catching, fluid-themed styling.
To celebrate, a limited number of 35th anniversary
T-top Coupes and Convertibles were offered through a limited number of
dealers. They featured special graphics, interior and Corvette derived,
325 hp LS1 small block V8 engine.
NOW
The new Camaro features design elements from the '69 Camaro and other
Chevy performance cars are given a modern adaptation to the Camaro
concept. The linear Proportions, short front overhang, longer rear
overhang and powerful fender shapes all speak to its athletic prowess.
Functional design is apparent with the front opening port, hood bulge
and brake port all serving a performance function. This concept car
places the powerful heart into a form-fitting angular package and
gives it a forward-thrusting aspect. Just the thought of it gets your
heart racing.
