The History Behind the Chevy Camaro

Born in the horsepower wars of the late 1960s, the Chevrolet Camaro earned its place in American automotive history by combining distinct styling with competitive performance. The Camaro has soldiered through five generations since its introduction in 1967, with each iteration incorporating new technology while remaining true to form. Each generation has followed a formula of rolling out an easy-to-attain base model, while premium trim levels and available options allow enthusiasts to live out their motoring dreams on the road and track.

Generation 1

The 1967 Camaro featured such innovative technologies as a unibody structure and independent front suspension. Chevy priced the first generation base Camaro under $2,500.00. Options were available through the dealership a la carte, or buyers could opt for trim level packages such as the Rally Sport (RS), with upgraded trim and interior materials, or Super Sport (SS), a high-performance package that bundled a heavy duty suspension with Chevy’s first 350 V8. The first generation of Camaros also saw the introduction of the iconic Z/28, a track-ready variant that helped define the performance aspirations for years to come.

Generation 2

The second generation Camaro began a production run in 1970 that would last almost 13 years. This generation had more heft than its predecessor, but borrowed heavily from the outgoing Camaro’s parts bin, most notably when it came to engine technology. Base power was provided by a 250-cubic-inch six-cylinder, but the fun started when one of the available V8s were wedged into the engine bay. The return of the SS package saw the addition of a four-barrel 350 that was good for 300 horsepower; stepping up to the Z28 gave owners a high compression LT-1 350 that cranked out 360 horses. Increasing governmental regulations on safety, emissions, and fuel economy left their mark on the second generation Camaro, impacting both appearance and performance.

Generation 3

The third Generation debuted in 1982. It saw the adoption of such advances as fuel injection for the first time in the Camaro’s history, as well as a five-speed manual transmission. This generation also marked the first time the Camaro would be available with a four-cylinder engine. This was the first true redesign of the vehicle since its 1967 debut, and it was in this version that the IROC-Z was introduced.

Generation 4

The fourth generation featured a sleek and aerodynamic design that was a significant departure from the styling cues of the previous models. The base model, equipped with a 3.4-liter V6 was a true value, while the high-end SS marked the first Camaro to break the 300 horsepower mark since the adoption of net horsepower ratings. The fourth generation wrapped up its production run in 2002, and it would be nearly a decade before a new Camaro hit the streets.

Generation 5

The current Generation Camaro made its debut in 2010 and marked a new level of style and performance for the model. A modern design, the current Camaro pays homage to its roots with retro touches and styling cues direct from the early Camaro’s playbook. The base V6 is more potent than all but the best V8s of previous generations, while the top-of-the-line 6.2-liter V8 puts out a whopping 426 horsepower.

No longer biased solely toward stoplight-to-stoplight fun, but with a truly modern suspension setup, powerful Brembo brakes, and stability and traction controls, the current Camaro is a world-class sports car with an un-paralleled heritage.