1982 Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet introduced an all-new Camaro late in the 1982 model year. Chevrolet declared it 'captures the essence of the contemporary American performance expression.' In comparison to its 1981 sibling, the new model was visually different. It did have similarities, such as its rear-wheel-drive layout, and was offered in three trim levels. Each trim level had its own styling features, including rear fascia and a specific front air dam. They all had deeply recessed quad rectangular headlamps and wraparound tail lamps. They had an aerodynamic shape in a lighter-weight fastback body style with a compound S-shaped glass hatch. It was nearly 500 pounds lighter than the 1981 model and the new body was almost 10 inches shorter, resting on a 101-inch wheelbase. There was a hatch release lock behind the license plate and the fuel filler door was now located on the driver's side quarter panel. In the front, the flush-mounted windshield was given a 62-degree rake, helping the Camaro achieve a very low 0.368 drag coefficient.

The base 2-door Sport Coupe Camaro came with a four-speed manual gearbox; the previous three-speed was no longer available. They had power brakes and steering, dual black sport mirrors, black windshield molding, body-color wheels with hubcaps, and concealed wipers. The standard engine was Pontiac's 151 cubic-inch four-cylinder unit offering 90 horsepower. A 2.8-liter V6 with 102 horsepower was optional, or a 305 cubic-inch V8 with nearly 150 horsepower. The V6 engine came standard in the Camaro Berlinetta model. The V8 was standard in the Camaro Z28, but could also be fitted with the optional Cross-Fire fuel-injected 305 V8, with 165 horsepower and at a cost of an additional $450. Vehicles fitted with this engine were given a 'Cross Fire Injection' decal below the 'Z28' identifier, behind the front wheel housing. They also had operating air inlets. Vehicles with the V8 engine also were given four-wheel disc brakes.

The Z28 models, which sold for nearly $10,000, had special five-spoke aluminum wheels. Their front end had no upper grille opening, and their air dams nearly touched the ground. They rode on P215/65R15 white-letter tires, had dual mufflers and tailpipes, body-color sport mirrors, a rear deck spoiler, twin air scoops, and Z28 hood, and a specially-tuned suspension.

Though the exterior dimensions had changed, the interior space was nearly the same. There was a new glove box, a parking brake lever, a black-finished instrument panel (to minimize reflections), twin speedometer needles (in both MPH and kilometers), and controls for the heater. The front bucket seats reclined and there was a day/night mirror. Buyers had the option of purchasing air conditioning, a six-way power seat, and a stereo radio. The rear seat backrest folded down, converting the rear section into a cargo area that was accessible through the new hatch.

1982 had many new mechanical changes. The body was unitized construction with bolt-on front sheet metal. The leaf spring suspension setup was replaced in favor of coil springs and a longitudinal torque tube, short control arms, and a lateral track rod in the back. The front used modified MacPherson struts with coil springs and a stabilizer bar. The Z28 models had a link-type rear stabilizer bar.

Berlinetta models had gold-accented aluminum spoke wheels, P205/70R14 SBR tires, body-color sport mirrors, a black-accented lower body with stripe, and body pinstriping. They also had an upgraded acoustic package.

Chevrolet produced 6,360 Indy 500 Commemorative Editions of the Z28 Sport Coupe. This was done to mark the use of a Camaro as the Indy Pace car. Chevrolet dealers were allowed to order one special edition Camaro. All the replicas were painted silver and blue and had Indy 500 logos, red-accented silver aluminum wheels, and Goodyear Eagle GT white-letter tires. Inside, they had blue cloth/silver vinyl interiors and Lear-Siegler Conteur driver's seat. They also had a leather-wrapped steering wheel, special instruments, and an AM/FM stereo radio.

The Base Camaro sold for $7,750 and a total of 78,761 examples were produced. The Berlinetta model sold for $9,260 with 39,744 examples finding buyers. 63,563 examples of the Camaro Z28 were produced and over 1,300 Z28E hatchback models were built for export. The 6,360 Indy 500 Commemorative Editions were built in addition to the standard Z28s.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2014