2012 Chevrolet Camaro

• Special 45th Anniversary package for Camaro and Camaro SS models, featuring specific hood/deck stripes, badging, new-design 20-inch wheels, special-trimmed interior and more

• High-performance Camaro ZL1 coming in early 2012

• New, standard 3.6L 'LFX' V-6 with SAE-certified 323 horsepower (241 kW), which is 20.5 pounds (9.3 kg) lighter and helps maintain fuel economy of up to 30 mpg highway (2LS model)

• FE4 suspension package for Camaro SS coupe enhances handling

• Revised instrument panel on all models, with new instrument graphics and trim

• New steering wheel design

• Power lift feature for the front passenger seat

• Rear Vision Package, which includes a new rearview camera system to complement the rear park assist feature

• Rear spoiler is standard on LS and LT models

• Body-color 'shark fin' antenna is part of the RS package

• Crystal Red Tintcoat replaces Red Jewel Tintcoat (later availability)

Chevrolet Camaro, America's most popular sports car, extends its momentum with enhancements for the 2012 model year. Highlights include an improved version of its standard 3.6L Direct Injection V-6 engine, a new FE4 performance suspension package for SS coupes and several new interior and technology improvements, such as a revised instrument panel design, new steering wheel and rear camera system.

The enhancements arrive in time for Camaro's 45th birthday, which will be celebrated with a special 45th Anniversary Special Edition package, offered on Camaro and Camaro SS. Continuing the tradition of Camaro anniversary models, the 45th Anniversary Special Edition carries all the upgrades for 2012, with additional unique design elements, inside and out.

The interior updates include a revised instrument panel appearance, with new instrument graphics and trim, as well as a new steering wheel design and a power lift feature for the front passenger seat. The steering wheel features a fresh new look and ergonomic improvements intended to support performance driving. Also new is a Rear Vision Package, which adds a rearview camera system and an auto-dimming mirror to the existing rear park assist feature. The rearview camera system complements the rear park assist by providing a video display of the area behind the car, with the video image appearing in the car's inside rearview mirror.

Also coming in early 2012 is the high-performance Camaro ZL1, the most technologically advanced car ever developed in its segment. Check this site for product updates and specifications on the Camaro ZL1 when they become available.

Camaro design

• Three well-equipped models – LS, LT and SS – offer sporty, performance-oriented choices for customers.

• Heritage-inspired interior and exterior convey sportiness through iconic design cues.

• New exterior features include a standard rear spoiler on LS and LT models.

• The new 45th Anniversary Special Edition package is available on 2LT and 2SS models. All come standard in Carbon Flash Metallic (black) and include a unique rally stripe in red and silver, with 45th Anniversary graphics on the stripes. Also included are special fender emblems, new 20-inch wheel design in deep silver, RS-style taillamp lenses, standard rear spoiler, standard HID headlamps, body-color roof molding and special-trimmed interior.

• New color: Crystal Red Tintcoat replaces Red Jewel Tintcoat (later availability)

Camaro interior

• A well-executed balance of heritage and contemporary features provides a fun and comfortable environment for up to four. An ambient lighting package on 2LT and 2SS trims gives the interior a special glow with LED light pipe technology.

• Revised instrument panel graphics and a new steering wheel distinguish 2012 models.

• The interior elements of the 45th Anniversary Special Edition package – in Jet Black – include leather-trimmed seats with the anniversary logo, white instrument panel and door trim inserts with the anniversary logo, red, white and blue stitching on the seats, and the anniversary logo on the steering wheel and sill plates.

• Two audio systems with simple controls are offered and both include standard SiriusXM Satellite Radio for three months (12 months on 2LT and 2SS). The base MP3/CD radio includes a six-speaker system, a two-line, 32-character reconfigurable display and the capability to select between AM, FM and XM stations without having to reset the frequency. The premium Boston Acoustics nine-speaker/245-watt audio system is available on LT and SS models. All radios include a standard auxiliary input jack for portable devices such as an iPod.

• Bluetooth connectivity for selected, compatible phones keeps drivers' eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

• Driver and passenger seats feature six-way adjustable settings (fore/aft, up/down and tilt), with power recline front seats that are standard on LT and SS models. Heated, leather-trimmed seats are part of the 2LT and 2SS trim packages.

• Additional comfort and convenience come via the available sunroof and remote vehicle starter on LT and SS models. Head-up display, which projects key instrument, Turn-by-Turn navigation and audio system details on the windshield, is part of the 2LT and 2SS trim packages.

Camaro powertrain

A new, more powerful and more efficient version of the 3.6L direct-injected V-6 is standard on LS and LT models. It delivers an SAE-certified 323 horsepower (241 kW) at 6,800 rpm – 11 horsepower (8 kW) more than 2011 models. It is also 20.5 pounds (9.3 kg) lighter than the previous engine, which enhances efficiency and driving dynamics. And while more powerful than the current 3.6L, the 2012 Camaro 2LS model delivers an estimated 30 mpg on the highway. Highlights include:

• New cylinder head design with integrated exhaust manifold

• Improved intake port design and larger intake valves within the cylinder heads

• Longer-duration intake camshafts

• Composite intake manifold

• New fuel pump and isolated fuel rail

• New, optimized-flow fuel injectors

• Structural front cover and cylinder block enhancements

• Stronger and lighter-weight connecting rods

• Camshaft cap and throttle body design enhancements.

• Two 6.2L V-8 engines are offered in the Camaro SS, including the L99 on automatic-equipped vehicles and the LS3 on manual-equipped models. Horsepower for the L99 is 400 (298 kW) at 5,900 rpm and torque is 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm) at 4,300 rpm. The LS3 develops 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm). Output on the L99 is lower than the LS3 because of a slightly lower compression ratio (10.4:1 vs. 10.7:1) and design features of the Active Fuel Management system.

• All Camaro models can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with TapShift.

• The Aisin AY6 six-speed manual is standard with the 3.6L engine, and a Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic is optional.

• A Tremec TR 6060 six-speed manual is standard on the SS, and the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic is optional.

• The SS model's Tremec TR 6060 six-speed manual is designed to handle the high torque characteristics of the LS3 engine.

• The final drive ratio for LS3 vehicles is 3.45:1.

Camaro chassis and suspension

Camaro features fully independent front and rear suspensions, with the standard independent using a 4.5-link system that includes a unique, L-shaped upper control arm that attaches to the knuckle at one end and incorporates a ride bushing in the rear.

• Three suspension packages are offered: FE2 sport on LS and LT models; FE3 on SS Convertible models or new FE4 performance on SS Coupe models.

• The front suspension has a dual ball strut system, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar.

• A sub-frame at the rear is double-isolated to minimize vehicle body motions and dampen road imperfections.

• Coil-over shock absorbers are used in the rear with a decoupled, hollow stabilizer bar.

• Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all models – including Brembo four-piston calipers on SS – with hydraulic brake assist.

• Rack-and-pinion steering system with a 16.1:1 ratio on all models.

• Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control on all models.

• Competitive/sport mode on SS models enhances on-track performance.

• Performance Launch Control on SS models with the manual transmission optimizes hard-acceleration launches for quicker, more consistent performance.

• LS and LT models are equipped with standard 18-inch wheels or optional 19-inch wheels; SS comes with standard 20-inch wheels and 21-inch wheels are available as a dealer-installed accessory.

The new FE4 suspension offers a performance improvement for the Camaro SS coupe. Elements include:

• Retuned front and rear dampers.

• New 23mm solid front (23 mm) and rear (24 mm) stabilizer bars, reshaped and positioned outboard of the shock mounts for more effective body control and more precise response.

• Twenty-inch aluminum wheels and P245/45R20 front/P275/40R20 rear tires.

Camaro safety and crash-avoidance features

The Camaro is designed to help drivers avoid crashes, while protecting occupants in the event a crash occurs.

• New Rear Vision Package, which includes a new rearview camera system to complement the rear park assist feature (standard on 2LT and 2SS; available on 1LT and 1SS).

• Six standard air bags include side curtain air bags, which provide head protection for outboard passengers in the event of a side-impact or rollover crash.

• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system helps reduce the risk of rollover crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver's intended path by applying throttle, braking or a combination of both.

• Standard four-wheel disc brake system featuring smooth, quiet operation, longer pad life and more resistance to brake pulsation.

• Pretensioners minimize forward movement during a collision, and are standard on the front safety belts. Load-limiting retractors cinch the belt more tightly.

• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat attachment system, which is included in all second-row seating positions.

• Tire pressure monitoring system, standard on all models.

• Standard remote keyless entry (RKE) system provides a second function for the red panic button. Drivers can use it to locate their cars without sounding the panic alarm.

• Strong body structure to absorb crash energy and provide a protective 'safety cage' around occupants.

by Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Camaro was introduced in 1967 as a compact car specifically built to provide competition for the highly popular Ford Mustang. This pony car was built atop of the same F-Body platform as the Pontiac Firebird, which had a similar production lifespan of 1967 through 2002.

During the preproduction stages of the Chevrolet Camaro, General Motors codenamed the vehicle 'Panther'. The name 'Camaro' was decided upon before production began. The word 'Camaro' in French is slang for 'friend' but in pony-car slang, the name means 'Mustang killer'.

During its production lifespan, there were four generations produced. The first generation lasted from 1967 through 1969. The second generation lasted from 1972 through 1981. The third generation lasted from 1982 through 1992. The fourth generation lasted from 1993 through 2002. The fifth generation is believed to begin production in 2007; a concept was shown at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show.

When the car was introduced in 1967, it was available in two body styles, a coupe, and convertible. It shared many mechanics with the Chevrolet Nova and built atop a unibody chassis. The base engine was a 3.7-liter inline-six cylinder capable of producing 140 horsepower. Power was sent to the rear wheels courtesy of a Saginaw three-speed manual gearbox. A Muncie four-speed manual and a two-speed PowerGlide automatic were offered as optional equipment. Near the end of 1967, a Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 became available on the SS396. In 1969 the TH350 was offered on the Camaro as optional equipment, in place of the PowerGlide which was no longer offered. 14-inch wheels were standard.

To compete in the pony-car arena, General Motors offered a 5.7-liter eight-cylinder engine in 1967 that produced nearly 300 horsepower.

The Camaro was highly customizable, with over seventy factory and forty dealer options available. the z28 option was not mentioned in the sales literature so many buyers were unaware of its existence. Due to the lack of press about the Z28 option, only 602 examples were produced. The package included many performance enhancements such as a 4.9-liter small-block engine, front disc brakes, Muncie 4-speed gearbox, suspension improvements, 15-inch Rallye wheels, and power steering. The aesthetics of the vehicle were segregated from the other Camaro's with racing stripes being placed on the hood. The Z28 package was offered by GM specifically to comply with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans Am racing series that required an engine size of five-liters or less. Also, the vehicle must be sold to the general public.

The SS (Super Sport) package included many performance and aesthetic upgrades and was popular with more than 34400 examples created. Under the hood was a 5.7-liter eight-cylinder engine with a 6.5-liter big-block offered as optional equipment in 1968. On the grille, horn button, and gas cap were SS badging. Non-functional air-inlets adorned the front hood.

The RS (Rally Sport) package was basically a cosmetic upgrade. The headlights were hidden, the taillights received minor alterations, and the exterior rocker trim was revised. RS badging could be seen throughout the vehicle. This was the most popular option ordered in 1967, with over 64,840 examples produced.

The RS and SS packages could be ordered together, creating the RS/SS Camaro. The combination included both the aesthetics of the RS and the performance of the SS. A Camaro RS/SS convertible with a 6.5-liter engine paced the Indianapolis 500 race in 1967.

With over 220900 examples produced in 1967, the Camaro proved to General Motors that the public was starved for small, performance pony cars.

In 1968 the Camaro received minor aesthetic and mechanical improvements. Side marker lights were added, the grille became more pointed, and the taillights were now segregated. The side vent windows were removed. Performance was improved slightly by the staggering of the shock absorbers. On some of the models, the single-leafs were replaced by multi-leaf springs.

Buyers became aware of the Z28 package in 1968 and ordered nearly 72000 examples. The RS continued to be the most popular option with 40977 examples produced. The SS accounted for 27884 of the 235147 total Camaro's produced in 1968.

For 1969 the Camaro became safer and faster. General Motors mandated that the Camaro could not come from the factory with engines larger than 6.6 liters. To bypass this rule, dealerships such as Yenko Chevrolet, Dana Chevrolet, and Nickey Chevrolet offered the Camaro with the 7 liter, big-block, L-27 corvette engine producing 425 horsepower. These performance options became so popular that in 1969 Chevrolet began offering two Central Office Production Orders (COPO) options, numbers 9560 and 9561. The COPO 9561 option included the L-72 Corvette engine. In total, there were 1015 Camaros equipped with the L-72 Corvette engine.

The COPO 9560 option included a 7-liter, big-block, ZL-1 engine. The engine was constructed of aluminum to help reduce the overall weight. The engine was reported to have produced around 430 gross horsepower, but in reality, it was closer to 550. With only 69 examples produced it is one of the rarest and fastest of all Chevrolet Camaros.

Most of the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro mechanics remained unchanged. The aesthetics was a different story. The grille was redesigned and the headlights now sat farther back adding to the aggressive features of the car. Newly reshaped door, rear quarter panel, and rear valence gave the 1969 Camaro a smooth, low, and wide stance. The production of the 1969 Camaro, which continued into December of 1969, was the final year for the first-generation Camaro.

The second-generation Camaro began production near the middle of 1970. The body had been redesigned and the suspension was greatly improved. The rest of the mechanics remained mostly unchanged from the prior years. The biggest change was the base engine, which was now a 4.1-liter inline-six capable of producing 155 horsepower. There was no convertible option offered, only a 2+2 coupe configuration.

The big-block eight-cylinder had been bored to 402 cubic inches but still retained its 396 badging. The Rally Sport, Super Sport, and Z28 packages were still available. The Z28 now featured a 5.7-liter engine that produced 360 horsepower.

1972 was not a good year for the Camaro. For 174 days, production ceased at GM's assembly plant in Ohio due to a UAW strike. This resulted in 1100 Camaro's failing to meet 1973 Federal bumper safety standards. In total, only 68,656 examples were produced. Less than a thousand were the SS package, so General Motors decided to no longer offer the package after 1972. This meant the big-block 396 cubic-inch engine was no longer offered.

The Camaro, much like the rest of the industry, had to adapt to new government and insurance safety and emission regulations. This meant new safety features like larger bumpers needed to be affixed to the car that could protect the vehicle and its occupants at certain speeds. Engines were detuned to comply with safety and emission concerns. The cars became safer, but their performance was seriously crippled. This was true for the Camaro in 1973 when its highest-producing engine was a 350 cubic-inch V-8 that produced 245 horsepower.

New for 1973 was an LT option that included impact-absorbing bumpers. The Camaro grew in size in 1974 due to a forward-sloping grille and new aluminum bumpers. Rectangular bumpers replaced the round taillight designs. Sales of the Z28 package continued to decline so the decision was made to discontinue the option after 1974.

Horsepower was measured in NET rather than gross rating beginning in 1975. This meant that the reported horsepower was much lower than in prior years. The 350 cubic-inch V8 was now rated at about 155 horsepower.

In 1977 the Z28 was re-introduced in an effort to revitalize the muscle-car persona of the Camaro. The base Camaro's were outfitted with air-conditioning and an automatic transmission. A Borg-Warner Super T-10 four-speed manual gearbox could be ordered as optional equipment.

1978 marked the first year for the T-top option on a Camaro. The Camaro was given larger taillights and new bumpers.

As vehicles became safer, they became slower. The public shifted from wanting performance to luxury. Oil embargos and rising fuel costs had made the engines smaller but more fuel efficient. For 1979 the LT package was replaced with a luxurious Berlinetta that included special wheels, paint, emblems, and interior.

1979 was a very strong year for Camaro sales with 282,571 examples being sold.

1980 and 1981 saw very few changes. The hood scope on the Z-28 was revised to help siphon air to the engine.

In 1981 sales were down considerably to just over 126,000. This would be the final year for the second-generation Camaro.

In 1982 General Motors introduced the third generation of the Camaro. The vehicle was stylish and versatile, earning the coveted Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year. Both aesthetically and mechanically, the vehicle was improved. The suspension was upgraded, making it more capable in the corners and at speed.

This was the first year the Camaro was equipped with a factory fuel-injected engine. A four-speed automatic gearbox replaced the three-speed unit. A five-speed manual gearbox was also available. Due to rising concerns of oil shortage, a four-cylinder engine was offered for part of 1982.

Six thousand examples of the Z28 Camaro were sold to commemorate the return of the pony car to the Indianapolis 500. The special-edition vehicles were painted in two-tone silver and blue paint with orange pin-striping.

To honor the International Race of Champions, Chevrolet introduced the IROC-Z in 1985. The package included an improved suspension, decal package, and a 305 cubic-inch L98 Tuned Port Injection system borrowed from the Corvette. The IROC-Z was featured on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best List for 1985.

The L69 small-block engine was offered from 1983 through 1986. The LB9 small block was introduced in 1985; the L98 small block was introduced in 1987; the LO3 was introduced in 1988. The LB9, L98, and LO3 stayed in production until 1992.

1992 was the final year for the third-generation Camaro. 1993 marked the beginning of the fourth generation, which persisted until 2002.

New technology and material made the fourth generation greatly improved over the prior years. Weight was reduced with the use of plastic body panels sitting atop a steel space frame. Performance was increased thanks in part to a better suspension system. In 1993 Chevrolet offered the LT1 eight-cylinder engine, which had been in production for a year on the Corvette, on the Camaro. A six-speed manual gearbox was offered with the LT1 engine.

The Camaro returned to the Indianapolis 500 as the honorary pace car in 1993. To commemorate this historic accomplishment, Chevrolet offered a limited quantity of special edition Camaro's, painted in a black and white color scheme.

The design and mechanics remained mostly unchanged over the next few years. Minor revisions were made to comply with newly introduced emission standards. Mechanical changes were made to correct problems that had been found throughout the years.

In 1996 the RS package and the SS package were re-introduced. The RS was an appearance option for the six-cylinder Camaro's while the SS was both an appearance and performance package for the eight-cylinder cars.

1997 marked the 30th anniversary of the Camaro. A 30th Anniversary Package was offered to honor this accomplishment. The vehicles were painted white with orange stripes. 100 of the Anniversary Camaros were given the LT4 engine with 330 horsepower; a thirty-eight thousand dollar price tag accompanied the vehicle.

The interior of the Camaro was modernized in 1997 and again in 1998, although the 1998 improvements were minor in comparison to what transpired the prior year.

The body design was drastically changed in 1998, mainly in the front. Round headlights replaced the square design. The headlights were flush, inline with the rest of the body. A new grille and bumper were used, both positioned a little differently to mimic the headlight changes. A new powerful, lightweight, all-aluminum LS1 power plant retired the LT1 unit. The OHV LS1 was borrowed from the Corvette and slightly detuned to produce just over 300 horsepower. To handle this extra power, the disc brakes were enlarged, and the suspension was upgraded.

Total production for 1998 was 48490. This was disappointing for General Motors, especially with the newly revised body and powerful options. The lowest production year for the Camaro occurred in 2001, with just over 29000 examples being produced. This was due to low sales and production ceasing early to begin work on the 35th Anniversary 2002 cars.

2002 marked the final year of production of the fifth-generation Camaro. The styling and mechanics were unmodified, carrying the same design from 1999.

A special 35th Anniversary Edition was offered and could be ordered on all trim levels and packages. The 35th Anniversary SS Camaro could only be ordered as a convertible or with T-Tops. Around 3000 examples of the 35th Anniversary Edition were created. Total production for the year was just over 42,000.

On August 27th, 2002, production ceased. The Camaro had accomplished its goal of providing competition for the Ford Mustang and other compact, low-priced, sports cars. Outfitted with large, Corvette engines, matted to effective gearboxes and given great suspension and brakes, the Camaro was truly a performance machine that was capable and fun to drive. It was fairly practical, with room for more than two passengers. It was economical with sticker-prices in the range that many could afford. The production of the Camaro has ceased, but its future has not yet been written. Expect to see this legendary vehicle on the roadways in the near future.

by Dan Vaughan

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