History of the Chevy Camaro
July 11, 2008
Chevrolet Camaro was made by the General Motors through its Chevrolet Motor Division in North America. The Chevrolet Camaro was initially manufactured on the same platform where Pontiac Firebird was made and even major components of Pontiac’s Firebird were used in Camaro. Originally, General Motors marketed Chevrolet’s Camaro to compete with the famous model of Ford’s Mustang.
Chevrolet’s Camaro production can be divided in four distinct generations of the car until the year 2002 when further production was stopped. However, Camaro production is expected to start again in 2009.
The history of the car goes back to 1966, when the first generation Chevy Camaro was introduced in the year 1967. The model was available as a two door, four seater models with its rear wheel drive features. The model was available either as a convertible or a coupe. It is interesting to note that this first generation Camaro which was going to be the design base for the latest fifth generation Camaro to be marketed in 2009.
The second generation Chevy Camaro was made in 1970.The car was larger in size, heavier and stronger. The car undergone lot of changes in design and performance in successive years as the second generation model ended its journey in 1981.
The third generation of Chevy Camaro came into being in 1982. The Chevy Camaro was still manufactured in the Pontiac’s Firebird platform and had the distinction of producing two important editions namely”20th.Anniversary Commemorative Edition” in 1987 and”25th.Anniversary Heritage Edition” in 1992. The important features of these editions are fuel injection system , four speed automatic transmissions or five speed manual transmission , 15 inch or 16 inch wheels, hatchback body, provision of a rear window and a third brake light. 16inch Z rated tyres and improved suspension were also introduced in this phase. The third generation phase ended in 1992.
The fourth-generation Chevy Camaro was produced in 1993 on the updated earlier platform of Firebird. The model retained the characteristics of the first generation’s features like two door, four seater model with its rear wheel drive features, either a coupe or a convertible design , also having the choice of V6 or V8 engines and the option to choose six–speed manual transmission. New interior was introduced in 1997. In 1998, the exterior of the car was revised and there was a change in the engine with GM’s all-aluminium LSI (346 ci). The fourth generation Camaro lasted up to 2002 which heralded continuous production of Camaro for 35 years.
The pronouncement from General Motors with regard to the fifth generation Chevy Camaro came at the North American International Auto Show 2006 when the Chevy Camaro concept was made public. As per the announcement, the Chevy Camaro concept car is supposed to be powered by 400hp engine (V8) the vehicle will be available with manual and automatic transmission. The pricing of the model as announced by GM, will be competitive, keeping Ford’s Mustang in mind. The Chevy Camaro Concept will be marketed sometime in 2009.
Chevy Camaro Buying Tips
July 11, 2008
One should have a thorough knowledge or at least the important features and incorporations in various models of Chevy Camaro Cars. The following lines will review the various aspects in the developments and changes that occurred in successive years so that before buying Chevy Camaro, either new or old, people may be in a position to assess their requirements duly.
The Chevy Camaro between the years 1993-2002 got thoroughly restyled… The pony car, so popular, the base model with V6 engine and Z28 with V8 power were on the same platform as before. The dimensions were slightly more but certain additional features caused some weight gain and improvement in power. Camaros now include brakes with anti-locking device and two air bags, reworked dashboard could accommodate all the gauges in a semicircular pod which made viewing easy. In between the years of its existence the modifications or additions made in the original of Camaro are summarized below so that the potential buyer get the tips for the choice he makes:
Chevy Camaro 1994 model was a Convertible with rear glass window and power operated top, Z28’s 6-speed gear box had computer aided gear selection device which help acceleration from stop easily.
Chevy Camaro 1995 model had optional traction control and for Z28 it was switched off.
Chevy Camaro 1996 model, the 3.8 litre V6 engine was the standard for the base Camaros. Since Z28 was fitted with 5.7 litre V8 engine, it gained 10 hp. Z28 versions had the SS sports option available and the SS engine HP rose to 305.
Chevy Camaro 1997 model had the dashboard redesigned, revised taillampa, revised console centre and more storage space.
Chevy Camaro 1998 had its front (nose) restyled, composite headlamps, hood and fenders restyled, the Z28 got Corvette’s aluminum V8 engine of 305hp and SS model had the engine of 320hp.
Chevy Camaro 1999 model had a new option for traction control in the base model and the fuel tank size was increased from 15.5 gallons.
Chevy Camaro 2000 model had to combat declining sales due to pollution related stinctures that forced the company to retain the “pony car” without much change in this year. Low emission engines were used and some change in door mirror color, redesigning of wheels took place.
Chevy Camaro 2001 model had the Z28 based package returned to the SS package that contained high powered V8 engine, functional hood, large tyres, rear spoiler of new design, upgraded suspension and the shock absorbers retuned.
Chevy Camaro 2002 model had the 35th.Anniversary package as option for the SS version that contained dual silver stripes, red paint, special wheels, CD players, automatic transmission for V6 engines.
2009 Chevrolet Camaro: The futuristic program of Chevrolet Camaro indicates that 2009 Chevy Camaro will debut as a 2010 model. The sporty coupe will mark the return of the iconic “pony car”.
To get a feed of tips for buying of any of the models as above with regard to their performance – the General Motors publish details of Expert Rating Summary, Road Test Results etc. which one should go through and discuss with knowledgeable persons before opting for any specific model available.
