Chevrolet Camaro
 | It has been suggested that Sencond-generation Chevrolet Camaro, Third-generation Chevrolet Camaro, Fourth-generation Chevrolet Camaro and Fifth generation Chevrolet Camaro be merged into this article. (Discuss) |
| Chevrolet Camaro | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Production | 1967–2002 2009+ |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Pony car |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 2-door convertible |
| Platform | FR F-body (1967-2002) FR Zeta platform (2009+) |
| Related | Pontiac Firebird |
The Chevrolet Camaro is a popular pony car made in North America by the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors. It was introduced on 29 September, 1966 — the start of the 1967 model year — as a competitor to the Ford Mustang. The car shared the same platform and major components with the Pontiac Firebird, also introduced in 1967. Four distinct generations of the car were produced before production ended in 2002. A new Camaro will roll off assembly lines for 2009.[1]
Origin
The Camaro was initially advertised on Top 40 AM radio stations of the day in an attempt to woo the young adult market. Although it was technically a compact car (by the standards of the time), Camaro, soon joined the Mustang with a pony car designation. It may also be classified as an intermediate touring car, a sports car, or a muscle car.
Though the car's name was contrived with no meaning, GM researchers reportedly found the word in a French dictionary as a slang term for "friend" or "companion." In some automotive periodicals before official release, it was code-named "Panther," however, the project designation for the Camaro was XP-836 and some early GM photos show the final Camaro body labeled "Chaparral."[citation needed] Automotive press asked Chevrolet product managers "What is a Camaro?", and were told it was "a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs".[2] The name conveniently fit Chevrolet's "C" naming structure that included Corvair, Chevelle, Chevy II, and Corvette.
First generation
1967
The debut Camaro shared some mechanicals with the 1968 Chevy II Nova. Almost 80 factory and 40 dealer options, including three main packages, were available.
The RS was an appearance package that included hidden headlights, revised taillights, RS badging, and exterior rocker trim. It was available on all models.
The SS included a 350 (5.7L) V8 engine (the 350 was only available in the Camaro in 1967, it became available in other carlines in 1968), and the L35 and L78 396(6.5L) big-block V8's were also available. The SS featured non-functional air inlets on the hood, special striping and SS badging on the grille, gas cap, and horn button. It was possible to order both the SS and RS to receive a Camaro SS/RS. In 1967, a Camaro SS/RS convertible with a 396(6.5L) engine paced the Indianapolis 500 race.
The Z/28 option code was introduced in December 1966 for the 1967 model year. This option package wasn't mentioned in any sales literature, so it was unknown to most buyers. The Z/28 option required power front disc brakes and a Muncie 4-speed manual transmission. The Z/28 featured a 302(4.9L) small-block V-8 engine, 3" crankshaft with 4" bore, an aluminum intake manifold, and a 4-barrel vacuum secondary Holly carburetor of 780CFM. The engine was designed specifically to race in the Trans Am series (which required engines smaller than 305(5.0L) and public availability of the car. Advertised power of this engine was listed at 290hp (216kW). This is an under-rated figure. Chevrolet wanted to keep the horsepower rating at less than 1hp per cubic inch, for various reasons (e.g. insurance and racing classes). The factory rating of 290hp occurred at 5300 rpm, while actual peak for the high-revving 302 was closer to 360hp (with the single four barrel carb) to 400hp (with optional dual-four barrel carbs) (269 to 298kW) at 6800-7000 rpm. The Z/28 also came with upgraded suspension, racing stripes on the hood, and 'Z/28' emblems for the fenders (in 68 & 69). It was also possible to combine the Z/28 package with the RS package.
Only 602 Z/28s were sold in 1967. The 1967 and 1968 Z/28s did not have raised cowl induction hoods as was optional on the 1969 Z/28s. The 1967 Z28 received air from an open element air cleaner or from an optional cowl plenum duct attached to the side of the air cleaner that ran to the firewall and got air from the cowl vents. 15-inch rally wheels, were included with Z/28s had while all other 1967-9 Camaros had 14-inch wheels.
The Camaro's standard drivetrain was a 230 (3.8L) straight-6 engine rated at 140hp (104kW) and backed by a Saginaw three-speed manual transmission. A four-speed manual was also available. The two-speed "Powerglide" automatic transmission was a popular option in 1967 and 1968 until the three-speed "Turbo Hydra-Matic 350" replaced it starting in 1969. The larger Turbo 400 three-speed was an option on L35 SS396 cars.
Production numbers:
| RS: | 64,842 |
| SS: | 34,411 |
| Z28: | 602 |
| Total: | 220,906 |
1968
1968 saw the deletion of the side vent windows and the introduction of Astro Ventilation, a fresh-air-inlet system. Also added were side marker lights, a more pointed front grille, and divided rear taillights. The front running lights (on non-RS models) were also changed from circular to oval. The SS models received chrome hood inserts that imitated velocity stacks. The shock absorber mounting was staggered to resolve wheel hop issues and higher performance models received multi-leaf rear springs instead of single-leaf units. A 396 cid (6.5 L) 350 hp (261 kW) big block engine was added as an option for the SS, and the Z28 appeared in Camaro brochures. 7,199 Z28s were sold in 1968.
Production numbers:
| RS: | 40,977 |
| SS: | 27,884 |
| Z28: | 7,199 |
| Total: | 235,147 |
1969
The 1969 Camaro carried over the previous year's drivetrain and major mechanical components, but all-new sheetmetal, except the hood and trunklid, gave a car a substantially sportier look. The grille was redesigned with a heavy "V" cant and deeply inset headlights. New door skins, rear quarter panels, and rear valence panel also gave the car a much lower, wider, more aggressive look. This styling would serve for the 1969 model year only. Collectors often debate the merits of smooth, rounded lines of 1967 and 1968 model versus the heavily creased and sportier looks of the 1969.
Several new performance options were available for the 1969 model year.
To increase competitiveness in the SCCA Trans Am racing series, a four wheel disc brake option, RPO JL8, was made available during the year. This system used the 4 piston brake components from the Corvette and made for a major improvement in the braking capability and was a key to winning the Trans Am championship.
A GM corporate edict forbade Chevrolet from installing engines larger than 400 cid (6.6 L) in the Camaro. But requests from dealers (notably Yenko) who were dealer installing 427's in the Camaro, caused Chevrolet to use an ordering process usually used on fleet and special orders (taxis, trucks, etc) to offer 427 engines in the Camaro. Two Central Office Production Orders (COPO), numbers 9560 and 9561, were offered in the 1969 model year. The COPO 9561 option brought the solid lifter L72 big-block engine, making an underrated 425 hp (317 kW) gross. Dealer Don Yenko ordered 201 of these cars to create the now-legendary Yenko Camaro. Other dealers also became aware of the L72 engine package and ordered it.
Even rarer was the COPO 9560. This option installed an all-aluminum 427 cid (7.0 L) big-block called the ZL-1 and was designed specifically for drag racing. Just 69 ZL-1 Camaros were produced, probably because the engine alone cost over US$4,000 — nearly twice that of a base coupe with a V8. Though rated at 430 hp (321 kW) gross, the ZL-1 made closer to 550 hp (410 kW), making it both the fastest and rarest of all Camaros.
The 1969 model year was exceptionally long, extending into November 1969, due to engineering problems that delayed the introduction of the second generation model planned for 1970. It is a popular myth that late-'69 Camaros were sold as 1970 models (due to GM publicity pictures of the 69 Camaro labeled as a 1970), but they were all assigned 1969 VIN codes.
Production numbers:
| RS: | 37,773 |
| SS: | 34,932 |
| Z28: | 20,302 |
| Total: | 243,085 |
First Generation Engines
- 1967-1969: L26 230 cid (3.8 L) 230 I6 140 hp (104 kW)
- 1967-1969: L22 250 cid (4.0 L) 250 I6 155 hp (116 kW) @ 4200 rpm, 235 ft•lbf (319 N•m) @ 1600 rpm
- 1967-1969 Z28: 302 cid (4.9 L) Small-Block V8 290 hp (rated) 340-350 hp actual
- 1967-1969: LF7 327 cid (5.4 L) Small-Block V8 210 hp (157 kW)
- 1967-1968: L30 327 cid (5.4 L) Small-Block V8 275 hp (205 kW)
- 1969: LM1 & L65 350 cid (5.7 L) Small-Block V8 255 hp (190 kW) and 250 hp (185 kW)
- 1967-1969 L48 SS350: 350 cid (5.7 L) Small-Block V8 295 hp (1969-300hp)(220 kW) @ 4800 rpm, 380 ft•lbf (515 N•m) @ 3200 rpm
- 1967-1969 L35 SS396: 396 cid (6.5 L) Big-Block V8 325 hp (242 kW) @ 4800 rpm, 410 ft•lbf (556 N•m) @ 3200 rpm
- 1967-1969 L78 SS396: 396 cid (6.5 L) Big-Block V8 375 hp (280 kW) @ 5600 rpm, 415 ft•lbf (563 N•m) @ 3600 rpm
- 1968-1969 L34 SS396: 396 cid (6.5 L) Big-Block V8 350 hp (261 kW) @ 5200 rpm, 415 ft•lbf (563 N•m) @ 3200 rpm
- 1968-1969 - L89 aluminum cylinder head option for the SS396/375 engine - lightened the engine by ~100 lbs.
- 1969 COPO 9561/L72: 427 cid (7.0 L) Big-Block V8 425 hp (317 kW) @ 5600 rpm, 460 ft•lbf (624 N•m) @ 4000 rpm
- 1969 COPO 9560/ZL1: 427 cid (7.0 L) Big-Block V8 430 hp (321 kW) @ 5200 rpm, 450 ft•lbf (610 N•m) @ 4400 rpm
Second generation
Introduced to market in February of 1970, the second-generation Chevrolet Camaro would be in production 12 years. This generation's styling was inspired by Ferrari and was also bigger, heavier and no longer available as a convertible.[3] Still based on the F-body platform, the new Camaro was engineered much like its predecessor in that it still used a unibody structure with a front subframe, leaf springs in the back and A-arms up front for suspension. Those A-arms were freshly designed and the steering gear moved from the back to the front of the front axle, but otherwise the basic mechanical pieces were familiar. As the 1970s progressed, it would grow less powerful, succumbing to the pressures of tightening emissions regulations and a fuel crisis. 1981 would be the final model year for this generation.
Third generation
The third-generation Chevrolet Camaro was introduced for the 1982 model year. It continued to use General Motors' F-body platform and would produce a "20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition" for 1987 and "25th Anniversary Heritage Edition" for 1992. These were also the first Camaros with factory fuel injection, four-speed automatic transmissions, five-speed manual transmissions, four-cylinder engines, 16-inch wheels, and hatchback bodies.
The third-gen Camaros would continue through the 1992 model year.
Fourth generation
The fourth-generation Chevrolet Camaro debuted for the 1993 model year on an updated F-body platform. It would retain the same characteristic since the first-generation's introduction back in 1967; 2-doors, 2+2 seating, available as a coupé or convertible, rear-wheel drive, and a choice of V6 and V8 powerplants. It featured the 5.7 L (350 cid) LT1 V8 engine that had been introduced in the Corvette one year earlier, as well as an optional six-speed manual transmission. The 1998 model year was refreshed and revised with both exterior and engine changes. Replacing the LT1 was GM's all-new 5.7 L (346 cid) LS1 which had been introduced with the Corvette C5.
The fourth-gen Camaro would last up through the 2002 model year when General Motors put the entire Camaro model on hiatus.
Fifth generation
On 9 January, 2006, the first official word regarding a fifth-generation Camaro from General Motors came at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, where the 2006 Camaro Concept was released.[4] The concept is powered by the 400 hp LS2 V8 and equipped with the T-56 six-speed manual transmission. GM will also show the 2007 Camaro Convertible Concept on 6 January, 2007 at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.[5] Other than the convertible top, Hugger Orange pearl tri-coat paint job, and a pair of dark gray racing stripes, the convertible concept is exactly the same as the coupe concept.
On 10 August, 2006, GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner announced that GM will build an all-new version of the Chevrolet Camaro muscle car based on the award-winning concept that debuted at the Detroit auto show. The all-new Camaro will begin with early production versions at the end of 2008 and will go on sale in the first quarter of 2009. The Camaro Convertible is expected to go into production about a year later.[1][6] The Camaro will be rear wheel drive, have an independent rear suspension, be offered with both V6 and V8 engines, and have available automatic and manual transmissions. Pricing has not been officially announced.
Appearances in pop culture
- A 1979 Camaro is owned by Jefferson in Fast Times At Ridgemont High which Spicoli takes on a joyride with Jefferson's little brother, but in the process the car loses control and crashes.
- A 1969 Yenko Camaro is won and driven by Brian Paul Walker in a streetrace in 2 Fast 2 Furious.
- The 1985 Dead Milkmen song "Bitchin' Camaro" playfully discusses the car as a metaphor for freedom from responsibility
- In the movie At Close Range a 1969 Camaro is one of the cars that Brad Whitewood, Sr. Christopher Walken drives.
- In the movie A Walk to Remember Landon Carter, played by Shane West, drives a 1967 SS, in which he runs from the cops in the beginning of the movie, wrecking it. But he perodically fixes it through the rest of the movie.
- The Camaro is featured in the music video of the song "Shoulder Lean" by Young Dro.
- The Camaro is confirmed to be the vehicle mode of the character Bumblebee in the 2007 film, Transformers.
- A '67 Camaro was used for Metallica's "I Disappear" video.
References
- ^ a b General Motors (2006-08-10). "Auto Buyers Have Spoken: GM Will Build An All-New Chevrolet Camaro" (html). GM Media Online. Retrieved 2006-12-27.
- ^ Biggs, Henry (2006-02-03). "Top 10: Muscle cars" (html). MSN Cars UK. Retrieved 2006-12-27.
When asked, Chevrolet sales executives claimed a Camaro was a: "a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs".
- ^ Huffman, John Pearley (2003-06-16). "A Chevrolet Camaro History" (HTML). Edmunds.com. Retrieved 2007-01-05.
- ^ General Motors (2006-01-09). "Chevrolet Camaro Concept: Capturing the Timeless Spirit of Camaro" (html). GM Media Online. Retrieved 2006-12-27.
- ^ Neff, John (2007-01-04). "Chevy Camaro Convertible Concept rolls into Detroit early" (HTML). Leftlane News. Retrieved 2007-01-04.
- ^ Waterman, Stuart (2006-08-10). "It's really official now - GM's Wagoner confirms Camaro production" (HTML). Autoblog. Retrieved 2006-12-27.
External links
- Chevrolet Camaro Concept official Chevrolet site
- 2009 production annoucement official GM press release
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