A History of the Chevrolet Camaro (1967–2024)

A History of the Chevrolet Camaro (1967–2024)

The Chevrolet Camaro was born as GM’s answer to the wildly successful Ford Mustang, launching in 1966 as a 1967 model. It quickly established itself as a serious performance contender — stylish, aggressive, and powerful. Over six generations, the Camaro has seen highs, lows, rebirths, and final curtain calls.

First Generation (1967–1969): The Pony Car Challenger

Debuted September 29, 1966.
Offered as a coupe or convertible, with over 80 factory and dealer options.
Ranged from mild straight-6 to big-block V8s.
Performance models included:
SS (Super Sport): 350 or 396 V8
RS (Rally Sport): appearance package with hidden headlights
Z/28: 302 small-block, built to race in Trans-Am, high-revving, underrated horsepower
1969: Widely loved restyle, now a muscle car legend — especially the COPO 427 Camaros, factory-built drag strip beasts.

Second Generation (1970–1981): The Euro-Inspired Muscle

Sleeker, more European styling — almost a grand touring car look.
Early models (1970–73) kept the performance alive with the SS 396 and LT-1-powered Z/28
Mid-’70s: Emissions, fuel crises, and insurance hikes choked performance.
1975–1981: Big bumpers, lower horsepower, but sales stayed strong.
Z/28 returned in 1977 as a visual and performance upgrade.

Third Generation (1982–1992): The Modern Makeover

New platform: lighter, better handling, fuel-efficient.
Hatchback body style introduced.
Fuel injection, overdrive transmissions, and tech upgrades.
IROC-Z (1985–1990): Named after the International Race of Champions — became an icon of ‘80s car culture with tuned suspension and aggressive styling.
First time Camaro used 4-cylinder engines.
Performance was returning by the early ‘90s, including 5.7L V8s with 230+ hp.

Fourth Generation (1993–2002): LS Power & Sleek Speed

Rounded, aerodynamic body with pop-up headlights.
First use of the legendary LS-series V8 (1998–2002 models).
Z/28 and SS models topped 305–325 hp, fast for the time.
Performance-wise, these Camaros were serious — 0–60 in under 5 seconds in SS trim.
Camaro sales fell by the early 2000s, and production ended in 2002.

Fifth Generation (2010–2015): The Revival

After an 8-year hiatus, the Camaro returned in 2010 with retro-futuristic styling inspired by the ‘69 model.
Engine options included two V6 rated at 304 & 323 hp, and the SS 6.2L 426 hp LS3 V8.
Special models include the 2012 ZL1 with its Supercharged 6.2L, 580 hp V8, the 1LE track package with improved suspension, brakes and tires. And finally the 2014-2015 Z/28, a hardcore track car with a 505 hp LS7 and carbon brakes.

Sixth Generation (2016–2024): World-Class Muscle

Switched to the lighter, more advanced Alpha platform which was smaller, faster, sharper and praised for sports car-level handling.
Engine lineup included 2.0L turbo-4, a 3.6L V6, the SS: 6.2L LT1 V8 (455 hp) , the ZL1 with a 650 hp supercharged V8 , and finally the ZL1 1LE: Extreme track package with magnetic suspension, aer, and Nürburgring credibility.
Modern Camaro became a true track weapon, not just a straight-line brute.
End of the Line, 2024 marks the final model year of the sixth-gen Camaro. No official replacement has been confirmed.