Chevrolet has finally taken the wraps off the 2019 Camaro facelift. Available in coupé and convertible guises, the “Bumblebee” pony car will continue to take on the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger. But first, let’s talk about looks.
The updated Camaro gets revised front and rear bumpers across the range (the ZL1 still features the same front bumper), including mildly tweaked headlights with elongated LED daytime running lights. New 20-inch wheel designs adorn the high-performance RS and SS versions, whereas the rear gets new dual-element tail lights with twin LED surrounds – red lenses are featured on the entry-level LS and LT, while the RS, SS and ZL1 feature dark-tinted lenses. This is a departure from the previous slim, sleek design.
The hood and front grille also get reshaped (the latter more unforgivingly huge on SS variants) to optimise air flow, which help cool components like the brakes and reduce drag/lift as well. For models equipped with the optional Dual Mode Exhaust system, it gets a unique rear diffuser panel to round out the look.
Inside, both the coupé and convertible get Chevrolet’s next-generation seven-inch touchscreen Infotainment 3 system as standard, with smartphone mirroring functionalities. An optional eight-inch unit can also be had, offering cloud connection, navigation, voice recognition and built-in apps, including over-the-air updates for the car’s software.
A high-definition reverse camera (optional rear camera mirror for the 2SS) and revised ambient lighting are standard, while customers can opt for the available Enhanced Performance Data Recorder system and, for the first time, Forward Collision Alert (standard on the 2SS coupe).
Now, the big news is the addition of the brand new Camaro Turbo 1LE, which joins the 1LE line-up of high-performance, track-focused Camaros. However, the entry-level 1LE packs a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, producing 275 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Thanks to the smaller engine, Chevy says the car nearly achieves a 50:50 weight balance, and it comes exclusively with a six-speed manual.
To match its stablemates’ – V6 1LE, SS 1LE and ZL1 1LE – street cred, the Turbo 1LE gets FE3 suspension with larger diameter front and rear stabiliser bars, specially tuned dampers, stiffer rear cradle bushings and cross-axis ball joints in the rear tow links that enhance lateral stiffness. Brembo brakes with low-metallic performance pads provide stopping power, and it rides on 245/40R20 (front) and 275/35R20 (rear) tyres.
It also gets Driver Mode Selector with Sport Mode and new Track Mode, whereas the Competition Mode (within Sport and Track Modes) includes performance instrument readouts, launch control, shift lights and more. Inside, there’s a suede-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel and shift knob plus the optional Recaro sports seats.
The Camaro SS (offered in 1SS and 2SS trims – in coupé and convertible models) on the other hand, is powered by a 6.2 litre LT1 direct-injected Small Block V8, pushing out 455 hp and 617 Nm of torque (unchanged from before). It’s mated to a new 10-speed automatic – two cogs up from the previous eight-speeder auto – and includes lift-foot gear hold, Tour, Sport and Track modes, custom launch control and line lock (locks the front brakes for more dramatic burnouts) feature.
Opt for the 1LE Performance Package and you’ll get more than 1g of cornering capability. To facilitate this, it gets Brembo six-piston monobloc brake calipers, four-piston rear calipers, two-piece brake rotors, electronic limited-slip differential, Magnetic Ride Control, FE4 performance suspension and fatter 285/30R20 (front) and 305/30R20 (rear) tyres. The 1LE is only available with a six-speed manual.
Chevrolet did not announce any other mechanical changes, so the naturally-aspirated 3.6 litre V6 should still produce 355 hp and 385 Nm of torque. The same goes for the ZL1 – its 6.2 litre LT4 supercharged V8 continues to make 650 hp and 868 Nm of torque. A choice of 10-speed auto or six-speed manual can be had.
For safety, the Camaro gets six airbags including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, whereas the coupé ups the count to eight with two head curtain side-impact air bags. There’s also Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert for the 2SS. StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard across the range.
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How did bumblebee morph into something like this? It looks like a hyundai now. Time to scan another, better looking, car.
seriously, my only beef with turbo charged four bangers is their lack of aural drama. efficient yes, but utter soul numbing. would it kill these companies to come out with, say, at least, cross plane straight four for this kind of aplication? in my opinion, this camaro definitely looks the part, but man… its goin to sound flat. ford too, shouldve plonked the 5 pot Focus RS motor in the ‘Stang.
my two cents.
Cross-plane I4 just won’t work. Power strokes will be 180′ – 90′ – 180′ – 270′
Tell that to Yamaha.
Good pointing out! Though that’s for motorbike application, with short engine strokes and low torque requirements. As a matter of fact, Yamaha deliberately created gaps in the firing order to reduce torque pulses so the tires can grip better.
Scale it up to car sized torque applications, nevermind camaro levels of torque, and the balancer shaft will be enormous, and the engine unresponsive.
Don’t get me wrong though, I too would love if it worked. Unfortunately, the closest we will get would be an inline 5 for sounds.
so ugly front
1LE 2.0 turbocharge may sell well if it ib mesia market.
That headlamp…macam Honda CR-V
American is getting better and better in their design!!!
“naturally-aspirated 3.6 litre V6 should still produce 355 hp”
for a mass produced NA to output 100 bhp per liter, in year 2018 , is quite impressive.
hahaha lol… mustang roar aint no more….
Is there a way to purchase the latest Camaro’s in Malaysia?