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 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 "ChaparralAutomotive
press asked Chevrolet product managers "What is a Camaro?", and they were told
it was "a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs".The name conveniently fit
Chevrolet's "C" naming structure that included Corvair, Chevelle, Chevy II, and
Corvette.
First generation
The first-generation Chevrolet Camaro debuted for the 1967 model year on a brand
new rear-wheel drive GM F-body platform and would be available as a 2-door, 2+2
seating, coupe or convertible with a choice of inline-6 and V8 powerplants. The
first-generation Camaro would last until the 1969 model year and would
eventually inspire the design of the new retro fifth-generation Camaro.Second
generationIntroduced to market in February 1970,
the second-generation
Chevrolet Camaro would be in production for a total of 12 years. The car grew
somewhat larger and wider with the new styling; this resulted in a heavier car
as well.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. The car
would see major changes in both styling and performance as time progressed from
the introduction through the end of second-generation production in 1981.
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, hatchback bodies, and a rear window third
brake light. It was during the third generation that the famous IROC Camaro was
available.
The third-generation 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 coupe or convertible (with the latter introduced in 1994), 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, at which point
production of the F-Body platform was stopped due to low sales.
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.[6] The concept is powered by the 400
hp LS2 V8 and equipped with the T-56 six-speed manual transmission. GM also
showed the 2007 Camaro Convertible Concept on 6 January, 2007 at the 2007 North
American International Auto Show. The Camaro will be offered with both V6 and V8
engines, and have available automatic and manual transmissions. Pricing has not
been officially announced yet, however, GM has stated that it will be
competitive with the Ford Mustang. To be built in Oshawa Ontario.
Bently is my dream car!!
