Table of Contents
Better Late Than Never
Gm decided to bring back the Camaro after 7 years of hiatus by previewing in the concept back in 2006 at Detroit Auto Show.
However, the level of rabid attention it got after being featured in the first Transformers movie was simply unmatched and further re-affirmed the nervy GM that they made the right decision.
“We drove down an aisle roped off on either side, and it was packed with people surging forward to get a glimpse of the car. The excitement was palpable—and a little unnerving.”
Tom Peters-Designer of Camaro
What engines did the 5th generation Camaro offer?
Chevrolet offered a diverse range of trim levels and engine options to cater to a wide spectrum of buyers in either coupe or convertible styles. Notable trim levels included the V6-powered LS, 1LT and 2LT, and the V8-powered 1SS and 2SS.
The LS and LT models came with standard independent suspension, a 3.6 L (LLT) V6, producing about 312 hp and 273 lb-ft. A six speed manual was standard, with automatic available as an option. The 1LT and 2LT added some comfort options like, heated seats, fog lamps, 9 speaker audio etc.
The V6 was upgraded in 2012 and now had 324 hp thanks to direct injection. A new suspension package was introduced for the SS trim which had uprated sway bars, new wheels, and a revised interior.
Another engine option that only came with 1 SS and 2 SS trim levels was the good old 6.2 L V8 that made 426 hp and 420 lb-ft when paired with 6-Speed Manual and 400 hp and 410 lb-ft when equipped with automatic. The latter did come with cylinder deactivation, tho.
The SS trims also got launch control, Brembo brakes, stability control and option RS package. It came with 20-inch aluminum wheels, special rear lights and LED front lights. The 2SS and 2LT trims also had options for rally graphics package.
2012-15 Chevy Camaro ZL1
The ZL1 was the fastest 5th gen Camaro you could buy. It came with a supercharged 6.2 L V8, putting out 580 hp and 556 lb-ft. Both 6 Speed Manual and Automatic were available. It had Brembo brakes, Magnetic dampers, launch control, traction control, electronic stability control and electric power steering.
GM was so confident of its performance that it pitted it against Audi R8 and SLS-AMG and GT500, atleast on paper. Chevy stated it could 60 mph in just 4 seconds and quarter mile at 12.1 sec with an 188 mph top speed.
Camaro Z/28 AKA Corner Carver
ZL1 was a beast in a straight line but paled in comparison to its “NASCAR” for the road sibling when it came to hunting apexes. The Z/28 came with a thunderous 7.0 L LS7 V8 producing 505 hp and 495 lb-ft thanks to hydraulic lifters and forged components borrowed for last gen Corvette.
Most importantly it had a full aero package with diffuser, splitter and spoiler making it a true hardcore track day muscle car. It also had top of the line stuff like Brembo Carbon Ceramics, Multimatic DSSV shocks, Pirelli P-Zero tires and a Tremec TR-6060 manual gearbox.
It was the Motor Trend car of the year and could pull more than a G in lateral grip. Likewise, it could do 60 mph in mid 4 second range, quarter mile in mid 12s and had a top speed of hair more than 170 mph as per Chevy.
What’s the 1LE Package?
The package provided significant upgrades to V8 powered SS coupes made from 2013 onwards. It came with several parts borrowed from Camaro ZL1 like wheels, wheel bearing, steering wheel, fuel pump and Good Year tires. 1LE package also had 3.91 rear end, Tremec 6 -Speed tranny and upgraded fore and aft stabilizer bars.
How Many Limited Edition 5th Gen Camaros were Made?
Quite a lot, here is a handy list-
- Neiman Marcus Edition-Only 75 were made for the luxury realtor. All came with a special “Bordeaux” paint, dual tone leather and exclusive wheels.
- Transformers Special Edition– A package worth $1,000, it had black stripes, Autobot logo on fenders, and came with Rally yellow color. Only 1916 were made.
- Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Special Edition– It had Orange exterior with silver stripes. It also came with special orange interior stitching, and exclusive badges all around. Only 294 were made, mostly automatics.
- Synergy Series-Only 400 were ever made. Buyer could choose from AJA or AJB packages. The former had red stitching, gray leather, special decals and Brembo on all fours. While the latter was equipped with 21-inch wheels.
- 45th Anniversary Special Edition– It had commemorative badges, carbon black exterior, white gauge cluster and special 20-inch wheels.
- ZL550/ZL575 Special Edition– It had a supercharged 6.2 L V8, putting out either 550 or 575 hp. These ultra exclusive Camaros came with hood extractor, lowered suspension, special logos and Brembo brakes. Only 250 were made.
- 2012 COPO Camaro-Only 69 were ever made and were practically resembled full blow NHRA cars. They had full roll cage, an engine choice between LS7 7.0 L V8 or an LSX 5.3 L V8 with a 2.9 L supercharger or an LSX 5.3 L V8 with a 4.0 L Whipple supercharger, solid rear end and power glide tranny.
The COPO edition came back in 2013 and this time with either one of the 350, 396 or 427 V8 along with exclusive grille, Hoosier tires, special gauges, Holley Carbs and was limited to only 69 units. - Giovanna Edition– It was a JDM only edition with decorative emblems, sill plates and exclusive color choices.
- Camaro Hot Wheels Special Edition– It came with iconic Hot wheels flames on either side of the fender, black gauges, special grille and could be had with both V6 and V8 engines.
Several Camaro concepts were carted to keep the interest peaked and Camaro was also the official pace car of Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500 multiple times.
How Much is 5th Gen Camaro Nowadays?
A used Z/28 Camaro will set you back around $50,000. While a ZL1 trim is around $38,000-$40,000. There are plenty of 5th gen Camaro SS on sale for $18,000 to $25,000. V6s trims are around a couple of grand less.
The 2010 Transformer Edition Camaro are sold through auction only and can easily fetch up to $30,000. Going for the hardcore COPO Camaros will set you back around $70,000 to 80K as per Car Gurus.
Common Problems with 5th Gen Camaro
Owners on Reddit complained about the glitchy Bluetooth interface and average paint quality. The 5th Gen Camaro has been recalled plenty of times due to faulty airbags and electrical issues.
Image Source-Brochure
