Chevrolet News, reviews, history and more!

Some time ago I started to put together a Camaro information site dedicated to first generation 1967 – 1969 Camaros and maybe expand the years past first gens. Well, it became very clear pretty early on that the site was going to outgrow the style in which it was written pretty fast and would need to be upgraded or replaced entirely. After much debate on the subject it was decided that a complete overhaul and while we were at it a name change was in order.

The final decision was to go with a shorter name theCamaro.com and a bigger site. the Camaro.com is a site that will grow and grow and grow over time and we hope that you all enjoy it. Some of the great new features of theCamaro.com include-

• A larger collection of vintage advertising images
• Camaro brochure images
• Free Picture Galleries for our members to upload and share images of their cars from
• Free classified ads for our members
• Forums for all generations of Camaros
• A publicly viewable, searchable REGISTRY with images that any member can view or add to for cars, trim tags, engine stamps and more.
• A Camaro Wiki that any member can add articles on their research to
• Expanded DECODERS including 1968 and 1969 Camaro trim tag decoders, engine decoder, axle decoder, VIN decoder and more to come
• And that is just a start

If you’ve visited our old site at Chevrolet Camaros.com and liked it then you will be amazed at the all new theCamaro.com!

The BatCar Camaro a rare 1967 Camaro SS L78 Convertible made its debut at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals recently. For those that had been following the cars restoration you will likely find these photos to be interesting. Chris, the cars owner created a great display for the car highlighting both the car and its extensive racing history.

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Coming to a dealer near you soon…ish

2011 Camaro convertible hits dealers in February

The much anticipated release of the New Chevrolet Camaro to the public is now officially set for February 2011 barring any major issues. Camaro Lovers and car enthusiasts have been waiting for the much anticipated launch of the convertible ever since Chevrolet announced that the iconic model would be returning to the Chevrolet Lineup.

When Chevrolet first brought it back it was a coupe model only but we all new that the ragtop would be returning and we all hoped and now know that the Z28 would be returning as well. Although the Camaro Z28 will not be making an appearance until the 2012 model year we can all be happy in knowing that the convertible is closer. In fact Chevrolet has already sold over 100 and it is not even released yet. Just a few weeks ago Neiman Marcus offered 100 of the special edition Camaros for sale at $75,000 a piece and they sold out in minutes.

In the meantime we have all been waiting to see what the future would hold and below is the official release from Chevrolet including some much awaited specifications on the 2011 Camaro convertible model option.

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2010 Chevrolet Camaro SSX track car concept

As we continue to wait and hope for, yes I am going to say it again….. the 2012 Camaro Z28, Chevrolet is continuing to show that they are going ahead and looking into the racing heritage of the Camaro and seeing what they can do to not only compete with otehr cars in that market but excel in it. Well it looks like they are doing it again and making a real effort with the Camaro SSX track car concept. Borrowing from its older brother the Corvette the Camaro uses a lot of the items that we saw recently on the Corvette Carbon Limited as well as several of their racing concepts including carbon body panels. It does not stop there though, the SSX uses an LS3 engine with six speed transmission and the Corvette ZR-1 twin disc clutch. It also boasts 6 piston calipers all the way around and special suspension.

From the official press release-

2011 CHEVROLET CAMARO SSX TRACK CAR CONCEPT

Ever since the new Chevrolet Camaro’s launch last year, owners have explored the performance potential of the car. The Camaro SSX Track Car is a concept for transforming a street Camaro SS into a closed-course track car, and a showcase for new performance parts.

“The SSX concept explores taking Camaro’s excellent street performance and extending it into a road course context,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “The car expresses Camaro performance while also signaling Chevrolet’s new commitment to developing and offering a portfolio of performance parts for racing enthusiasts.”

The Camaro SSX Track Car has a purposeful aesthetic, with exterior appointments and suspension modifications aimed at road course performance. They include carbon fiber aero parts – front splitter and adjustable rear wing – lightweight carbon fiber body panels, revised lower grille and unique brake cooling ducts. The carbon body panels significantly lower the Camaro’s weight, as does the elimination of much of the production car’s sound-deadening material, carpeting and rear seat.

Low-gloss Icy White Metallic exterior paint is contrasted with the carbon aero parts, door graphics/racing number and red details; and this competition-ready Camaro rolls on dedicated track wheels and tires. This concept was constructed with input from Pratt and Miller, Chevrolet partner in Corvette Racing, and Riley Technologies using parts proven in the Grand Am racing series.

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

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2010 Camaro Red Flash Show Car

Will Chevrolet produce it or will they let it fall by the wayside. Looking at the concept show car Camaro that Chevrolet produced called the Red Flash we think that it has a chance to be a good seller and draw a lot of buyers but can Chevrolet release another car like this with the impending release of the 2012  Z28 looming on the horizon? Well we have no doubt it would sell well and with the features that they listed in their press release you can see why. Even if they do not release the Red Flash it may at least be a bit of a styling hint to what we may see on the final Z28 package when it comes to be released. Based on the variety of spoilers that Chevrolet has been playing with we think that at least that part will make it into production.

Official press release -

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2011 CHEVROLET CAMARO RED FLASH SHOW CAR

The design of the all-new Chevrolet Camaro has been acclaimed by critics and celebrated by sports car buyers. With that appeal as a springboard, Chevrolet designers created the Red Flash Camaro SS Show Car to extend Camaro’s look – and even its sound – to a new level.

Red Flash combines Chevrolet Accessory parts available today with some specially designed new concepts from the design studio, resulting in a unique new Camaro statement. Its Red Jewel exterior color is accented with gray heritage stripes and gray-accented 21-inch wheels. Under the hood, a Chevrolet Accessory air intake kit and, out back, the accessory exhaust kit, enhance the car’s performance, style and sound.

“The Camaro Red Flash is the opposite of a ‘sleeper’ on the street,” said Adam Barry, lead designer. “From every angle, it looks and sounds like the high-performance sports car it is. It’s a model for the enthusiast who doesn’t want to hide his performance aspirations.”

It also wears Chevrolet Accessory body-color ground effects, high-wing rear spoiler with black-painted stanchions and other gray accents. A lowered suspension lends a more aggressive stance.

Inside, the Red Jewel features an Ebony leather-trimmed cabin with titanium stitching and red accents on the seats. There’s also a custom steering wheel, racing-style pedals and red LED lighting for the door trim.

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

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Chevrolet Camaro XM accessory appearance package

In a tight economy it is almost a wonder that the Chevrolet Camaro is doing as well as it has been since it was reintroduced tot he world. In fact the numbers have been nothing but staggering to many of us, even those who are die hard Chevrolet and Camaro fans. Well Chevrolet has added some new packages to the Camaro line to help keep those sales in the upper stratosphere and if all goes well by the time the 2012 Z28 hits the market it will be launched into high orbit. So what has Chevrolet introduced for the new Camaro that is going to be so hot? Well there are a couple of packages and a couple of concepts that they are toying with right now.

The first of the new packages to be introduced is the Camaro XM Accessory Package. The new package has some interesting offerings including a special grill, spoiler and special floor mats in an Imperial Blue body. The official press release reads as follows-

“2011 CHEVROLET CAMARO XM/ACCESSORY APPEARANCE PACKAGE

The new Chevrolet Camaro is a major hit with consumers because of its blend of desirable power, efficiency and design. Another important part of the Camaro formula is value. Chevrolet developed the XM/Accessory Appearance Package to provide new accessory and appearance options customized for the popular and affordable Camaro 1LT model. A production version of this package will be offered in the spring of 2011.

“The XM Accessory Appearance Package is all about affordable style,” said Russ Clark, director, Chevrolet product marketing. “Our intent was to create a special, customized model – including 21-inch wheels – that could be had for around $30,000, a popular price point for today’s Camaro buyer before they add accessories.”

The XM Accessory Appearance Package is based on the Camaro 1LT model with the standard 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine featuring 312 hp and EPA highway fuel economy of 29 miles per gallon. The accessory package includes a rear spoiler, unique grille and Chevrolet Accessory 21-inch wheels. When it goes into production in 2011, the package will include a one-year subscription to XM Satellite Radio.

The Camaro XM Accessory Appearance Package at 2010 SEMA displays both production and concept styling cues. The accompanying highlights chart identifies them.

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

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2011 Camaro Synergy Front View

It is that time of year again it would seem and SEMA news is making the rounds. There are some great announcements coming out of GM for all you Camaro fans as a result of it. Pretty much everyone remembers and has varying opinions on the Synergy Camaro released by Chevrolet last year. If you were a fan of the Hulk or just green in general you were enjoying it overall but wished you could have gotten a bigger engine with it which as of the 2011 model year you can. Well this year Chevrolet has announced that the Synergy will continue but as a yearly special edition Camaro that will be released for sale to the public. Whats more it will be available in more colors with more options!

From the official press release from Chevrolet-

“The Camaro Synergy Series 2011 model contains a mix of exterior and interior accessories – including combinations not available on any other production model, including an exclusive gray interior with red accent stitching throughout. It is based on Camaro Chroma, a show car first exhibited at SEMA in 2009.

The Camaro Synergy Series 2011 model will begin production in the first quarter, in limited quantities.

“The Synergy Series reflects the strong response consumers have consistently had toward Camaro,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “At the same time it provides an example of how Chevrolet is renewing its commitment to expanding accessory offerings.”

While the original Synergy was offered only in a single color (Synergy Green) and with the six-cylinder engine, the 2011 edition will be offered in four colors – Cyber Gray, Victory Red, Summit White and Black – as well as 2SS (V-8) and 2LT (V-6) trims with the RS package.

The Camaro Synergy SEMA Show vehicle is based on a 2SS model and displays production and concept styling cues. The accompanying highlights chart identifies them.

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

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Coming along very nicely is the continuing restoration of the BatCar. It is pretty much finished at this point but there is still a little more going on. Here are some preview pictures of the car, a no expense spared restoration of a 1495 mile 1967 Camaro SS L78 396 convertible.

Some of the items used during this restoration included NOS hood insulation, NOS taillight Bezels, NOS air filter (the Corvette guys would kill for that one), the original interior, original top and more.

2011 Neiman Marcus Camaro Convertible

We have all been waiting with baited breath for the new Camaro Convertible to hit dealerships across the land and as we mentioned earlier they are coming. What we did not bring to light was a special edition 2011 Camaro Convertible that was to only be available through Neiman Marcus. In a special purple color scheme it really is a stunning car in our opinion. All were to be SS models and offered for a staggering $75,000. Well as soon as the lines were open for orders they sold out as fast ass they could answer the phones in just 3 minutes!!! Think about it folks 3 minutes, 180 seconds, that is less time than it takes for a set of commercials to ruin your favorite show, less time than it takes for one inning of Baseball, less time than….. well we could go on forever with this one but won’t.

The big question that this raises is that if the Neiman Marcus Camaro SS Convertible sells out in just 3 minutes at $75,000 a pop what are our fair and generous dealers going to do when we get our chance to stand in line and order our own. Most car companies have made it clear that price gouging on new car models is not permitted but lets face it it seems to be tolerated. How much was a new Camaro running when they first hit the dealerships near you when they were introduced. Don;t get us wrong, some dealers were fare about it and said this is sticker and we won’t go below it but others were as much as doubling stickers prices. So if the Neiman convertible set the standard expect double sticker prices or more again. The best advice we can give if you want to get a new Camaro when it hits the showroom is shop around now and find a reasonable dealer.  Can’t wait to see what the new 2012 Z28 is gong to go for when that hits dealers.

2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible

We have all been waiting ever since seeing the first prototypes of the new 5th generation Camaro for them to release tow models in particular. The first is the new Z28 for many of us but for those with more of a summer fun idea in mind it has been the new Camaro Convertible. We have waited long and suffered through many rumors of the coming of the new ragtop and GM has finally announce that it is not only real but hit showrooms in February 2011.

So how much will the new convertible cost, what option will it be available with? Well it looks like the new 2011 Camaro convertible will be available with everything that the coupe model is available with including the 312hp V-6 engine all the way up to the 6.2 liter 412hp V8 engine. The cost will depend on the options you choose but the basic convertible will run you a cool $30,000 plus the usual fees. No news on the 2012 Camaro Z28 yet or whether it will be available in a convertible as well but we expect that it will.