Remember 2002, when the Chevrolet Camaro production was discontinued, after only the fourth generation? Well, now the current sixth generation is also slated for the axe, as it was recently announced that production will end in January 2024. It's known today in various forms by many as the Autobot Bumblebee, from the Transformers films. Do you recall when the Camaro Concept car was released, circa 2006, before Bumblebee blasted into the big screen as a version of it in 2007 within the first film? It didn't take long after that for the Camaro to resume production in 2009, eventually being released as a 2010 model. This fifth generation saw the advent of the ZL1 in 2012, a trim based off a rare 1969 model engine code. The fifth-gen was also based on the interior and exterior design of the timeless 1969 model styling. This car made waves, lapping the famed Nürburgring track in Germany with a time of 7:41.27, a venue used to test supercar mettle. When it was tested on a road course at Inde Motorsports Ranch outside of Tucson, AZ. it pulled .98 Gs.
Fast-forward to today, the current ZL1 equipped with the 1LE track package, posted a time of 7:16.04 around the ;Ring." Naturally, the supercharged LT4-powered sixth-gen ZL1 is a lighter and more powerful version of its predecessor. So, after all of that, what's next?
The Camaro Must Evolve To Exist
The Camaro is not without its problems. Common complaints are cramped backseats, not suitable for adults, as well as a tiny trunk opening and terrible blind spots. The vehicle has always been a two-door, and coupe sales have dwindled within the past decade or so. Add to that the push to electrification, and it makes for a bad recipe for the gas-guzzling Camaro.
GM plans to transition to all EVs by 2035. Clearly, it's adapt or die. So what can Chevy do with the "Mustang Eater" to keep it relevant? Well, rumor has it that it may come back as a four-door performance sedan! Heresy, you say? Perhaps, but this would solve the issues of cramped seating, tiny trunk openings, and bad blind spots. It would solve the issue in sales, appealing to a larger market due to the increased practicality of the sedan over the coupe, despite losing some diehards.
Still, if you're a Camaro fan at heart, none of that really matters. This is where the "performance" comes in. Expect an EV Camaro to make use of the Ultium platform, one that will be adapted to all GM EV models. Think of the possibilities, using the Hummer EV for example. It could have 1,000 horsepower! Straight from the factory, specifications like that are usually reserved for special COPO editions or aftermarket builds from companies such as Hennessey. The Camaro EV could also be RWD or AWD, with options for various motor and battery configurations. Knowing what the latest ICE Camaro can do, expect an EV Camaro sedan to not disappoint in terms of capability. One would just have to get over the switch from coupe to sedan, along with the change of drivetrain to the powertrain. Look for it to release in 2024 and have a starting price of around $40,000. Perhaps the Camaro name would not fit such a vehicle, but let's not forget how GM handled the return of the Blazer, ushering in a new vehicle looking nothing like its historical example.
Chevy Could Spin Off The Dodge
In terms of historical examples, you may remember that the Charger was originally a coupe as well. In the second coming of the muscle car wars, we saw the return of the Charger, along with the Challenger and Camaro, to face off with the Mustang. It was just like back in the 60s and 70s, when these cars ran against each other, with peak performance and displacement. Then emissions regulations hit and the subsequent 80s and 90s vehicles weren't built to the same performance standards.
That all changed when the Challenger and Camaro came back, along with the four-door Charger in and after the 2000s. Alas, the performance peaked again, but nothing lasts forever. The push to electrification has proven that, signaling a ceasefire for big throaty V-8s, loud exhaust, and standard transmissions. The Mustang was the first, and will be the last one left. Now, the Camaro as we know it will end too. Dodge meanwhile, has already dropped the Challenger and reverted the Charger back to a coupe. Though this is also a tough pill for muscle car enthusiasts to swallow, like with the Camaro, production has already been announced to end. Still, the Charger Daytona that was revealed led to a lot of excitement. It definitely put the muscle car feel into an EV. It would be smart for Chevy to look to Dodge as an example, but also pivot and offer the Camaro EV sedan as a more practical alternative. Thus, GM would use Dodge's previous use of a sedan against its rival.
The Legacy Of An American Icon
Originating in 1967, the Camaro had been killed off and resurrected like the mythical Phoenix. Though it now will die for a second time, it's got too much history and significance to be left behind for good. Chevy has already announced that this is not the end of the Camaro story. Like before, it will just be a matter of time. Unfortunately, the handsome coupe with its fire-breathing monster V-8s and manual transmissions is seeing its final days. Of course, one could still buy used, and existing examples will keep the spirit alive.
Any sedan replacing a coupe sounds lackluster, but Dodge has already proven that could work. What Dodge and Chevy have done with their EV platforms so far is encouraging. Even if the Mustang goes out last, make no mistake, it will ride off into the sunset as well. It's an interesting time to be alive, to say the least. All in all, competition breeds progress. With progression heading towards electrification, and the old warriors retiring, we as enthusiasts are left with a void to fill. In terms of Camaro, it may be a chasm filled profitless for some. GM has a lot to prove to live up to the legacy of the beast. Look for it to go out with a bang! Although we could all agree, this world is a better place when there's a Camaro in it.