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On June 28, 1966 the Chevrolet Camaro was introduced to the world as "a small,
vicious animal that eats mustangs," a clear reference to the Ford Mustang, the
car it was designed to dethrone. The Camaro was, and remains, the sister vehicle
to the Pontiac Firebird.
The first and second generations are the classic Camaros. First generation
lasted from the 1966 through the 1969 model years. During these years the
Chevrolet Camaro sported four engines, a 4.9 liter and 5.0 liter I6 and a 5.4
liter and 5.7 liter V8. The latter two were the famous Chevy 327 and 350 cubic
inch engines. It came as either a two-door coupe or a convertible. The 1966
model included the RS and SS trims. In 1967 the famed Z28 was introduced.
Beginning in 1970, the second generation Chevrolet Camaro was longer, wider and
heavier, with a more pointed look. This was the first Camaro to have a V6
engine, a 3.8 liter. Engine size for the second generation went all the way up
to a 7.4 liter V8 and you could get either a three-speed automatic or a
four-speed manual transmission. One of the most popular cars on the road, this
generation lasted eleven years without any major changes to the body style.
The third generation Camaro, lasting from the 1982 through the 1992 model years,
was somewhat smaller than previous generations, the effects of rising gasoline
prices. Styling was substantially modernized and it was during this period the
IROC-Z was introduced. The largest motor of this period was a 5.7 liter V8, and
a four-speed automatic and five-speed manual transmission were introduced.
Fourth generation hit the streets in 1993. This generation first introduced the
T-Top to the Chevrolet Camaro. Engines did not change substantially. After 35
years in production, the Camaro was discontinued following the 2002 model year
but reintroduced in the 2010 model year with a retro look harking back to the
first generation.
The latest Camaro offers three engines - a 3.6 liter 298 horsepower V6, a 6.2
liter 400 horsepower V8 and a 6.2 liter 430 horsepower V8, all gasoline powered.
The 430 horsepower engine is for the two SS versions. All the engines are
available with either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission,
either with overdrive. Fuel efficiency numbers are not available for the newest
version of the Camaro.
The original Chevrolet Camaro had a base price of just $2,466. The same car
today, in excellent condition, is worth as much as $150,000. Base price for the
newest Camaro is $22,245. |
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