Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet stuck with a winning formula by retaining the 1960s-inspired design with its sixth-generation redesign. However, underneath, it sat on a new architecture, the Alpha platform shared with the Cadillac ATS and CTS. The new architecture gave the Camaro even better handling, elevating it from pony car to sports car.

The 3.6-liter V6 and 6.2-liter V8 returned, but this time around, the Camaro added a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The six-speed manual also returned, but the six-speed automatic gave way to an eight-speed. For 2019, a 10-speed automatic replaced the eight-speed for the V8 and then for the V6 in 2020.

Chevrolet introduced the most powerful Camaro ever, the ZL1, for 2017. It offered a supercharged version of the V8 that produced 650 horsepower. The ZL1 became the best-performing Camaro ever for 2018 when it was offered with a 1LE Extreme Track Performance package.

Outward visibility remained an issue with this generation, but the interior was outfitted with better materials for the Camaro’s final iteration. It was also offered with a seven-inch or eight-inch infotainment touchscreen.

After dropping the Camaro for the 2003 model year, Chevrolet brought it back for 2010 with a design that drew inspiration from the first Camaro pony cars of the 1960s. The resulting car was wide and low, set on big wheels and tires, and the body had a chopped look that was sleek but hindered outward visibility. The coupe arrived first, with a convertible joining in 2011.

Under the hood, Chevrolet offered a 3.6-liter V6 or a 6.2-liter V8, the latter in SS models. Buyers had the choice of a six-speed manual or available automatic transmission. For 2012, Chevrolet released the ZL1 with a 580-horsepower supercharged version of the V8.

Those first reborn Camaros didn’t ride or handle very well as development was hurried after a strong response from a concept car shown at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show. 

Chevrolet kept developing the car and improved it considerably with the release of the 1LE performance package in 2013. The fifth-generation Camaro hit its zenith in 2014 with the reborn Z/28, which featured a naturally aspirated 505-horsepower 7.0-liter V8 and a track-tuned suspension.