This is the 2019 Camaro: Turbo 1LE, controversial 455hp SS, more
Chevrolet has revealed its redesigned 2019 Camaro, adding a new turbocharged engine and some controversial new front-end styling. Designed to better differentiate the line-up, from the entry-level Camaro LS through to the 455 horsepower Camaro SS, the updated design comes with new cabin and active safety tech, among other things.
The new engine option is Chevy's 2.0-liter Turbo 1LE turbocharged four-cylinder, and will be standard on the 2019 Camaro LS and LT. It'll be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox exclusively, together with a custom chassis package that packs FE3 suspension with specifically tuned dampers and stiffer rear cradle bushings, Brembo brakes, and a new Track Mode. Chevrolet is promising near-50/50 weight balance from the coupe, which will pack 275 HP and 295 lb-ft. of torque. Inside, it'll have a sueded flat-bottom steering wheel and shift knob as standard, while Recaro seats will be optional. The 3.6-liter V6 will be an upgrade option for the Camaro LS and LT.
Chevrolet's styling changes are in part intended to draw greater visual differences between the various models. The LS/LT, for instance, is designed to look instantly recognizable against the RS and SS. That includes new fascias, grilles, LED dual-element headlamps, and reshaped hoods. The RS Appearance Package on the LT throws on a police dblack grille with chromed lower inserts, different LED headlamps, and a new rear fascia with a diffuser, along with 20-inch wheels.
The 2019 Camaro RS, meanwhile, gets new 20-inch wheels. It, like the LE, LS, and LT, get a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard – including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – with an 8-inch upgrade as an option. A rear view camera is standard, but Chevrolet is offering a rear camera mirror, too. The automaker's enhanced performance data recorder is offered as well.
Likely to be the most divisive, however, is the 2019 Camaro SS. That gets an even larger front grille design, with a "flowtie" open bowtie emblem and new air curtains which Chevy says improves the airflow. The headlamps are reworked for the SS model specifically, with a new LED signature lighting design, and there's an extractor-style hood.
At the rear, it has a new fascia and new, sculpted LED taillamps with dark-tinted clear lenses. The 20-inch wheels are new, too. There'll be 1SS and 2SS trims, in both coupe and convertible forms, each using a 6.2-liter LT1 direct-injected small block V8 which, the automaker says, is good for 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft. of torque. A ten-speed automatic transmission replaces the old eight-speed auto.
That now includes lift-foot gear hold, and a trio of drive modes – Tour, Sport, and Track – along with custom launch control and line lock. The optional 1LE Performance Package adds Brembo six-piston monoblock brake calipers, with four pistons on the rear, and two piece brake rotors. It also includes an electronic limited-slip differential, Magnetic Ride Control, and FE4 performance suspension.
Inside, there's a new Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, with an 8-inch touchscreen and optional navigation. The rearview mirror is a full display, beaming video from the rear of the car on the 2SS trim. The 2SS Coupe also gets forward collision alerts. All trims have new ambient lighting inside, along with standard OnStar 4G LTE with WiFi hotspot support, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Wireless charging and a head-up display are options.
Pricing for the 2019 Camaro line-up is yet to be confirmed. We'll know more about that later in the year, when the 2019 cars arrive in dealerships.