The Camaro features a number of refinements for 2019, including a new front and rear fascia and a variety of technology enhancements, while still offering outstanding performance. The 2019 Camaro is available in seven different trim levels: LS, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, 1SS, 2SS, and ZL1 models. (Fig. 1)
Fig. 1
2019 Models
The new base LS coupe features the turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine (RPO LTG) mated to the Tremec 6-speed manual transmission or optional 8L45 automatic transmission.
LT coupe and convertible models are equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine or the optional 3.6L V6 engine (RPO LGX) along with the Tremec 6-speed manual transmission or optional 8L45 automatic transmission. The 1LE Track Performance Package is optional on vehicles equipped with a manual transmission.
SS coupe and convertible models feature the 6.2L V8 engine (RPO LT1) paired with the Tremec 6-speed manual transmission or the new optional 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission (RPO MF6). SS models with a manual transmission also are available with the 1LE Track Performance Package. Additional options include several driver assistance features, Magnetic Ride Control, and Launch Control.
The powerful ZL1 coupe and convertible models pack the supercharged 6.2L V8 engine (RPO LT4) with the Tremec 6-speed manual transmission or optional 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission. The ZL1 (Fig. 2) also is equipped with an Electronic Limited Slip Differential, Launch Control, and Recaro™ performance seats. The 1LE Extreme Track Performance Package, available on vehicles with the manual transmission, offers a number of track-ready features, including a performance suspension with DSSV dampers, carbon fiber hood insert and rear spoiler, a unique front splitter and front dive planes, and a fixed rear seat.
Fig. 2
The 10-speed automatic transmission is calibrated with a Performance Algorithm Lift (PAL) feature. When operating in Tour, Sport, and Track modes, it holds the gears longer when lifting off the throttle for better power out of a corner. The transmission also has a Smart Decrement feature that provides feedback to the driver in the form of a small downshift when the Driver Mode is changed.
New Looks
A number of visual changes have been made to the Camaro. The most noticeable change is the new front fascia on all models except the ZL1 and ZL1-1LE. The new looks include LED headlamps (Fig. 3), functional side air vents (on LT models with the RS package and SS models), and redesigned hoods with a taller center section. SS models also have a functional hood air extractor. (Fig. 4)
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
On 1LE models, the new hood wrap more closely matches the black outside mirrors instead of the flat black appearance of the 2018 hood wrap. The new hood wrap will be used to service 2017 and 2018 1LE models.
The rear fascia on all models also have been updated with a new design that includes LED taillamps. (Fig. 5)
Fig. 5
Technology Updates
The optional Rear Camera Mirror (RPO DRZ) integrated into the inside rearview mirror provides a wider, less obstructed field of view. The lever on the bottom of the mirror switches the display from a traditional rearview mirror to the rear camera. Brightness, tilt and zoom functions can be adjusted using the buttons on the bottom of the mirror. The rear camera is mounted in the rear spoiler.
The 2.0L turbo engine and V6 engine have a new Engine Air Filter Life system, which shows an estimate of the engine air filter remaining useful life and the state of the system on the Driver Information Center. Engine Air Filter Life 95% means 95% of the current air filter life remains. The air filter life is calculated by the Engine Control Module (ECM). The system does not use a sensor. When replacement is necessary, a message is displayed on the DIC. The Air Filter Life display must be reset after engine air filter replacement.
Forward Collision Alert (RPO UEU) is available on 3LT, 2SS and ZL1 models (coupe only). It is not available if the vehicle is equipped with the Performance Data Recorder (PDR) because both cameras use the same location behind the rearview mirror. The system will detect when a front-end collision situation is imminent while following a detected vehicle. The Forward Collision Alert system can be turned off using the button on the steering wheel. The system turns on at each key cycle.
The infotainment systems feature 7-inch (178 mm) (RPO IOR) or 8-inch (203 mm) (RPO IOS, IOT) diagonal color touch screens. The IOT system includes embedded navigation. (Fig. 6)
The IOS and IOT systems also support two active Bluetooth users. The system connects to the phone that is set to First to Connect (select the information icon next to the phone name after pairing the phone). The secondary phone can only receive calls.
Fig. 6
Track Ready
TIP: Only coupe SS, ZL1 and models equipped with 1LE track packages (RPOS A1X, A1Y, A1Z) are considered track capable.
On the drag strip, the Launch Control feature on SS and ZL1 models allows the driver to adjust both launch RPM and rear wheel slippage through the Driver Information Center (DIC). The DIC also has a Brake Pressure bar graph. In addition, the Line Lock feature locks the front wheels to enable the rear wheels to spin to warm the tires for maximum grip. All specific conditions must be met to perform Line Lock. The burnout must be completed within 15 seconds.
Refer to the Camaro High Performance Owner’s Manual Supplement and the Track Prep Guide found on the Chevrolet Owner’s Center website for complete details on preparing the vehicle for a day at the track.
For more information on the new 2019 Camaro, refer to Bulletin #18-NA-290.
– Thanks to Ann Briedis and Sherman Dixon
