Chevrolet Camaro EU Version, 2012
It was the muscle car that stole the hearts and imaginations of people everywhere, providing subject matter for wall posters, T-shirts, and songs for four decades. Now it's back, better and mightier than ever, and ready to reclaim its place of honor on European roads - and bedroom walls.
The all-new 432 hp Chevrolet Camaro V8 has returned to Europe after a decade-long absence, with a design that is at once instantly recognizable and entirely modern.
The contemporary 21st century design is an expression of the Chevrolet Camaro's rich heritage, with a V-shaped nose, wide, planted stance and broad rear shoulders all distinguishing features that acknowledge the legendary past while claiming a place as a contemporary design icon.
The Chevrolet Camaro's vital stats are as impressive as its design: the manual transmission boasts a superb 432 hp 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine that produces 569 Nm of torque at 4,600 rpm. This translates into a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 5.2 seconds for the coupe and 5.4 seconds for the convertible. The automatic transmission is mated to a 405hp 6.2 L L99 V8 engine that produces 556 Nm at 4,300 rpm. The automatic coupe hits 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, with an additional 0.2 seconds for the convertible. The Camaro has an impressive top speed of 250 km/h.
Prices for the coupe start at €38,900 while the convertible prices start at €43,900, although prices may vary across markets, depending on local taxation and import duties. The Transformers® Special Edition and 45th Anniversary package come at an additional €2,000 each including VAT.
Fully European
The car makes its presence felt from afar, with the deep low- frequency rumbling V8 delivering an unequivocal message of its impending arrival.
The European Chevy Camaro is similar in content to the 2SS model offered in North America. The new model, Europe's first, features an all-new FE4 suspension that was developed specifically for Europe. The suspension - characterized by an increase in stiffness and lateral stability that greatly improves high-speed performance and maneuverability - has proven so popular that the US will be offering it on their up-level models with the new model year. The FE4 suspension package features re-tuned front and rear dampers, and new solid front (23 mm) and rear (24 mm) stabilizer bars.
The 20-inch wheels riding on Pirelli PZero tires ensure that the power is translated adequately while the Brembo four-piston anti-lock disc brakes combined with StabiliTrak and traction control ensure effective braking and quick cornering. The wheels are positioned outbound to be virtually flush with body surfaces for an agile, planted appearance.
Jaw-dropping exterior design
If you crave anonymity and blending in with the crowd, the Chevrolet Camaro is probably not the car for you. The head-turning design tends to do just that, with pedestrians and motorists alike looking on in awe and admiration as the Camaro makes its commanding way down the road.
The V-shaped nose is flanked by high-intensity discharge headlamps with glowing LED Xenon halo rings, mimicking deep-inset eyes and giving the Chevrolet Camaro a menacing look. Chevrolet's 'gold bowtie' proudly adorns the front-end of the car and directs your eyes across the power dome hood, which gives a dynamic feeling of motion even when stationary.
The rear fascia is unique to the European Chevrolet Camaro models. Twin LED tail lamp elements mirror the unique look of the vehicle's front. The rear design is finished off with large, round chrome exhaust tips similar to those used on the Corvette Z06.
The Interior design
An array of sound-limiting applications ensures that you are transported to a different world as soon as you sit inside a Chevrolet Camaro, although a hint of the burble of the V8 penetrates the interior by design. It's just enough to remind you where you are and what you're doing.
Carrying forward the spirit and feeling of Camaros of the past, the interior conveys simplicity and refinement, with contemporary details in the dials, switches, cluster and ambient lighting.
The integrated center stack design combines easy-to-reach stereo and HVAC controls into a single piece of modern electronics with oversized knobs - detailed with rubber grommets and chrome - to match the character of the nameplate.
The Chevrolet Blue Ice ambient light runs across the doors. The same blue hue characterizes the speedometer on the left and rev counter on the right, with further driver information displayed in between. Optional orange ambient lighting is available with the Inferno Orange Interior Trim.
The four-pack gauge cluster fore of the shifter, harks back to the iconic 1969 Camaro, but includes contemporary LED backlighting. The package includes gauges for oil temperature, oil pressure, transmission fluid temperature and battery voltage.
The performance seats have sport bolstering and shape-carrying champhered shoulders with accent stitching.
Technological marvel
A large Driver Information Center (DIC) provides all the data - including consumption, trip information, and tire pressure - needed while on the road. The Chevrolet Camaro is the only vehicle in its class to offer a standard Head Up Display (HUD) that displays vital information, such as speed and stereo selection, on the windshield so drivers can always keep their eyes on the road. Ultrasonic rear parking assist with camera and six airbags are standard, as are ISOFIX anchors for the very young sports car fans.
The Chevrolet Camaro offers the discerning music aficionado a premium Boston Acoustics nine-speaker stereo system. USB ports for personal devices and Bluetooth connectivity are also part of the package.
The Active Fuel Management
While fuel economy may not be high on the priority list of a Chevrolet Camaro owner, the Active Fuel Management system on the L99 engine automatically shuts down four of the eight cylinders during light load operations, allowing for reduced fuel consumption. This results in savings of up to 7.5 percent.
The Chevrolet Camaro manual models have a combined consumption figure of 14.1 L/100 km. The automatic variants fare even better with a combine consumption of 13.1 L/100 km.
Design
The jaw-dropping design of the fifth generation Chevrolet Camaro is an irresistible invitation to get in and drive away. The legendary car's return after a ten year absence brings with it a fusion of modernity, confidence and soul.
It is hard to decide where to look first - the immediately recognizable V-shaped nose that has become a Chevrolet Camaro trademark, the unmistakable tail, or the sculpted rear shoulders. All details of the car have been carefully designed to re-capture the spirit of the legend that first rolled off production lines 45 years ago while creating an thoroughly modern, 21st century sports car.
From the outside, there is no mistaking the four-passenger coupe as a modern interpretation of its legendary 1969 predecessor - strong, wide shoulders, long dash-to-axle, low roof line and large wheels.
The look
High-intensity discharge headlamps with glowing xenon halo rings, mimicking deep-inset eyes, complement the V-shaped front grille and give the Chevrolet Camaro an aggressive ready-to-pounce stance. The sweeping long hood and short rear deck accentuate the Chevrolet Camaro's iconic look and feel.
The hood carries a 10 centimeter power bulge, leaving little doubt as to what lies beneath and highlighting its sports car heritage.
The one-piece body shows off the bold lines that have become a distinguishing feature of all Chevrolet cars. Only here, the style is better defined and the clean creased lines are set off by muscular wheel arches. Rear quarter gills are stamped into the sheet metal just fore of the rear wheel, with a nod to a design element of the original concept car.
The sculpted rear shoulders set the stage for a stunningly-designed rear end. The unique, European specific LED tail lights are also inset and complement the image portrayed by the front of the Chevrolet Camaro. The dual outlet stainless steel exhausts have polished tips and complete the ensemble, creating an appealing blend of technology, design and performance.
A lower body side spear is formed seamlessly into the front quarter, door and rear quarter sheet metal delivering a muscular wheel-oriented cue and refined forward moving appearance, clearly defining its rear-wheel capability.
The Chevrolet Camaro sits on standard 20-inch wheels, a final touch of design and also a needed feature to transfer the engine torque to stunning forward movement. The wheels are positioned outward and flush with the body, giving the car a planted appearance.
The only feature more spectacular than the body of the car is what is underneath the hood (see Engines and Transmissions chapter).
Stylish and functional interior
The outlook on the world suddenly changes when you sit in a Chevrolet Camaro. You are immediately welcomed by a retro-styled contemporary dashboard with multi-dials ready to provide you with all the information pertaining to the functioning of the vehicle.
As the sport seats anchor you into position, the ambient light gives a blue hue that runs all the way across the upper edge of the doors. And once you have absorbed all this, you notice that while you are looking out, everybody on the outside is looking in.
Iconic look and feel
The interior of the Chevrolet Camaro presents an organized and functional setting, aimed at making the driver's job easier without losing any of the car's iconic look and feel. The revised instrument panel appearance presents a classic stance with contemporary details.
The steering wheel offers support for sporty driving and also includes cruise control, Bluetooth, iPod/MP3 and stereo functions to keep the eyes on the road and the hands on the wheel.
The leather seats provide support with sport bolstering carry champhered shoulders with accent stitching that is also seen on the shift, door, center console and steering wheel. They give drivers excellent lateral support and an added dose of confidence-inspiring comfort. The rear seat folds down completely to enable transport of longer items.
The HurstTM-branded short-throw shifter is designed to give the driver enhanced grip, critical when quick changes are required.
Dashboard blues
The Chevrolet Ice Blue lighting takes center stage on the Camaro dashboard and provides the perfect backdrop for the speedometer and engine temperature indicator, to the left of the steering wheel, the tachometer on the right and the large Driver Information Centre (DIC) in the middle of the display.
The DIC includes a digital speedometer, trip information - such as average consumption, distance travelled and fuel range - and a graphic display of tire pressure monitoring. An adjustable Heads Up Display (HUD), the only one offered in Chevrolet Camaro's segment, makes it possible for drivers to monitor all important information without taking their eyes of the road. The information is projected into the windscreen and appears as if located at the front end of the hood or slightly above it.
An integrated center stack design combines the stereo and HVAC controls into a single unit. Large dials, detailed with rubber grommets and chrome, match the character of the nameplate and make usage easier while driving.
A four-gauge cluster has been placed under the stereo/HVAC controls, harking back to the classic 1969 Camaro but with a contemporary look and backlighting. The cluster includes gauges for oil temperature, oil pressure, transmission fluid temperature and battery voltage.
Despite being a performance car, the Chevrolet Camaro has ample storage space in the doors, center console, glove box and cup-holder in the central console. Additionally, the 245-watt, nine- speaker Boston Acoustics® premium sound system ensures excellent sound quality.
The Rear Vision Package adds a rear view camera system and an auto-dimming mirror to the existing Rear Park Assist feature. The camera system complements the rear parking assist by providing a video display of the area behind the car with the video image appearing in the car's inside rear view mirror.
Safety features
Safety is also a key element engineered into the Chevrolet Camaro. It comes with six airbags, dual stage on both the passenger and driver sides for head and chest protection, seat-mounted pelvis-thorax side airbags for driver and passenger, and roof rail side curtain airbags for head protection for all occupants on the coupe.
Seat belts are equipped with load-limiting retractors and pre-tensioners aimed at reducing injury risk in frontal, offset frontal and lateral crashes. Further injury risk minimizers include a collapsible propshaft, break-away brake pedals and a ride down mechanism on the collapsible steering column.
Ride and Handling
From the frozen terrains in Sweden to test tracks in Germany - including the famed Nürburgring - and Australia, the Chevrolet Camaro has been put through its paces to provide a ride and handling that satisfies the specific European driving style.
A nearly ideal 52/48 front to rear weight distribution, providing a stable center of gravity, combined with an impressive FE4 suspensions and a tuned chassis means the Camaro will handle transitional situations beautifully and claw its way round corners with impressive agility.
The vehicle is designed to match the specific driving habits of Europeans, with tight cornering and performance handling characteristics among the best in its class. The precise handling dynamics were developed on different road surfaces and conditions around the world - including Australia, Germany, Sweden, Canada and the U.S.
A number of professional drivers provided input to help determine the perfect characteristics that make the Chevrolet Camaro what it is.
Smooth operator
The Camaro boasts a smooth and sophisticated ride, enhanced by a high-strength steel central structure, and polished road manners. The car is equally at home at cruising speeds and during performance runs.
The FE4 suspension geometry had been adjusted, including front (23 mm) and rear (24 mm) reshaped stabilizer bars that are repositioned outboard of the shock mounts. This results in more effective body control and more precise response in performance driving.
The unique 4.5-link independent rear suspension is double-isolated from the chassis for a smoother, quieter driving experience.
Four modes of driving
Precise and responsive steering contributes to cornering confidence as it provides great driver feedback. The Chevrolet Camaro chassis control system allows drivers to select the mode of driving:
- Base Stability Control Calibration
- Traction Control off / Stability Control on
- Competitive / Sport mode
- Traction Control off / Stability Control off
The vehicle is equipped with Stabili Trak, a four channel active handling system that links the car's dynamic control system to assist the driver in maintaining control under demanding or adverse conditions, such as wet, snow-covered or icy roads, tight turns and evasive maneuvers.
StabiliTrak combines the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Traction Control (TC) and Active Braking Systems to control wheel slip, optimize wheel spin and enhance vehicle stability.
The speed of all four wheels is monitored separately by the ABS, allowing for individual braking power directed to the wheels and resulting in superior control of the vehicles. Back-up braking is activated should one of the two braking circuits fail. Additionally, the ABS software uses a steering wheel angle sensor to differentiate between straight-line and corner braking.
The Traction Control System is integrated with the ABS and uses the powertrain and brakes to regulate wheel spin during acceleration. Further control is provided by the Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) which senses emergency braking by detecting the speed or force the driver applies to the brake pedal. Under extreme conditions, the HBA will apply the brakes selectively to maintain control.
Engine Drag Control (EDC) sends more torque to the driven wheels when the driver lifts off the throttle in precarious road conditions, such as in the presence of ice or rain. The resulting effect ensures vehicle stability as all four wheels, the free-rolling front and driven rear, are travelling at the same speed.
Massive 20-inch alloy wheels transfer the engine torque to the ground. The high rubber-to-road component ensures excellent lateral grip and handling and longitudinal acceleration, and shorter stopping distances.
The Chevrolet Camaro was engineered with performance in mind evidenced by the 355 mm x 32 mm vented front rotors and 365 mm x 28 mm vented rear rotors, clamped by high performance Brembo four-piston fixed-head aluminum calipers.
The brake linings are optimized to deliver long-term performance and consistent feel. The braking package is worthy of the power package, with stopping distances of less than 40 meters from 100 km/h on dry asphalt.
Engines and Transmissions
The European Camaro coupe and convertible are equipped with an 6.2 liter V8 engine, offering customers a choice of manual or paddle-shift automatic transmissions.
The Chevrolet Camaro's 16-valve V8 engine has a displacement of 6,126 cm3 and utilizes a central camshaft. Both manual and automatic cars have a top speed of 250 km/h.
The two engine variants - LS3 and L99 - are mated to the manual and automatic transmissions, respectively. They are essentially the same with two notable differences: the automatic version is equipped with Active Fuel Management (cylinder displacement-on-demand) and variable valve timing (VVT).
The performance of the Chevrolet Camaro is impressive: the manual transmission version boasts 432 hp at 5,900 rpm and a torque of 569 Nm at 4,600 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is 5.2 seconds for the manual coupe and 5.4 seconds for the manual convertible, both comparable to a number of top-class sports cars. The manual uses a Tremec TR 6060 six-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is 14.1 L/100 km (combined cycle).
Automatic transmissions are increasingly popular on performance cars. The Camaro's automatic transmission equipped powertrain produces 405 hp at 5,900 rpm, while maximum torque is 556 Nm at 4,300 rpm. Fuel consumption for the automatic is 13.1 L/100 km combined. The Chevrolet Camaro includes GM's Active Fuel Management System, enabling it to cruise on only four cylinders during light load conditions such as highway cruising.
Improving on excellence
The Chevrolet Camaro engine blocks are manufactured from aluminum with cast-in-place iron bore liners and a push-rod valve-in-train valvetrain. The engine is brought to life with a high-energy distributor-less ignition that features a solid state direct-fire ignition.
The evaporative dual exhaust system comes with close-coupled catalytic converters. The automatic transmission models include active fuel management and cam phasing (VVT).
When compared with previous generation engines, both LS3 and L99 variants feature a larger bore block (4.06 inches/10.15 cm); high flow LS7/L92-style heads, larger diameter pistons, hotter camshaft timings, a revised valve train with offset intake rocker arms, a high-flow intake manifold and larger fuel injectors.
The block casting design enhances bay-to-bay breathing for improved efficiency. The new pistons are made to suit the engine's high rpm capabilities. The heads use straighter, large capacity intake ports to optimize flow to the combustion chamber. The cylinder heads receive all the air they need thanks to a new, acoustically-tuned intake manifold while a high flow efficiency induction system is borrowed from the Corvette Z06.
Premium unleaded fuels (minimum 95 RON, preferably 98 RON or higher) are recommended for the Chevrolet Camaro, which has a maximum engine speed of 6,600 rpm.
Manual transmission
The new Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission carries a host of features to provide an effective transfer of the engine's exceptional power and torque while delivering high performance and fun-to-drive shifting characteristics.
The use of wider gears, made possible by using special fine-pitch teeth Hoerbiger-produced synchronizers, reduces synchronizer travel. The teeth enable smooth meshing and eliminate block-out-of-gear synchronization. As a result, shifter throw is reduced by 12 per cent.
The aluminum housing is strengthened where the shifter rails are held in place, improving the solid feel of each gear change. Tremec has adopted a one-piece output shaft to further enhance the bell housing ability to handle high torque.
A dual mass flywheel with twin-disk clutch reduces the overall rotating inertia by up to 25 per cent, meaning the engine can reach its maximum power quickly. The reduced inertia also enhances gear synchronization.
The three-point shifter mounting is attached directly to the body structure, resulting in an extremely solid, stiff and tunable unit.
Finally, all European Camaros are fitted with the acclaimed HurstTM short-throw shifter for even greater performance and response.
Automatic transmission
The L99 is mated with one of the most technologically advanced automatic transmissions on the market - the Hydra-Matic 6L80. The transmission uses clutch-to-clutch operations and an integrated 32-bit controller to deliver smooth and precise shifts.
The transmission includes advanced Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS) that lets the electronic controller override the automatic gear selection during closed throttle high lateral acceleration maneuvers. This means rapid downshifting with near synchronous engine speed matching for quick power-up when the throttle is re-opened.
The steering mounted paddle shift control (TAPshift) allows the driver to sequentially shift gears manually. Shift calibration is designed specifically for the Chevrolet Camaro, with the twin-plate torque converter characteristics matching the characteristics and high torque output of the massive V8 6.2 L engine.
Certain components within the seven major sub-systems that make up the transmission learn from one another via the controller software in a unique form of self-adaptation that maximizes the interface of all networked components.
Safety
The safety systems installed on the new Chevrolet Camaro have two primary functions: crash avoidance and occupant protection.
Prevention better than cure
The Chevrolet Camaro's sports-tuned chassis dynamics help deliver better handling, maximum grip, high directional stability and powerful braking performance. Thanks to the integrated chassis control technologies - StabiliTrak electronic stability control, ABS, Traction Control and Brake Assist - drivers are in a better position to maintain control of the vehicle during evasive maneuvers and in adverse road conditions. Altogether, these features contribute in greatly to reducing the risk of accidents. This is further aided by the near perfect front/rear weight distribution.
Other safety factors include an ergonomically-designed interior with supportive bolstered-seating, visual and audio warnings, daytime running lamps, fast response LED tail and stop lights, steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth, camera-aided park assist and information displays - including the exclusive Heads-Up-Display - that provide drivers with pertinent information without distraction.
Occupant protection
More than 7,000 crash barrier tests were run using leading edge virtual technology. They were validated by 55 actual barrier tests. These tests helped optimize the vehicle's design for maximum occupant protection in the event of an accident.
Multiple load paths using high-strength steel were integrated into the design, establishing a de facto safety cage protection around the car's occupants.
Front and rear crumple zones absorb crash energy, while steel rails in the engine compartment and front bumper make up the crush zone and work with the six-mount engine cradle that deforms progressively on impact to take the brunt of a frontal impact.
Crash energy is distributed along the transition zones around the passenger compartment together with the safety cage construction, consisting of the floor pan, rocker panels, center tunnel, A and B pillars and front mid-rails.
The rear crush zone is designed to absorb energy progressively during impact, protecting passengers and ensuring the integrity of the fuel tank. A collapsible propshaft, break-away brake pedals which minimize lower limb injury, and a ride-down steering column further enhance the safety of the car's occupants.
Multiple airbags for full protection
Six airbags are standard equipment in the Chevrolet Camaro Coupe. Deployment of airbags is regulated to ensure minimal risk to out-of-position occupants. Both driver and front passenger have head and chest protection with the front dual-stage airbags. The side airbags provide pelvis and chest protection while roof rail side curtain airbags provide head protection for all occupants (on the Coupe).
Sensors in the front and side work in conjunction with a sensing diagnostic module (SDM) to trigger the seat belt pre-tensioners and deploy airbags depending on the crash severity. The sensors suppress air bag deployment if a child or small-statured person is in the passenger seat. The detection system uses a mat sensor embedded in the passenger seat to establish the occupant's weight and weight distribution.
The sensing system also determines the optimum level of airbag deployment depending on the occupant. According to crash severity, the first or both stages of airbag deployment will be activated. Additionally, if the seat is positioned just one-third of the way back from the forward-most position, only the first stage will be deployed.
Front seat belts are equipped with low friction rings and low-effort energy-absorbing retractors, putting minimum pressure on the occupant and maximizing comfort. Front and rear seats are designed to work with the safety belt system to assist in restraining occupants. Padded front head restraints help reduce the risk of head and neck injuries.
