2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Preview

History

The first Camaro was introduced as a 1967 model and was Chevy’s answer to the Ford Mustang. The model was stopped at its fourth generation in 2002 model, after about 4.8 million units were produced.

The 1967 Camaro was built on GM’s F-body platform and was available as a 2-door, 2+2 seating, coupe or convertible with a choice of inline-6 and V8 powerplants.

1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS

The SS (Super Sport) package included many performance and aesthetic upgrades. It was powered by a 5.7 liter eight-cylinder engine with a 6.5 liter big-block offered as optional equipment in 1968. On the grille, horn button, and gas cap were SS badging. Non-functional air-inlets adorned the front hood. The SS-350 model also offered a new 350-cubic-inch small-block V8 rated at 295 horsepower — Chevy’s first 350.

The second generation Camaro was unveiled in 1970. Most of the engine and drivetrain components were carried over from 1969 with the exception of the 3.8 liter six cylinder — the base engine was now the 4.1 liter six rated at 155 hp. The top performing motor was a L-78 6.5 liter V8 rated at 375 hp (used in the SS).

1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS

Because the sales went done (only 1000 SS units were sold in 1972), Chevrolet decided to drop the model starting next year.

The third generation Camaro was unveiled in 1982. The 1982 model introduced the first Camaros with factory fuel injection, four-speed automatic transmissions (three-speed on the earlier models), five-speed manual transmissions (four-speed manual transmissions in 1982, and some 1983 to 1984 models), 15- or 16-inch (381- or 406-mm) rims, hatchback body style, and even a four-cylinder engine (due to concerns over fuel economy in the wake of the 1979 energy crisis).

The Fourth generation Camaro was unveiled in 1993. The 1993 Camaro also featured the LT1 V8 engine that had been introduced in the Corvette one year earlier, as well as an optional six-speed manual transmission when ordered with the V8.

1996 Chevrolet Camaro SS

In 1996 GM re-introduced the SS package. With an output of 305 hp, the SS was the first factory Camaro to break the 300 horsepower barrier since 1971.

The 2001 SS models received the intake manifold from the LS6 (the engine used in the fifth-generation Corvette Z06.) The horsepower rating was increased to 325 hp. The final Camaro was built on August 27, 2002.

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