About 50 years ago, General Motors->ke1024 sent automotive journalists a telegram, asking them to "please save noon of June 28 for important SEPAW meeting. Hope you can be on hand to help scratch a cat." The puzzling message was issued for a live press conference that marked the introduction of the Chevrolet Camaro. When the automotive press asked what Camaro->ke248 stands for, Chevrolet->ke199 replied that it was "a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs." That's how GM's iconic competitor for the Ford Mustang->ke428 was born, spawning a rivalry that would go on for more than four decades (the Camaro was discontinued between 2002 and 2010). Five decades have passed since the first-gen Camaro broke cover in Detroit, and Chevrolet is celebrating the special moment with an anniversary edition based on the new, sixth-generation pony.

Unveiled without much fuss on Chevrolet's official website, the Camaro 50th Anniversary Edition is slated to arrive in dealerships in summer 2016 with a number of extra features compared to the standard model. It will be available in both coupe and convertible 2LT and 2SS models and stand out via special colors and stripes, unique badges, and customized interiors.

The Camaro 50th Anniversary Edition arrives nearly two years after its main rival, the Ford Mustang, received its very own half-century special package as the 50 Year Limited Edition. This special-edition Camaro will most likely make its public debut at the 2016 New York Auto Show->ke226 on March 25th, so make sure you stick around for updates.

Continue reading to learn more about the Chevrolet Camaro 50th Anniversary Edition.

What makes the Chevrolet Camaro 50th Anniversary Edition special

The Camaro 50th Anniversary Edition will be easy to spot in a pack of bowtie-badged muscle cars thanks to its bespoke exterior paint and unique detailing. All models will wear a Nightfall Gray Metallic paint (the Convertible will include a black top), a body-colored front splitter, and a 50th Anniversary stripe package and badges. The preliminary photos show a Coupe with orange stripes on the engine hood, trunk lid, and rear spoiler, but Chevrolet doesn't say whether the stripes will be available in other colors. However, given that the special edition is also fitted with orange brake calipers -- front and rear on 2SS and front only on 2LT -- it's safe to assume that orange will be the only option.

As for the Anniversary badges, the pony cars will feature "Fifty" emblems on their front fenders. The letters are finished in satin chrome with an orange insert between "I" and the second "F." GM also developed a special grille with satin chrome accents. The SS model shown here wears honeycomb-like mesh, but the LT-based version will probably feature the horizontal bars. Another detail that sets the SS and LT models apart are the LED daytime running lights, set in horizontal and vertical position, respectively.

Customers who opt for the LT-based model will get the RS Appearance Package as standard. The bundle includes a decklid spoiler, HID headlamps with LED signature, LED taillights, and RS badging. A bespoke set of 20-inch wheels is also on the table for both trims. The new rollers feature a twin-five-spoke design and special center caps.

The black and orange theme continues inside the cabin, where all models will come with black leather upholstery with suede inserts and orange accent stitching. This combination can't be had with non 50th Anniversary cars. Specific special-edition logos will adorn the dashboard, seatbacks, steering wheel, and the illuminated sill plates.

Under the hood, the 50th Anniversary Edition remains standard. For the LT-based model, buyers will be able to pick between the brand-new 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the 3.6-liter V-6. The four-banger cranks out 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the V-6 generates 335 horses and 284 pound-feet. Finally, the SS carries a 6.2-liter V-8 similar to the C7 Corvette's, with 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of twist sent to the rear wheels.

Pricing information is not yet available, but expect the 50th Anniversary Edition to fetch more than the standard Camaro. The 2LT retails from $30,795, while the 2SS starts from $42,295.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro

The sixth-generation Camaro was launched in 2015 for the 2016 model year. It replaced the fifth-generation model, introduced in 2010 after eight years with no Camaro in dealerships. Much like the Mustang, the new Camaro sports an evolutionary design that blends styling cues seen on the previous generation with some classic features. About two inches shorter and no fewer than 294 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the sixth-gen pony is also quicker thanks to its new V-6 and V-8 engines. The newly developed 3.6-liter V-6 is the most powerful naturally aspirated V-6 in the segment at 355 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of twist, while the Corvette-sourced, 6.2-liter, LT1 V-8 makes the Camaro quicker than the V-8-powered Mustang thanks to its 455 horses and 445 pound-feet of torque. The Camaro also received a four-cylinder engine for the first time since 1992. The unit in question is a 2.0-liter turbo-four similar to the one found in the Cadillac ATS and CTS. It generates 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet and returns more than 30 mpg on the highway. Pricing for 2016 starts from $25,700, two grand more than the previous model.

Read our full review on the Chevrolet Camaro here.