Sales of the fifth-generation Camaro, now in its final model year, are expected to hit 500,000 units in March 2015, General Motors->ke1024 said Friday. Introduced in 2009 for the 2010 model year, the Camaro->ke248 went on to become America's best-selling muscle car, with more than 80,000 units sold per year from 2010 through 2014. Following the 2014 model year facelift, Camaro sales increased 7.1 percent to 86,297 examples, for the car's second-best year of sales since its introduction. With deliveries for the first two months of 2015 up 3.6 percent over 2014, total sales have reached 493,815, and GM estimates it will deliver the 500,000th fifth-gen Camaro by the end of March.

"The fifth-generation Camaro has clearly resonated with both long-time Camaro fans and first time performance-car buyers," said Todd Christensen, Camaro marketing manager. "That sets the bar high for the next chapter of the car’s history." 2015 is the final year for the fifth-generation Camaro, with a redesigned sixth-gen pony to be introduced later this year as a 2016 model.

Expect Chevrolet->ke199 to make a big fuss when the 500,000th fifth-gen Camaro is delivered, as well as launch a couple of special-edition models to celebrate the current generation's passing into the history books.

Continue reading to learn more about the Chevrolet Camaro.

Why it matters

Although it's true that the Camaro surpassed its arch-rival, the Ford Mustang, sales-wise between 2010 and 2014, Chevrolet failed to mention that the Mustang was actually significantly more successful in its fifth generation. Of course, the Blue Oval had a four-year head start, during which the Mustang sold more than 500,000 units, but it's important to note than Ford celebrated its one millionth fifth-gen Mustang in 2013. That's not to say Chevrolet doesn't deserve a big hand for moving 500,000 Camaros in less than six years, I just want to point out that the two ponies arrived at different times. It will be interesting to see what happens between the sixth-gen cars, which are only one model year apart.

Chevrolet Camaro

The fifth-generation Camaro went on sale in the second half of 2009, and marked the nameplate’s return to the lineup after a seven-year hiatus. The Camaro received its first and only facelift in the 2014 model year.

The current lineup includes four models. The base version is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 that generates 323 horsepower and returns the most mpg on the highway in its class at 30. Next in line is the Camaro SS, which sports a 6.2-liter V-8 that can be had with two outputs. SS models that feature the automatic transmission get 400 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, while version with a manual come with 426 horsepower and 420 pound-feet.

Sitting at the top of the range is the supercharged Camaro ZL1. The blown, 6.2-liter, V-8 mill delivers a whopping 580 horses and 556 pound-feet of twist, making it the most powerful production Camaro to date. Lastly, there’s the track-ready Z/28 model that uses a 7.0-liter powerplant to move around. Although less powerful than the ZL1 at 505 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque, the Z/28 is actually quicker on the race track due to its stripped interior, race-bred internals, and aero kit.