2019 Chevrolet Camaro: More Trims, Lower Starting Price – AutoNation Drive Automotive Blog

During a time when many manufacturers are going all-in on SUVs and crossovers, Chevrolet is still committed to delivering an exciting car, as evidenced by the expanded lineup for the 2019 Camaro.

With a bold new look, reduced starting price, and more available configurations, Chevrolet’s popular sports coupe is now more accessible and capable than ever before.

Going beyond just a mandatory mid-cycle update, the 2019 Camaro feels like it’s taken a big step forward in terms of on-road performance and driver considerations. Let’s see exactly how Chevrolet achieved these improvements with the help of our 2019 Camaro SS Convertible test model.

More Trims, More Flexibility

Featuring a broader model lineup and less restrictions on option packages, it’s now much easier to configure the Camaro’s signature experience to suit a much wider range of budgets. Most notably, starting MSRP for the base 2019 Camaro LS is now $25,000, which is $905 lower than the previous year, and also over $1,000 less expensive than the base model 2019 Ford Mustang.

And for the first time ever, Chevrolet’s popular 1LE Track Performance Package can be paired with the 275-horsepower 2.0-liter Turbo model, making it one of the most affordable ways to have fun while rocking the Camaro’s head-turning style. Also part of this new flexibility is the addition of a third LT trim, meaning customers can further personalize the base Camaro before being required to select the V6 3LT trim.

Of course, the SS and ZL1 models are still here to step-up the excitement for driving enthusiasts. Our Camaro 1SS test model came equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 455 horsepower, while the top-spec ZL1 delivers a mind-bending 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque.

Stand Out from the Pack

As a platform for personal expression and to better distinguish between the trims, the 2019 LS/LT, RS, and SS versions each feature a unique front fascia with distinct grille execution, LED headlamps, and a reshaped hood.

These visual elements convey attitudes from mild to aggressive, and are also completely functional. For example, the 2.0-liter Turbo engine doesn’t need as much airflow, so the front fascia includes smaller vents to reduce unwanted aerodynamic lift. Conversely, the SS boasts large airways for its powerful V8 engine, and a “flowtie” open bowtie emblem along with aero-enhancing air curtains. The rear fascias have also been redesigned for all models, and feature new LED taillamps along with specific diffusers for the RS and SS trims.

You can continue to make the 2019 Camaro your very own by choosing from 12 exterior colors and up to 14 accent stripes and decals. Our Camaro SS Convertible test model looked stunning in Crush, a new premium color for the model year, while new 20-inch 5-spoke Black-painted aluminum wheels further emphasized the performance-focused design.

Other notable exterior features for the 2019 Camaro include newly sculpted hoods, available second-generation ground effects kit, and an all-new electric-green color called “Shock.”

Smart Enough to Read the Road, and Your Mind

The Camaro has always featured track-tested components that deliver a rewarding driving experience, and the 2019 model builds on this foundation with thoughtful refinements like a near 50/50 weight distribution, enhanced suspension architecture, and a new Track Mode.

But the most impactful performance feature of the 2019 Camaro is, undeniably, the all-new available 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission which replaces the outgoing 8-speed gearbox. Enhanced fuel economy and acceleration are a given with the new ten-speed, but it’s not just about extra gears and shorter ratios – this paddle-shift transmission is one of the smartest to ever grace a Chevrolet vehicle.

Utilizing a variety of sensors to determine the vehicle’s current situation – highway cruising, spirited driving, etc – the transmission can change its demeanor at any moment to match your specific performance needs.

Let’s say you’re enjoying some twisting canyon roads. The Camaro will hold its current gear through the corners so you’ll have optimum torque as you exit each turn. And unlike other transmissions that simply delay a single shift or omit overdrive, the 10L80 maintains its heightened state of performance delivery until it’s certain you’re ready to go back to normal cruising. The result is an intelligent powertrain that knows exactly when you want to have fun.

And for those who enjoy the thrill of rocketing down the dragstrip, custom launch control and line lock are now included for the 2019 model year.

A Camaro for Today’s Generation

There are more choices than ever for prospective Camaro owners, and regardless of which model or trim is being considered, you can count on certain characteristics to always be present; namely, an unmistakable design language, a driver-focused interior, and class-leading performance.

And while Camaro is essentially a household name, Chevrolet recognizes that, at the end of the day, it’s “a car you want, not necessarily a car you need.”

“A lot of people buy the Camaro because of the way it looks,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro Chief Engineer. “When you give people great styling, what’s under the hood usually becomes less of a factor. It’s all about whether they can envision themselves in the car.”

Staying true to this belief, Chevrolet has employed innovative engineering and efficient manufacturing techniques to significantly lower the starting costs of the 2019 Camaro, making it the most accessible lineup in recent years while still catering to the performance enthusiasts.

But don’t just imagine yourself in a 2019 Camaro – test drive one today at your local AutoNation-affiliated Chevrolet dealership.