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2012 Chevrolet Camaro

New for 2012
  • Special 45th Anniversary package for Camaro and Camaro SS models, featuring specific hood/deck stripes, badging, new-design 20-inch wheels, special-trimmed interior and more
  • High-performance Camaro ZL1 coming in early 2012
  • New, standard 3.6L "LFX" V-6 with SAE-certified 323 horsepower (241 kW), which is 20.5 pounds (9.3 kg) lighter and helps maintain fuel economy of up to 30 mpg highway (2LS model)
  • FE4 suspension package for Camaro SS coupe enhances handling
  • Revised instrument panel on all models, with new instrument graphics and trim
  • New steering wheel design
  • Power lift feature for the front passenger seat
  • Rear Vision Package, which includes a new rearview camera system to complement the rear park assist feature
  • Rear spoiler is standard on LS and LT models
  • Body-color "shark fin" antenna is part of the RS package
  • Crystal Red Tintcoat replaces Red Jewel Tintcoat (later availability)

Highlights  

Chevrolet Camaro, America's most popular sports car, extends its momentum with enhancements for the 2012 model year. Highlights include an improved version of its standard 3.6L Direct Injection V-6 engine, a new FE4 performance suspension package for SS coupes and several new interior and technology improvements, such as a revised instrument panel design, new steering wheel and rear camera system.

The enhancements arrive in time for Camaro's 45th birthday, which will be celebrated with a special 45th Anniversary Special Edition package, offered on Camaro and Camaro SS. Continuing the tradition of Camaro anniversary models, the 45th Anniversary Special Edition carries all the upgrades for 2012, with

additional unique design elements, inside and out.

The interior updates include a revised instrument panel appearance, with new instrument graphics and trim, as well as a new steering wheel design and a power lift feature for the front passenger seat. The steering wheel features a fresh new look and ergonomic improvements intended to support performance driving. Also

new is a Rear Vision Package, which adds a rearview camera system and an auto-dimming mirror t

o the existing rear park assist feature. The rearview camera system complements the rear park assist by providing a video display of the area behind the car,

with the video image appearing in the car's inside rearview mirror.

Also coming in early 2012 is the high-performance Camaro ZL1, the most technologically advanced car ever developed in its segment. Check this site for product updates and specifications on the Camaro ZL1 when they become available.

Camaro design

  • Three well-equipped models - LS, LT and SS - offer sporty, performance-oriented choices for customers.
  • Heritage-inspired interior and exterior convey sportiness through iconic design cues.
  • New exterior features include a standard rear spoiler on LS and LT models.
  • The new 45th Anniversary Special Edition package is available on 2LT and 2SS models. All come standard in Carbon Flash Metallic (black) and include a unique rally stripe in red and silver, with 45th Anniversary graphics on the stripes. Also included are special fender emblems, new 20-inch wheel design in deep silver, RS-style taillamp lenses, standard rear spoiler, standard HID headlamps, body-color roof molding and special-trimmed interior.
  • New color: Crystal Red Tintcoat replaces Red Jewel Tintcoat (later availability)

Camaro interior

  • A well-executed balance of heritage and contemporary features provides a fun and comfortable environment for up to four. An ambient lighting package on 2LT and 2SS trims gives the interior a special glow with LED light pipe technology.
  • Revised instrument panel graphics and a new steering wheel distinguish 2012 models.
  • The interior elements of the 45th Anniversary Special Edition package - in Jet Black - include leather-trimmed seats with the anniversary logo, white instrument panel and door trim inserts with the anniversary logo, red, white and blue stitching on the seats, and the anniversary logo on the steering wheel and sill plates.
  • Two audio systems with simple controls are offered and both include standard SiriusXM Satellite Radio for three months (12 months on 2LT and 2SS). The base MP3/CD radio includes a six-speaker system, a two-line, 32-character reconfigurable display and the capability to select between AM, FM and XM stations without having to reset the frequency. The premium Boston Acoustics nine-speaker/245-watt audio system is available on LT and SS models. All radios include a standard auxiliary input jack for portable devices such as an iPod.
  • Bluetooth connectivity for selected, compatible phones keeps drivers' eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
  • Driver and passenger seats feature six-way adjustable settings (fore/aft, up/down and tilt), with power recline front seats that are standard on LT and SS models. Heated, leather-trimmed seats are part of the 2LT and 2SS trim packages.
  • Additional comfort and convenience come via the available sunroof and remote vehicle starter on LT and SS models. Head-up display, which projects key instrument, Turn-by-Turn navigation and audio system details on the windshield, is part of the 2LT and 2SS trim packages.

Camaro Powertrain

A new, more powerful and more efficient version of the 3.6L direct-injected V-6 is standard on LS and LT models. It delivers an SAE-certified 323 horsepower (241 kW) at 6,800 rpm - 11 horsepower (8 kW) more than 2011 models. It is also 20.5 pounds (9.3 kg) lighter than the previous engine, which enhances efficiency and driving dynamics. And while more powerful than the current 3.6L, the 2012 Camaro 2LS model delivers an estimated 30 mpg on the highway. Highlights include:

  • New cylinder head design with integrated exhaust manifold
  • Improved intake port design and larger intake valves within the cylinder heads
  • Longer-duration intake camshafts
  • Composite intake manifold
  • New fuel pump and isolated fuel rail
  • New, optimized-flow fuel injectors
  • Structural front cover and cylinder block enhancements
  • Stronger and lighter-weight connecting rods
  • Camshaft cap and throttle body design enhancements.
  • Two 6.2L V-8 engines are offered in the Camaro SS, including the L99 on automatic-equipped vehicles and the LS3 on manual-equipped models. Horsepower for the L99 is 400 (298 kW) at 5,900 rpm and torque is 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm) at 4,300 rpm. The LS3 develops 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm). Output on the L99 is lower than the LS3 because of a slightly lower compression ratio (10.4:1 vs. 10.7:1) and design features of the Active Fuel Management system.
  • All Camaro models can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with TapShift.
  • The Aisin AY6 six-speed manual is standard with the 3.6L engine, and a Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic is optional.
  • A Tremec TR 6060 six-speed manual is standard on the SS, and the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic is optional.
  • The SS model's Tremec TR 6060 six-speed manual is designed to handle the high torque characteristics of the LS3 engine.
  • The final drive ratio for LS3 vehicles is 3.45:1.

Camaro chassis and suspension

Camaro features fully independent front and rear suspensions, with the standard independent using a 4.5-link system that includes a unique, L-shaped upper control arm that attaches to the knuckle at one end and incorporates a ride bushing in the rear.

  • Three suspension packages are offered: FE2 sport on LS and LT models; FE3 on SS Convertible models or new FE4 performance on SS Coupe models.
  • The front suspension has a dual ball strut system, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar.
  • A sub-frame at the rear is double-isolated to minimize vehicle body motions and dampen road imperfections.
  • Coil-over shock absorbers are used in the rear with a decoupled, hollow stabilizer bar.
  • Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all models - including Brembo four-piston calipers on SS - with hydraulic brake assist.
  • Rack-and-pinion steering system with a 16.1:1 ratio on all models.
  • Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control on all models.
  • Competitive/sport mode on SS models enhances on-track performance.
  • Performance Launch Control on SS models with the manual transmission optimizes hard-acceleration launches for quicker, more consistent performance.
  • LS and LT models are equipped with standard 18-inch wheels or optional 19-inch wheels; SS comes with standard 20-inch wheels and 21-inch wheels are available as a dealer-installed accessory.

The new FE4 suspension offers a performance improvement for the Camaro SS coupe. Elements include:

  • Retuned front and rear dampers.
  • New 23mm solid front (23 mm) and rear (24 mm) stabilizer bars, reshaped and positioned outboard of the shock mounts for more effective body control and more precise response.
  • Twenty-inch aluminum wheels and P245/45R20 front/P275/40R20 rear tires.

Camaro safety and crash-avoidance features

The Camaro is designed to help drivers avoid crashes, while protecting occupants in the event a crash occurs.

  • New Rear Vision Package, which includes a new rearview camera system to complement the rear park assist feature (standard on 2LT and 2SS; available on 1LT and 1SS).
  • Six standard air bags include side curtain air bags, which provide head protection for outboard passengers in the event of a side-impact or rollover crash.
  • StabiliTrak electronic stability control system helps reduce the risk of rollover crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver's intended path by applying throttle, braking or a combination of both.
  • Standard four-wheel disc brake system featuring smooth, quiet operation, longer pad life and more resistance to brake pulsation.
  • Pretensioners minimize forward movement during a collision, and are standard on the front safety belts. Load-limiting retractors cinch the belt more tightly.
  • LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat attachment system, which is included in all second-row seating positions.
  • Tire pressure monitoring system, standard on all models.
  • Standard remote keyless entry (RKE) system provides a second function for the red panic button. Drivers can use it to locate their cars without sounding the panic alarm.
  • Strong body structure to absorb crash energy and provide a protective "safety cage" around occupants.

OnStar Details

OnStar is standard on all Camaro models. It uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of crash. OnStar subscribers also can use the service to be Good Samaritans by sending help to other motorists, and to call for help in other non-crash emergencies.

  • OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada.
  • Six months of complimentary OnStar Directions and Connections service with Turn-by-Turn Navigation for easier route guidance on all Camaro models. The feature is easy to use because all directions are sent to the car by an advisor, without the need to stop. Turn-by-Turn can be cost-effective, since map updates and aftermarket navigation systems are not needed.
  • Stolen Vehicle Assistance helps police track the vehicle.




Camaro ZL1 by the Numbers: 3.9 Seconds, 184 mph, $54,995

DETROIT - The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 184 mph. Starting at $54,995, including Performance Traction Management and Magnetic Ride suspension, the ZL1 delivers supercar levels of performance and technology for the price of a sports car.

"From the original Camaro to the current Corvette ZR1, Chevrolet has a long history of delivering world-class cars that outperformed competitors at several times the price," said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Chevrolet Marketing. "The ZL1 is no exception. There are very few cars at any price that can match the power, features, and track-capability of the Camaro ZL1."

For the $54,995 price, including a $900 delivery fee, the ZL1 compares favorably to much more expensive cars:


Base price

Horsepower

Torque

Magnetic Ride

Camaro ZL1

$54,995

580

556

Standard

Audi R8 GT

$196,800

560

398

Standard

Maserati GranTurismo

$122,800

405

339

Not available

Mercedes SLS AMG

$185,750

565

479

Not available

Supercar Performance

The heart of the Camaro ZL1 is a supercharged 6.2L engine is SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm) - making it the most-powerful production Camaro ever.

The LSA features a Roots-style blower with an efficient four-lobe rotor set and compact intercooler The ZL1 also features a standard dual-mode exhaust system, with vacuum-actuated valves in the exhaust pipes for a refined exhaust note at low speeds as well as a free-flowing system for peak performance.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. With either transmission, the Camaro ZL1 delivers impressive performance:


Manual

Automatic

0 - 60 mph (from rolling start)

4.0 seconds

3.9 seconds

1/4-mile (from a rolling start)

12.1 sec at 119 mph

12.0 sec at 119 mph

Top speed

180 mph

184 mph

Max lateral grip

1.0 g

1.0 g

"With 0 to 60 taking less than four seconds, and a top speed in excess of 180 mph, the power and acceleration of the Camaro ZL1 rivals many supercars," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. "And, horsepower is only half of the story, as the most significant measurement of the ZL1's potential is lapping the Nurburgring in 7:41.27. That is a great testament to the power, braking, grip, and balance of the Camaro ZL1, and to the well-rounded performance of the ZL1 that sets the bar for the sports-car segment."

Exclusive, track-capable technologies

To deliver that well-rounded performance, the Camaro ZL1 comes standard with several track-capable technologies that are exclusive to the segment.

For example, the Camaro ZL1 is the first sports car to feature the third-generation of Magnetic Ride. This advanced suspension system employs valve-less damping and Magneto-Rheological (MR) fluid technology to varies the suspension firmness to match the road and driving conditions.

"Traditional suspension systems at some point compromise ride quality for road-holding grip and body control," said Oppenheiser. "With Magnetic Ride Control, we can offer customers the best of both worlds: A comfortable ride that makes the ZL1 appropriate as a daily driver and the incredibly precise body control that makes the ZL1 so enjoyable on the track."

Also standard on the Camaro ZL1 is Performance Traction Management, which integrates magnetic ride control, launch control, traction control, electronic stability control and electric power steering response to enhance performance. The technology was first introduced on the Corvette ZR1. With Performance Traction Management, the launch control feature (manual transmission only) automatically modulates engine torque for the best-possible acceleration without excessive wheel spin. When the driver pushes the throttle to the floor, the system holds a predetermined engine speed until the driver releases the clutch. Then, the system modulates engine torque 1,000 times per second to maximize the available traction. Similarly, on a road course, the driver can apply full throttle when exiting a corner and Performance Traction Management will automatically manage acceleration dynamics to maximize exit speed based on available traction.

In addition, the Camaro ZL1 has been engineered to be track-capable from the factory, including a rear-differential cooler, an integrated engine- and transmission-oil cooler, and brake-cooling ducts as standard equipment. As such, the ZL1 offers many technologies and features not available on the 2012 Ford Shelby GT500:


Camaro ZL1

2012 GT500

Magnetic Ride

Standard

Not available

Performance Traction Management

Standard

Not available

Factory engine and transmission coolers

Standard

Dealer-installed option

Factory brake cooling ducts

Standard

Dealer-installed option

Factory rear differential cooler

Standard

Dealer-installed option

Additional features and options

The interior of the Camaro ZL1 features standard leather seating surfaces with suede microfiber inserts and heated, powered-adjustable front seats. Standard technologies include a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics® audio system; USB and Bluetooth connectivity; and rear-park assist with a rear-view camera display integrated in the center rear-view mirror.

  • The Camaro ZL1 is available with six options:
  • Six-speed automatic transmission with TapShift controls is $1,185
  • 20-inch, bright aluminum wheel package is $470
  • Power sunroof is $900
  • Stripe package is $470
  • Exposed-weave carbon fiber hood insert is $600
  • The suede package, including suede microfiber accents on the steering wheel, shift knob, and shift boot is $500

The Camaro ZL1 Coupe will go on sale in the spring of 2012, as a 2012 model. The Camaro ZL1 Convertible will go on sale in the summer of 2012, as a 2013 model. Pricing for the Camaro ZL1 Convertible will be announced later.