The fifth-gen, like all Camaros, is a unibody construction. The subassemblies contain the engine, front suspension, rear suspension, and drivetrain, which are bolted to the body.
GM’s best and brightest are required to manipulate the pressure, speed, and weight of the press in order to stretch the metal over the mold without creating tears. “Some of it is an art,” says Lerick. “You have to move in synch to understand how it comes together.” Eventually all of the formed pieces are placed into a fixture and robotically welded, using spot-welds (and mid-welds along the seam of a joint).
Production of 2010–2015 Camaros was done in GM’s Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, plant. The entire complex has more than 10 million square feet of floor. (The Quebec facility had closed in 2002 after the fourth-gen halted.)
Although the United States had waning interest in Chevrolet’s rear-wheel-drive V-8 cars, they were booming in Australia for GM’s Holden brand. The Commodore debuted in 1978 and, unlike its previously Opel-based models, the 2006 was completely designed in Australia, including its new Zeta platform. The new independent rear suspension, better weight distribution, 6.0L Gen IV engine option, and even a 6-speed automatic greatly enhanced its performance. This model was basically re-skinned as the Pontiac G8 a few years later, and then used as the basis for the 2010 Camaro chassis with a shorter wheelbase and two doors.
Model designations were made closer to the first-gen Camaro, with the SS being the V-8 model and the RS returning as an add-on appearance package.
The SS model was distinguishable by the “mail slot” in the middle of the front bumper and the SS badge in the grille.
After the body structure is complete, its fate (whether a Summit White 1LS or a Blue Velvet Metallic ZL1) is dependent on which order it fulfills. Despite the array of trim levels, models, and packages, only two body structures are available: coupe and convertible. The structure itself was revised through testing at the Milford Proving Grounds, GM’s own version of the Nürburgring, prior to the initial release in 2009. It had a serious leg up on its predecessors in the advancement of computer modeling, according to Lerick Chissus.
Before the fifth-gen Camaro ever touched asphalt, various forms of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) established exactly where and how much stiffness was needed in the chassis. In engineering terms, Lerick mentioned “load path,” which improves both the suspension dynamics and crash protection. “We are taking load and putting it into the body structure, using it more efficiently through computer modeling.”
Although the body structure has not changed since inception, the fifth-gen has undergone a few changes to the suspension and chassis components. The most noticeable change came for the 2014 model year, with a significant facelift and new taillights. Chevrolet used the introduction of the 2014 Camaro Z28 as the perfect opportunity to upgrade the aerodynamics as it had on the 2012 Camaro ZL1, but unlike with the ZL1, those upgrades (minus the rear wing and “Flowtie”) were rolled out over the entire lineup. The styling refresh proved to be a good method for reinvigorating sales, as the new models are so easily identifiable by the narrower grille, vented hood, and rectangular taillights.
The LS and LT trim levels offered a variety of wheels, including the standard 20 × 8 wheels on the SS and the 17-inch stealies.
The RS model is recognizable by the halo projector lights.
Other changes include a switch from vacuum to electric-assisted power steering on all models in 2013, which was first introduced on the 2012 Camaro ZL1. Development of the ZL1 also brought about another change, enacted in 2012, to improve the suspension on the SS coupe. Although the 2012 convertible still used the older FE3 style suspension, it benefited from the chassis braces that were developed on the ZL1 convertible for coupe-like torsional rigidity.
In May 2014, Chevrolet announced that the 2015 Camaro would be the last of the fifth-generation. Moreover, it was also announced that production would be moved to Michigan (Lansing Grand River plant).
During the five-year run of the fifth-gen, the Camaro consistently outsold the Mustang and Challenger. However, the automotive market has become incredibly competitive, and Chevrolet could ill-afford a stale product in its lineup with a completely new Mustang debuting for 2015 and the Hellcat Challenger making noise with 707 hp.
The rear spoiler is also included in V-6 models with the RS package, as are the unique taillamps, body-color ditch molding on the roof, fog lights, and badging.
Sixth Generation
The rumor mill had pegged the sixth-generation 2016 Camaro to be based upon the lighter Alpha platform used in the Cadillac ATS. And with the Gen IV V-8s going out of production, it was likely that the 2016 Camaro would sport the new direct-injection Gen V V-8 architecture used in the 2014 and 2015 Corvette (as well as trucks and SUVs). The 7-speed manual and 8-speed automatic were also likely companions.
From 2010 to 2015, the Camaro coupe was offered in an LS, LT, and SS model. The LS and LT came with a 3.6L V-6, choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, and two trim levels (1LS, 2LS, 1LT, 2LT). The 2010 Camaro 1LS started at $22,995. The SS model was also available with a 426-horse, 6.2L V-8 in two trim levels (1SS, 2SS), either a 6-speed manual or automatic, and an RS Package (that included Bright Silver painted wheels, HID headlights with LED halo rings, and LED taillamps) to bring back the RS/SS.
The Camaro also offered many options, from various stripe packages to shifters, wheels, and a sunroof. The color palette changed from year to year. Three notables: Aqua Blue Metallic was offered only in 2010, Synergy Green Metallic was 2011-only, and Carbon Flash Metallic was offered only in 2012 with the 45th anniversary package. The 2011–2015 Camaro convertible followed the same scheme of trim levels, except it was offered only in LT and SS models.
In 2012, two storied Camaro nameplates were brought back: ZL1 and COPO. The ZL1 represented the pinnacle of performance, combined with the sophistication you’d expect from a $55,000 sports car. Like the SS, the ZL1 was offered (from 2012 to 2015) with a 6-speed manual or automatic, and in either coupe or convertible. A 580 hp, supercharged 6.2L V-8 came under the hood.
The optional auxiliary gauge cluster was mounted in front of the shifter.
A brand-new Magnetic Ride system, revised suspension, forged wheels with larger Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 tires, a unique front-end with enhanced aerodynamics, and suede-accented interior were just a few of the other upgrades.
Options weren’t quite as extensive as on