Sometimes small changes make a big difference.
When Chevrolet redesigned the 2019 Camaro, its biggest controversy came down to its styling. That was especially true with the SS, which had a face relatively few actually liked. Now, thanks to last year’s SEMA concept, Chevrolet fixed that issue. The bar between the upper and lower grilles now matches the body color, and the bowtie has been moved to the upper grille. It’s a relatively small change, but as with the well-received concept, it makes a big difference.
“Customers spoke, and we listened,” says Steve Majoros, Chevrolet’s passenger car and crossover marketing director. “The overwhelmingly positive reaction to the Shock’s stylized design helped prompt its transition from concept to production.”
The Camaro’s sales figures haven’t been stellar, either, and that almost certainly influenced Chevrolet’s decision. Even when it went on sale late last year, its sales dropped well below the pre-facelift model. So far in 2019, the brand sold 12,084 Camaros, putting the newest-styled car in third place behind the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger.
More changes: New LT1 trim, 10-speed available on V6
Apart from just changing the styling, Chevrolet widened buyers’ options for the 2020 Camaro. There’s a new LT1 trim, which matches the “content and design” of the 1LT package with the SS model. You still get a 455 horsepower V8 engine mated to a standard six-speed manual or an optional 10-speed automatic transmission. Other features include The SS’ vented hood, LT1 fender badges, black bowtie badges, and 20-inch SS style wheels with all-season tires. A Technology Package is also available, with an 8.0-inch infotainment system and Bose premium audio.
At $34,995 including destination, the 2020 Camaro LT1 is the least expensive V8 Camaro. It also puts a V8 model in the same sort of price range as the Dodge Challenger R/T or the Ford Mustang GT.
Chevrolet will also match the 2020 Camaro models with a 3.6-liter V6 engine to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Up until this point, that option was reserved only for the Camaro SS and ZL1 models.
Other new features on the 2020 Camaro
The 2020 Camaro gets a new Rally Green paint color, as well as a rear spoiler on LS and LT trims. 20-inch forged wheels are available on the LT, LT and SS models, as are red or orange brake calipers. Dark-tinted taillamps are available on LS and LT, while red seatbelts and knee pads are available on all models.
3LT models now come standard with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, putting out 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, as well as the Convenience and Lighting package. Both features were previously options. Other appearance bits like alloy pedals are available on all models, while black bowtie badges and Camaro fender badges are available on LT models.
The 2020 Camaro will go on sale this fall.