Done Drooling Over the 1LE? Here's What's New With Rest of Camaro Fam
Chevrolet has given the 2019 Camaro a refresh, including updates to the car’s styling, technology and performance. There is also a new variant of the Camaro being introduced: the Turbo 1LE, which is the fourth track-focused 1LE version of the Camaro — joining the V-6, SS and ZL1. I got to do a few hot laps on the road course at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and found it to be a fun, agile Camaro variant with some added dexterity thanks to its upgraded suspension and larger tires. But the 1LE isn’t the only Camaro story for 2019: The rest of the lineup has a few new surprises in store, as well.
Related: 2019 Chevrolet Camaro Turbo 1LE Quick Spin: The Bow Tie Strikes Back
The 2019 Camaro keeps the same basic shape, but its appearance has been tweaked both front and rear for a variety of reasons, some cosmetic, and some to improve airflow and other performance considerations. All Camaros get new rear bumpers and new LED taillights, which are finished in red on LS and LT models, while RS, SS and ZL1 models get dark-tinted lenses that have a smoked appearance (and look especially wicked in person).
Up front, the Camaro’s nose has been reworked to add more distinctiveness to different trim levels, so the LS/LT, RS and SS have unique front-end and grille treatments, LED dual-element headlights and reshaped hoods. The SS also adds a “flowtie” grille emblem (the logo is hollow to allow air to flow through it) and a heat extractor on the hood. The line-topping ZL1 is the only model to keep the same front, but it will continue to be easy to distinguish it from the others. The RS Appearance Package (available on LT models) adds a unique polished black grille, an updated rear diffuser and 20-inch wheels.
There is one notable mechanical change: SS models are now offered with a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, custom launch control and a line lock setting. This is a different 10-speed than the one found in the ZL1 (that’s the 10L90 transmission; this is the 10L80), so we’ll have to drive it to see how differently it behaves in the SS.
Inside, the Camaro will offer two different screen sizes, a standard 7-inch touchscreen or an available 8-inch unit that will run Chevrolet Infotainment 3, a new multimedia system (navigation will be optional on top of that).
Though perhaps not among the sexiest, one of the most exciting updates for 2019 comes on the safety front. Chevrolet now offers a rear camera mirror on 2SS and ZL1 models; the feature uses a camera mounted on the back of the vehicle to show a wider display in the car’s rearview mirror. The Camaro’s lack of rearward visibility is notorious and this feature helps to alleviate that concern for the driver. The standard backup camera also has been improved with a new high-definition camera. Forward collision alert is now available as an option, as well.
The 2019 Camaro is one of four Chevrolet passenger cars to get a refresh this year, joining the Cruze, Malibu and Spark. No word yet on when the updated Camaros will hit the street or how much the new kit will cost, but when we know, you’ll know.
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