2019 Chevrolet Camaro: Refresh Brings More Four-cylinder Fun

General Motors found itself the target of criticism after its sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro appeared for the 2016 looking too much like the fifth-generation model.

Clearly, GM didn’t feel like staging a repeat of this styling error, so the model’s mid-cycle refresh dares greatly, to borrow a phrase from another division. The 2019 Camaro drops the slim upper grille and gaping lower intake of the 2018 model in favor of a more conventional setup. The lower intake, now significantly reduced in size, flows into aero-enhancing air curtains, while the SS model visually merges upper and lower openings with a blacked-out center bumper section. It’s a little Silverado-esque, to be honest.

In a nod to frugal thrill seekers, 2019 also sees the sought-after 1LE package dropped in the lap of four-cylinder buyers.

The trim ladder stays the same for 2019, but buyers will find a revamped front and rear fascia, hood, headlights, and LED accent lighting on all but the top-rung ZL1. A 10-speed automatic, formerly available only on the ZL1, migrates down to SS buyers. Launch control and line lock comes standard for SS autobox customers, meaning there’s no reason not to heat up those rear slicks for the boring commute ahead.

Specifications for the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 3.6-liter V6, and 6.2-liter V8 remain the same, and the six-speed manual loses none of its presence throughout the lineup. (Chevy has nothing to say about any changes to the ZL1 or its supercharged 6.2-liter.) An eight-speed auto remains the go-to tranny option for four- and six-cylinder buyers.

What’s new for one-up-from-base 1LT customers is the 1LE package, which adds the track-focused suspension setup, Brembo brakes, and upgraded cooling formerly enjoyed only by six- and eight-cylinder models. Drive modes now include track and competition settings. Lateral grip improves to 0.97 g with this package, but stick shift customers only, please. If cornering isn’t a concern (but looks are), base LS and LT buyers can add the RS package, bringing 20-inch aluminum wheels, rear spoiler, and revised upper and lower grilles to the fold.

Droptops remain available for all trims. Depending on trim, the 2019 Camaro offers a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen carrying GM’s upgraded Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, plus standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. An upgraded backup camera joins the roster of improvements, along with available forward collision warning.

The 2019 Camaro hits dealer lots later this year, and we’ll have to wait before finding out just how much extra these improvements cost.

[Images: General Motors]