Sweetening the Pony Pot: Price, Content Tweaks Coming to 2019 Chevrolet Camaro

We told you the other day how Ford’s Mustang reigns supreme in the domestic pony car crowd, at least in terms of volume, with Dodge’s Challenger serving as a delightfully archaic and stable-selling runner-up. That leaves Chevrolet to figure out how best to get buyers excited about its own entry.

Depending on trim, there’s a stable of new Camaro faces ( fascias, to be exact) arriving for 2019, but order guides show that would-be customers stand to save money, too. Especially if they can live without a V6.

According to guides seen by CarsDirect, getting behind the wheel of a base 2019 Camaro LS requires 905 fewer bucks than last year, with the trim stickering at $25,995 after destination. However, there’s no longer an option ($1,495) of moving up to the 3.6-liter V6 from the standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. If six cylinders is a must, you’ll need to move up to an LT.

Should you want to sap as much excitement from the driving experience as possible, the eight-speed automatic now becomes an option (again, $1,495) on the LS four-banger. It’s a late availability item, so don’t go looking for it at launch.

The price of upgrading your 1LT Camaro to V6 power hasn’t changed, but the model’s entry price has. For 2019, the 1LT drops $1,200 to $26,495 after destination. Digging a little deeper for that $1,495 option swaps the 275 hp, 295 lb-ft four for a potentially more satisfying six making 335 hp and 284 lb-ft. This option exists on the $28,495 2LT trim, which drops three grand from last year.

New for the coming model year is a 3LT trim that brings the V6 on board as standard kit. It’s basically just the 2LT with the upgrade engine, though you’ll have the option of adding a Convenience and Lighting Package (which vanishes from the 2LT options list). For the privilege of this content, GM asks $31,995. Certain interior color packages (Adrenaline Red, Ceramic White) also disappear from the 2LT.

It’s worth noting that 1LT four-cylinder buyers can add Chevy’s 1LE Track Performance Package to their rides for an additional $4,500.

And that’s where the pricing changes stop, as SS and ZL1 Camaros carry over their Monroneys for 2019. A 1SS coupe continues to retail for $37,995, while the 650 hp ZL1 stickers for $68,495. You’ll find the ZL1’s 10-speed automatic in the SS now, with line lock and launch control standard for those who like relaxing their left foot.

Will larger, more aggressive grilles and knocked-down pricing on volume models put some wind in the Camaro’s sails sales? Time will tell, but, as CarsDirect points out, there’s no shortage of existing incentives waiting for buyers of the outgoing model.

[Image: General Motors]