The first Camaro (1967) was based on Chevrolet's Nova. It has been designed to .
    The Firebird from Pontiac has the same chassis and most of the mechanical parts. Majors differences concern the body and the interior appearance.

First generation (1967-1970):

   The base version is powered by a 230 CI (3769 cm3) straight 6, with a 3 speed manual transmission. Nothing exciting here. Two option packs are available : RS and SS; other engines, more powerful are already availaible :
    _ 250 CI (4096 cm3) straight 6, 155 HP
    _ 327 CI (5358 cm3) small-block V8, two-barrel carb, 210 HP, or four-barrel carb, 275 CV
    _ 396 CI (6489 cm3) big-block V8, 325 CV or 375 CV
  
   

Second generation (1970½-1980):

    The 250 CI, 155 HP straight 6 is now the base engine, replacing the 230 CI. Differnt V8 are availaible : 307 CI (200 HP), 350 CI (250 HP), it replaces the 327 CI; a 350 CI four-barrel (300 HP). SS owners will get the 396 CI big-block (350 ou 375 HP). The Z/28 is equipped with a high-compression 350 CI (LT-1) reaches 360 HP.

    From 1971emissions regulations will force GM to lower compression ratios, and thus horsepower. The power rating is now in "net" HP. The 250 CI makes now 110 "net" HP. Lowest HP ratings are met in 1975, with 155 HP for the four-barrel 350 CI !

    Fortunately, power ratings won't drop more; after a stagnation period, HPs will slowly grow again with the third gen camaro.

Third generation (1982-1992):

    This generation is completely new; body and engines are much differents. Engine choice is wide but HP ratings are still low :

_ four-banger 2,5 L, 90 HP !
_ 2,8L V6, 112 HP
_ 5,0L V8 four-barrel carb, 145 HP, or "Cross-Fire injection", 165 HP; cross-fire is a mono-point injection (option on Z28 only)

    From 1983, the 5,0 L is called L69 "H.O.", it is rated at 190 HP. In 1985 appears the IROC-Z (International Race Of Champions) with its 5,0 L TPI V8 L (Tuned Port Injection), 215 HP.

    The 350 CI small block is back in 1987, as an IROC-Z option; TPI-equipped, it's rated at 225 HP. In 1989, the same engine makes 240 HP.

    In 1990, the V6 changes displacement , from 2,8 L to 3,1 L, power goes from 135 to 140 HP.

    The Z28 is back in 1991, with the 5,7 L V8 TPI rated at 245 HP.

Fourth generation (1993-2002):

   The base engine is a 3,4L V6 making 160 HP.
    The Z28 is equipped with the Corvette's V8 5,7L small-block underrated at 275 HP.

   In 1995, the V6 3,8 L is an option on base camaros. It becomes the only V6 availaible in 1996.
    The V8 goes from 285 HP in 1996 on the Z28, to 305 HP on the SS. A new version of the V6 (RS) is consisting in ground effects and higher rear spoiler.

    Front fascia is redesigned in 1998, with single-piece headlights.
    LT-1 is replaced by the LS-1, an all-aluminum 5,7 L V8 rated at 305 HP (320 HP for the SS).

    2002 is the camaro's last year, celebrated by a 35th anniversary package.