The 2024 Chevy Camaro deftly balances tradition with innovation, pulling out all the stops for the alleged final model year. Combining speed, nimbleness, and a trademark snarling exterior, the farewell edition of the Camaro promises to be an exceptional version, indeed.
Though Chevy has publicly verified that the 2024 Chevy Camaro will be the last, we all know from experience that retirement doesn’t necessarily mean “gone forever.” After all, the Camaro itself has already retired, taking a break from production between 2002 and 2010. 2024 will mark not only the end of the sixth generation of Camaro– which debuted in 2016– but the end of Camaro as we know it.
In the March 2023 press release confirming this decision, Scott Bell, the vice president of Global Chevrolet seemed to leave the future of Camaro wide open, stating, “While we are not announcing an immediate successor today, rest assured, this is not the end of Camaro’s story.” That gives us time to speculate about possible next generations, and in the meantime, Chevy has given us quite the Camaro to appreciate and/or covet.
Introducing the Last (?) Camaro
Chevy hasn’t released too many details about the 2024 Camaro as of the printing of this article. In fact, they’re doing a great job of building anticipation by revealing the last Camaro bit by bit.
What we do know is that the Camaro will be offered in an array of trims, including the 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, LT1, 1SS, 2SS, and ZL1 trims. Both hard-top coupe and convertible versions will be produced, and a six-speed manual transmission is standard across the lineup. Those who aren’t as nimble with the stick shift, fear not. A ten-speed automatic transmission is also available.
To commemorate the final year of production, Chevy is also releasing the Camaro Collector Edition, which includes exterior and interior badging, a distinctive metallic and matte black exterior, and copper-free performance brakes with red calipers.
From what we’ve seen of the exterior so far, it appears that the Camaro becomes more angular as the trims climb, with the LT trims looking almost friendly. The LT1 and SS trims get some of that familiar Camaro surliness, while the ZL1 manages to pay homage to its roots while boasting the power of a small land rocket.
It stands to reason that Chevy has created each trim with its own personality and power source, given their penchant for driver customization. After all, not every muscle car driver specifically yearns for a track-ready model, while others can’t imagine using their Camaro as a daily driver. Thankfully, Chevy has a 2024 Camaro ready for each of these drivers.
The 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT Trims
Historically speaking, the trims at the lower end of the lineup are similar in appearance and performance, allowing for significant differences in the interior appointments. So far, it appears that the 2024 model will continue this tradition.
There is no “settling” for a lower-trim Camaro. In fact, this year’s LT trims will be powered exclusively by the previously optional 3.6L DOHC V6 engine. The previous 2.0L turbocharged I-4 has been retired, and we think that might be the real reason for the power jump. Chevy has confirmed that this engine will produce a peppy 335 horsepower 284 lb-ft of torque, compared to the 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque supplied by the I-4.
Additionally, we know that Chevy is allowing drivers to make plenty of choices in order to customize their Camaro to their driving ideals. Besides the choice between a manual or automatic transmission, drivers will also need to contemplate the standard 18-inch wheels versus optional 20-inch versions, a Brembo front brake package, a power sunroof, and dual-mode exhaust. Adrenaline Red and Ceramic White-themed interior packages are also offered on the 2LT and 3LT trims, giving drivers the chance to truly make themselves at home behind the wheel.
The 2024 Camaro SS and LT1 Trims
Historically speaking, the SS trims and LT1 version of the Camaro have been where performance transitions from an interest to a must-have. Chevy has confirmed that the LT1 models will continue to include their famous 6.2L V8 engine, tuned for 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. Experts speculate that the SS will be equipped with this engine as well, though Chevy’s press thus far has been oddly quiet on that topic.
The beloved 1LE Performance Package will continue to be offered on the SS coupe, which kicks up performance several notches. Between suspension tuning and fat wheels with sticky the 1LE can pull greater than 1g when cornering. Magnetic Ride Control is part of the package, but also offered on SS models as a standalone option for those who appreciate a tighter, more controlled steering response.
A Performance Data Recorder is available on the SS trims, giving aspiring racers an opportunity to clock their best times. Brembo brakes are standard as well. 2SS model drivers can enjoy extra comforts like heated and ventilated seats, along with a heated steering wheel. Not that the Camaro is necessarily equipped for snow driving, but who doesn’t appreciate toasty hands when it’s brisk outside?
At the Head of the Pack: the Camaro ZL1
The Camaro ZL1 is at the head of the pack, though not because it’s the top trim, or because it’s somehow subjectively the “best” option. It gets that distinction because it’s blazing fast.
The ZL1 is propelled by a supercharged version of the 6.2L V8 engine, which means it can calmly and rationally muster up to 650 horsepower and a matching 650 lb-ft of torque. As such, the ZL1 is designed for track use, though it is still street-legal. Features like heat exchangers to cool that blazing fast engine and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires that are designed for the track are standard on this model, along with Recaro track-ready heated and ventilated front seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel for ultimate performance. If that’s not enough to coax out your best track time yet, you may wish to add the 1LE package and super-tune the suspension.
Bon Voyage, Camaro
Some experts speculate that the next iteration of the Camaro will be electric. Others think it’s going to lose its status as a pony car and become a muscle SUV, like the Ford Mustang Mach E. Maybe it’ll be both options at once.
Regardless of the future of the Chevy Camaro, the 2024 farewell version certainly lives up to the expectations of muscle car drivers across the country. Whether you manage to score one of the elusive Collector Editions, or choose to customize your new Camaro to your exact specifications, it’s easy to see why so many drivers are devoted to this particular car. With an expressive exterior, and power levels that neither underwhelm or over-horse drivers, the Camaro reminds us that driving can be fun and exciting. Granted, some of that fun might best be had on a track as permitted, especially when trying for that 3.5 second 0-60 time. But even for the average driver, there’s just something cool about sitting behind the wheel of a Camaro. Act now while supplies last.
