The Chevy Camaro has a special place in my heart – my father had a white 1979 Camaro when I was a kid and riding around in that thing was like nothing else. While some people prefer a Mustang, and the swoop of a Corvette Stingray is undeniably sexy, there’s just something about a Camaro and the special place it holds in the annals of American sports cars. A Camaro never tries to pretend it’s something it’s not or be anything other than a powerful sports car for drivers who love sports cars, and the 2019 Chevy Camaro is no exception.
Right off the bat, if you’re not interested in performance vehicles and powerful engines, then this car probably isn’t for you. Now that that’s out of the way, however, I think we should take a look at the 2019 Chevy Camaro and everything it has to offer. In particular, we’re going to look at its options, at the four different engines you can choose from and what each one means in terms of overall performance. Then we’re going to have a go at the trim options that are available for the Camaro this year – because there are quite a few.
Choice of Configuration
So first things first, and this is pretty simple, there are two possible configurations to choose from with the new 2019 Chevy Camaro. The basic setup is a coupe and it’s pretty much everything you would expect: sleek design, two doors, and a pretty recognizable modern Camaro shape. Then there is a convertible option, which looks more or less the same but with a convertible top that is ideal if you live somewhere sunny and warm (for example, not northern Ohio in December!).
The Engine!
Here’s where it gets good… There are four engines to choose from with the 2019 Chevy Camaro and though each of them has its merits, one will certainly come out on top. The standard engine is a 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder engine that offers 257hp and up to 295 lb.-ft. of torque, which is great but we can definitely do better. Next up is the 3.6L V6 engine that delivers 334hp and 284 lb.-ft. of torque – certainly better, but nothing mind-blowing.
Then there is the gorgeous 6.2L V8 DI engine that delivers a truly impressive 455hp and 455 lb.-ft. of torque. Driving this thing, you are definitely going to feel that power and it’ll put you back in your seat quite nicely. If you need more than that – perhaps you’re part of a tough-talking gang of street racers and international thieves – then there is an available 6.2L Supercharged V8 that delivers 650hp and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, because sometimes you want a car that realigns your spine when you press down on the gas.
Trim Options (There are Many of Them!)
Personally, I like choices. It doesn’t matter if I’m looking at a new computer, going to a restaurant, or considering a new vehicle – I like having choices and options available to me. So I really like how many trim levels there are for the 2019 Chevy Camaro. But are all of these choices really necessary and do they make much difference? Let’s find out…
Trim – 1LS
This is the standard level, the starting point for the 2019 Chevy Camaro, and even though it’s the basic package, it’s still pretty good. It comes with the 2.0L 275hp engine, a 6-speed manual transmission, and an Infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display. It has a 6-speaker sound system, Bluetooth and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, and single-zone automatic climate control – but its available upgrades are quite limited.
Trim – 1LT
Of course, you can always step that up to the 1LT, which builds upon the basic package for the 2019 Chevy Camaro in some interesting ways. You get the same 2.0L 275hp engine and 6-speed manual transmission, along with the same Infotainment display and sound system. So what’s different? Not much really – the 1LS and 1LT trim levels are nearly identical, but the 1LS is limited in that it’s only available on the coupe configuration, not convertible, and has fewer options for available upgrades, like the option for a 3.6L V6 engine.
Trim – 2LT
Then there is the 2LT, which is a step up from the 1LT, as you might imagine. Both of them are quite similar, however, but the 2LT has a few notable improvements. With the 2LT trim level you get dual-zone climate control, rather than single-zone, and heated/ventilated front passenger and driver seats. A few more luxury options become available, but otherwise, the 2LT is not a huge upgrade from the 1LT.
Trim – 3LT
The 3LT, on the other hand, is a noticeable improvement over the 1LT and brings a lot of standard and available features to the table. Most notable right off the bat is that the 1LT has a 2.0L 4-cylinder 275hp engine standard, while the 3LT trim level has a 3.6L V6 335hp engine standard. The 3LT also has some nice features like a 9-speaker Bose audio system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and additional interior package options. You also get more available safety features with the 3LT, such as forward collision alert and lane-change alert.
Trim – 1SS
The 1SS trim level takes things even further, particularly in terms of power and performance. That’s because the 2019 Chevy Camaro 1SS comes with a 6.2L V8 DI 455hp engine standard, which is far more powerful than anything available on the 1LT. There is also an 8-speed paddle shift transmission available at this level, along with additional track performance packages and other features. This level places more emphasis on performance, however, so things like the 9-speaker Bose sound system and dual-zone climate control are not available.
Trim – 2SS
The 2SS presents a perfect marriage of incredible performance and luxury, whether you are driving around the neighborhood or hitting up your local track. It includes the same 455hp engine as the 1SS and similar features and options but also has some of the nicer touches of the 3LT trim level. For example, the 2SS includes the 9-speaker Bose sound system, a head-up display for driver information, and dual-zone climate control. Plus this trim level comes with pretty much every safety feature Chevy offers as standard inclusions.
Trim – ZL1
Here is where things get wild – the 2019 Chevy Camaro ZL1 is definitely not for everyone and is clearly designed as the ultimate in performance. It all starts with the beastly 6.2L Supercharged V8 DI 650hp engine, which is so far beyond anything available on the 1LT that it’s almost like we’re not even comparing the same model anymore. The ZL1 also includes extra cooling systems, Brembo front and rear performance antilock brakes, performance-tuned suspension, and dual-mode exhaust.
Unlike the 1SS, however, the ZL1 doesn’t skimp on luxury details, which is what you’d expect given its price tag. It includes the Bose 9-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and extra packages like illuminated sill plates and interior spectrum lighting. Since the ZL1 is designed to be ready to roll on a race track, it also includes Chevy’s full suite of safety features as standard inclusions, rather than available options.
In all honesty, the ZL1 is way more car than the vast majority of people need. But if you’re looking for the ultimate in performance and luxury in an American sports car, then it’s pretty hard to beat.
