In this thoroughly modern age of smartphone addiction and mind-blowing technological advancements, sometimes connecting to a little nostalgia is a welcome distraction. Try this: picture the 2021 Chevy Camaro. Simply uttering the name of this iconic automotive nameplate evokes an intense emotional reaction. To many, it’s not just a car - it’s part of the fabric of America.
A lot has changed since Chevy launched the first Camaro back in September of 1966 when Lyndon B. Johnson was president, Sandy Koufax pitched his third 300-strikeout season, and we tuned in every week to watch the latest Star Trek episode. Today’s Camaro boasts the same adrenaline-pumping performance and ride handling that made it famous in the first place, with a modern twist that makes the most of 55 years of R&D.
The 2021 Camaro sports modern lines without sacrificing recognizability, which is good news for purists and longtime fans. Successfully blending throwback styling with a hearty helping of futuristic design is hard to pull off, but the Camaro’s timeless curb appeal is proof that it’s possible. It’s truly a vehicle that will appeal to both Camaro enthusiasts and buyers who are new to the nameplate.
With a palette of nine unique exterior colors to choose from - including an eye-grabbing orange Crush and an understated Shadow Gray Metallic - Chevy lets buyers have some fun outfitting their Camaro. Freedom of choice is also evident within the five available trims and associated appearance packages. Chevy even offers a convertible for buyers that crave a little open-air adventure. Once you’ve seen it for yourself, we’re sure you’ll agree that it successfully ushers in the next chapter of this storied American favorite. Thrilling performance, distinctive styling, and modern technology await you in the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro.
Starting at
There’s a lot to unpack in order to fully comprehend how robust the 2021 Chevy Camaro lineup really is. It’s full of every imaginable option for a wide range of buyers, and it starts at a very affordable entry price of just $25,000.* With four different engines to choose from, two body styles, and five wildly different trims enhanced by an assortment of special add-on packages, the hardest part will be building out the one you want.
Starting with the base LS, Chevy whets our appetites with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that generates 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a standard 6-speed manual transmission that performance-oriented drivers will love. Not a standard transmission fan? Opt for the available 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters instead. This is an affordable and well-equipped trim designed for budget-minded buyers looking to join the Camaro family.
Next in the lineup is the Camaro LT, available in coupe or convertible body styles and sporting two sub-trims: the 2LT (adds heated/ventilated front seats and leather seat trim) and the 3LT (adds wireless charging and a head-up display). The LT includes standard front Brembo performance brakes and the option to upgrade to a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a 10-speed transmission, a move that will get you 335 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque.
The LT1 is at the midpoint of the trim range. Priced at $34,000,* it includes a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine that pumps out an impressive 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, along with your choice of a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. 20-inch wheels are also standard, as are from Brembo performance brakes. The LT1 delivers a significant amount of performance and speed at a modest price.
The Camaro SS is a very familiar Camaro nomenclature for diehard fans. For $37,500,* buyers get the 6.2-liter V8, 20-inch wheels, a choice of a manual or automatic transmission, and prominent SS badging on the exterior. Opt for the available 2SS sub-trim, and the SS receives heated and ventilated front seats, leather-appointed seating, and a head-up display. The SS makes a nice canvas for Chevy’s 1LE Track Package too.
Sitting temptingly - and aggressively - at the top of the lineup is the Camaro ZL1. Its $63,000* price tag includes a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that pumps out 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. Front and rear Brembo brakes are standard, along with 20-inch graphite aluminum wheels and your choice of a 6-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching or a 10-speed automatic.
One of our favorite things about the 2021 Chevy Camaro is the seemingly endless list of add-on packages, special edition models, and feature collections available to buyers for even more customization possibilities. There are almost too many to list, so we’ll highlight a few of our favorites here and let you know which ones are trim-specific.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t start by highlighting the Camaro Convertible. It’s a bold take on the existing Camaro Coupe body style, offering buyers who love that top-down driving experience a compelling option. It features a tonneau cover, an easy automatic push-button convertible top control, and the ability to operate the top at speeds up to 30 mph.
If you’re more inclined to choose a Camaro with racing undertones, we suggest checking out the 1LE Track Package. It’s a great addition to the SS or ZL1 trims, adding a satin black hood, black mirrors, and a prominent three-piece rear spoiler and front splitter, both designed to increase track performance. Also included are specially-designed RECARO performance seats.
Looking to add a little flair to your Camaro’s exterior? The Wild Cherry Design Packages might be just what you need. Available on the SS, the LT, and the LT1 sub-trim, Package 1 includes special forged polished wheels, a Camaro fender badge, custom Camaro floor mats, and wheel center caps. Package 2 adds ground effects, the choice of a black or silver center stripe, and black microfiber suede interior trim.
Chevy’s user-friendly Infotainment 3 system is included on all Camaro trims. It offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as Amazon Alexa compatibility for easy integration with home devices. A wireless smartphone charger is standard on the 3LT and 2SS sub-trims, and the ZL1. Also available is a 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot that keeps everyone connected and entertained.
The LS and LT trims come with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, while SS and higher trims get a larger 8-inch HD touchscreen and the option of adding navigation. Tech lovers will geek out over Chevrolet Connected Access, an app-based vehicle management system that turns your smartphone into a control hub. It allows you to view important vehicle diagnostic data and stay connected to your vehicle conveniently and easily.
Still want more tech? We’re just getting started. The innovative Head-Up Display, standard on the ZL1, the 3LT, and 2SS, displays key vehicle data at eye level on the windshield. An available Performance Data Recorder actually records video of your drive and captures performance data in real-time, a fun feature for track drivers and those looking to improve their performance driving ability.
Other race-inspired performance features include Custom Launch Control, a system intended for use only on closed tracks. It works by locking the front wheels so the rear wheels can warm up and spin on their own. Track drivers know that warm tires create maximum gripping and optimal off-the-line acceleration. Everyday drivers will love the Driver Mode Selector that allows you to choose from four different driving characteristics.
Technology extends into safety with a suite of driver-assist systems that nicely round out its 5-Star Crash Test Rating from the NHTSA. Available systems include Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Alert, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert. A rear vision camera is also standard on all trims. These systems work together to give drivers more confidence in historically challenging driving situations, like backing out of a parking spot or changing lanes on the highway.