Reviewing the 2019 Camaro: Specs, HP, and More

If you're in the market for a new 2019 Camaro, then you're in the right place. In this article, we're reviewing the available horsepower and other specs.

Keyword(s): 2019 camaro

The first generation Camaros were introduced in 1967. The origin of the car was thanks to Chevy's desire to compete with the success of the Ford Mustang. Over 50 years later, and the two cars are still competing. 

Now that the fifth generation (2010 to 2015) of the Camaro reached 500,000 in US sales, we ask what has Chevy done for 2019 and the sixth generation Camaro? They've upgraded the engine, gave it a facelift, and expanded the lineup. 

The 2019 Camaro family is primed to perform and packed to the gills with features and technology. So no further delay, let's get into the specs and help you decide which one is right for you.  

What's New 

The two new features that everyone is talking about are the new front end and the 10-speed automatic transmission. However, Chevy has done so much more to the Camaro lineup. 

In addition to the new engine and facelift, there are new colors, infotainment system, and lighting system. You will also notice that Chevy made more of an effort to make more distinctive profiles for each of the trim levels. 

10 Speed Automatic Transmission

The one change that everyone is talking about is the 10-speed transmission that now comes in the SS model. Camaro's Chief Engineer, Al Oppenheiser, has stated that that engine was so popular in the ZL1 model that Chevy decided to add it to the SS model. 

This revolutionary transmission is the product of a Chevy and Ford collaboration. But when it came time to add the finishing touches the companies parted ways. 

Chevy wants to make sure you know that this isn't a Ford transmission. They have adjusted the software so that it provides their own unique controls. Plus there are a few Easter egg add-ons that are purely there for adding to the fun of owning an American muscle car. 

We know what you're thinking, a 10-speed transmission, that's overkill, you'll get bogged down in all those gear shifts. Take the SS for a test drive and you'll quickly learn that this is not the case. 

The car's ECM software uses an intuitive algorithm that will respond to your driving and adjust the shifting pattern to compliment. Keep the RPMs between 3,000 and 5,000 and you'll enjoy the purposeful crack and pop of the exhaust. 

The G-force you create will be taken into account and the car's computer will know you're out to have some fun. It will then adjust the shifting to help you. 

Looking for a little extra boost of power? Hold down the paddle shifter for 1.25 seconds. The car will drop the maximum amount of gears to give you that dig in and explosive power right across the middle of the power band. 

The Different Trim Levels 

The Camaro is slotted at the entry-level muscle car for those who don't want to buy the Corvette. Chevy's main goal is to have it compete with, and take market share away from the venerable Ford Mustang. 

One way they are doing this is to provide a car for every buyer. You'll notice as we go over the different trim levels that Chevy is trying to offer a lineup that will work for all buyers. 

Camaro LS

This is the base model Camaro that comes with LED headlights, 18 aluminum wheels, and a 2-liter turbo four engine. Don't think this is a bare-bones model though. It also comes with a powered eight-way adjustable driver's seat. Interior features include Apple CarPlay, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, and a 7-inch touchscreen. You can customize the performance of the car with three different driving modes, snow/ice, sport, and touring. There is even a teen driving feature in the event you let your teenager get the behind the wheel. This feature lets you track the driver's habits and set restrictions. 

Camaro LT

If you don't want the entry-level model, step up to the LT version. This will give you the option of having a convertible. You can also upgrade the push start option to also include a remote start function. The passenger seat in this model comes with six-way power adjustability. Finally, the technology package gets an upgrade with SiriusXM satellite radio and another USB port. 

Camaro 2LT

Moving up the lineup the 2LT model will add heat and ventilation to your front seats. You can also choose to have leather seating. Both you and your passenger will be comfortable in the dual zone climate control. As for technology, the 7-inch touchscreen gets a little bigger at 8 inches. It's a minor upgrade that you probably won't ever notice. 

Camaro 3LT

The third car in the LT family is the 3LT. You will notice a big jump in upgrades with this model and the whole infotainment system is upgraded to include navigation and an audio system powered by Bose. For performance, the engine is a v6. 

Camaro 1SS

After the LT models, you move up to the SS models. For the 1SS, you will notice that it has the infamous unique front end that seems to have sparked a strong response by Camaro enthusiasts. Under the hood, you'll have a V8 engine that is paired with a performance suspension, rear spoiler, and performance Brembo brakes. This is where you'll start to notice and enjoy the performance capabilities that this car is known for. Inside you'll have the 8-inch touchscreen, plus another 8-inch screen for your instrument cluster. 

Camaro 2SS

Looking for a little more luxury on the interior? Then the 2SS is the upgraded model you are looking for. This model comes with the heated and ventilated leather seating, heated steering wheels, Bose audio system, and upgraded accenting. There are also a ton of features packed in to make riving a breeze. These include forward and rear cross alerts, rear parking sensor, heads-up display, and blind spot monitoring. 

Camaro ZL1

Topping out the Camaro family lineup is the ZL1. It has a powerful supercharged V8 engine that propels you forward on Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar summer tires. Supporting that powerful engine is a dual exhaust with quad outlets, a performance management system, and an electronic limited-slip differential. On the inside, you'll notice the beautiful yet sporty black interior with red stitching on the Recaro seats. Your short throw shifter, knob, and steering wheel are enveloped in suede. There is also a wireless charging pad ready for your latest devices. 

Performance 

Now that we've gone over the different models in the Camaro lineup, it's pretty obvious you can't expect them to all perform the same and have the same fuel economy. 

LS

Starting at the base models, you will have 275 hp that will give you about 20/30 mpg in the city and highway respectively. There is also an optional eight-speed automatic that will give you slightly better fuel economy at 22/31 mpg.

LT

When you step up the LT models, that V6 engine is going to bump you up to 335 hp. As expected, your mpg goes down to 16/27 in the city/highway for the manual version. If you opt for automatic you could get 19/29 mpg depending on your driving habits. 

SS

When you step up to the SS family you get a big jump in performance with 455 hp. This 455-lb-ft 6.2-liter V-8 will give you 16/24 mpg. That famous 10-speed automatic that is in this model will give you 16/27 mpg. If you want to take your V8 engine and supercharge it, this will take your hp to 575. This is easily done with an aftermarket supercharging kit that you can install yourself. 

ZL1

With a supercharged V8 engine, it's no surprise that the ZL1 churns out a heart-racing 650 hp. When you're looking at this model, you want performance, so the low fuel economy of 14/20 isn't that big of a deal. 

The 2019 Camaro Makeover Controversy 

The SS models got a facelift for 2019, and not everyone is a fan. The change left the famous Chevy bowtie resting in the middle of the grill. The hope was to give the SS models a visual distinction separate from the other models in the Camaro lineup. Chevy also claims it was to increase airflow. But we have to wonder, just how much more air is flowing now that the bowtie isn't there? Was it worth it? 

The Legacy Continues 

Despite the hiccup with the unappealing front end of the SS, Chevy continues to dominate the muscle car sector with the Camaro lineup. This is most noticeable with the 10-gear transmission. If the smooth, responsive, and customizable performance wasn't enough, the interior is packed with the latest creature comforts and technology.  So the only question left is, which 2019 Camaro model is calling your name? Already own a Camaro and looking for parts? Let us help you today with our large inventory for both old and new Camaros.