Some of the 2016 Camaro iterations have already hit the streets and they include the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder version with 275 horsepower. How good is that? Well, how about that output matches the 2nd-gen small-block, 5.7-liter LT1 V-8 that came out in the 1993, 4th-gen body style. There is also a 3.6-liter V-6 with 335 horsepower and, of course, the SS version with the latest generation of the LT1 that has 6.2 liters and an impressive 455 horsepower.
While those are now out, we’re still waiting for the top-of-the-heap ZL1 to debut sometime this year and when it does, it will be something else with its 640-horse LT4 and optional 10-speed automatic trans.
Special editions and ever-climbing power outputs aside, there is another important date to mark and that is the Camaro’s 50th Anniversary this year as the car first went on sale in September, 1966 as a ’67 model.
And to kick off the celebration, Chevrolet and Barrett-Jackson auctioned off the first 50th car at its Palm Beach, Florida auction last April 9th. The winning bidder received the first retail production 2017 Camaro 50th Anniversary Edition VIN #001. It sold for $150,000 and is finished in a Nightfall Gray Metallic exterior.
While B-J said the first 50th car was a convertible, we detailed here that the anniversary option package can be ordered in one of four ways. That includes either coupe or convertible body styles and with either the 3.6-liter V-6 engine or the LT1 V-8.
Other features include specific 50th Anniversary stripes and exterior badges, unique 20-inch wheels, a unique grille with satin chrome accents, a body-colored front splitter, and orange brake calipers. The interior has an exclusive black leather interior with suede inserts and orange accent stitching, distinct 50th Anniversary treatments on the instrument panel, seatbacks, steering wheel, and illuminated sill plates.
The entire winning bid benefited the United Way of Southeastern Michigan, which improves lives by mobilizing the power of communities around the world to advance the common good. So you could say it was a win-win all around and we like the sound of that.