2019 Chevrolet Camaro: This Refresh Is an Evolution, Not a Revolution

While enthusiast interest in the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro will center on the arrival of the new turbocharged four-cylinder 1LE model, the new model year also brings a smattering of updates and changes to the rest of the lineup.

Time to Prep the Grille

Nearly the entire Camaro lineup gets fresh front and rear styling and minor convenience and tech features for 2019, and Chevy has added cosmetic changes and aerodynamic elements to further differentiate the various packages and trims. (The ZL1’s airflow-optimized fascia remains unchanged, however.) Adding the RS appearance package to an LT-trim Camaro brings a polished black grille with chrome lower inserts, new LED headlamps, 20-inch wheels, and an RS-specific rear bumper with a diffuser. Changes to the V-8–powered SS include a pair of additional LED lamps up front and a two-piece grille design incorporating the “flowtie” air intake emblem on a black crossbar. Statistic nerds—that includes us—might be interested to know that the seemingly gimmicky flowtie can swallow up to 2.5 cubic meters of air per minute. For those who still don’t pick up on the hint, an SS-only extractor-style hood vent sends a strong message.

New dual-element LED taillamps are freshly sculpted to complement a smoother rear fascia. LS and LT trims wear red lenses while the RS, SS, and ZL1 models feature a dark, neutral lens color. RS and SS models with the optional dual-mode exhaust wear specific rear diffusers, and the 20-inch wheel designs are fresh for the RS and SS, too.

Mechanical updates are limited to the transmission, with the 2019 SS now offered with the 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission that brings along paddle shifters, launch control, and a line-lock function to ensure even rank amateurs can leave the line like an old pro and smoke tires with the best of ‘em. The ZL1 continues to use the slightly beefier 10L90 10-speed automatic. Chevy hasn’t released any official engine output numbers for the 2019 Camaros yet, but told us to expect the current engines to carry over.

InfoTech

A 7.0-inch touchscreen is the standard infotainment setup for the 2019 Camaro; an 8.0-inch screen running Chevrolet’s latest Infotainment 3 system is optional with or without navigation. Compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it also permits a cloud connection for personalized navigation, installation of apps, and over-the-air vehicle software updates. The standard backup camera is now high-definition for enhanced visibility, and 2SS and ZL1 models offer a new rearview mirror camera display with a wider, less obstructed field of view that permits the user to adjust the zoom and brightness. An enhanced performance data recorder is available, as is forward-collision alert.

While Chevrolet may have some additional details to drop before the 2019 Camaro hits the pavement, for now it appears that the improvements are coming in measured doses.