The 2019 Chevy Camaro just dropped, and it comes with quite a few welcome surprises. Obvious changes, like that to the front grille, reshaped hood, front facia, and rear facia give the Camaro a nice refreshing new look, but it’s features like the 10-speed automatic transmission that’s got the auto community buzzing about the 2019 Camaro. Chevy is also expanding the 1LE treatment across the board, hoping to make the turbo 4-cylinder more popular with horsepower enthusiasts.

Revealed alongside the new 2019 Malibu, Cruze, and Sonic at an event in Las Vegas, the Camaro will stay on the same 6th-generation platform, and will continue as such for a few more years still. The sixth-gen Camaro has easily been one of the biggest hits from Chevy in a while, and we’re still waiting on the generation’s Z/28 to arrive. While Chevy is only about half way through the life-cycle of the platform, it has made meaningful appearance changes to distinguish the 2019 as being its own car. In addition to the grille and facia changes, it will also get new headlights with LED accents that spill over into the grille, which will be seen on all models except the ZL1.

The SS models will now get the famous flowtie badge, which is making its appearance on HD Silverados in 2019 as well. SS versions will also get front bumper air curtains to help improve the aerodynamics of the car, and a special heat extractor vent on the hood. Chevy didn’t mess with the front end of the ZL1 because it’s already been designed with optimized aerodynamics in mind.

Much more sculpted taillights will address the biggest complaint about the sixth-gens from people who were not feeling the quad round taillights. The 2019 Camaro taillights are more sculpted and have 3D elements with a distinct look that accentuates the rear end. Dark tinted neutral-density lenses will appear on the RS, SS, and ZL1 trim models, while the LS and LT models will get bright red lenses. RS and SS models will get a unique diffuser when also equipped with the Dual Mode Exhaust.

The 10-speed Transmission is finally reaching the SS, and will come with paddle shifters, launch control, and line lock features. Also trickling down is the 1LE package to the turbo I4 model that makes 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is the last of the lineup to receive the option, and will include goodies like the FE3 suspension, staggered tires, Brembo brakes, Recaro seats, and standard flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in suede.

Chevy is giving the 2019 Camaro the latest infotainment system that mimics smartphones and tablets. The forward collision feature will show up on the Camaro starting in 2019, with a rear camera mirror coming standard on the 2SS and ZL1 models for a wider view over the traditional mirror. Last of the upgrades is improvements for the Performance Data Recorder system.

These are some pretty big changes for a mid-cycle refresh, and they all make a lot of sense. It seems like Chevy is listening and making overhauls where it matters for the 2019 Camaro.

Elizabeth Puckett

Elizabeth is a hardcore horsepower enthusiast with unmatched intensity for making things faster and louder. She wakes up for power and performance and only sleeps to charge up for the next project that’s heading to the track. From autocross to drag racing, Elizabeth is there with you, so stay tuned for her unique perspective on horsepower news, builds, tech info, and installs — with her, it’ll never be boring!