[2000Firehawk]

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dl...302149946/1156

CHICAGO -- Chevrolet will introduce a limited edition Camaro model every six months in an effort to generate buzz for the nameplate.

In coming years, Chevrolet plans to re-introduce names synonymous with the Camaro's performance past.

"Our plan is to keep evolving the Camaro," said Al Oppenheiser, chief engineer for the Camaro. "That is the beauty of the Camaro. It has so much of a rich heritage that we can put together the right combination of content. We have a lot of rich names to choose from."

Chevrolet used one heritage name when it introduced the 2012 Camaro ZL1 at the Chicago Auto Show. The car will be powered by a supercharged aluminum-block 6.2-liter V-8 producing an estimated 550 hp.

The name is taken from the 1969 Camaro ZL1, which had an aluminum block 440-hp 427-cubic inch V-8.

"At the time, it was the fastest Chevrolet car ever produced," Oppenheiser said in an interview at the show.

Although Oppenheiser would not confirm it, Chevrolet is expected to offer a limited edition 2012 Transformers edition, linked to the Transformers: Dark of the Moon movie that opens in July.

This spring Chevrolet will offer 500 replicas of the 2011 Camaro SS convertible pace car for the Indianapolis 500 race.

Also, the limited edition Camaro Synergy model will return this spring. The model is aimed at V-6 buyers who want performance equipment at a lower price.