2012 Camaro Model Changes

[The Stig]

Powertrain

First and foremost, the 2012 Camaro will get an improved version of the direct-injected 3.6 liter V6 LLT engine. Dubbed LFX and also standard in the Cadillac SRX and Chevy Impala, the powerplant has several advantages compared to the outgoing LLT, including:

• New cylinder head design with integrated exhaust manifold
• Improved intake port design and larger intake valves within the cylinder heads
• Longer-duration intake camshafts
• Composite intake manifold
• New fuel pump and isolated fuel rail
• New, optimized-flow fuel injectors
• Structural front cover and cylinder block enhancements
• Stronger and lighter-weight connecting rods
• Camshaft cap and throttle body design enhancements

The LFX is good for for a whopping 323 horsepower (241 kW) at 6,800 RPM — an increase of 11 ponies (8 kW) compared to the LLT — without so much as a drop in fuel economy. The new engine, however, isn’t only about more power — it’s also 20.5 pounds (9.3 kg) lighter than its predecessor, providing a more balanced driving experience.

Rounding out the powerplant changes are a new fuel pump for the direct injection system that’s quieter as well as a new isolated fuel rail system that reduces fuel system noise. The addition of the LFX puts the Camaro at the top of the pony car power wars in the V6 segment.


FE4 Suspension

With a focus on refined handling, the FE4 package — exclusive to the Camaro SS coupe — provides more effective body control and more precise response in performance driving situations. It includes:

• Retuned front and rear dampers
• New solid front (23 mm) and rear (24 mm) stabilizer bars
• Twenty-inch aluminum wheels and P245/45R20 (front) and P275/40R20 (rear) tires (SS)

“Our objective was to create a more precise sport suspension for the SS coupe, with greater road-holding capability,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. ”We applied lessons learned from extensive track testing to better refine the suspension geometry for flatter cornering, a more neutral balance during hard turns, and minimized understeer at the limit.”

With adjusted suspension geometry and reshaped stabilizer bars, the FE4 has its roots in the ongoing development of the king of all Camaros — the ZL1.


Interior

Most likely the subject of most Camaro-related complaints is the the interior of the 2010 and 2011 Camaro. Chevy has rectified this with ergonomic and technology updates, including:

• Revised instrument panel appearance with new instrument graphics and trim
• New steering wheel design intended to support performance driving
• Power lift feature for the front passenger seat
• Rear Vision Package that consists of a rear view camera inside of the auto-dimming rear view mirror in the existing Rear Park Assist feature

Exterior

Chevy will also make a number of updates to what is most likely the best aspect of the fifth-generation Camaro, including:

• A new standard rear spoiler
• Standard tail lamps that were previously part of the optional RS appearance package
• The addition of a new body-color “sharkfin” antenna for the RS package
• Crystal Red Tintcoat will replace Red Jewel as exterior color

[Hellfighter]

Nice

<- Owns a 2012 Black 2LT/RS M6 (Awsome)

<- Owned a 2010 1LT A6 (Boring)

Camaro Wise Both cars are sexy.. its a camaro.

[Gloisgreat]

I'm super confused right now. None of this is new information, right?

[The Stig]

Originally Posted by Gloisgreat

I'm super confused right now. None of this is new information, right?

no. I just got all the information and put it into one nice thread

[Gloisgreat]

Ah, gotcha.

[Dznts]

[JoshBobGuptaMarley]

Love reading about my engine.

[Juiced1]

Nice post

[jasonsk287]

Originally Posted by JoshBobGuptaMarley

Love reading about my engine.

Me too!!

[PatsRS]

The 2012 is a big improvement over my 2010. IMO

[vroomapunk]

what were the tire sizes in 2011 for the ss? did they get skinnier in the front or wider in the back for 2012? or is that just saying what it includes, not necessarily changes

[Tarl]

Tire sizes are the same 2010 thru 2012 for the SS and RS packages. They all came with 245/45x20 fronts and 275/40x20 rears.

[vroomapunk]

Thanks, is it common(or possible with stock rims) to switch to 275's in the front? I have 275s all around on my current car and love the look.

I guess it would handle and ride better with skinnier tires on the front, but i think itll look better

[newagemuscle]

Originally Posted by stieger

A new standard rear spoiler

I may be late to the game with this, but what does this new standard spoiler look like? I've done a search here and on the web and can find nothing. Anyone?