45th Anniversary Edition 2012 Camaro and New 3.6L LFX V6 Engine

[FenwickHockey65]

2012 Camaro: 45th Anniversary Edition Boosts Power, Comfort
Sports car brings new, more powerful V-6, sport suspension and new technologies
Link to Press Release

DETROIT – Chevrolet Camaro, America’s most popular sports car, extends its momentum with enhancements for the 2012 model year. Highlights include an improved version of its standard 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine, a new FE4 performance suspension package for SS coupes and several interior and technology improvements, such as a revised instrument panel design, new steering wheel and rear camera system.

The enhancements arrive in time for Camaro’s 45th birthday, which will be celebrated with this summer’s release of the 45th Anniversary Special Edition Camaro. Continuing the tradition of Camaro anniversary models, the 45th Anniversary Special Edition carries all the upgrades for 2012, with additional unique design elements, inside and out.

“The appeal of Camaro design and performance has powered it to the top of its segment,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “For 2012, we’re capitalizing on that momentum with enhancements to Camaro’s performance and comfort.”

Also coming in early 2012 is the high-performance Camaro ZL1, the most technologically advanced car ever developed in its segment.

Class-leading 3.6L V-6 engine

Camaro’s new 3.6L direct injection V-6 – the LFX engine – goes into production this summer. It delivers an SAE-certified 323 horsepower (241 kW) at 6,800 rpm – an increase of 11 horsepower (8 kW) over the 2011 engine, with no compromise in fuel economy.

The LFX delivers the most standard power in the regular sports car segment. It is also 20.5 pounds (9.3 kg) lighter than its predecessor, which promotes a more balanced driving experience. EPA-estimated highway fuel economy for the ’12 Camaro is 30 mpg (2LS model).

Compared to the 3.6L V-6 in 2011 models, the new LFX engine features:

• 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.

Direct injection is the key technology enabling the engine’s combination of power and efficiency. It optimizes fuel delivery to the combustion chamber by introducing fuel closer to the combustion chamber. The result is better efficiency in the combustion process leading to increased fuel efficiency at part and full throttle. It also uses a new fuel pump for the direct injection system, along with a new, isolated fuel rail. The new fuel pump is quieter, while the isolated fuel rail further reduces fuel system noise.

FE4 suspension enhances performance

The new FE4 suspension debuts as a performance improvement for the Camaro SS coupe in 2012, focusing on more refined handling.

“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.”

Elements of the FE4 package include:

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

More than just new components, the new FE4 performance suspension incorporates learning from the ongoing development of the high-performance Camaro ZL1. In particular, the suspension geometry has been adjusted, including reshaped stabilizer bars that are repositioned outboard of the shock mounts. This results in more effective body control and more precise response in performance driving.

Interior, exterior and technology updates

The 2012 model year brings appearance, ergonomic and technology upgrades inside for Camaro drivers and passengers. The interior updates include a revised instrument panel appearance, with new instrument graphics and trim, as well as a new steering wheel design and a power lift feature for the front passenger seat. The steering wheel features a fresh new look and ergonomic improvements intended to support performance driving.

Also new for Camaro in 2012 is a Rear Vision Package, which adds a rearview camera system and an auto-dimming mirror to the existing Rear Park Assist feature. The rearview camera system complements the rear parking assist by providing a video display of the area behind the car, with the video image appearing in the car’s inside rearview mirror.

On the exterior for 2012, a new rear spoiler will be added as a standard feature for Camaro; and the taillamps that had been a part of the RS appearance package option are also being made standard. Additionally, a new, body-color “sharkfin” antenna joins the RS package.

Crystal Red Tintcoat replaces Red Jewel as an exterior color.

45th Anniversary package details

Launching this summer, the 45th Anniversary Special Edition commemorates both Camaro’s lineage and its 21st-century revival. Camaro fans will get their first look at the 45th Anniversary Special Edition at the Camaro5 Fest II, April 15 in Arizona. The anniversary package will be offered on Camaro’s top two trim levels (2LT and 2SS) for both coupe and convertible body styles.

The exterior signature of the 45th Anniversary Special Edition is its unique rally stripe, in red and silver, that contrasts the Carbon Flash Metallic paint. The package also includes:

• Unique 45th Anniversary hood and deck stripes; badges located beneath the front fender emblems
• New-design 20-inch wheels in dark silver
• Fog lamp and taillamp bezels finished in dark silver
• RS-style taillamp lenses
• Standard rear spoiler and HID headlamps
• Body-color roof molding
• Jet Black interior with leather-trimmed seats featuring the 45th Anniversary logo
• White instrument panel and door trim inserts with the 45th Anniversary logo on the instrument panel
• Red, white and blue stitching on the seats, steering wheel, shift knob/boot, door armrests and console lid
• 45th Anniversary logo on the steering wheel and sill plates.

Models and Packages

–2LS Coupe (1EN37) EPA 30 MPG Hwy model with 6-speed automatic transmission (1LS offered only in manual trans)

–45th Anniversary Package (RPO H45) available on 2LT and 2SS coupe & convertible models; includes unique trim bezel finishes, interior and exterior badging as well as:
•Carbon Flash Metallic exterior color (RPO GAR)
•Brilliant Red/Medium Charcoal 45th Stripe Package (RPO CBM)
•20" x 8" front and 20" x 9" rear Deep Silver painted aluminum wheels (RPO R41)
•Black front seats with leather seating surfaces and 45th Anniversary embroidered logo, unique stitching on seats, headrests, steering wheel, shifter, console and door armrest (RPO AFP or AFQ depending on model)
•High intensity discharge headlamps with Halo Ring (T4F)
•Body-color roof ditch molding on Coupe (RPO BD8) and Black Top (19T) on Convertible

–Rear Vision Package (RPO SRU) available on 1LT and 1SS, standard on 2LT and 2SS, rear park assist no longer in RPO SRJ, and includes:
•Rear Parking Assist (RPO UD7)
•Rearview camera system (RPO UVC)
•Inside rearview auto-dimming mirror with rearview camera display (RPO DRG)

Powertrain and Suspension

–New 3.6L V6 engine (RPO LFX) with increased horsepower (323 HP) and maintains current fuel economy ratings (29 – 30 MPG HWY)

–Performance Suspension (RPO FE4) on SS Coupe models

Interior

–New instrument panel design including new steering wheel and instrument cluster graphics

–Door lock switches also located on doors

–1 year no charge service of Sirius/XM Satelite Radio on 2LT and 2SS models

–6-way power seat adjuster for front passenger seat (RPO AKQ) standard on LT and SS models

–Bluetooth and redundant steering wheel controls standard on all models

Exterior

–Crystal Red Tintcoat exterior color (RPO GBE) (extra cost), Red jewel tint coat canceled

–Rear spoiler (RPO D80 on Coupe, T43 on Convertible) now standard on all models

–Shark fin antenna on Coupe models is now body-color with the (WRS) RS Package

–RS tail lamps standard on all models

Photography

[FenwickHockey65]

Will do illegal things for car.

[Grandeos]

I spy LS7 Concept wheels ......

[ibeck]

Lighter, more powerful and better fuel economy?? OK this is no fair, GM owes me a free trade up when it comes out I deserve it

[FenwickHockey65]

Like I posted on GMI...

This entire paragraph...

The 2012 model year brings appearance, ergonomic and technology upgrades inside for Camaro drivers and passengers. The interior updates include a revised instrument panel appearance, with new instrument graphics and trim, as well as a new steering wheel design and a power lift feature for the front passenger seat. The steering wheel features a fresh new look and ergonomic improvements intended to support performance driving.

Also new for Camaro in 2012 is a Rear Vision Package, which adds a rearview camera system and an auto-dimming mirror to the existing Rear Park Assist feature. The rearview camera system complements the rear parking assist by providing a video display of the area behind the car, with the video image appearing in the car’s inside rearview mirror.

On the exterior for 2012, a new rear spoiler will be added as a standard feature for Camaro; and the taillamps that had been a part of the RS appearance package option are also being made standard. Additionally, a new, body-color “sharkfin” antenna joins the RS package.

...is all changes that YOU guys requested. Minus the steering wheel, which I think too many automotive press members complained about.

Just goes to show that GM DOES listen to their customers.

[ArkySS]

I'll take mine sans the stripes....might be time to trade back in next year...

[BeckyD@RodgersChevrolet]

[iSpeed]

There's that stupid parts bin steering wheel again. Hope everyone who wanted a new steering wheel is happy. Especially since that's the same one that's falling off of the Cruze.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by iSpeed

There's that stupid parts bin steering wheel again. Hope everyone who wanted a new steering wheel is happy. Especially since that's the same one that's falling off of the Cruze.

...that happened ONE time.

[Nostromo]

Stunning and clean.

[thespymaster]

Will I guess the UNVEIL for that at CF II, has been spoiled

[stand-al0ne]

Im a little light-headed right now...

I'm blind-sided by all of this.

I wont go as far as saying I dont love my Camaro anymore,

BUTTT

these new changes are almost too much to overlook...

WOW - I think I need to consider swapping up to a 2012...glad I didnt do anything motor-wise to mine yet. I can just swap my wheels on to the new one

Best thing I have read on here this year!!!!!!

[MyIBMssRS]

Not a fan of the hood stripes, but I dig the paint and interior of it.

[BackinBlack]

Love the wheels and the Instrument panel!

[LAWMAN]

all sounds great,the v-6 is gonna be strong,for a v6 car,all these improvements,gm got all us enthussists with first edition,i too think that g.m. should offer us sight unseen camaro buyers that bought the r6p (i think that was the option) camaro a special loyal owners discount (rebate) if we upgrade,

[Travis64]

hmmm just got my v6 3 days ago =(

[Camaro_Corvette]

But. but. but.What about the SS. :( Moar powa

[Hylton]

Originally Posted by stand-al0ne

Im a little light-headed right now...

I'm blind-sided by all of this.

I wont go as far as saying I dont love my Camaro anymore,

BUTTT

these new changes are almost too much to overlook...

WOW - I think I need to consider swapping up to a 2012...glad I didnt do anything motor-wise to mine yet. I can just swap my wheels on to the new one

Best thing I have read on here this year!!!!!!

You might have to do that every year!

[LAWMAN]

i also have been thinking of putting the g.m. hot cam in mine but have been holding off in case i trade it down the road,i have been very close to doing the cam swap but glad i hav'nt,....yet.all depends on how much more $$$ the 2012 will be,

[Brangeta]

I like the stitching on the seats best, along with the Camaro tri-color emblem making a comeback.

[Russell James]

Love it all but the stripes.

A lot of nice improvements there - looks to be a little leather in the dash, power passenger seat, painted shark fin, wheels, steering wheel seems to blend in nice with the interior, improved SS suspension... I like all that.

But the stripes? those stripes will not be on mine. Hopefully the SS 45th version will have a different stripe package.

Love to see a Crystal Red Tintcoat without those stripes. That color has always looked great on Vettes.

[MARINE1991]

Not a fan of this one... but i dyed my stiching from one of the other pictures i have seen on the new camaros..

[01pewterz28]

Looks like I am good for a 45th Anniversary Camaro Convertible I think I will stick with the 2LT/RS and not opt for the SS.

Oh Becky I sent you an email on what I want to order from you

Sean

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by Camaro_Corvette

But. but. but.What about the SS. :( Moar powa

Probably won't be many power boosts to the SS until the Gen V V8s arrive.

[Camaro_Corvette]