2019 HSV Chevrolet Camaro
Words: Mike Ryan. Photos: HSV
When HSV launched their RHD-converted Camaro late last year, it brought no small amount of attention. But despite a claimed build run of 550 units of the 2018 model, it’s fair to say the re-manufactured Chevy has been a lot less visible on our roads compared to the Mustang, which has almost become ubiquitous here.
That may change this year, as HSV has released details and pricing on the new, 2019-spec Camaro 2SS, with a new ZL1 version being added to the lineup, too. The 2SS is likely (but not certain) to be built in higher numbers than last year’s total, while the ZL1 will be much more exclusive, and will probably account for a fraction of HSV’s Camaro output this year.
New Look… with More
As has been previously reported, HSV is the first local manufacturer to gain full volume compliance to re-engineer and re-manufacture the Camaro for the Australian and New Zealand market.
When they launched the Camaro here last September (after three years of planning and development), HSV offered only one spec level and one drivetrain – a 2SS with a 6.2 V8 and 8-speed paddle-shift automatic.
The failure to offer a manual transmission undoubtedly deterred a number of potential buyers, so HSV has responded by offering a 6-speed manual transmission as the standard gearbox for the 2019-spec Camaro 2SS. An automatic will now be an extra-cost option, but those additional dollars get you a new 10-speed auto instead of the old 8-speed self-shifter.
Launch Control is available with either transmission, while a line-locker, ie. burnout mode, and a ‘lift-foot gear hold’ function are other performance-oriented features included for 2019.
The 2019 Camaro 2SS also gets a reworked front-end design that includes a functional heat extractor on the bonnet and the ‘flow-tie’ hollow Chevrolet bowtie emblem in the grille that’s previously been limited to the high-performance models.
There’s also a modified rear bumper and reworked tail lights in the 2019 facelift, as well as a new 5-spoke alloy wheel design.
There’s a higher level of driver assistance and safety tech, too, including a rear camera mirror, forward collision alert and head-up display.
Bigger, Badder
If the 2SS still isn’t tough enough for your taste – and your wallet can stand it – HSV will also be re-manufacturing the high-performance ZL1 version of the 2019 Camaro for the local market.
The ZL1 sits at the top of the Camaro tree in terms of performance, with the same 6.2-litre capacity V8 as the 2SS, but in ‘LT4’ spec, which means the addition of a supercharger to significantly increase performance.
The ZL1 will come with the same 6-speed manual and 10-speed auto choices as the 2SS, but gear ratios are likely to be modified to suit.
The launch control, line-locker and lift-foot gear hold features from the 2SS will also be standard on the ZL1, regardless of transmission choice.
ZL1 features that the 2SS doesn’t get include magnetic ride control, an electronic limited slip diff and larger Brembo brake package.
To keep the underbonnet area cool, the ZL1’s front end gets a noticeably larger grille, different side grille openings and a carbon fibre heat extractor on the bonnet, as well as modified aero elements on the lower bumper and sills. The back end is broadly the same as the MY19 2SS, though, receiving the same style makeovers and tail light update.
Inside, the ZL1 gets Recaro bucket front seats in leather and ‘suede microfibre’, but the sports seats feature the same heating, ventilation and power adjustment as the less aggressive units in the 2SS.
As Uncle Sam Intended
It should be noted that while HSV has undertaken the massive job of converting the Chevrolet Camaro to right-hand drive, they have not waved their wand over the engine or suspension in either model, as they did with Holden Commodores - the engine outputs and suspension settings are the same as Camaros for the US market.
These tweaks may come in the future, but for now, HSV’s focus remains solely on RHD conversions and getting more Camaros in the hands of Aussie enthusiasts.
Production of the Camaro 2SS auto is already underway, with the 2SS manual to follow from June. On the Camaro ZL1, the auto-trans version is being produced from April, with the manual following in May.
Find out more at: hsv.com.au
2019 Camaro 2SS
The first thing to note with the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS is that its starting price is $1,000 dearer than last year’s launch version – and that $86,990 is for the 6-speed manual version. If you want the 10-speed auto, that’s $2,200 extra.
HSV are calling the MY19 2SS an upgrade, which is pretty accurate, as apart from the new transmissions, the rest of the hardware is pretty much as per the 2018 version. That means a 6.2-litre ‘LT1’ naturally-aspirated V8 with the same bi-modal performance exhaust and the same maximums of 339kW at 6,000rpm and 617Nm at 4,400rpm as last year’s automatic (manual trans maximums have not been confirmed). However, there are now more ways you can play with this engine.
The new standard 6-speed manual gearbox features a short-throw shifter for snappier gear changes and Active Rev Matching that automatically blips the throttle when downshifting for smoother deceleration.
On the 10-speed auto, the shifts are described as being quick and precise, while the extra two ratios should – in theory – also improve fuel economy.
With both transmissions, a Launch Control function is standard and this can be customised on the auto trans 2SS via the Driver Information Centre on the centre console infotainment screen. When activated, both wheel slippage rate and launch rpm can be adjusted to suit individual tastes.
Also standard for the 2019 2SS is a line-lock feature: essentially a burnout mode that locks the front wheels while “warming the rear tyres for maximum grip”. This feature will no doubt bring some heat to HSV, but they specifically point out that this feature is for closed-course track events only. How many Camaro owners will adhere to that?!
Both transmission choices also come with a Lift-Foot Gear Hold function that holds a lower gear when cornering, even if you lift off the throttle.
In terms of tech upgrades, the MY19 Camaro 2SS gets Chevrolet’s new ‘Chevrolet Infotainment 3’ system that offers enhanced connectivity, including Bluetooth capability for two users and the ability to create multiple user profiles.
The new Rear Camera Mirror is essentially a screen in the rear-view mirror, using a rear-mounted camera to display an unobstructed view of the area behind the vehicle on the mirror, with zoom, tilt and brightness adjustability.
A head-up display is standard, with Forward Collision Alert added to the active safety package that includes Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning and a rear-view camera, as well as front, side, curtain and knee airbags.
Brembo performance brakes remain standard (with 4-piston front and rear calipers), as does the Driver Mode Control function that offers four different driving modes – Tour, Sport, Track and Snow/Ice – that adjust the throttle, steering, transmission and suspension response to suit.
Inside the 2SS, the 2019 version is virtually identical to last year, with leather-accented seats and a leather-trimmed flat-bottom steering wheel. Front seats offer heating, ventilation and power adjustment and add embroidered ‘SS’ logos.
Dual-zone climate control is standard, as is a 9-speaker Bose sound system and Interior Spectrum Lighting with 24 colour options.
The aforementioned styling tweaks for 2019 are mainly confined to the front end and you could argue that the 2018 2SS is actually the better-looking design. The same goes for the back, end, which is a little more rounded and less aggressive on the 2019 2SS compared to last year’s version.
The wheels may polarise opinion, too, as the new versions are more detailed and ‘organic’ than the fairly conventional split 5-spoke rims used last year, but the 20-inch wheel size is unchanged.
“With the extensive styling upgrades, the availability of two transmission options including the 10-speed paddle-shift auto, plus the addition of innovative new technologies like the rear camera mirror, we’re confident our customers will recognise the tremendous value inherent in the MY19 2SS Camaro,” said HSVs Managing Director, Tim Jackson.
2019 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS - $86,990
(w/6-speed manual transmission)
Options:
10-speed auto + $2,200
Metallic paint + $850
2019 Camaro ZL1
“HSV has always had a history steeped in high-performance and the introduction of the ZL1 – the most powerful production Camaro available in the world - really sings to HSV’s heritage,” said HSV’s Managing Director, Tim Jackson, in announcing the addition of the ZL1 to HSV’s Camaro line-up for 2019. “We’re sure the GM faithful, and performance enthusiasts alike, will be excited by our latest move.”
It’s that “most powerful production Camaro ever” tag that will do more for Camaro ZL1 sales locally than anything else, despite a price tag of $159,990 - almost double the 2SS.
So, what do you get for your $160K? Well, primarily you get a supercharger strapped on to the 6.2 V8 that ups the 2SS’s 339kW and 617Nm outputs to 480kW and 860Nm, respectively. But HSV says these figures are subject to local certification and yet to be confirmed.
Like the 2SS, the ZL1 will be offered with the choice of a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission, as well as the launch control, line lock and Lift-Foot Gear Hold features.
Also like the 2SS, the ZL1 gets independent rear suspension, but upgrades this with Magnetic Ride Control. All four shock absorbers are filled with magneto-rheological fluid that can be electrically charged to stiffen the suspension. The MRC monitors each wheel’s damping independently and can change damping settings in 10 to 15 milliseconds, but can also be manually controlled to stiffen the suspension for track use.
Another ZL1 feature that the 2SS doesn’t get is an electronically-controlled limited slip differential (eLSD), that continually modulates torque split to enhance vehicle stability at high speeds, optimise turn-in response and enhance traction.
A Brembo brake package also features on the ZL1, but the calipers are upgraded to 6-piston units and the front discs are larger 390mm x 36mm two-piece rotors.
The Driver Mode Control offers the same Tour, Sport, Track and Snow/Ice selectable driving modes as the 2SS, but presumably with some variation in the settings to account for the ZL1’s increased power output and MRC.
Stylistically, the main difference between the 2019 Camaro ZL1 and the 2SS is that the ZL1 features a much larger lower front grille opening, to allow more air in to the high-performance engine. The lower corner ducts are also larger and the front splitter is a more aggressive - and presumably more effective – design.
The flow-tie badge features, but in a different position to the 2SS, while the air extractor on the bonnet is upgraded to a carbon fibre piece on the ZL1.
At the back end, the ZL1 gets the same MY19 upgrades as the 2SS, but there is a slightly different look for the rear spoiler and minor differences in the treatment of the rear diffuser.
Wheels remain 20-inch alloys, but with a different 10-spoke design to the 2SS and in a Dark Graphite finish.
Inside, the ZL1 upgrades to Recaro bucket front seats as standard, which are trimmed in black leather and suede microfibre, accented by red stitching.
The front seats get the same heating, ventilation and power adjustment as the 2SS, but the ZL1 adds a memory function to the driver’s seat.
The flat-bottom sports steering wheel is trimmed in the same sueded microfibre material as the seats, while alloy sports pedals are added, too.
Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 system is standard, with the same features, accessible via the 8-inch centre touchscreen, as on the 2SS. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard, along with two-user Bluetooth audio streaming.
The dual zone climate control, Bose 9-speaker sound system and ambient interior lighting are unchanged from the 2SS.
Safety spec is as per the 2SS, including the new-for-2019 Forward Collision Alert and rear camera mirror.
While its performance credentials are unquestioned, there is a question over whether the Camaro ZL1 is worth the $73,000 premium it commands over the 2SS. Time will tell on that one!
2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 - $159,990
(w/6-speed manual transmission)
Options:
10-speed auto + $2,200
Metallic paint + $850
