Chevy Camaro Nameplate Return May Be An Electrified SUV Shock : Automotive Addicts

Automotive

The Camaro title is about to make a comeback, however not in the way in which purists may anticipate. As an alternative of a low-slung, tire-smoking coupe, Chevrolet is reportedly gearing as much as reintroduce the Camaro as a smooth, electrical fastback SUV. Trade chatter factors to a direct rival for the Ford Mustang Mach-E, echoing the unique muscle automotive rivalry however with an EV twist. Some inside GM, together with firm president Mark Reuss, are nonetheless pushing for a extra conventional electrical automotive method, however the SUV format seems to be the frontrunner.

The shift displays broader market realities. Two-door coupes have gotten more and more uncommon whereas consumers proceed to gravitate towards trendy, performance-flavored SUVs that mix practicality with persona. When Ford revealed the Mustang Mach-E, many fans had been skeptical concerning the new kind, but it rapidly turned a gross sales success. Chevy appears able to observe the identical playbook with the Camaro badge, banking on model heritage to draw each nostalgic followers and EV newcomers.

In keeping with hypothesis from shops like MotorTrend, the 2027 Camaro EV will experience on GM’s next-generation skateboard structure, which was beforehand often called Ultium. This modular platform permits for quite a lot of battery sizes and motor configurations. Entry-level LT and RS trims may function a single rear-mounted motor producing anyplace from 241 to 365 horsepower, utilizing the identical {hardware} present in different GM EVs. Mid-tier fashions may add a second motor for all-wheel drive, delivering round 300 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque.

Increased within the lineup, an SS variant is anticipated to reflect the Blazer EV SS setup, with twin motors producing roughly 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft. This efficiency increase could be supported by upgrades like Brembo brakes, adaptive sport suspension, and sharper steering calibration. For these craving one thing actually excessive, Chevy may use the GMC Hummer EV’s three-motor powertrain to supply an estimated 1,000 horsepower. This might additionally carry again the legendary ZL1 badge in SUV kind.

Battery choices are prone to embrace an 85-kWh pack for base variations and a 102-kWh pack for larger trims, each with charging capabilities just like present GM EVs. Which means peak charging speeds of about 150 kW for the smaller pack and 190 kW for the bigger one, providing a stability of vary and comfort.

Pricing is anticipated to begin round $36,000 and stretch towards $65,500 for high-performance variations. Chevy’s launch technique will probably start with mainstream trims in fall 2026 earlier than increasing into efficiency fashions. Reuss has hinted at conserving the Camaro EV enjoyable and attainable, aiming to attraction to a variety of consumers.

If all the pieces goes as deliberate, the Camaro’s rebirth will mark a brand new chapter in considered one of Chevrolet’s most storied nameplates, buying and selling gas-fed V8 thunder for electrical torque and SUV versatility with out letting go of its efficiency DNA.

Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate fanatic with over 15 years of expertise immersed on the earth of vehicles. Whether or not it’s exploring the most recent developments in automotive know-how or conserving an in depth pulse on breaking business information, Lloyd brings a pointy perspective and a deep appreciation for all issues automotive. His writing blends technical perception with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions each informative and interesting for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or underneath the hood, Lloyd enjoys take a look at driving the latest fashions and staying forward of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive panorama.