Following the world-exclusive story MT broke on the '98 Camaro (July '96) come these photos showing many of the car's styling changes. Chevy's engineers are concentrating mainly on a softer new look, more power, and a smoother ride. Fortunately, Chevy stayed focused on what has made the Camaro a rolling icon since 1967: It remains a ruggedly simple, powerful, handsome, and ultimately capable car with terrific dynamics. Equally important, it's destined to continue on as a raging bargain in terms of bang for the buck.
For 1998, the Camaro will come in four model variations: base, the stylin' RS appearance package, the hot-to-trot Z28, and the (formerly aftermarket option) ultra-performance SS. All are to be available in coupe or droptop styles.
As a result of the redesign, the Camaro sports a more rounded hood, new front fenders, a fresh front fascia, reflector-optic headlamps, and a revised (more effective and less obvious) wiper system. The design goal, says Chevrolet, was a sleeker, more sophisticated appearance. At the same time, engineers worked on giving the Camaro even better fuel economy, lower emissions, and a quieter, smoother ride.
Chevrolet plans to stir things up on the powertrain front by fitting the SS and Z28 versions of its '98 F-body with the all-new LS1 V-8, similar to that in the new Corvette. The raw numbers for this latest edition of Chevy's small-block V-8 are 305 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 335 pound-feet at 4000 rpm. That's 20 more ponies and 10 more pound-feet of grunt than the old F-body LT1. In addition, fully dressed the LS1 is about 10 percent lighter than the previous V-8.
The LS1 engine can be mated with a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. The base engine for the Camaro will continue to be the excellent 3.8-liter/200-horsepower V-6 pairable with either a standard five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic.
Surprisingly, Chevy managed to bump the V-8's fuel economy up, even with the power increase. The preliminary manual-transmission numbers move from 16/27 city/highway mpg to 17/28. On V-8 models with the autoshifter, the figures settle at 17/25 mpg.
To provide a more pleasing exhaust sound, both the V-6 and V-8 are fitted with a larger, higher-quality muffler. And to keep that sound consistent longer, engineers specified an anti-corrosion, aluminum coating for the component.
All '98 Camaros will stop better, courtesy of four-wheel discs with Bosch-built anti-lock that will become standard across the entire model lineup. Unfortunately, though they all need it for winter driving, traction control is an option available only on the Z28 and SS.
Revalved shocks and stiffer spring rates all around are said to result in better ride and handling. For the SS, Goodyear has come up with an improved 275/40ZR17 tire that ensures sharper snow traction and a smoother ride. And the spare has jumped in size, from 15 to 16 inches.
More power, a slicker look, and a smoother ride-we can't wait.
GMC Envoy Goes From Dream To Reality
GMC has become the latest manufacturer to enter the compact luxury truck market with its Jimmy-based Envoy sport/utility. Although initially presented as a concept at the Chicago Auto Show in February, Envoy production vehicles will actually be hitting showrooms sometime within the next nine months, according to Pontiac-GMC General Manager Roy Roberts.
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