BREAKING: Camaro Will be Automatic-only for 2021
Chevy’s iconic muscle car will follow in the footsteps of the C8 Corvette and adopt a version of the LT2 for SS models.
This is not the news Camaro fans were looking for. While we understand the need to keep up with modern sales needs, it still feels like a bit of a kick in the teeth to manual transmission enthusiasts.
Chevy recently outlined the specs of the new 2021 model year Camaro and it seems that the iconic muscle car will no longer be sporting the classic six-speed manual transmission. Instead, Chevy will fit all 1SS and 2SS models with the well-proven 10-speed 10L90 transmission. Additionally, it seems even the 1LE variants of the SS cars will come with automatic trannys as well. This doesn’t come as a total surprise, as the 2019 Camaro ZL1 1LE came with the 10-speed option. And while this obviously made Bow Tie track day enthusiasts shake their fists in the name of purity, it only makes sense with the changing times.
Still, we have to pour one out for the manual transmission, however the rest of the specs look quite promising. Let’s not dwell on the sad part for too long, right?
More Options
The 2021 Camaro will still come with 3.6-liter V6, 2.0-liter turbo-four, LT1 and LT4 motors. However, customers will now have a fourth option: a variant of the C8 Corvette’s LT2 V8. Though, it will have a bit less power than its mid-engine brother at 485 horsepower. The torque figure will also be higher at 470 pound-feet. Additionally, the LT2 option is slated to come with a dry-sump oiling system, again, like the C8 Corvette. Obviously, having the engine in front of the cockpit requires a few changes from the mid-engine platform, and Chevy has not yet released any specifics on the engine install as of yet.
The rear gear ratio remains at 2.77:1 as it has been since 2016. The automatic 2020 Camaro SS could crack off 0-60 in four seconds flat, so here’s hoping the 2021 model year cars will shave that down even further. The 10-speed paddle-shift transmission is lightning quick and will make easy work of just about anything you put it against.
While it is saddening to see the manual transmission option go, we can understand why. Fewer people are buying manuals, and it just doesn’t make any fiscal sense to pair a manual to GMs engines anymore. Especially considering all the additional costs involved when it will come off the showroom floor slower than the 10-speed auto cars.
Overall, we are excited to see the performance figures of a new LT2-based beast of a Camaro. At least, we would be if we hadn’t fabricated this story entirely. Happy April Fool’s day, and be careful of what you read on the internet!
Photos: Chevy
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