Chevrolet says that although it is ending production of the traditional Camaro after the 2024 model, the Camaro isn't racing off into the sunset. What might be next for the well-known nameplate?
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Even though it was sad to hear that Chevrolet was ending production of the sixth generation 2024 Camaro at the end of the 2024 model year, in January, no one was terribly shocked. Sales of modern-day muscle cars are down and Dodge has spent months advertising its final versions of its HEMI-powered Challengers and Chargers. However, two important points were contained in the Camaro statement, indicating a future for the body style and the well-known name.
Camaro Continues for Now to Compete in Motorsports
Chevrolet uses the sixth generation Camaro body style in a number of racing series, including NASCAR, IMSA, SRO, NHRA and the Supercars Championship. In fact, Ricky Stenhouse won the 2023 Daytona 500 in a Camaro ZL1. For now, Camaro will continue to compete on the track. Chevrolet said it will keep working with motorsports sanctioning bodies to ensure Chevrolet’s presence in racing.
“Chevrolet’s products and our relationship with our customers benefit from motorsports,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president, Performance and Motorsports. “Our plan is to continue to compete and win at the highest levels of auto racing.”
Chevrolet to Stop Camaro Production in January of 2024
Chevrolet already announced the end date for production of the 2024 Chevrolet Camaro in January of 2024. The final Camaros will be built at the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant. To make sure the Camaro goes out on a high note, Chevrolet will produce a special Collector’s Edition package on the 2024 Camaro RS, SS and some ZL1 vehicles. The Collector’s Edition will pay homage to the first-generation Camaro from back in the 1960s, most notably the program’s initial code name: Panther. Chevrolet intends to send the Camaro off with a big splash!
“As we prepare to say goodbye to the current generation Camaro, it is difficult to overstate our gratitude to every Camaro customer, Camaro assembly line employee and race fan,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Global Chevrolet. “While we are not announcing an immediate successor today, rest assured, this is not the end of Camaro’s story.”
Camaro’s Next Chapter
While Scott Bell is not saying what the future holds for Camaro, his quote suggests we will see the nameplate again in some form. Since last week’s announcement, many bloggers have suggested that the Camaro may have new life as an electric SUV designed to combat the Mustang Mach E. Many other, more expensive automakers have EVs in that space including Jaguar and Porsche.
The Mach E has been a huge hit for Ford, charging into the EV market and selling out its entire run. There has been talk of a Corvette EV SUV, but Camaro could certainly market a sporty but more affordable version. The Cadillac LYRIQ is beautiful and the Chevy Blazer EV is nice, but Chevrolet needs a version that a guy would be thrilled to drive. A sporty Camaro SUV could be the perfect contender.
More information on the 2024 Camaro line and Collector’s Edition package will be available closer to the start of orders this summer.
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Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
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