The Chevrolet Camaro is facing an uncertain future. Sales have been slow over the past few years while its Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger rivals have continued to thrive. In December, we reported General Motors might decide to extend the current sixth-generation from 2024 until 2026, leaving open the possibility of a major facelift in the near future. If this is indeed the plan, what will happen to the Camaro post-2026 remains unknown, though Ford could be preparing an all-electric Mustang for a 2028 launch. Will Chevy follow suit?
It's possible because GM is betting big on electric vehicles with a $27 billion investment plan to launch 30 battery-electric vehicles by 2025. But there's a more immediate Camaro-related issue that's not being addressed.
Muscle Cars and Trucks is claiming the automaker has no plans to launch a 55th-anniversary edition model to commemorate the occasion. The first-generation Camaro debuted in September 1966 for the 1967 model year. Back in 2017, Chevy unveiled a 50th Anniversary Edition Camaro featuring several styling upgrades inside and out, such as special 20-inch wheels, orange brake calipers, a black leather interior with matching orange stitching, and unique badges.
It's also worth noting Ford celebrated the Mustang's 55th birthday in 2019 with the Mustang55 5.0, though it was for Europe only. Why won't Chevy do the same with its beloved pony car?
Because it's not a priority. Chances are, the automaker won't change its mind on the matter because any new special edition vehicle requires months of planning and budgeting factors. Fortunately, a full Camaro lineup very much remains on sale, including the track-focused Camaro ZL1. Other existing unique trims include the Shock and Steel Edition.
Meanwhile, Chevy continues to offer some very attractive Camaro discounts and lease prices that we wouldn't be surprised to see extended by another month or two. Still, it would have been nice to see Chevy mark five and a half decades of the Camaro. Nameplates rarely exist for that long.