Chevrolet · 1970–1981

Chevrolet Camaro (second generation)

The second-generation Chevrolet Camaro is an American pony car produced by Chevrolet from 1970 through the 1981 model years. It was introduced in the spring of 1970. Build information for model 123-12487 was released to the assembly plants in February of that same year. It was longer, lower, and wider than the first generation Camaro. A convertible was no longer available. GM engineers have said the second generation is much more of "a driver's car" than its predecessor. The high-performance Z/28 option remained available through 1975, redesignated as the Z28 in 1972.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Chevrolet Camaro (first generation) · Successor: Chevrolet Camaro (third generation)

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History

=== Overview === The second-generation Camaro was an all-new car, with its basic mechanical layout familiar and engineered much like its predecessor: a unibody utilizing a front subframe, A-arm and coil spring front suspension, and rear leaf springs. The chassis and suspension of the second generation were, however, refined in both performance and comfort; base models offered significant advances in sound-proofing, ride isolation, and road-holding. Extensive experience Chevrolet engineers had gained racing the first-generation led directly to advances in second-generation Camaro steering, braking, and balance. High-performance configurations were initially available, but the marketplace changed as 1970s progressed with fuel crisis, higher insurance rates, and tightening emissions regulations. Major styling changes were made in 1974 and 1978; 1981 was the final model year. Models (1970–1981). ==== 1970 ==== Most of the engine and drivetrain components were carried over from 1969, with the exception of the 230 cu in (3.8 L) six-cylinder – replaced by the 250 cu in (4.1 L) six, rated at 155 hp (116 kW) – and the 302 cu in (5 L) used exclusively in the first-generation Z/28. The 1970 Camaro SS 396 had the big block 396 cu in (6.5 L) L78 rated at 350 hp (261 kW). Starting in 1970, the nominal "396" actually displaced 402 cu in (6.6 L), yet Chevrolet chose to retain the 396 badging, equipped with a single 4-barrel Holley carburetor that produced 375 bhp (380 PS; 280 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 415 lb⋅ft (563 N⋅m) at 3,600 rpm of torque. Two 454 cu in (7.4 L) engines (the LS6 and LS7) were listed on early specification sheets and in some sales brochures but never made it into production. Besides the base model, buyers could select the Rally Sport appearance option, with a distinctiv

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Chevrolet Camaro, (second generation)

Manufacturer

Chevrolet (General Motors)

Model years

1970–1981

Production

February 1970–1981

Assembly

United States: Van Nuys, California, United States: Norwood, Ohio, Venezuela: Caracas (1970–1973)

Predecessor

Chevrolet Camaro (first generation)

Successor

Chevrolet Camaro (third generation)

Class

Pony car, Muscle car

Body style

2-door coupe

Layout

FR layout

Platform

GM F platform

Engine

229 cuin Chevrolet 90-degree V6, 230 cuin Straight-6 I6, 250 cuin Straight-6 I6, 305 cuin LG3 V8, 350 cuin L65 V8, 350 cuin LM1 V8, 350 cuin LT-1 V8, 350 cuin L82 V8, 396 cuin L78 V8, 400 cuin Small-block V8

Transmission

2-speed or 3-speed automatic, 3-speed or 4-speed manual

Wheelbase

108 in

Length

188 in

Width

74.4 in

Height

50.1 in

Kerb weight

3310 lb

Related

Pontiac Firebird (second generation)

Designer

Henry Haga

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

US EPA fuel-economy records

US EPA test figures (US MPG, US test cycle).

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5094382CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Camaro_(second_generation)CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1376898933 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1970_camaro_z28.jpgPublic domain · Photo: shusuke · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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