Those paying really close attention to Chevy’s photos of the 2019 Camaro SS in the new Shock color may have noticed that the vehicle features a slightly different front fascia compared to the refreshed model and its highly-controversial front end.
Specifically, Chevy showed a model with a “concept front fascia” that has two elements that differ from those of the production 2019 Camaro SS. The first is the bar (the one that splits the grille into two) is finished in the vehicle’s primary body color. The second is that the Bow Tie logo has been repositioned to the top of the grille. By comparison, the production 2019 Camaro SS uses a glossy black horizontal bar that contains the Chevy Bow Tie.
2019 Camaro SS in Shock color with production fascia
2019 Camaro SS in Shock color with “concept” fascia
And all that begs the question: what does Chevrolet mean by “concept front-end styling”? After all, the distinction is vital to potential buyers, fans and enthusiasts who would much rather have the front end of the “concept” over the black fascia of the 2019 Camaro SS as it currently stands.
So we reached out to Chevrolet spokesperson Afaf Farah requesting clarification, but did not receive a reply 48 hours after sending in our request. So being left to our own devices, we have no other choice than to speculate.
2018 Camaro SS 1LE (left) vs 2019 Camaro SS 1LE (right)
What we know so far is that Chevy will bring the Camaro SS with this conceptual front end to the upcoming 2018 SEMA show in Las Vegas. And this leads us to conclude that one of the following three possibilities could take place:
- Accessory: the parts could become official Chevy accessories for the Camaro, enabling customers to get the tweaked front fascia at their dealer.
- An option: the parts could become factory options later on in the 2019 model year, such as for the 2019i (2019 interim) model year. The availability of the body-color front end from the factory represents an important distinction from the first option, since the car would arrive in that form from the factory, rather than necessitating owners involvement at the dealer.
- Standard: Chevy could simply make the body-color front-end a standard feature for the 2019i or 2020 model years, putting an end of the controversies surrounding the front fascia of the refreshed 2019 Camaro SS.
Which decision Chevy will end up going with will likely depend on the kind of feedback it receives at SEMA and beyond. Stay tuned.
About Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is a family of sports cars that includes a two-door coupe and two-door soft-top convertible as well as various performance variants such as SS, 1LE, ZL1 and ZL1 1LE. The legendary nameplate was first introduced in 1966 and went out of production in 2002, when the model was in its fourth generation. The Camaro was re-introduced in 2009 as an all-new fifth-generation model based on the GM Zeta platform.
The Camaro is currently Chevrolet's most affordable sports car, slotting below the Chevrolet Corvette. The current model was introduced for the 2016 model year and represents the sixth generation of the Camaro nameplate. The model rides on the GM Alpha platform shared with the Cadillac ATS and Cadillac CTS, though the majority of the architecture underpinning the Camaro are unique to it.
The 2018 Chevy Camaro represents the third model year of the sixth-gen Camaro that deleted the Camaro 50th Anniversary Edition and the Krypton Green exterior color, while adding the ZL1 1LE Extreme Track Performance Package. There's also an expanded availability of the SS 1LE Track Performance Package, which is now available on the 2SS Coupe, as well as the addition of a washer fluid level sensor.
A midcycle refresh arrives for the 2019 model year that introduces new, model-specific front and rear styling, a new trim level structure for LT models that adds a new 3LT trim, and a new 1LE track performance package for the 2.0L Turbo LTG engine. The 2019 Camaro also brings the new GM 10-speed automatic transmission for SS models, the Rear Camera Mirror, third-generation infotainment systems, and various other enhancements.
The gen six Chevy Camaro is assembled for all markets by GM USA at the GM Lansing Grand River plant in Lansing, Michigan, USA.
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Comments
I like the black one more, the concept looks like a step backwards
I like the original too. All the extra black reminds me of the Aztec.
More than likely, “concept” in this case means “MY2020 production”. Or at least I hope so…
It is just about public reaction and not killing sales till they announce their choice of add on or new factory part.
Not hard to figure out.
Although I don’t hate the 2019 Camaro SS front fascia (and I’m not in the market for a Camaro at the moment anyway), I will say that this “concept” front end is a big improvement. I see why someone said they thought it a step backwards, but I respectfully disagree. This, to me, seems to be a reaction by GM to feedback they’ve received and they’re trying to listen.
RS package for SS, I guess…
It would be a good option for the SS actually or standard for the 2020 Camaro. But that should be at least an option.
Why not just start painting the front end on the SS and those people that have bought a 2019 can have theirs painted at their dealers with GM paying for it if they want it. They already paint the front end for the RS. Why should people have to pay for a front end that GM found out they messed up.
I actually think the BLACKED out look looks better.. EXCEPT for the Bowtie placement. I think that is the area that is the weak spot.
My problem with the 2019 MCR Camaro wasnt the flow tie placement. It was having the flow tie doing double duty as a air inlet AND badge, thereby throwing off the visuals.
My proposal was to keep the flow tie but having a black border (merging with the black crossbar) instead of chrome and a traditional Chevy badge where it belongs above, as with the concept Camaro for visual balance.
This concept Camaro fascia was already previewed on the Camaro6 forums by people modifying the 2019 SS front end design with photo shop and they really liked it. Glad that Chevy listened and saw what fans really wanted.
We messed this up…..sorry -GM
Though I can’t imagine how anyone thought that it looked good, just the moving the badge up to the grille makes a 1000% improvement.
Using the same color gives the Camaro a more finish look and hopefully it’s something Chevrolet will consider doing for all production Camaro.
Concept is 100% better — well, minus a few folks who may prefer their Camaro look like a pickup truck.
Lets be real, The 2019 – previewed and concept – are both generally regarded as “ugly” and a step backward by the majority of those who seen them. But at least GM attempted to “literally” put paint on the pig. That said, there was no need for a refresh of the Camaro; styling wise.
The work wasted on the “troll facing” of the 2019 Camaro could’ve been better spent on a lower priced V8 option, or other more substantive model and price shuffling to bring the Camaro more inline with what the Challenger and Mustang are offering at obviously better prices.
Hopefully GM is hard at work on a classically aggressive and better packaged Camaro for the 7th generation.
I for one, hope it will mark an end to the retro “navel gazing” of the current three ponies and finally move the segment into the 21st century.
You guys complain way to much about the looks of the refresh