1982 Chevrolet Camaro 2.8L V6 4MT RWD (102 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Chevrolet introduced the third generation of the Camaro in the fall of 1981 for the 1982 model year, and the new model was revolutionary in many ways, even though it had some downturns for specific versions.

By 1981, the second generation of the Camaro had gone through several updates and facelifts compared to the 1970 model year. However, it started to show its wrinkles, and Chevrolet knew that it had to replace it. It was uncommon for a sports car to stay on the market for such a long period of time. The new design was still based on the F-Body platform but featured a hatchback bodywork. In addition, it added modern features such as an electronic dashboard, fuel injection, and five-speed manual transmissions. Furthermore, it was the first Camaro to be powered by four, six, and eight-cylinder engines. As a result, in its first full production year, the 1982 Chevrolet Camaro sold more than 173,000 units.

The 1982 Chevrolet Camaro boasted a modern-looking front fascia featuring recessed quad rectangular headlights. They flanked a tilted-rearward panel continued by the flat hood. The car’s wrapped-around plastic bumper included the grille on the lower side, flanked by the available fog lamps. Furthermore, a lip spoiler was placed at the bottom, enhancing aerodynamics.

With its low-slung profile, the 1982 Chevrolet Camaro resembled its predecessor. However, the angular lines and the 62-degree tilted-rearward windshield were unique in the carmaker’s lineup. Like its predecessor, it had a short roof followed by a sloped back. Unlike that, it had a glass hatch in the back instead of a regular trunk with a rear windshield wiper/washer available at extra cost. Thanks to this design, Chevrolet dramatically improved the car’s ability to carry more luggage. The automaker offered the vehicle with a choice of 14- or 15-inch light alloy wheels. At the back, the automaker installed wide rectangular taillights and a third braking lamp on the tailgate.

Inside, customers found an aircraft-inspired cabin with a dashboard that featured a broad vertical panel stretched between the A-pillars. Fronting the driver was an instrument panel with big dials for the speedometer and tachometer that flanked the gauges for the fuel level, the ammeter, and the oil pressure. The speedometer showed a unique design, with a dual-needle setup where the speed was shown in miles per hour on the left and kilometers per hour on the right, depending on the market. Furthermore, the automaker also offered an electronic instrument panel as an option. Between the front bucket seats, the 1982 Chevrolet Camaro featured a center console that housed the gearstick, the buttons for the power windows and hatch opening, an electric clock, and an armrest with a storage compartment underneath. Surprisingly, there was no glovebox on the dashboard. In the back, the flat-folding bench seat was profiled for two occupants.

Under the hood, Chevrolet installed a choice of four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines ranging between 90 hp and 170 hp (91 PS to 172 PS), depending on the grade. These were paired with a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic. Thanks to the car’s low drag resistance of just 0.374 (down from 0.412 of the 1981 Chevrolet Camaro), performance was better.