Can we get the 2016-2018 body style back as an option?
 

Over the winter someone pointed me to an LT1 Camaro as I was looking for a performance car.

I did some investigation, and man I really think it's a winning car, performance per $ it's top notch... however I'm not a fan of the new front end or taillights from the 2019+ model years. I know some on here are fans so I don't want to start a flame war because everyone can have their opinion on design.

... But if the only differences between the 2016-2018 and 2019+ are the headlights, tailights, front and rear bumper, and hood (the new hood is fine though). Why doesn't chevy offer the former body style as an option package.

The 2016-2018 headlights are still in production because they are on the ZL1, and changing bumpers is not that big of a production change as they already have multiple different bumpers. Why not offer it as an option as a say Camaro Classic? or something of the sorts... Anyone agree? Would love to get an LT1 but I really can't get over the styling.

:welcome: to camaro6, Cookie Monster. You will find that this is a highly controversial topic, and if you look at my signature and my avatar, you'll find out where I stand (strongly). However, in an attempt to prevent the rehashing of the arguments that have been exhausted in several topics before, let me strictly address your specific question.

The pre-refresh body parts are only one side of the equation, both the headlight (including the DRL) and taillight assemblies were revised in 2019 and they are not pin compatible with the 2018 and prior wiring. In addition, I'm sure the BCM received different programming, since the new headlights are LED versus the original HID setup.

This means it's extremely unlikely that GM will ever offer the old look & feel as a package. Your best bet would be to talk to aftermarket companies (such as Gen5DIY) and ask them about viability. There may be someone out there who is willing to produce an agreeable front fascia that accepts the new LED headlights (i-5autohaus comes to mind, they already have a ZL1 replica front bumper if you're so inclined), and 2016-2018 taillights might just work with an extra harness and switching to the original bumper.

Overall, the endeavor would definitely not be cheap—given how many parts are affected, how much reverse engineering may be needed and how few sales this would generate, you might be out of luck on this one.

Hi arpad_m, Thanks for the reply.

Yea I'm not here to start a war. If people like the 2019+ design that's fine. I was just trying to figure out the logistics if it could even be offered as a package. We know GM has offered appearance packages before. I figured if enough people could get support maybe GM might investigate it. I have a hunch sales could be improved with a classic Camaro look. It's literally the only thing holding me back from a LT1 purchase. It is genuinely the performance bargain of 2020.

Just buy a used 2016-2018 Camaro and call it done if you prefer the look over the newer Camaro!

I looked. The price of a LT1 new is about the same price as a used 2016-2018 SS. :/ Would prefer a new car in that instance. Which also supports my hunch that there is demand for the old body style.

True but you would be better off buying used instead of trying to retro fit a 2020 with 2016-2018 components. It would cost a small fortune in my thinking.

Or consider buying a used ZL1 if you like the looks. It would be more expensive than a 2020 LT1 but they look better at least to me. I really think the LT1 is a good bargain for a V8 alternative to the SS.

If I were you, I'd get that brand new LT1 and tackle this retrofit project as an adventure. You would have an absolutely unique car and if you decide to sell later, you can easily go back to stock.

The only snag is any price advantage the LT1 trim has will be tapped deep into with the project... but I'd say what the heck :)

I can’t see any value in the lt1. The 1ss auto around me is only 2,000 dollars more than a lt1 stick. It would not surprise me if Chevy drops the lt1

The 2021 LT1 M6 can be had for low 30's in my area currently. I just purchased one. No way an SS comes even close to that price around here. No other platforms comes close for the $$ IMHO.

The discounts currently on an LT1 make it a really good buy for those of us looking to upgrade components ie wheels/tires, suspension, coolers, power adders etc but prefer aftermarket versus gm offerings.

The 8.5" wheels with all-season 245's are an absolute joke however...downright dangerous on the car.

Show a manufacturer that offers a pre-face-lift appearance option on a face-lift car. I am waiting.

To answer your original question, there are the obvious cost reasons(now you have to have assembly lines for the old components, which also means more complication and mistakes), and offering such an option would pretty much be a slap in their own face.

As said, buy a used 1SS if it's a big issue. To me, it's just too much work and not worth it to spend that much on purely aesthetic things.

Sent from toaster or something

It's funny you bring that up. Because that's actually how I came up with the name Camaro Classic. It was GM who has done this multiple times, not as an option code but as a full production car. They did it twice with the Malibu, where the new model came out, the old model was re-badged, re-named, and was called "Classic".

They did this as well with the Impala. They kept the 2006 model till 2016 even though the new model was in production starting in 2013.

LT1 is the one for me :) don't want to spent $$ on options I don't want.




Agree, it's literally the performance bargain of the year for those looking for a manual V8.

While my rational mind understands the reluctance from a short term business and risk perspective, it's also a backwards approach, kind of trying to tell customers what they must buy because that is what the company can manufacture cheaply while keeping shareholders and the board appeased. No wonder Tesla and their ilk are going to eat GM's lunch.

BTW the original parts do need to be manufactured and stocked to allow repairs, so you're really talking about the assembly process only, which line workers already mastered during the first 3 model years of the 6th gen, so I'd think the likelihood of mistakes would not be significantly higher.