Generation 3 · F-body · 1982–1992
Third Generation
The IROC-Z decade — first hatchback, first fuel injection, first (and only) four-cylinder.
An all-new, all-hatchback F-body: Camaro's first liftback, first factory fuel injection (Cross-Fire), and the first and only factory four-cylinder (the reviled Iron Duke). It produced the IROC-Z, the car most people picture when they hear “80s Camaro,” the quasi-secret 1LE track package, and the B4C police car.
The convertible returned in 1987 after an 18-year absence. The generation closed with a 25th Anniversary Heritage Edition in 1992.
Highlights
- 1982 Iron Duke four-cylinder — 90 hp
- IROC-Z (1985–90) and Tuned Port Injection
- 1LE: the hidden-trigger homologation special
- 1987 convertible returns (ASC-built)
- 1992 25th Anniversary Heritage Edition
Model years
1982 · All-new — and a study in extremes
First hatchback, first fuel injection, first four-cylinder — Motor Trend Car of the Year and the Iron Duke.
1983
The second year of the all-new third generation.
1984 · The Berlinetta's spaceship dashboard
The gadget-laden Berlinetta gets its famous digital “Graphic Control Center” — and the generation hits its sales peak.
1985 · The IROC-Z arrives
Chevrolet licenses the IROC name and puts Tuned Port Injection in the showroom.
1986 · The last Berlinetta
The oddball luxury Berlinetta bows out after 1986.
1987 · The convertible returns — first since 1969
After an 18-year absence, the drop-top comes back as an ASC-built option, badged for the Camaro's 20th anniversary.
1988 · The secret 1LE
A track package with no order box — invisible, and built in single digits its first year.
1989
IROC-Z remains the sole performance top-trim, and 1LE track-package orders climb.
1990 · The short year, and the last IROC-Z
A deliberately truncated model year — and the final IROC-Z before the name is retired.
1991 · Z28 returns, IROC-Z retires, B4C debuts
The badge shuffle completes, a new facelift lands, and the police Camaro arrives.
1992 · 25th Anniversary — the third generation says goodbye
A Heritage Edition, the biggest 1LE year, and the 50th Trans-Am win.
These are the pivotal years with their own record. Every model year of the generation is covered on this page.