Generation 5 · Zeta · 2010–2015
Fifth Generation
The comeback — a retro concept, a movie star, and the revival of ZL1 and Z/28.
Camaro came back from its 2002 cancellation as a 2010 model on GM's rear-drive Zeta platform, closely following a 2006 concept that referenced the 1969 car. The “Bumblebee” Transformers tie-in delivered a measurable sales windfall before the real car even shipped.
The convertible returned in 2011, and the ZL1 (2012) and Z/28 (2014) names came back as genuinely different performance philosophies — supercharged grand-tourer versus naturally aspirated track special.
Highlights
- 2010 relaunch after the 2003–2009 gap
- Transformers “Bumblebee” marketing effect
- 2012 ZL1 returns (supercharged, 580 hp) + modern COPO drag program
- 2013 1LE returns
- 2014 Z/28 — naturally aspirated 505 hp LS7 track car
Model years
2010 · The comeback
On sale April 2009 — a retro concept made real, with a movie-star head start.
2011 · The convertible returns
A folding roof comes back to the Camaro for the first time since 2002, built in Oshawa, Ontario.
2012 · Two legend names return
The ZL1 comes back (supercharged, 580 hp) and the modern COPO drag program begins.
2013 · The 1LE returns — and a Hot Wheels Camaro
The track-focused 1LE package comes back on the SS, reviving the third/fourth-gen lineage.
2014 · The Z/28 returns — power isn't the point
A naturally aspirated 505 hp LS7 track car that out-laps the more powerful ZL1.
2015 · The fifth generation signs off
The final year of the Zeta-platform car, with the LS7-powered Z/28 still on offer.
These are the pivotal years with their own record. Every model year of the generation is covered on this page.