2026 Chevy Camaro – SS, Z28, Price & Full Model Lineup – The Chevrolet Camaro has long been the heartbeat of American muscle, a car that turns heads, grips corners, and roars down straightaways like nothing else. After a brief hiatus following the sixth-generation’s curtain call in 2024, Chevrolet is roaring back with the 2026 Chevy Camaro—a seventh-generation beast that’s equal parts nostalgia and next-level innovation. Whether you’re a weekend warrior chasing track times or a daily driver craving that iconic V8 rumble, this lineup delivers. With the SS trim blending hybrid efficiency and raw power, and the legendary Z/28 returning as a track-slaying monster, the 2026 Camaro isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. Let’s dive into what makes this revival so electrifying—and why it’s poised to dominate showrooms starting late 2025.
The Full 2026 Chevy Camaro Model Lineup: Something for Every Enthusiast
Chevrolet’s engineers didn’t just resurrect the Camaro; they reimagined it on a lighter, stiffer platform with hybrid tech across the board to meet modern emissions while preserving that soul-stirring performance. The 2026 Camaro lineup spans five core trims, from accessible entry-level models to halo variants that push the limits of physics. All models offer coupe and convertible body styles, rear-wheel drive (with optional all-wheel drive on lower trims for wet-weather confidence), and a choice of six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmissions.
Here’s a quick breakdown in table form for easy comparison:
| Trim | Starting Price | Engine & Powertrain | Horsepower | 0-60 mph | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1LT | $34,995 | 2.0L Turbo I4 Hybrid | 275 hp | 5.2 sec | Affordable entry with Apple CarPlay, 19-inch wheels, and 28 mpg combined. Ideal for first-time muscle fans. |
| 2LT | $39,995 | 3.6L V6 Hybrid | 335 hp | 4.8 sec | Upgraded leather seats, Bose audio, and adaptive cruise. Great balance of comfort and pep. |
| SS | $65,000 | 6.2L V8 Hybrid (LT2-based) | 500 hp | 3.9 sec | Iconic supercharged V8 with electric boost, Recaro seats, and Brembo brakes. The daily-driver hero. |
| ZL1 | $75,000 | 6.2L Supercharged V8 Hybrid | 650 hp | 3.5 sec | Magnetic Ride suspension, massive aero kit, and launch control. For those who live for the quarter-mile. |
| Z/28 | $85,000 | 5.5L Flat-Plane V8 (LT6) | 670 hp | 3.2 sec | Track-only focus: carbon-ceramic brakes, lightweight carbon fiber body, and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Limited production legend. |
Prices exclude destination fees (~$1,195) and options; actual MSRPs may vary by region. This lineup keeps the Camaro’s heritage alive while nodding to electrification—every engine pairs a gas mill with a compact electric motor for seamless torque fill and better fuel economy (up to 25 mpg city/32 highway on base trims).
Pro tip: If you’re cross-shopping, the 1LT punches above its weight for budget buyers, offering 90% of the fun at half the price of the SS. Test drive one to feel the hybrid assist kick in during merges—it’s like having a turbo without the lag.
Unleashing the 2026 Chevy Camaro SS: Hybrid Muscle Meets Everyday Usability
Ah, the 2026 Chevy Camaro SS—the trim that defined a generation and now evolves into something smarter without losing its edge. Starting at $65,000, this bad boy swaps the old LT1 V8 for a hybridized 6.2L LT2 powerhouse, delivering 500 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor adds instant low-end grunt, making 0-60 sprints feel effortless at under 4 seconds, while regenerative braking keeps things composed on twisty backroads.
What sets the SS apart? It’s the approachable icon. Picture this: You’re blasting through city traffic with the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster displaying real-time hybrid stats, then you hit the highway and engage Sport mode for that signature exhaust bark. Interior upgrades include a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless charging, ventilated Recaro seats, and a head-up display that projects speed onto the windshield—perfect for keeping eyes on the road during spirited drives.
- Performance Perks: Brembo six-piston front brakes for fade-free stopping, optional 1LE package ($5,000) with adjustable dampers and a rear limited-slip diff for canyon carving.
- Tech Touches: Standard Chevy Safety Assist suite (blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking) plus an available 360-degree camera for tight parking lots—because even muscle cars need to fit in garages.
- Practical Insight: Towing capacity jumps to 3,500 pounds with the hybrid setup, so you can haul a small trailer to the track without breaking a sweat. Fuel economy? Expect 22 mpg combined, a huge win over pure-gas predecessors.
Owners rave about the SS‘s duality: It’s ferocious enough to embarrass a Porsche 911 on straights but refined for commutes. If you’re upgrading from a Mustang GT, the Camaro’s sharper steering and lower center of gravity will hook you instantly.
The 2026 Chevy Camaro Z/28: Track Legend Reborn for Pure Adrenaline
If the SS is the all-rounder, the 2026 Chevy Camaro Z/28 is the unhinged specialist—a $85,000 tribute to the Trans-Am racers of yore, limited to just 1,500 units worldwide. Chevrolet dug deep into its playbook for this one, borrowing the flat-plane crank 5.5L LT6 V8 from the Corvette Z06 to unleash 670 horsepower and a stratospheric 8,600-rpm redline. No hybrid here; this is analog fury, screaming to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and lapping circuits like Virginia International Raceway in record time.
The Z/28 sheds over 200 pounds versus the ZL1 through carbon-fiber hood, doors, and roof, plus titanium exhaust and forged wheels. Aerodynamics? A massive front splitter, dive planes, and a GT4-inspired rear wing generate 400 pounds of downforce at speed—enough to plant you through high-speed sweepers without a sweat.
- Track-Ready Features: Carbon-ceramic brakes (optional for $8,000) that withstand abuse, a six-speed manual with rev-matching, and adjustable sway bars for dialing in setup.
- Enthusiast Tips: Opt for the $3,500 track pack with data-logging telemetry and a six-point harness. It’s street-legal, but save it for circuits—those sticky tires wear fast on public roads.
- Real-World Example: Early prototypes clocked a sub-7-minute Nürburgring lap, outpacing the outgoing ZL1 by 15 seconds. For Z/28 purists, it’s the swan song for naturally aspirated V8 glory before full EV takes over.
This trim isn’t for everyone—visibility is tight, and ride quality is punishing on potholes—but if your garage has room for a time machine, the Z/28 is it.
Power, Tech, and Trends: What Ties the 2026 Lineup Together
Across the board, the 2026 Camaro lineup shines with shared innovations that blend heritage and high-tech. Performance starts with the alpha platform—a lighter chassis borrowing Corvette DNA for 20% better rigidity. All trims get performance traction management (PTM) with five modes, from wet roads to drag strips, ensuring grip where it counts.
Technology leaps forward too: The Google-built infotainment is buttery smooth, supporting over-the-air updates for engine mapping tweaks. Safety? Chevy’s Super Cruise hands-free driving (optional on SS and up) lets you relax on mapped highways, with eye-tracking to keep things legal.
Trends to watch: As GM eyes full electrification by 2035, the 2026 Camaro’s mild hybrids bridge the gap—boosting torque without killing the V8 soundtrack. For enthusiasts, it’s a smart buy now before pure EVs redefine “muscle.” Customization is king, with over 100 dealer-installed options like matte finishes or embroidered floors.
Pricing, Availability, and Buying Tips for the 2026 Camaro
Entry is easy at $34,995 for the 1LT, but the sweet spot is the SS at $65,000—loaded examples hit $80,000 with carbon accents and premium paint. The Z/28 commands a premium at $85,000, with waitlists already forming. Production kicks off in early 2026, with dealer deliveries by spring; pre-order now to lock in incentives like 0% APR for 60 months.
Buying tip: Factor in insurance—high-performance trims like the Z/28 can add $2,000 annually. Trade in your old pony car for up to $5,000 in Chevy credits, and always negotiate packages over à la carte add-ons.
Wrapping Up: Why the 2026 Chevy Camaro Deserves a Spot in Your Driveway
The 2026 Chevy Camaro isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving, proving muscle cars can evolve without losing their fire. From the versatile SS to the ferocious Z/28, this lineup honors the past while charging toward tomorrow. It’s a reminder that great cars stir the soul, whether you’re solo on a sunset cruise or battling apexes at the track.
For quick reference, here’s a summary table of standout specs:
| Aspect | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $34,995 (1LT) to $85,000 (Z/28) |
| Top Power | 670 hp (Z/28) |
| Fuel Economy | Up to 28 mpg combined (hybrids) |
| Towing Max | 3,500 lbs (SS and below) |
| Warranty | 3 yr/36,000 mi basic; 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain |
| Availability | Spring 2026 deliveries |
Buckle up—the Camaro’s story is just getting started. Which trim calls to you?
