Five Years of Chevrolet Camaro Fun

It won't be too long before the sun sets on the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro. In about a month's time, we'll be getting our first look at next-generation Camaro in Detroit. But before we say farewell to the current Camaro, we have decided to take a look back at all of the special edition models.

While the Chevrolet Camaro made a big splash as a concept back in the mid-2000's, its true coming-out party was with the first Transformers film in 2007 where it played one of the key characters; Bumblebee. Due to the popularity of the film, Chevrolet got a large number of questions from Transformers fans asking if they could purchase Bumblebee. The bowtie brand provided the answer in 2010 with the Transformers Special Edition.

Available as either the LT or SS model in the Rally Yellow color, the Transformers edition featured Autobot shields on the front fenders, center caps on the wheels, and embroidered on the lid of the center console. Other changes include rally stripes on the hood and the Transformers logo on the door sill plates.

Chevrolet brought back the Camaro Transformers in 2012 to celebrate the release of "Transformers: Dark of the Moon". Building on top of the 2010 model, Chevrolet added new Rally Stripes that mimic carbon fiber, a rear spoiler, yellow stitching on the seats and dashboard; and the Autobot shield embroidered on the front headrests.

One of the most iconic and important races in the United States every year is the Indianapolis 500. The race pits man and machine over a 500-mile trial to see if they can make it. Winning this race means a lot to those who take part in it. But alongside the drivers and their cars, the Indy 500 is also known for the distinctive pace cars that gather up the race cars after a caution has been thrown out. The Chevrolet Camaro has been one of the few vehicles that has been called up to lead this prestigious event a few times. The first was in 1967. Then it was called back in 1969, 1982, and 1993.

So when the Indianapolis 500 was celebrating its centennial in 2010, they knew a special car was needed for this event. So they called on Chevrolet and asked for a Camaro. Chevrolet happily obliged and brought out a Camaro Pace Car. Along with this, Chevrolet launched a replica version of the 2010 Pace Car. Taking a fully loaded Camaro SS, including the 6.2L V8, Chevrolet added the 2010 Indianapolis 500 logo on both doors, and embroidered it on the headrests for the front seats.

A year later, the Indianapolis 500 was celebrating its 100th anniversary. What better way to celebrate it with another Camaro pace car. Once again, Chevrolet delivered with a Camaro pace car that made a callback to the 1967 pace car with such details as white paint with orange stripes, an interior draped in orange leather, and other small details. Along with the introduction of 2011 Camaro Pace Car, Chevrolet also sold a small number of replicas of the pace car at dealers.

The Camaro has been known for using bold colors to make a statement. With the fifth-generation Camaro, Chevrolet wanted to continue that tradition, so they introduced the Synergy special edition models.

The first Synergy model was produced in 2010 and it came in only one color; Synergy Green. Along with the unique paint, the model also boasted Cyber Gray Rally Stripes running along the whole length of the hood, roof, and trunk; a rear spoiler, 19-inch wheels, and Synergy Green stitching for the interior.

Chevrolet was surprised by the response of the Camaro Synergy, that they decided to bring it back in 2011. Unlike the first model which only came in one color, Chevrolet expanded the color choice to three - Summit White, Black, and Victory Red - and the choice of either coupe or convertible. Along with the added colors, Chevrolet added a Ground Effects Package, Silver Hood, and Decklid Heritage Decal Package to make the Synergy stand out that much more.

2012 was the final year of the Synergy and Chevrolet made sure it went out with a bang. Taking all of the changes on 2011 model, Chevrolet added a new color - Ashen Gray - along with the heritage grille and HID headlights. Inside gets red stitching on the dash, seats, steering wheel, and shifter. If you opt for the manual transmission, you also got the Hurst Short Throw shifter.

Every year, Neiman Marcus puts out their Christmas catalog full of extravagant luxury items such as a custom made drink shaker complete with bartender and car built to Neiman Marcus' specifications. For their 2010 Christmas catalog, the store reached out to Chevrolet to see if they would like to put the Camaro into their catalog. Chevy said yes and the result was the 2011 Neiman Marcus Edition Camaro Convertible.

Starting with an SS Convertible, the Neiman Marcus Edition gets a special tri-coat Deep Bordeaux paint, along with a set of ghosted stripes. A set of 21-inch aluminum wheels come wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero performance tires. Inside, the Neiman Marcus Edition boasts Amber leather with red accents on the steering wheel and center console.

Chevrolet decided to pay tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces with the introduction of the 2012 Camaro Honor and Valor. This special edition model comes in a choice of three different colors and a limited edition Honor badge. Other changes for the Honor and Valor edition include a different grille insert, side stripes, painted ground effects, and premium floor mats.

Now the only way you could purchase this special edition was if you were actively serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard.

2012 marked two special occasions for Chevrolet: The 100th anniversary of the brand and the 45th anniversary of Camaro. To celebrate the latter anniversary, Chevrolet built 45th Anniversary Special Edition Camaro coupe and convertible.

These models boasted a special Carbon Flash Metallic paint, along with a new hood and trunk stripes. Other changes for the exterior include deep silver bezels for the fog and tail lamps and a set of 20-inch wheels. Inside are set a black leather seats with the 45th Anniversary logo, along with red, white, and blue stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and shift knob. The best part of the 45th Anniversary is you can get it with either the 3.6L V6 or 6.2L V8.

Chevrolet decided to do a special edition Camaro for those who enjoy after hours. The end result was the was 2013 Camaro Dusk. Available as either as coupe or convertible, the Dusk boasts a striking blue color paired with a set of 21-inch Sterling Silver wheels. Moving inside, there are a set of tan leather seats, along with blue door inserts and ambient lighting. The Dusk was available with either a V6 or V8. If you opt for the V8 with the manual, you get a Hurst short-throw shifter.

If you were a young car enthusiast, then you likely a had a few Hot Wheels die-casts to play around with. You thought that it would be the coolest thing to see one of those Hot Wheels come to life. Well Hot Wheels and Chevrolet answered this with the introduction of the Hot Wheels Camaro in 2013.

This special edition pays homage to one of first 16 toy cars issued by Hot Wheels. Wearing a vibrant Kinetic Blue Metallic paint with a set of 21-inch wheels with set of red stripes, the Hot Wheels Camaro makes a true statement of its intention. Other changes for this special edition include a black racing stripe, black leather with red stitching, and the Hot Wheels logo on the front fenders, decklid, and front seats.

What's the best way to celebrate the return of Spring? If you're Chevrolet, you introduce a special edition of the Camaro dubbed the Spring Special Edition. Available on the Camaro Coupe and Convertible, the Spring edition starts off with a Summit White paint color, paired with a set of 21-inch wheels from the Dusk special edition, a blue stripe, and the spoiler from the ZL1.

As the current-generation Camaro winds down, Chevrolet thought it would be a good idea to bring back the idea of a special color edition. The result is the Camaro Green Flash Edition. Available only as the SS coupe or convertible, the Green Flash is finished in a Emerald Green color with Cyber Gray rally stripes. A set of 21-inch split-spoke chrome wheels, ZL1 rear spoiler, and a ground effects kit finish off the vehicle. Now being an SS model, that means you get the 6.2L V8 with the choice of either the six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

We come now to final special edition for the Camaro, the Commemorative Edition. This special edition is available either as the coupe and convertible, and boasts the choice of either the 3.6L V6 or 6.2L V8. There is a choice of five different colors, along with a set of distinctive 20-inch wheels, front splitter, and the rear spoiler from the ZL1. Finishing off this edition are a Adrenaline Red leather interior and the usual assortment of badges and graphics.