2015 Camaro Commemorative Edition, in 2LT convertible form. Photography by the author.
The current-generation Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger may be getting a bit long in the tooth, but that’s no reason to avoid showing off the latest variants at SEMA. Dodge featured its recently announced Challenger Hellcat prominently, but also displayed a Challenger T/A concept that could conceivably be built with the Mopar parts catalog and some patience; Chevrolet, on the other hand, announced a trio of special edition Camaros that will hit dealer showrooms in early 2015.
2015 Camaro Commemorative Edition, in 2SS coupe form.
The 2015 Camaro Commemorative Edition model, which debuted at SEMA, will be available in both 2LT (loaded V-6) and 2SS (loaded V-8) trims, in coupe or convertible body styles. Effectively an appearance package, the Commemorative Edition officially “celebrates the success of the fifth-generation Camaro,” which has outsold the Ford Mustang every year since its 2009 introduction.
Distinguished by unique fender badges and a contrasting body side stripe, Commemorative Edition cars also receive unique 20-inch wheels, a body-colored front splitter, a rear spoiler borrowed from the ZL 1. Inside, buyers can opt for an “Adrenaline Red” interior, which contrasts black leather with red panels on seats, along with red contrast stitching on seats, doors and dashboard.
Available colors will include Black with a Cyber Gray stripe, Silver Ice Metallic with a Cyber Gray stripe, Summit White with a silver stripe, Ashen Gray Metallic with a silver stripe and Red Hot with a black stripe.
The 2015 Green Flash Camaro.
In case the Commemorative Editions are a bit too subtle, Chevrolet will also offer a special edition Emerald Green Camaro for 2015 that was announced last month but not named until the opening of the SEMA Show. Officially the “Green Flash” Camaro, the car will be available only as a 2SS coupe or 2SS convertible, and comes with contrasting Cyber Gray stripes, a ground effects kit, the RS appearance package, 21-inch Chrome Dusk wheels (from the Chevrolet Accessories catalog) and an interior that blends black leather with graphite silver trim.
Perhaps the most eye-catching Camaro in the Chevrolet booth, however, was the rotisserie-mounted coupe used to illustrate performance parts available through dealers. Featuring descriptions of each component on the underside of the car, it served as an effective wish list for owners of fifth-generation Camaros to plan future upgrades.
2015 Dodge Challenger T/A Concept.
Thanks to the recent introduction of the 707-horsepower Challenger Hellcat, the Dodge display was somewhat more muted, with the exception of the Sublime Green 2015 Challenger T/A Concept, likely built to commemorate the Challenger’s return to Trans-Am competition in 2014.
Heavily influenced by the 1970 Challenger T/A campaigned by Sam Posey, the modern version featured an SRT Premium Hood with a Viper-style scoop; a Mopar cold air intake; “Air Catcher” headlamps to further improve airflow to the 392-cu.in. Hemi V-8 engine; a dual exhaust setup with an electronic cutout that allows the driver to choose between rear exhaust for street driving and unmuffled side exhaust for track days; 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, borrowed from the Hellcat; Brembo six-piston brake calipers with two-piece slotted and vented rotors; stiffer anti-roll bars; a coilover suspension; a rear strut tower brace; retro badging; and satin black trim. Inside, the T/A concept carried carbon fiber shell front seats with harness cutouts and high-grip cloth upholstery; a brushed aluminum panel in place of the rear seat (removed for weight savings); a 180 MPH speedometer, a pistol grip shifter and a flat-bottomed steering wheel (to facilitate heel-toe driving).
Chrysler has no plans to put the T/A Concept Challenger into production, though interested owners could replicate the car with help from the Mopar parts catalog and aftermarket support.
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