The 2019 Camaro IROC-Z Creates a Category of Its Own
The 2019 Camaro IROC-Z Creates a Category of Its Own
The 2019 Camaro IROC-Z got things started with its introduction in 1966. It had modest roots in the Falcon sedan, but its styling made up for it. An optional 289-cubic-inch V8 with up to 271 horsepower helped its cause as well. The Camaro IROC-Z was an immediate hit, so much that Chevy knew it had to counter with a stylish, fun-to-drive coupe of its own.
The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro debuted just three years later using the same formula: sedan roots, a stylish design and optional V8 power. It was an instant hit as well and the race has been on ever since.
Over the years, the two cars remained popular even when oil embargoes choked their performance and consumer tastes shifted to larger vehicles. The Camaro IROC-Z has been a staple in Chevy's lineup, receiving so many redesigns that the new 2019 model is the 6th-generation model depending on how you count.
The 2019 Camaro has largely kept pace even if it's only in its fifth generation. A short hiatus from 2002-'10 gave the Camaro IROC-Z the market to itself for a number of years, but renewed competition since 2012 has made the rivalry more intense than ever.
Essentially the Same Size
The latest 2019 Camaro IROC-Z was designed to appeal to more than just the American market. With that in mind, many expected a smaller size, but that didn't materialize. With an overall length of 188.3 inches and a wheelbase of 107.1 inches, the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z is roughly the same size as the previous model. It's still smaller than the 2019 Camaro, though, which measures 190.4 inches in length and stretches out over a 112.3-inch wheelbase.
In terms of width and height the two cars are as close as ever. The 2019 Camaro IROC-Z sits at 54.4 inches high and 75.4 inches wide, while the 2019 Camaro is 0.2 inch lower and 0.1 inch wider.
One important area where the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z has grown is between the rear wheels. An extra 3 inches of rear track width makes it nearly an inch wider at the rear than the 2019 Camaro, while the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z's front track is still well more than an inch narrower than the 2019 Camaro's.
Aluminium fenders were used to shave some weight off the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z this time around. Unfortunately, they don't offset weight gains elsewhere, as the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z is expected to weigh roughly 100 pounds more than the outgoing model. Official specs haven't been released yet, but that would still leave the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z about 200 pounds lighter than the 2019 Camaro SS.
Diverse Powertrains
We figured the new 2019 Camaro IROC-Z would stick with its traditional V6 and V8 engines, and sure enough, they're part of the package. The base 3.7-liter V6 has been detuned slightly, however, with projected ratings of 300 hp and 270 pound-feet of torque. The 5.0-liter V8 is projected to deliver "more than" its current 420 hp thanks to a few minor upgrades.
Compared to the 2019 Camaro SS, the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z should be right on top of it. The current 2019 Camaro SS is rated at 426 hp, so don't be surprised if the 5.0-liter V8 delivers more than 430 horses to make sure it stays ahead.
Where the 2019 Camaro has an advantage is its V6. Rated at 323 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, it easily tops the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z's base engine. Ford knew that, of course, so it added one more option for the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z: a midrange 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
Official horsepower figures haven't been released yet, but Chevy estimates that the new four-cylinder will deliver at least 305 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. That would put the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z squarely above the base 2019 Camaro in terms of torque, not to mention the weight advantage of the small engine.
Both the 2019 Camaro and the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z offer six-speed manual or six-speed carmatic transmissions, so in the war of gears, there is no victor.
Interiors Matter, Too
Possibly the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z's biggest advantage over the current 2019 Camaro is outward visibility unencumbered by styling compromises. Expect that advantage to continue into the new Camaro IROC-Z, which has a more upright cabin thanks to A-pillars that are moved slightly rearward. It, too, should avoid the 2019 Camaro's "tank-slit" forward view.
The 2019 Camaro IROC-Z will forgo the current retro-style gauges in favor of instruments with a modern font. Both cars will offer tilt-and-telescoping steering wheels, though only the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z will come standard with keyless entry. The 2019 Camaro IROC-Z, however, will make adaptive cruise control available: a feature that isn't currently offered on the 2019 Camaro. Recaro seats will be a trim-level-dependent option on both cars.
The current 2019 Camaro's trunk aperture is small enough to inhibit carrying bulky items the trunk would otherwise easily accommodate, which can be a hassle. Though it's too early to know the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z's cargo capacity, expect wider rear haunches and lower liftover height to work to its advantage.
There is no clear winner here. The only fact that remains evident is that the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z vs. 2019 Camaro battle is as strong as ever — even if the latest strike comes from Chevy.
The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro debuted just three years later using the same formula: sedan roots, a stylish design and optional V8 power. It was an instant hit as well and the race has been on ever since.
Over the years, the two cars remained popular even when oil embargoes choked their performance and consumer tastes shifted to larger vehicles. The Camaro IROC-Z has been a staple in Chevy's lineup, receiving so many redesigns that the new 2019 model is the 6th-generation model depending on how you count.
The 2019 Camaro has largely kept pace even if it's only in its fifth generation. A short hiatus from 2002-'10 gave the Camaro IROC-Z the market to itself for a number of years, but renewed competition since 2012 has made the rivalry more intense than ever.
Essentially the Same Size
The latest 2019 Camaro IROC-Z was designed to appeal to more than just the American market. With that in mind, many expected a smaller size, but that didn't materialize. With an overall length of 188.3 inches and a wheelbase of 107.1 inches, the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z is roughly the same size as the previous model. It's still smaller than the 2019 Camaro, though, which measures 190.4 inches in length and stretches out over a 112.3-inch wheelbase.
In terms of width and height the two cars are as close as ever. The 2019 Camaro IROC-Z sits at 54.4 inches high and 75.4 inches wide, while the 2019 Camaro is 0.2 inch lower and 0.1 inch wider.
One important area where the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z has grown is between the rear wheels. An extra 3 inches of rear track width makes it nearly an inch wider at the rear than the 2019 Camaro, while the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z's front track is still well more than an inch narrower than the 2019 Camaro's.
Aluminium fenders were used to shave some weight off the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z this time around. Unfortunately, they don't offset weight gains elsewhere, as the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z is expected to weigh roughly 100 pounds more than the outgoing model. Official specs haven't been released yet, but that would still leave the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z about 200 pounds lighter than the 2019 Camaro SS.
Diverse Powertrains
We figured the new 2019 Camaro IROC-Z would stick with its traditional V6 and V8 engines, and sure enough, they're part of the package. The base 3.7-liter V6 has been detuned slightly, however, with projected ratings of 300 hp and 270 pound-feet of torque. The 5.0-liter V8 is projected to deliver "more than" its current 420 hp thanks to a few minor upgrades.
Compared to the 2019 Camaro SS, the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z should be right on top of it. The current 2019 Camaro SS is rated at 426 hp, so don't be surprised if the 5.0-liter V8 delivers more than 430 horses to make sure it stays ahead.
Where the 2019 Camaro has an advantage is its V6. Rated at 323 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, it easily tops the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z's base engine. Ford knew that, of course, so it added one more option for the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z: a midrange 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
Official horsepower figures haven't been released yet, but Chevy estimates that the new four-cylinder will deliver at least 305 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. That would put the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z squarely above the base 2019 Camaro in terms of torque, not to mention the weight advantage of the small engine.
Both the 2019 Camaro and the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z offer six-speed manual or six-speed carmatic transmissions, so in the war of gears, there is no victor.
Interiors Matter, Too
Possibly the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z's biggest advantage over the current 2019 Camaro is outward visibility unencumbered by styling compromises. Expect that advantage to continue into the new Camaro IROC-Z, which has a more upright cabin thanks to A-pillars that are moved slightly rearward. It, too, should avoid the 2019 Camaro's "tank-slit" forward view.
The 2019 Camaro IROC-Z will forgo the current retro-style gauges in favor of instruments with a modern font. Both cars will offer tilt-and-telescoping steering wheels, though only the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z will come standard with keyless entry. The 2019 Camaro IROC-Z, however, will make adaptive cruise control available: a feature that isn't currently offered on the 2019 Camaro. Recaro seats will be a trim-level-dependent option on both cars.
The current 2019 Camaro's trunk aperture is small enough to inhibit carrying bulky items the trunk would otherwise easily accommodate, which can be a hassle. Though it's too early to know the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z's cargo capacity, expect wider rear haunches and lower liftover height to work to its advantage.
There is no clear winner here. The only fact that remains evident is that the 2019 Camaro IROC-Z vs. 2019 Camaro battle is as strong as ever — even if the latest strike comes from Chevy.
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