After some subtle teasing, GM unveiled the 2014 Camaro SS on Live with Kelly & Michael instead of at the New York Auto Show. Granted, the SS did make its way to the NYIAS, but it was overshadowed by the unveiling of the all-new Z/28.
The updates to the Camaro SS are very limited, but nonetheless important. The main architecture of the new Camaro SS remain the same, but the changeable components, like the front fascia, hood, rear fascia and bumper cover are all completely different.
This mid-generation facelift is definitely a welcome sight, as the Camaro’s retro styling was starting to get a little long in the tooth and we need some sort of springboard to prepare us for the upcoming overhaul. We expect this revised look to only last for a few years – one to three years at the most – before Chevy unveils the all-new Camaro. So, enjoy this new look while you can.On the outside, the 2014 Camaro SS looks pretty similar to the 2013 Camaro SS at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, this facelift is far more comprehensive than expected.
Up front, one of the biggest changes is the deletion of the single nostril in favor of a louvered heat extractor that sits atop the raised center section of the hood. This not only gives the Camaro a meaner look, but also – possibly unintentionally – pays tribute to the dual faux louvers on the mid-1980’s Z/28’s hood. You know, those damn things that would break off in the car wash after 5 to 10 years.
Another change up front is the fascia itself. The grille is now thinner and only features vertical bars, as opposed to the horizontal and vertical bars on the 2013 model. Because of the shrunken grille, the headlights are also squintier and feature wider lenses that cover the headlight and turn signals, giving the Camaro a sinister stare. This shorter grille also extends the Camaro’s nose, and creates a more rounded appearance.
The front, lower skirt is significantly modified, as the 2014 Camaro’s lower air intake is about two or three times larger than the 2013 model’s intake. Additionally, the fog lights now set in larger openings, making them appear to float on the outer edges of the skirt.
Around the back of the Camaro there are some pretty big changes too. The biggest and most shocking of the changes are the new taillights, as Chevy opted to eliminate the two-piece, squared-off circle taillights in favor of thinner, one-piece units that also include the backup lights. Chevy also gave the back end a more pronounced trunk-lid spoiler that is more separated from the trunk than last year’s spoiler. Just below the spoiler is the LED center, high-mounted brake light, which was on the rear package shelf package shelf last year.
The back end is capped off with a significantly larger rear bumper insert that now travels about halfway up the license plate, and a smoother bumper cover.
So, why did Chevy make all of these changes just for a “mild” face lift? The answer is very simple; they are preparing buyers for the new Camaro that is set to hit the stage sometime in the next few years with a completely redesigned and more aerodynamic body.