Chevy reveals 45th-anniversary special edition, and more power, for the Camaro

Chevrolet has let slip some of the details on the 2012 Camaro. Highlights for the sports car include a few more horsepower from the V6, a new suspension package for the SS and a 45th anniversary special edition Camaro that will go on sale to celebrate the pony car's entrance into old age.

The direct-injection V6, which sees duty in everything from the Cadillac CTS to the Malibu and a few crossovers, will deliver 323 hp in this application. That's an increase of 11 hp over the previous model, but it will retain the impressive 30 mpg rating on the highway.

The 2011 version of the LFX engine will have a host of upgrades on everything from cylinder heads and intake valves to the throttle body and connecting rods.

The new FE4 suspension debuts as standard enhancement for the SS coupe. The package adds retuned dampers, new stabilizer bars and 20-inch aluminum wheels with high-performance tires. Chevy says the system incorporates the improvements learned when building the super-high-performance Camaro ZL1.

During the summer, Chevy will launch the 45th-anniversary special-edition Camaro. The company says it celebrates both the Camaro's history and the 21st-century revival. The package will be offered on 2LT and SS Camaros, in either coupe or convertible styles.

The special-edition-package car is covered in carbon flash metallic paint, with a red and silver rally stripe. Unique badges are part of the package, along with new 20-inch wheels, dark silver head and taillight bezels, a Jet Black interior with a white instrument panel and the 45th anniversary logo on the steering wheel and sill plates.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but our sources say we should expect the optional package to cost about $2,000.

Rounding out the upgrades for 2012, all interiors will get a revised instrument panel, new graphics and trim, a new steering wheel and a power lift feature for the front passenger seat. A rear vision package will also be offered, which adds a rearview camera system and an auto-dimming mirror to the existing rear park-assist feature.

By Jake Lingeman