Chevrolet facelifts Camaro for 2019

Chevrolet has pulled the drapes off its updated 2019 Camaro that gets sharper styling, new safety kit, a 10-speed automatic and the option of a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.

The exterior tweaks include a revised grille, bonnet and front air intakes that are designed to channel air more efficiently to help minimise both drag and lift.

The styling changes also help distinguish between the lower-spec versions and the sportier RS, SS and ZL1 models.

This includes repositioning the familiar Chevy bowtie logo on the SS model for better aero, adding a larger lower air intake and introducing new LED headlights plus an extra bonnet vent.

The SS also gets a dual-mode sports exhaust.

Inside, there's a new infotainment system that offers buyers an 8.0-inch touch-screen. Optional Recaro sport seats become available, while all cars come equipped with a suede flat-bottom steering wheel and shift lever.

Safety also improves, there's now forward collision warning and a rear-view camera.

Under the bonnet the big news is the edition of a Turbo 1LE engine -- a new 205kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder for the first time that's offered with a six-speed manual gearbox.

As well as the introduction of the four-pot, the rest of the Camaro range gets a retuned suspension and the option of a Brembo brake upgrade.

Finally, the GM-Ford co-developed 10-speed automatic also becomes an option, offering both launch control and line-lock for smoky burnouts.

The 2019 Camaro is on sale now in the US.

The superseded 2018 Camaro SS coupe is currently being imported and converted by HSV for the first time, ahead of first deliveries in Australia and New Zealand around mid-2018. Expect the upgraded 2019 model to become available here next year.