Slow sales of the re-skinned 1969 models and production problems with the new second generation Chevrolet Camaro Sport Coupe delayed the launch of the new model until February 1970, which helped sell off the leftover 1969s. The new car was a riveting design with a European flair. A longer hood with a raised center extended to an egg-crate square grill with round turn signals and Frenched headlights. The 1970 Camaro was notable for an almost total absence of brightwork, depending instead on its elegant proportions to grab attention. No convertible was available.
The new second generation Chevy Camaro was available with a 155 bhp ,250 cid six-cylinder engine and numerous V-8s. They ranged from the base small-block 200 bhp, 307 cid engine through the 250 bhp 350 cid engine and the 300 bhp, 350 cid engine. Big-block offerings included 350 bhp and 375 bhp Turbo-Jet 396 cid engines (actually 402cid). The six-cylinder 1970 Camaro retailed for $2,749 and attracted 12,578 buyers, while the V-8 Sport Coupe attracted 112,323 buyers at $2,839, for a total of 124,901 sales – 120,000 fewer than 1969.
Of the V-8 buyers, 12,476 opted for the Z/27 Super Sport Package for $289.65, with a 300 bhp, 350 cubic inch V-8. Meanwhile, 8,733 paid $572.95 for the Z/28 Special Performance Package that included heavy duty suspension, Positraction axle and a 350/360hp LT1 V-8 with solid lifters similar to the engine found in that year’s LT1 Corvette. Both models were liberally badged and available with a 4-speed manual gearbox or Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission. The Rally Sport option substituted front bumperettes on each side for the full length bar, and a blacked-out grille.
The pony car wars were almost over, but people still bought performance options. A total of 59,607 paid $47.40 for power disc/drum brakes; 92,640 ordered power steering for $105.35; 71,832 paid $200.65 for the 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic transmission. 4-speeds were fading, though, with only 12,191 spending $205.95 for the wide ratio box and 5,302 paying the same sum for the close ratio gears. A mere 1,185 bought the heavy duty close-ratio box.
The most popular engine was the 250 bhp 350 cid V8 with 34,780 takers, while the big-blocks were practically shunned: 1,864 customers paid $152.75 for the 350 bhp 396 engine in the SS and a mere 600 paid $385.50 for the 375 bhp engine in the same package. Despite rumors of the small 230 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine or the giant 454 cubic-inch V-8 being available, neither one was offered.
Air-conditioning wasn’t available in the Z/28, but 38,565 buyers opted for it in other models. For the first time the Camaro Z/28 could be had with an automatic transmission. Concealed wipers were new and 40,143 buyers wanted those, and all 1970 Chevy Camaros had safety door beams. Rearview mirrors were also glued onto the windshield for the first time, and radio antennas were inside the windshield.
Special instrumentation was now grouped in the dash, not on the console like previous models. Two rear spoilers were available, and the larger 3-piece COPO one would be the regular option from 1971.