Derecho

The Third-Generation Camaro was released for sale in January 1982. The 1982 model introduced the first Camaros with factory fuel injection, a hatchback body style, and a four-cylinder engine (due tofuel economy concerns in the wake of the 1979 energy crisis). The Camaro Z28 was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1982. Three models were available: Sport Coupe, Berlinetta, and Z28. Thirdgeneration Camaros also had a suspension system that was much more capable in corners than the previous generation.
The Sport Coupe came standard with the 2.5 L 151 cid LQ9 four cylinder engine. The2.8 L 173 LC1 V6 and 5.0 L 305 LG4 V8 were optional. Dog dish-style hubcaps were standard; full wheel covers were optional as were steel, five-spoke 14x7-inch body-colored rally wheels.
The Berlinettacame standard with the 2.8 LC1 V6 or the optional 5.0 LG4 V8. The Berlinetta came standard with its own unique 14x7-inch finned aluminum wheel with gold accenting and 'Berlinetta' center cap. Its ownlower body pin striping, gold 'Berlinetta' badging, and headlamp pockets were painted in an accent color. The taillights got a gold and black horizontal divider bar. The interior came standard withcustom cloth interior, a rear storage well cover and additional carpeting on rear wheelhouses. It also came standard with additional body insulation and full instrumentation.
The Z28 came standardwith the 5.0 L LG4 4bbl V8 or the optional LU5 twin TBI 'Cross Fire Injection' 5.0 L. The carbureted engine was available with either a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission and put outa 145 hp (108 kW), while the optional Cross Fire Injection 305 was rated at 165 hp (123 kW). Performance enthusiasts of the day gave the new Camaro positive reviews for its styling and handling, butalso made critical remarks about the relatively low power ratings for both the Camaro Z28 and Ford's Mustang GT, with the 302 cu in (4.9 L) V8 producing 157 hp (117 kW) SROD four-speed manual...