Chevy Camaro Nameplate Return Could Be An Electrified SUV Surprise

The Camaro name is about to make a comeback, but not in the way purists might expect. Instead of a low-slung, tire-smoking coupe, Chevrolet is reportedly gearing up to reintroduce the Camaro as a sleek, electric fastback SUV. Industry chatter points to a direct rival for the Ford Mustang Mach-E, echoing the original muscle car rivalry but with an EV twist. Some within GM, including company president Mark Reuss, are still pushing for a more traditional electric car approach, but the SUV format appears to be the frontrunner.

The shift reflects broader market realities. Two-door coupes are becoming increasingly rare while buyers continue to gravitate toward stylish, performance-flavored SUVs that combine practicality with personality. When Ford revealed the Mustang Mach-E, many enthusiasts were skeptical about the new form, yet it quickly became a sales success. Chevy seems ready to follow the same playbook with the Camaro badge, banking on brand heritage to attract both nostalgic fans and EV newcomers.

According to speculation from outlets like MotorTrend, the 2027 Camaro EV will ride on GM’s next-generation skateboard architecture, which was previously known as Ultium. This modular platform allows for a variety of battery sizes and motor configurations. Entry-level LT and RS trims could feature a single rear-mounted motor producing anywhere from 241 to 365 horsepower, using the same hardware found in other GM EVs. Mid-tier models might add a second motor for all-wheel drive, delivering around 300 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque.

Higher in the lineup, an SS variant is expected to mirror the Blazer EV SS setup, with dual motors generating roughly 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft. This performance boost would be supported by upgrades like Brembo brakes, adaptive sport suspension, and sharper steering calibration. For those craving something truly extreme, Chevy could use the GMC Hummer EV’s three-motor powertrain to produce an estimated 1,000 horsepower. This could also bring back the legendary ZL1 badge in SUV form.

Battery options are likely to include an 85-kWh pack for base versions and a 102-kWh pack for higher trims, both with charging capabilities similar to current GM EVs. That means peak charging speeds of about 150 kW for the smaller pack and 190 kW for the larger one, offering a balance of range and convenience.

Pricing is expected to start around $36,000 and stretch toward $65,500 for high-performance versions. Chevy’s launch strategy will likely begin with mainstream trims in fall 2026 before expanding into performance models. Reuss has hinted at keeping the Camaro EV fun and attainable, aiming to appeal to a wide range of buyers.

If everything goes as planned, the Camaro’s rebirth will mark a new chapter in one of Chevrolet’s most storied nameplates, trading gas-fed V8 thunder for electric torque and SUV versatility without letting go of its performance DNA.