The second-generation Chevrolet Camaro is an American pony car that was produced by Chevrolet from 1970 through the 1981 model years. It was introduced in the spring of 1970. Build information for model 123-12487 was released to the assembly plants in February of that same year. It was longer, lower, and wider than the first generation Camaro. A convertible, which was available for the first generation, was unavailable for the second. GM engineers have said the second generation is much more of "A Driver's Car" than its predecessor. History Overview Dubbed "Super Hugger", the second-generation Camaro was an all-new car with its basic mechanical layout familiar and engineered much like its predecessor with a unibody structure utilizing a front subframe, A-arm and coil spring front suspension, and rear leaf springs. The chassis and suspension of the second generation were refined in both performance and comfort; base models offered significant advances in sound-proofing, ride isolation, and road-holding. Extensive experience Chevrolet engineers had gained racing the first-generation led directly to advances in second-generation Camaro steering, braking, and balance. High-performance configurations were initially available, but the marketplace changed as 1970s progressed with fuel crisis, higher insurance rates, and tightening emissions regulations. Major styling changes were made in 1974 and 1978; 1981 was the final model year for the second-generation Camaro. Models and changes 1970–1981 1970 Most of the engine and drivetrain components were carried over from 1969, with the exception of the six-cylinder — the base engine was now the six, rated at . The 1970 Camaro SS 396 had the L78 rated at . Starting in 1970, the big block V8s (nominally ) actually displaced , yet Chevrolet chose to retain the 396 badges, equipped with a single 4-barrel Holley carburetor that produced at 5,600 rpm and at 3,600 rpm of torque. Two engines (the LS6 and LS7) were listed on early specification sheets and in some sales brochures but never made it into production. Besides the base model, buyers could select the Rally Sport option with a distinctive nose and bumper, a Super Sport package, and the Z-28 Special Performance Package (priced at US$572.95) featuring a new high-performance LT-1 of torque V8. The LT-1, an engine built from the ground up using premium parts and components, was a much better performer overall than the previous V8s used in 1967-69 Z-28s; greater torque and less-radical cam, coupled with the 780 cfm Holley