The Camaro received a major facelift in 1998 with new rounded composite headlamps; a newly designed hood; and front fenders. Two performance modifications were: 4-wheel disc brakes became standard on all models and a new exhaust system which reduced noise and vibrations.
Chevrolet didn’t return the Rally Sport to the production line, but allowed buyers to purchase either the base Camaro, the Z28 or the Super Sport in convertible or coupe styles. A lighter aluminum engine was introduced, the LS1 small-block V8. This small-block gave the Z28 305 horsepower while the SS received 320 hp.
1999 Camaros only had a couple changes and none were major. A larger fuel tank was provided, an “oil change” light was added to the dash, and a few new exterior colors were added for buyers to choose from. Sales began to decrease once again. Only 41,412 were sold in 1999.
The public heard that the end of the production of the Camaro was coming soon and were convinced by sales that the car’s production wouldn’t last to 2000, but Chevrolet continued it until its 35th anniversary which was in 2002. Chevrolet saw that the Camaro wasn’t selling as well as it needed to in order keep on producing it.
To sum up the fourth generation of Camaro and begin a production break, Chevrolet created the 35th anniversary Camaro. The special edition came with a red exterior with white racing stripes along with an addition of horsepower to both the Z28 and the Super Sport.
The last Camaro to roll off the line came out on Aug. 27, 2002. Many Camaro fans may have been disheartened to see the All-American power car stop its production but they didn’t know that in a few years the fifth generation was going to be produced.