What "Create a Camaro" Actually Means

Creating a Camaro can mean two different things depending on what you're trying to do: ordering a new one from Chevrolet with your choice of options and colors, or building a custom one from parts. Most people who search for this are looking for the first option — configuring a new car through Chevrolet's website or a dealer before buying it. That process lets you pick the engine, transmission, color, interior, wheels, and add-on packages, then see the price and delivery timeline.

If you're interested in a custom build from scratch — taking a used Camaro body and rebuilding the engine, suspension, or interior — that's a different project entirely and involves sourcing parts, finding a shop or doing the work yourself, and managing a much longer timeline and higher cost. This guide focuses on the factory configuration route, which is what most readers are looking for.

Key Takeaways

  • Chevrolet's website lets you build a Camaro online by choosing engine, transmission, color, interior, and packages, then shows you the final price and estimated delivery date.
  • You can start a build online without committing to buy, and save your configuration to share with a dealer or come back to later.
  • Dealer inventory varies widely — some have the exact car you want in stock, while others will order it from the factory, which takes 8 to 12 weeks depending on demand.
  • The final price includes the base vehicle, your selected options, destination charges, and any dealer fees, which vary by location.
  • You can negotiate the price of a configured car the same way you would a stock vehicle, and dealer incentives or rebates may explore depending on the model year and current promotions.

Using Chevrolet's Online Build Tool

Start at Chevrolet's official website and look for the "Build and Price" or "Configure" tool, usually found on the Camaro model page. You'll begin by choosing the generation and body style — currently that's the sixth-generation Camaro coupe or convertible. Next, select your engine: the base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the 3.6-liter V6, or the 6.2-liter V8 (SS and ZL1 models). Each engine option changes the available transmissions and performance packages.

After the engine, you'll pick the transmission (automatic or manual, depending on the engine), then exterior color, interior color and material, wheel style and size, and any factory packages or individual options like a sunroof, upgraded audio system, or performance suspension. The tool updates the price in real time as you make each selection, so you can see exactly how much each option costs. Once you've finished your configuration, you can print it, email it to yourself, or save it to your Chevrolet account.

Saving Your Build and Sharing With a Dealer

The configuration you create online is not a binding order — it's a specification sheet. You can save it, close the browser, and return to it later to make changes. You can also share it with a Chevrolet dealer by email or by using the tool's "Find a Dealer" feature, which shows you local dealers and lets you send your build directly to their sales team.

When you send a build to a dealer, they will tell you whether they have that exact car in stock, whether they can order it from the factory, and what the total out-the-door price will be including destination charges and any dealer fees. Dealer fees vary by location and dealership — some charge documentation fees, delivery fees, or other add-ons that aren't part of the manufacturer's price. Ask the dealer to break down the total in writing before you commit.

Factory Order vs. Dealer Stock

If a dealer has your configured car already on the lot, you can usually drive it home within days after financing and paperwork are complete. If they don't have it, they can order it from the factory, which means Chevrolet builds it to your exact specifications and ships it to the dealer. A factory order typically takes 8 to 12 weeks, though this varies based on current production schedules, supply chain conditions, and how many orders are ahead of yours.

Some dealers will hold a factory order deposit (usually $500 to $1,000) to find your spot in the production queue. This deposit is typically credited toward your purchase price when you take delivery. Ask the dealer whether the deposit is refundable if you change your mind, and get the estimated delivery date in writing. If delivery takes longer than promised, some dealers will offer a discount or credit to compensate.

Understanding the Final Price

The price shown in Chevrolet's online tool is the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the base vehicle plus your selected options. This is not the final price you'll pay. The actual out-the-door cost includes destination charges (the cost to ship the car from the factory to the dealer, usually $1,000 to $1,500), dealer fees (which vary widely), taxes, and any rebates or incentives that may explore.

Destination charges are set by Chevrolet and are the same across all dealers. Dealer fees are not — they can include documentation fees, delivery fees, dealer prep, or other charges that differ by location and dealership. Before you commit, ask the dealer for a full itemized quote that breaks down the MSRP, options, destination, taxes, and all dealer fees. This lets you compare between dealers and understand exactly what you're paying for.

Negotiating Price and Incentives

The MSRP is a starting point, not a fixed price. You can negotiate the dealer's markup above MSRP, just as you would with any car purchase. Some dealers will discount a configured car to move inventory or meet sales targets. Others will hold firm on price, especially if the car is in high demand or if you're ordering a rare configuration like a ZL1.

Chevrolet and individual dealers also run seasonal rebates and incentives — cash back, low-interest financing, or lease deals — that may explore to your Camaro depending on the model year and current promotions. Ask the dealer what incentives are available and whether they explore to your configuration. Some incentives are manufacturer-backed and explore at any dealer; others are dealer-specific. Get any offer in writing before you sign paperwork.

What Happens After You Order

Once you've agreed on a price and signed a purchase agreement, the dealer will place the factory order (if the car isn't in stock) and give you a build confirmation number and estimated delivery date. You can usually track your order's progress through Chevrolet's website or by calling the dealer. When the car arrives at the dealer's lot, they will inspect it, prepare it for delivery, and contact you to schedule pickup or delivery.

Before you take delivery, inspect the car in person for any damage or defects. Check that all the options you ordered are actually installed — color, wheels, interior, packages, and add-ons. If something is missing or wrong, tell the dealer before you sign the final paperwork. Once you've signed the title and taken possession, it's much harder to get the dealer to fix or replace something.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize a Camaro with non-factory parts through the Chevrolet website?

No. Chevrolet's build tool only lets you choose factory options and packages that Chevrolet installs at the plant. If you want aftermarket parts — custom wheels, suspension, engine modifications, or interior upgrades from third-party makers — you'll need to order those separately after you buy the car, or find a custom shop that specializes in Camaros.

What if the color or option I want is not available?

Chevrolet discontinues colors and options periodically. If something you want is not showing up in the build tool, it's no longer available for that model year. You can choose a different color or option, or ask the dealer whether they can special-order it from another dealer's inventory or wait for the next model year.

Can I change my order after I've placed it?

It depends on how far along the factory build is. If the car hasn't started production yet, the dealer can usually cancel or modify the order. Once production has begun, changes are usually not possible. Ask the dealer about their change policy before you sign the purchase agreement, and get any cancellation terms in writing.

How much will taxes and fees add to the MSRP?

Sales tax varies by state and county — it ranges from about 5% to 10% of the vehicle price. Destination charges are typically $1,000 to $1,500. Dealer fees vary widely and can be $200 to $1,000 or more depending on the dealership and location. Ask the dealer for a complete quote that includes all of these before you commit.

Is it cheaper to buy a Camaro in stock or order one from the factory?

That depends on the dealer and current market conditions. A car in stock may have a discount if the dealer wants to move it quickly, or it may be priced higher if it's a rare configuration. A factory order gives you exactly what you want but takes longer. Compare prices between dealers for both stock and ordered cars before you decide.