For a brief time, the Chevrolet Camaro SS, ZL1, and 1LE packages could not be ordered in California and Washington due to a regulatory ban on copper in automotive brake pads. That has since been amended, but the copper-free pads are only offered in black. That being the case, the 2022 Chevrolet Camaro Shock and Steel and 2022 Camaro Redline editions are not available in California and Washington, as their Brembo brake pads come in yellow and gray, respectively.
“The performance copper-free brake system is only offered in black calipers right now, which means California and Washington customers would only have black calipers on cars with the performance copper-free brake system.” Chevrolet Camaro spokesperson Trevor Thompkins told MC&T, “California and Washington customers cannot order Shock and Steel and Redline Editions with the copper-free black calipers. There are a few wheel restrictions too.”
2022 Chevrolet Camaro: Copper-Free Brake Pads Only In Black
Copper is used in brakes because of the metal’s ability to quickly and effectively dissipate heat and allow for smooth braking. However, studies have found that copper from brake pads turns into dust particles and finds its way into waterways. Such levels of copper are toxic to many water-dwelling creatures, including fish, plants, and amphibians, which eventually works its way up the food chain, much like mercury in fish.
Neither the 2022 Chevrolet Camaro Shock and Steel Edition nor the 2022 Chevrolet Camaro Redline Edition offer the option to change their brake calipers for the black ones, even for California and Washington based customers.
Back in 2015, trade groups representing the auto industry signed an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to phase out copper in brake pads completely. The groups signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) proclaiming that the auto industry would implement the “Copper-Free Brake Initiative.”
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Demonstrating awareness of the matter, General Motors is a member of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, a trade group that signed the MOU. Meanwhile, Crosstown rivals Ford and Dodge have already adjusted to copper-free brakes for their respective muscle cars, and the respective Ford Mustang and Dodge Charger and Challenger have not seen any sales prohibitions from the issue. All three brands use the same brake supplier: Brembo. In the past, Brembo has confirmed that they will continue to make both copper-free brake pads and pads with copper; it’s up to the automakers to comply with the regulations.
We’ll update this story if/when the 2022 Chevrolet Camaro Shock And Steel Edition and Redline Edition packages are able to implement copper-free brakes in the future.
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