The Chevy Camaro ZL1 could appear like the last word Scorching Wheels automobile, nevertheless it’s additionally scorching wheels for automobile thieves. It tops the newest Freeway Loss Knowledge Institute report of probably the most stolen automobiles in America, which says it is 39 occasions extra more likely to be stolen than the common automobile. It is practically twice as more likely to be stolen because the second-place automobile, the Acura TLX with all-wheel drive. Different variations of the Camaro should not really feel not noted, as they take third place on the record.
The Camaro is a notable exception within the prime 20, being the one sports activities automobile on a listing dominated by vehicles and SUVs. Comparable top-end Ford Mustangs, Dodge Charger Hellcats, and even Corvettes do not make the highest 20 in any respect. What’s it in regards to the Camaro normally, and the ZL1 particularly, that makes it so fascinating to thieves? It isn’t simply the 650-horsepower 6.2-liter LT4 V8, or as a result of this automobile as soon as despatched a Jalopnik author to jail for dashing. HLDI believes it is due to a safety vulnerability that makes the Camaro simpler to steal than different automobiles.
“Within the case of Camaro ZL1, it is extremely fascinating to thieves, and, on prime of it, there is a vulnerability that makes them comparatively simple to steal,” Matt Moore, chief insurance coverage operations officer at HLDI, advised CBS Information. “As a result of vulnerability, with the suitable data and proper bits of expertise, somebody who can achieve entry to the within of certainly one of these Camaros can steal it comparatively simply.”
Buying and selling safety for comfort
Keyless entry is a pleasant trendy comfort, nevertheless it has additionally made automobiles simpler to steal. Thieves can intercept key fob codes, clone them, and use them to get inside a automobile. As soon as there, they’ll plug into the OBD2 port, faucet right into a headlight wire, and even use Bluetooth audio system to activate the ignition and steal the automobile.
Chevrolet is already providing homeowners of 2020 via 2024 Camaros a free software program replace to enhance safety, more likely to patch the exploit that thieves are utilizing. HLDI says a related method has led to a 46% discount in Hyundai and Kia thefts after a dramatic improve. On this case, a software program improve added an immobilizer operate that these automobiles lacked when constructed.
In response to HLDI, thefts of 2016 and newer Camaros spiked in 2023 and continued to rise via 2024. Keyless entry was launched in 2016, so Camaros seemingly grew to become a lot simpler to steal when thieves discovered easy methods to hack the system. The ZL1’s goodies make it a major goal, however the identical keyless entry system could also be used on all Camaros, which might clarify why non-ZL1 fashions are additionally in style with thieves. It is price noting that 9 of HLDI’s prime 20 stolen automobiles are GM merchandise, primarily variations of the Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Cadillac Escalade. Late-model Camaro homeowners ought to make an appointment with a vendor to get the free software program replace and hopefully make these automobiles tougher to steal.
