For its third model year, the contemporary Camaro will sustain a round of evolutionary changes that, individually, may not seem to count for a lot but, in their aggregate, will continue to build the breed.

For the marque’s 45th birthday, a special 45th Anniversary package has been announced, along with a new performance suspension package for SS coupes, improvements in the 3.6-liter V6 engine, a revised instrument panel design, a new steering wheel and rear camera system.

Previously announced for 2012 is the ZL1 Camaro, which will be responsible for some of the enhancements seen in other Camaro models. The upcoming FE4 suspension for the 2012 Camaro SS coupe is a leading example. The FE4 package will include retuned front struts and and rear shocks, redesigned solid front (23 mm) and rear (24 mm) stabilizer bars and 20-inch aluminum wheels with P245/45R20 front and P275/40R20 rear tires.

According to the company, the new FE4 performance suspension incorporates learning from the ongoing development of the high-performance Camaro ZL1. For example, the suspension geometry has been adjusted, including reshaped stabilizer bars that are now outboard of the shock mounts. This change results in more effective body control and improved response in performance driving.

“Our objective was to create a more precise sport suspension for the SS coupe, with greater road-holding capability,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. ”We applied lessons learned from extensive track testing to better refine the suspension geometry for flatter cornering, a more neutral balance during hard turns, and minimized understeer at the limit.”

For the base model, significant improvements in the 3.6-liter V6 engine have increased power output by 11 hp without affecting the car’s fuel economy rating. The LFX engine also shed 20 pounds during the update, which included a cylinder head design with integrated exhaust manifold, larger intake valves, longer-duration intake cams, stronger and lighter-weight connecting rods and a good deal more.

A few exterior changes are coming for the 2012 model, including RS-style tail lamps becoming standard equipment, a new rear spoiler as standard and the replacement of the Red Jewel exterior color by Crystal Red Tintcoat. On the inside, new instrument graphics and trim, as well as a new steering wheel design, lead the changes, in addition to a rear view camera package.

In addition, the next special edition Camaro will celebrate the nameplate’s 45th Anniversary. We’ve previously announced the good-looking package here and seen it at the recent Camaro5 Fest here.