1985 is best known by Camaro aficionados as the year the IROC first made its appearance. Named after the International Race of Champions, it certainly lived up to its moniker. Both the Z28 and the IROC had a Tuned Port Injection (TPI) version of the engine which was rated at 215 horsepower. The 5.0 HO engine also had a hotter camshaft and a larger exhaust system. Ironically, this engine was available only on the automatic. However you could opt for the L69 H.O. engine which only came with the 5-speed manuel tranny it produced 190 Hp@ 4800Rpm's and 240FtLb torque @ 3200 Rps's.Production of this engine was restricted about half way through the year. Although you did loose a very small amount of HP and torque with the H.O. it was well worth it to get the 5- speed.Besides the horsepower could be overcome with ease by adding headers and a good exahust. the L69 is 1985 was only available in the IROC. New 16 by 8 inch all aluminum wheels sporting 245/50VR16 Goodyear Gatorback tires, the ride was lowered by 1/2 an inch and the addition of the foglamps made sure that if you saw the IROC from the front you new at that moment that you were seeing an IROC.
Chevrolet also changed ten of the twelve exterior colors from 1984. Other external changes included new front fascias, tail lamps, air dams, grilles, and parking lamps, although these changes were very minor and mostly not noticeable to the untrained eye.
The IROC was honored as one of Car and Driver's Ten Best for 1985.