Although we're thrilled to have finally driven the with its throbbing 426-bhp V-8 (we'd previously only driven the V-6 version), we're positive the gobs of attention the car received during our photo shoot in San Diego, California, means that got this "modern interpretation of a classic car" thing just right — people were thrilled to be seeing the new Camaro; it didn't seem to matter if it was an SS V-8 or a V-6. Everyone seems to know this is the new Camaro the second they lay eyes on it, yet it's not merely a carbon-copy of the 1969 Camaro upon which designer Sang Yup Lee took his inspiration. And with the Camaro's purposeful hood power bulge, slightly shrouded headlights, menacing grille and foglights-as-DRLs, few cars on the road display a more aggressive face.
But let's get back to the Camaro SS and its V-8. Two 6.2-liters are available: Order the 6-speed automatic (which comes with shift buttons on the back of the steering wheel for manual control,) and you get the L99, which features Active Fuel Management (switching from 8 to 4 cylinders when driven at light throttle loads to save fuel) but lower power ratings of 400 bhp and 410 lb.-ft. of torque. Automatic-blip downshifts add a manly feel to this gearbox.
Order the Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual and you get to feel the power of Chevy's LS3 V-8 with 426 bhp at 5900 rpm along with 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 4600 rpm. Although the Camaro was designed/built with a price point in mind, Chevrolet didn't skimp on the necessities. All V-8 Camaros, plus V-6s with manual transmissions, come with limited-slip differentials — a must for good burnouts, power slides and true performance driving.
With 426 bhp and a 3860-lb. curb weight, the car hits 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and the quarter-mile in 13.0 at 111.1 mph. Those numbers basically equal the we previously tested with an automatic transmission, while they're significantly quicker than Ford's less powerful . Of note, the last Camaro Z28 we tested, in our November 2001 issue, hit 60 mph in 5.5 sec. and ran the quarter mile in 13.9, powered by a 310-bhp 5.7-liter V-8.
An interesting aspect of the new Camaro is Chevy's Launch Control, which functions when the stability system is set to its Competitive Driving mode. Launch Control manages wheelspin in 1st gear, as you keep the throttle pinned. Of note, we achieved quicker acceleration times managing wheelspin ourselves.
It's no secret that the new Camaro is a joint Australian/U.S. project. It's also no secret the Camaro rides on what is basically a shortened platform of Pontiac's G8. But unlike the G8, which is built in Australia, the Camaro is built at GM's Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, plant (production started March 16th). The G8's rear-drive platform means that for the first time in the Camaro's history, it has an independent multilink rear suspension, to go along with its MacPherson-strut front setup. Camaro SS models come with slightly stiffer spring rates, thicker anti-roll bars and a 0.5-in. lower ride height than V-6 versions.
Fitted with 245/45ZR-20 front and 275/40ZR-20 rear Pirelli PZero tires, our test car garnered 0.87g around the skidpad and 66.8 mph through the slalom. For comparison purposes, those are slightly better numbers than the Challenger SRT8 (0.85g and 65.0 slalom) but a far cry from the Track Pack-equipped Mustang GT (0.93g and 69.3 mph). Chevy currently doesn't have plans for a factory "track package" for the Camaro.
Out on the road, what the Camaro gives up in precision, it makes up in pure ride quality. This car is downright comfortable! And due to its independent rear suspension, bumps don't make the Camaro SS "hopping" mad. Sure, push the Camaro SS hard and you'll encounter a fair amount of understeer — there's no escaping the car's plentiful 3860-lb. curb weight. Luckily, the 14.0-in. 4-piston Brembo front brakes (14.4 at the rear) are up to the task of getting the Camaro SS slowed down quickly.
In lower speed corners, you can use the massive amounts of V-8 power to steer the Camaro SS with the throttle. Which is just plain good fun! The 6-speed manual, although not the quickest shifting ever, is easy to use and has positive gates, while pedals are placed close enough for reasonable heel-and-toeing. The front seats are clearly made for wide Americans, but despite this they offer good lateral support and comfort aplenty. Limited rear head room defines the Camaro as a 2 + 2.
The EPA rates the Camaro V-6 with the 6-speed manual at 17 mpg city/ 29 mpg highway. The manual SS is rated at 16/24, (with the automatic a tad better at 16/25). At $22,995 for the LS V-6, and $30,995 for the SS, we rate the new Camaro as great news for Americans. Chevy says the first Camaros will hit dealers at the beginning of April. The Camaro later became the 2013 Chevrolet NASCAR Nationwide Series car.
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