The Camaro has been capturing the hearts of muscle-car fans with its rear wheel drive configuration and raw power since 1967.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a name with heritage, and with heritage comes great responsibility to stand up to its competitors, most notably the Ford Mustang. The Camaro’s position is to be the traditional muscle car solution to those who are looking for amazing performance and nostalgic design.
Design
The Camaro is the little brother to the Corvette in Chevrolet’s hierarchy, and there is an obvious resemblance.
This sixth-generation Camaro is smaller than the previous version and more athletic. Its bodywork features a fastback profile and beefed-up quarter panels, creating a stance that owns the road. The current generation of Camaro is built on smaller, lighter architecture than the previous generation. New for 2017 is the available 1LE handling package; it’s offered on V-8 and V-6 models with the manual transmission. The 1LE offers improved handling, revised cooling, upgraded suspension tuning, Brembo brake components, a limited-slip differential, 20-inch forged-aluminium wheels and better aerodynamics.
2017 also brings us the Camaro ZL1 with a supercharged 6.2-litre LT4 V-8 and available 10-speed automatic transmission.
Celebrating the Camaro’s 50th anniversary, Chevrolet has released a special edition package featuring unique colors, interior details, and badging last year.
Performance
Four different engines are available for the 2017 Camaro, and while your heart may sing for the V-8, your best option may be based on your budget and performance aspirations. The starting point is the 275 horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder, which comes with the LT model variant. This will transport you from 0-100 kilometres per hour in a mere 6.4 seconds.
A 335 h.p. V-6 is also available for the LT version, but if muscle is your game you may want to consider the V-8 options, starting with the naturally aspirated 455 h.p. 6.2-litre (available in the SS). The ultimate Camaro is the ZL1, which has a 650 h.p., supercharged 6.2-litre V-8; it’s the most powerful production Camaro to date. It will break the 100 km/h barrier in 3.6 seconds from a standstill.
For shifting traditionalists, the Camaro’s six-speed manual transmission moves cleanly and with accuracy. An eight-speed automatic transmission is also available in the LT and SS trims with lightning fast shifting thanks to paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The ZL1 can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or a ten-speed automatic transmission.
Environment
The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro is a four seater with very limited rear space. The front seats are well bolstered and comfortable for long trips and daily driving.
The rearward visibility is terrible but this is not a practical car by any stretch of mind.
Climbing into the interior of the Camaro brings the muscle car experience; the analogue gauges are set within the angular driver’s console, and the trim rings double as climate controls.
The trunk capacity of a Camaro coupe is 9.1 cubic feet, and the convertible version has a 7.3 cubic foot trunk. The trunk can comfortably fit two medium sized suitcases and a few small bags, enough for a road trip or trip to the airport. Folding the rear seats down does open up a bit more space, but this is not an option in the convertible as the rear seats are fixed upright.
The Camaro uses the Mylink infotainment system, which comes with a standard seven-inch touch screen or an eight-inch screen. Apps like Spotify and iHeartRadio are integrated into your car with the help of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth, satellite radio, and two USB ports are standard. The system is easy to use and intuitive, the display is also very crisp and gives the cabin a modernized feel.
Features
The Chevrolet Camaro starts at $29,395 and ranges to $69,300 for the ZL1.
The 2017 Camaro is available in four trims, the LS, LT, SS, and the ZL1 – each has a different standard engine. The LT and SS trims are further broken down into two different levels, the basic option is denoted by a “1” before the trim and the higher “2” version.
Both 2LT and 2SS models can be ordered as a 50th Anniversary Edition. Highlights include identifying badges and trim, a front splitter, orange brake calipers, Nightfall Grey Metallic paint, upgraded brakes and the RS package.
Standard safety equipment in the Camaro includes a rearview camera. Available safety options include rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert, and blind zone monitoring.
Fuel efficiency numbers for the Camaro range from 10.9 (litres/100 kilometres) for the city and 7.7 highway (2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder) to 16.8 for the city and 11.8 highway (6.8 litre supercharged V-8).
Thumbs up
Delivers traditional muscle car feel with raw power.
Thumbs down
Challenging outward visibility, narrow trunk access and pointless rear seating.
The bottom line
Featuring more powerful V-6 and V-8 engines than its rivals, the Camaro still stands as one of the best remaining pony cars.
Competitors
Dodge Challenger: The Challenger packs a punch in a straight line and is more at home cruising or at the drag-racing strip. Powertrains include the standard 305-h.p. 3.6-litre V-6 and an eight-speed automatic; the 5.7-litre Hemi V-8 turning out 375 h.p. with a six-speed manual, and 372 h.p. with the optional eight-speed automatic. The Scat-Pack option features a 485 h.p. 6.4-litre Hemi V-8, a six-speed manual is standard and an eight-speed automatic is optional.
The Dodge Challenger is priced from $32,595.
Ford Mustang: The Mustang has become an international American icon and it loves an open highway. Both the coupe and convertible come with your choice of a 300 h.p. 3.7-litre V-6, a 310 h.p. 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, or a 435 h.p. 5.0-litre V-8; all come with a choice of a manual or automatic six-speed. The rear-wheel drive chassis is confident in corners and smooth when cruising on the open road. An update for the Mustang is arriving this fall with a 10-speed automatic as an option.
Pricing for the Ford Mustang begins at $26,398.
Nissan 370Z Nismo: The Nissan 370Z isn’t a muscle car but it sure comes close to it, at 350 h.p. from its 3.7-litre V-6. Push the peddle to the metal and you will be rewarded with power and prowess in the bends. At this price point the Nissan is a serious contender and plays with the big cats at the track.
The Nissan 370Z Nismo is priced from $29,998.
editor@automotivepress.com
