(OPENING MUSIC)
No. Doubt. Here. This is a Chevrolet Camaro. Only true bowtie
believers (and maybe Bumblebee) will peg it as the new
sixth generation at first glance. The very familiar silhouette
is slightly smaller now. Every panel is new.
But really, the big news is, under all this,
Camaro now shares an architecture with Cadillac ATS.
And if you haven't heard, that is a very good thing.
Solid as an ingot, some 70 percent of the architectural
components are unique to Camaro. The V6 model is nearly 300 pounds
lighter now. The cabin with signature narrow windows might be
hard to see out of, but the design and materials look so much
better now. These are not just trim rings, very clever.
A backup camera is standard. Good thing.
And yes, I am driving the 335 horsepower 6 with 284 lb-ft of torque
not the 455 horse V8 or the turbocharged four-cylinder with
275 ponies. Whatever the engine choose between a 6-speed
manual or this 8-speed automatic. Want drive modes? There ya go.
If you're feeling sad that you can't afford the V8, don't.
Hitting 60 will take a tick over 5 seconds. Yes, the
bigger engine pushes harder but I have to wonder how
the extra weight in the nose affects handling. The six
is nuanced and tenacious in turns without a punishing ride.
For those who aren't paying attention, General Motors
is doing great things with chassis tuning. Camaro is
just tons of fun to toss into a corner.
It's as compelling as anything from overseas, no "for a Chevy"
excuses needed. If the handling doesn't make you grin,
available configurable gauges will graphically display
why you should. There's also info on the head up display.
Even without available Brembo brakes the binders do a decent job.
I don't know what the V8 sounds like but the 6... not bad.
Tune the optional dual mode exhaust note from full on
Fast and Furious mode to a quieter "stealth" stetting.
Where's the fun in that? Now, about the gun slit glass...
As you might imagine, Camaro's visibility, not exactly
panoramic. The rearward blind spot? About the size of Texas.
The V6 might be Goldilocks' choice. It's the only engine
specified to run on standard grade gas and averages just
two miles-per-gallon less than the turbo four.
Well optioned with the RS package, this one retails for
about $41,440. Don't skip the $2,800 convenience package
that adds the configurable gauge and head up display,
heated wheel, wireless phone charging, safety kit like
much needed blind spot warning, and accent lighting that's
not just a gimmick, it transforms the space.
The sills are like billboards.
Whatever you do don't try to sell Camaro to your significant
other as a practical vehicle. You'll only look desperate.
Or stupid.
Seating is capped at two, no cup holders. Even small kids
will grouse about legroom.
If you need a lot of cargo space that's easy
to access, there are always minivans and crossovers aren't there.
No need for a split here, who's going to use the back seat.
These eliminate the usual arms that crush cargo but the
opening has the all functionality of a mail slot.
Maneuvering large suitcases through it won't be fun.
Just like the Cadillac ATS coupe, it manages four packs.
Drawn up in Jessica Rabbit curves, the intense muscle
car lines may cause import worshipers to dismiss Camaro
on design alone. Their loss. It's bad, in a very good way.
Full of fun and finesse, Camaro is a performance bargain,
proving that stereotyping is never smart.
More on the interior. This is a huge step forward in
quality, with some nice details. Even the door handles
feel good. Ward's just gave Camaro a 10 Best Interiors
Award. User interfaces are becoming an important part of
cars and the MyLink system in Camaro is pretty straightforward.
An extra $500 adds navigation and Apple CarPlay. For those
choosing the six-speed manual transmission, the V8 has Active
Rev Matching technology that "blips" the throttle when downshifting.
I understand the appeal of going with the V8 found in the
SS, it's engine was introduced in the Corvette Stingray.
And SS is now available with Magnetic Ride Control. Before,
you had to move up the ZL1 to get that, it's terrific tech.
As far as value, I priced out a BMW 428i comparably
equipped that has 115 less horsepower than the V6 Camaro.
The Chevy is easily 10 grand less. And before anyone starts
jumping all over this comparison in the comments, I suggest
you actually drive the two, I have no dog in this fight.
I will say it's definitely easer to see out of the 4 Series.
That is my opinion of the 2016 Camaro and I will leave
you with this- If you're thinking of buying any kind of
performance car, I think you owe it to yourself to drive
this car, it's very very surprising. Check it out, test drive it,
you might be surprised. I know I was.
That's Driven I'm Tom Voelk.