With a profile that harkens back to the 1967 original, the sixth-generation Camaro looks pleasingly familiar, marking a subtle styling evolution over the previous model. But don't let that fool you. The modern Camaro is a delight to drive, with dynamic prowess that can give even snooty European sportsters a run for their money. But as a daily driver, you might want to think twice because outward visibility is atrocious.
At a glance, the Camaro may appear to be the result of a cosmetic makeover, but it is now based on the accomplished Alpha rear-drive platform. This pedigree gets the coupe off to a good start. Reduced weight, revised suspension, and sharp steering create an experience unlike any muscle car buyer's expectations. The Camaro feels much more like a fine European sport sedan than anything a typical shopper may be trading in.
Accordingly, the Camaro vanquishes the notion that muscle cars are designed purely for running in a straight line. Here is a car that loves curvy roads, rewarding the driver with a planted body and an athletic demeanor. The steering is well-judged with decent feedback. While the ride is firm and connected, it masks bumps remarkably well.
Three engines are offered, including a turbocharged 275-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 335-hp, 3.6-liter V6. The SS packs a Corvette-sourced 6.2-liter V8 with 455 horsepower and 455 lb.-ft. of torque. And if that isn't enough, you can also get the ZL1 version, which packs 650 hp from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. As the horsepower wars have waged on over the decades, today's Camaro V8 is more than ready to go head-to-head against the eight-cylinder offerings from its crosstown rivals, Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang.
The power is put to great effect with the available six-speed manual. The shifts are swift, aided by a light yet positive shifter action. The clutch is relatively low effort, making driving in traffic easier than with some other high-horsepower cars. Active rev matching, controlled via steering wheel paddles, can help transform a casual driver into a rock star, while enhancing the ebullient V8/dual exhaust soundtrack in the process.
Copious power is readily available, even without chasing the right cog for the situation. Tip into the throttle, and the Camaro pulls fiercely from nearly any gear. Downshift, and it becomes a veritable road rocket -- as one would expect from the most powerful Camaro SS in Chevrolet history.
Undoubtedly, the Camaro is a real treat. However, the packaging suffers from overt flaws that may turn away some buyers. Visibility remains dreadful, making it hard to see stoplights, merge or park. Fortunately, the car includes a rear backup camera, along with parking assist and rear cross traffic warning-- all systems you need with this coupe.
The driver's space is decidedly intimate for a sizeable car. The bolstered sport seats are comfortable, but we were dismayed that there was no lumbar adjustment in a car of this heady price. Further, head room is non-existent; think hard before ordering yours with the space-stealing moonroof. There's barely room for a comb over for some drivers. The rear seat remains vestigial, and useful only in a pinch. Moreover, getting in and out of it is the stuff for acrobats. If you want a muscle car with passenger space, look to the Dodge Challenger.
The infotainment system is graphically pleasing and intuitive to use. However, its screen tilts down slightly, presumably to better shield it from sun reflections. As a result, it looks oddly like it is tilting rearward. Neatly, the temperature adjustments are hidden in the vent bezels, but those vents are positioned unusually low and end up freezing your hand on the shifter.
Trunk space remains tight, with an unusual opening size that would limit the Camaro's functionality for daily groceries only.
In terms of acceleration, sound, handling and braking the Camaro shines brightly. But the packaging limitations may turn off some buyers and warrant serious consideration from all would-be owners.