The high-shouldered, cartoonist exterior, scorching performance, and muscle-car attitude carry over with all the force of before.
The 6.2-liter V-8 makes 426 hp with the six-speed manual (400 hp with the automatic), and in either case, the SS is a performance icon with tire-shredding power (and 0-60 in the 4.5-second range). Safety and convenience features aren't forgotten in the Camaro—even for the high-value base V-6 model. Although a screen-based navigation system isn't available, an On Star navigation feature is offered; Bluetooth, a USB plug, and an iPod adapter are also available.
The 2011 Chevy Camaro is a four-seat coupe or convertible available in V6-powered LS (coupe only), 1LT and 2LT trim levels, and V8-powered 1SS and 2SS trim levels.
Standard equipment on the LS includes black 18-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, cruise control, keyless entry, air-conditioning, four-way manual front seats with power recline, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, On Star and a six-speaker stereo with CD player, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. The 1LT adds 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps and eight-way power seats. The 2SS essentially features the 1SS's performance bits with the 2LT's convenience and luxury features.
A six-speed manual is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined with the manual and 18/29/22 mpg with the automatic.
Every 2011 Chevy Camaro comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and On Star. In Edmunds brake testing, both Camaro V6 and V8 coupes with 20-inch wheels came to a stop from 60 mph in an excellent 111 feet.
Muscle cars have traditionally had bland interiors, but the Camaro laudably mixes retro touches like square gauge hoods and the available four-pack of auxiliary gauges with a modern dash design.
The Camaro also displays impressive amounts of grip, communicative steering and a refined suspension that make it exponentially more talented around corners than any Camaro that came before it.
The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro is tearing up the sales charts and for good reason--it offers performance in spades, chiseled good looks, and for 2011 a convertible option. The SS comes packing a 6.2-liter V-8 engine that delivers up 426 horsepower when equipped with the manual transmission (400 horsepower with the automatic) and 420 pound-feet of torque. The Camaro may have the Mustang beat on the performance numbers but the Ford is the lighter of the two.
For 2012 Chevrolet will be introducing a Camaro ZL1, which will feature the same supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine found in the Cadillac CTS-V line of cars.
