Chevrole Camaro
Since its eight-year hiatus after 2002, Chevrolet (or Chevy) had finally come up with a plan to bring the fabulous pony car back to the United States, and take us back to the 60’s; of course, no actual time machine was needed for this type of “experiment.” Totally redesigned for the 2010 decade and model year, the Chevrolet Camaro’s front grille and rear tail, resembled a lot like what you may remember from 1968 to 1969 when it had either the small-block 350 or the big-block 396. Will the current-generation Mustang GT with the revamped 5.0 or the Dodge Challenger SRT8 be able to keep up with this legend from Chevy?
The SS comes in two trim levels the basic 1SS which comes with a strong, yet robust 6.2L LS2 V8 which pushes out 400 horsepower to the rear wheels, or an extra 26 horsepower to 426, if you want to stick with a regular 6-speed manual. Acceleration from 0-60 takes just 4.4 seconds; 4.2 seconds with one-foot of rollout. The 1SS also comes with TAPshift paddle-shifters if you are going with the 6-speed automatic transmission, which provide smooth yet quick shifts from gear to gear. The Camaro 1SS also comes with an independent rear suspension with adjustable camber and coil-over shocks for precise handling through hard corners.
The 2SS comes with additional options such as the Convenience and Connectivity Package, which provides hands-free Bluetooth, the Preferred Device Interface Module (PDIM), which provides a USB port where you can plug in your iPod, steering wheel mounted audio controls, and both leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. An RS Package gives you even beefier 20-inch wheels, HID headlights w/ LED halo rings, and a rear spoiler. The 2SS trim also comes with TPMS, and a very cool four-pack gauge set located in the center console for your oil pressure and temperature, battery voltage, as well as temperature readout for your transmission.
No matter if you get the Camaro SS with the 400 horsepower automatic transmission, or the 426 horsepower manual, the car just wants to let loose even if you ease your foot on the throttle. Once you floor it, the substantial 420 lb-ft. of torque roars to life at just 4600 rpm. You will be strapped to the back of your seat by the time the car had crossed the intersection of 4th and Main, making all of the Mustang drivers shaking in their boots.
However, the downside to all this power you are putting down (or want to put down) is the lack of traction on both dry and wet pavement; luckily, when you order the 2SS with the RS Package, the sticky 245/45/R20 front and 275/40/R20 rear Pirelli PZero tires have the strength and traction to back it up.
If you are in the market for a Mustang 5.0 or even a Dodge Challenger SRT-8, you have to check out the Camaro SS, because even though the Mustang had gained 0.4 extra liters and 100 extra “ponies,” it seems like the Camaro, once again, has two descent competitors. Now, who is the real “tough guy” on the block these days?
