2017 Chevrolet Camaro ups ante for fun ride
Advanced performance and engineering come together in sixth generation
The sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro debuted in 2016 and went on to win the coveted Motor Trend Magazine“caroftheyear”award hands down.
This is the first time we’ve driven a Camaro with a four-cylinder power plant, which combines with the new platform’s smaller, lighter and stronger Camaro. Impressive upgrades that add to the Camaro’s continuing presence as a “pony car” with true sports car genes include a new double-pivot sport strut front suspension and a five-link rear setup that results in one great handling Camaro regardless of powertrain choice.
All of the new Camaros will surely impress even the most finicky of driving enthusiasts thanks to great looks and a propensity to hug corners. Under the hood of our tester sits the aforementioned 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that pumps out 275 horses and 295 pound-feet of torque. These numbers are fine, especially considering that when the Camaro debuted in 1967, a 327 that developed 275 horsepower was a popular option.
However, and this is one big “however,” the 2017 Camaro engine lineup also offers a 3.6-liter, 335-horse direct injection V-6 up to a 6.2-liter, 455 horse Corvette style V-8 that is standard in the SS model. If that’s not enough, you can add the ZL1 option, which lifts horsepower to a staggering 650 ponies thanks to a supercharged 6.2 LT engine (starts at $61,140) and offers either an optional 10-speed automatic or the standard six-speed manual. NONZL1 Camaros feature a standard sixspeed manual or, as is the case with our tester, an optional paddle-shift eight-speed automatic that adds $1,495 to the base price.
Another notable concerning the new generation is Chevrolet utilizing heavy-duty yet lighter components throughout, resulting in our Camaro shedding nearly 390 pounds versus the previous generation in 2015. This combines to assist both in acceleration and braking abilities.
It is notable that our Camaro came with an optional $485 Heavy Duty Cooling and Brake Package that adds performance Brembo brakes to ensure bringing all 2017 Camaros to quick, straight stops. You can also choose from three specific drive modes — touring, sport and snow, the latter if you happen to be caught in nasty weather. Fuel mileage is good, with EPA estimates at 22 city and 31 highway.
Another area that deserves praise is the cabin, as Chevy integrates today’s top technological amenities. Included are an 8-inch display, Siriusxm, Premium Bose stereo, new configurable instrument cluster, heated and cooled seats, all connectivity features and much more. Your Chevrolet dealer will explain everything new in this outstanding cabin, including the leather features that all come as part of the 2LT package that graced our tester.
The exterior is still noticeable as a Camaro, although Chevy didn’t move too far from its fifth-generation design. New headlights and front grille are most noticeable, as is a taillight revamp. Although the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger perhaps do a better job of rekindling the look of the early 1970s, the new Camaro from day one never intended to look that much like the firstand second-generation Camaro, sans some Camaro badges, interior features and other ancillary items.
Options include a $1,950 RS (Rally Sport) package that features 20-inch Goodyear run flat tires on aluminum rims, rear spoiler, unique grille and headlights and more. A $2,800 convenience package adds rear park assist, rear cross traffic alert, side blind zone alert and more. With
$995 delivery, the final tally came in at $38,130.
Personally, I wasn’t sure at first that a four-cylinder engine fits the modern Camaro principle, but after driving it for a week, I’ve changed my mind. For now, the Turbo-4 won’t let you down when it comes to being adequate, and in the four-cylinder’s defense are several factors.
First, there are nearly $7,000 in options on our tester that push the price beyond what I’d call a good buy. Second, the fuel mileage advantage of the four is way better than the V-8’s 16 mpg city and 25 highway.
The V-6, by the way, starts at $27,400 and is also a fine choice that delivers 19 city and 28 highway.
Finally, the zero-to-60 mph numbers for the four are quite impressive. I did three zero-to-60 runs and came in at 5.8, 6.0 and 6.1 seconds with the larger 20-inch tires. So the Turbo-4 does indeed have some muscle. The V-6 comes in at 5.4 seconds and the V-8 at 4.2 seconds. The ZL1? How about 3.5 seconds to 60 mph (V-6 and V-8 numbers estimated).
Overall, a new Camaro in any stage of dress fits well for those who seek a sporty, sleek car that has few peers on the highway. All expected safety equipment is included, and we can’t end this review without mentioning the Camaro received a Five Star government safety rating to add to its positives.
The best Turbo-4 buy, in my opinion, is a Camaro that doesn’t go much past the $32,000 mark. Once you go over that, the entry SS model starts at $37,900 and is overall a better buy.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 110.7 inches, 3,354 pounds curb weight, 9.1 cubic feet of cargo room and a 19-gallon fuel tank.
If your “fun to drive” factor is high on your list of new car demands, not testing a brand-new 2017 Camaro is a mistake. There’s no car around today that offers so much performance, handling and excitement for so little.
And yes, there is a place for a Turbo-4 Camaro.