2012 Chevrolet Camaro

By:

Cam on 01/11/2012

Topic:

Car Reviews.

Keyword:

Camaro.

As with many competitors, the late ‘60s saw Camaro come to fruition as a rival to Ford’s elusive equine, fueling the Pony Car wars.  From the beginning Chevy made it clear that Camaro wasn’t out to make friends:  Execs called it “a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs” and the fight was on.

The gloves have yet to come off.  Five generations later, Camaro retains its cool image, even achieving movie star status, costarring alongside Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox in the Transformer series.  And, starting at $23,280, Camaro is one accessible celebrity.

The Chevrolet Camaro Today

Yes, on the surface Camaro seems to have it all: Spectacular body, down to earth attitude and a drive that gets it places.

Its privileged status helped surge Chevy’s muscular revival the past two years, and chances are good that Camaro’s light won’t be dissipating any time soon.  2012 marks the 45^th anniversary of the classic car, and Chevy has plans for given their star player some key updates.

Check out what the 2012 Chevy Camaro has to offer.

New For Camaro in 2012

This year marks the 100^th anniversary for Chevy and the 45^th anniversary for Camaro, so of course there has to be a special edition.  The Anniversary Camaro comes fitted with a unique paint job, complete with red and grey stripes on the hood, along with 20” wheels and red, white & blue stitching on black leather seats inside.  Of course, if you’re not one to commemorate birthdays, the Coupe, Convertible, and high performance ZL1 trims are still available.

Chevrolet Camaro Performance

The rear wheel drive LS and LT Camaro Coupes are fitted with a 3.6 liter V6 that produces 323 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque, up 11 HP from last year.  The 1LT is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission standard, and the 2LS a 6-speed automatic, while the LT’s get the option for either.

Camaro SS gets upgraded to a 6.2 liter V8 that’s good for 426 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque when fitted with a 6-speed manual, or 400 HP and 410 lb.-ft. with a 6-speed auto.

Chevrolet Camaro Fuel Economy

EPA estimates put Camaro at 19/30/22 (city/highway/combined) MPG with automatic transmission and 17/28/20 when manually driven.  The V8 Camaro SS achieves 16/24/19 with the manual choice, or 15/24/18 with the automatic.

Camaro Interior Highlights

Drivers have mixed feelings about Camaro’s retro/modern fusion interior design, and the use of plastics may feel a little too old for some.  On the plus side, Chevy has given the 2012 Camaro a new steering wheel with better grip and feel.  If you plan on taking a road trip, try and vie for a front seat, because Camaro’s rear accommodations are crampingly small.  Trunk space comes in at 11.3 cubic feet (down to 10.2 for the Convertible), but there’s talk of a tiny opening that makes it seem smaller.  And without the rearview camera drivers can be hindered by  the compromised rear visibility.

Chevrolet Camaro Safety

Camaro standards include 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability/traction control, front seat-side & full length side curtain airbags, and OnStar services.  A Rear Vision Package including a rearview camera and parking sensors comes available for 1LT trims and up.  Government crash testing gives the 2012 Camaro Coupe 5/5 stars across the board, adding more substance to style.

Camaro’s Bottom Line

The 2012 Camaro is still all about flash.  While it may not pan out to be as conventional as its reinvented muscle competitors, this nameplate could be the most fun to drive.  Performance, style, and an undoubted ability to show off, Camaro has confidence.  And you’ll probably end up wanting to be a part of its entourage.  Check out Camaro now.