For years, the debate raged on: Mustang or Camaro? But in 2016, Chevrolet may have tipped the scales. The Camaro 2016 Ss V8 arrived, and it wasn’t just good; it was potentially the best pony car on the market. While Ford’s Mustang still holds a special place in many hearts, including mine, the revamped Camaro SS presented a compelling argument for the crown. Boasting a lighter chassis and a more potent V8 engine than the Mustang GT, the 2016 Camaro SS demands attention. Its aggressive styling might be described as cartoonish by some, but one press of the accelerator, and the sheer V8 power blurs any doubts into exhilarating speed.
The Positives of the 2016 Camaro SS V8
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Improved Visibility: A common complaint about previous Camaro generations was the restricted view from the driver’s seat. Even average-height drivers often felt boxed in. Forward visibility was particularly limited, hindering confidence and speed on winding roads. Thankfully, the 2016 Camaro addresses this issue. While still maintaining a sleek profile, the redesigned model offers a significantly improved forward view, boosting driver confidence and allowing for a quicker pace. Back roads, consider yourselves warned.
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Power-to-Weight Dominance: The 2016 Camaro SS V8 isn’t just powerful; it’s intelligently engineered for performance. Despite housing a massive 6.2-liter V8 engine under the hood, Chevrolet’s engineers managed to keep the curb weight under 3,700 pounds. This impressive feat means each of the 455 horsepower (and the matching 455 pound-feet of torque) is responsible for moving a mere eight pounds of car. The result? Jaw-dropping acceleration, especially in the real-world 30-60 mph range, making highway merges and overtaking maneuvers effortlessly thrilling.
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Steering Wheel and Handling Prowess: The steering wheel in the new Camaro SS deserves special mention. Its unique, chunky three-spoke design feels both retro and modern, reminiscent of 1980s high-tech aesthetics. Beyond aesthetics, it’s incredibly functional, providing excellent feedback from the road surface. This communicative steering perfectly complements the coupe’s athletic and grippy handling characteristics. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself confidently applying counter-steering while unleashing the V8’s power – traction control becomes optional when you’re this connected to the car.
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Magnetic Ride Control Excellence: The SS trim benefits from GM’s advanced Magnetic Ride Control active suspension. In “Tour” mode, the system truly shines, delivering a surprisingly comfortable ride quality for a performance car. This doesn’t come at the expense of handling; the Camaro SS retains its predecessor’s renowned mid-corner responsiveness, offering a balanced and engaging driving experience.
The Drawbacks of the 2016 Camaro SS V8
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Manual Transmission Quibbles: While the raw power and torque of the V8 demand a robust transmission, the six-speed manual in the test car left something to be desired. During the cool Michigan spring testing conditions, the gearbox felt noticeably stiff and balky. Even after spirited driving designed to warm up the components, the transmission never achieved the smooth, fluid action expected in a performance vehicle.
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Styling: A Matter of Taste: The updated styling of the 2016 Camaro is arguably its most polarizing feature. In certain moments, the car’s aggressive lines and muscular stance can be undeniably appealing. However, the overall design language feels somewhat conflicted. The sharp angles clash with rounded elements, creating a visual tension that might not age gracefully. It’s a design that may divide opinions and could look dated sooner rather than later.
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Rear Seats: Officially Symbolic: The cliché about sports car rear seats being useless rings especially true for the 2016 Camaro. While technically present, they are effectively unusable for adults. Even a friend under six feet tall, subjected to a short ride in the back, vehemently protested the experience. Consider the rear seats as extra storage space or strictly for very small children – and even then, it’s not ideal.
2016 Camaro SS V8: Spec Sheet Snapshot
| 2016 CHEVY CAMARO 2SS COUPE | |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 6.2-Liter V8 |
| OUTPUT | 455 Horsepower / 455 Pound-Feet |
| TRANSMISSION | 6-Speed Manual |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.3 Seconds |
| EPA FUEL ECONOMY | 16 City / 25 Highway / 19 Combined MPG |
| WEIGHT | 3,685 Pounds |
| SEATING CAPACITY | 4 (Nominal) |
| BASE PRICE | $42,295 |
| AS-TESTED PRICE | $43,205 |
Final Verdict: The 2016 Camaro SS V8 – A Top Pony Car Contender
The 2016 Camaro SS V8 isn’t without its flaws. The manual transmission could be smoother, the styling is subjective, and the rear seats are practically non-existent. However, these shortcomings are easily overshadowed by the car’s strengths. The improved visibility, potent V8 engine, exceptional power-to-weight ratio, and engaging handling make the 2016 Camaro SS V8 a thrilling driving machine. For those seeking pure pony car performance, the Camaro 2016 SS V8 is not just in the conversation; it’s arguably leading the charge. It’s a serious contender for the best in its class, and a testament to Chevrolet’s commitment to performance and driving enjoyment.
