The 2012 Chevy Camaro Ss is a modern muscle car that pays homage to its iconic predecessors while delivering impressive performance and contemporary features. Back in 1987, the author reminisced about his 1980 Z28, a car that, despite its glory, paled in comparison to the raw power and efficiency of the 2012 Camaro SS. This new iteration boasts more than double the horsepower of the older model, yet astonishingly achieves double the fuel economy. Let’s dive into what makes the Chevy Camaro SS a compelling choice for muscle car enthusiasts in today’s market.
What is the Chevy Camaro SS?
The Chevy Camaro SS embodies the classic muscle car formula: a powerful V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, and aggressive styling, all wrapped in a two-door, four-seater coupe. It’s a modern interpretation of the iconic Camaros of the 60s and 70s, designed to deliver thrilling performance and head-turning looks.
Priced starting at $31,850, the Camaro SS sits above the base V6 LS coupe, which starts at $23,200. Convertible versions are also available, broadening the appeal for those who desire open-top cruising with their muscle. The primary competitors in this segment are the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger, each offering their own take on American muscle.
2012 Camaro SS: What’s New?
For the 2012 model year, the Chevy Camaro SS received several key updates enhancing both performance and aesthetics. While the base V6 engine saw a power bump to 323 horsepower, the SS model benefited from a revised sport suspension, sharpening its handling capabilities. Interior enhancements across the Camaro range included a redesigned steering wheel and updated trim elements, refining the cabin experience. Notably, the previously optional RS taillights, featuring darker lenses and chrome trim, became standard across all Camaro models, adding a touch of premium styling.
For enthusiasts seeking even more exclusivity, the 45th Anniversary Edition of the SS was introduced, the model reviewed in the original article. Looking ahead to later in 2012, Chevrolet also announced the revival of the legendary ZL1 nameplate, signaling an ultra-high-performance Camaro variant to challenge the Mustang Boss 302 and Dodge Challenger SRT-8 at the top of the muscle car hierarchy.
Chevy Camaro SS: The Good and the Not-So-Good
The 2012 Chevy Camaro SS offers a compelling blend of power and iconic appeal, but it’s not without its drawbacks when compared to its rivals:
Pros:
- High-Performance V8: The SS boasts a robust 426 horsepower V8 engine, outmuscling the Ford Mustang GT in terms of raw power.
- Iconic Status: Driving a Camaro SS is about more than just performance; it’s about owning a piece of automotive history and enjoying the attention that comes with it.
- Surprisingly Efficient V6 Option: Even the base V6 Camaro delivers more power than many classic V8s and achieves an impressive 30 MPG on the highway, offering a balance of performance and fuel economy.
Cons:
- Weight and Agility: The Ford Mustang, being significantly lighter, offers quicker acceleration and a more agile feel.
- Practicality and Space: The Dodge Challenger provides more usable rear seats and a larger trunk, making it a more practical choice for those needing passenger and cargo space.
- Ride Comfort: The SS model, particularly with its sport suspension and large wheels, can deliver a bouncy ride on less-than-perfect road surfaces.
- Size and Bulk: The Camaro SS is a large and heavy car, which can impact maneuverability in tight spaces and overall driving dynamics.
Under the Hood of the Chevy Camaro SS
The heart of the Chevy Camaro SS is its potent 6.2-liter V8 engine, producing a formidable 426 horsepower. This engine propels the SS from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5 seconds, a figure that places it firmly in high-performance territory. While slightly edged out by the lighter Mustang GT in acceleration, the Camaro SS outpaces the heavier and less powerful Dodge Challenger R/T.
For those seeking a balance of power and efficiency, the standard 3.6-liter V6 engine in the base Camaro models is no slouch, delivering 323 horsepower. This V6 surpasses the power output of many classic muscle car V8s and still manages to achieve commendable fuel economy figures of 19 MPG city and 30 MPG highway. Both the V6 and V8 engines are available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, catering to different driving preferences.
Fuel economy for the V8 SS is rated at 16 MPG city and 24 MPG highway with the manual transmission, and slightly lower at 14 MPG city and 22 MPG highway with the automatic. Comparatively, the Mustang GT and Challenger R/T offer slightly varying fuel economy figures depending on transmission and engine configuration.
Looking to the future, Chevrolet was poised to unleash the Camaro ZL1, promising even more extreme performance with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, aiming to surpass the Challenger SRT8 and Mustang Boss 302 in the horsepower wars. The original ZL1 from the late 1960s was a legendary, special-order Camaro with a Corvette big-block V8, and the 2012 revival aimed to recapture that spirit of ultimate performance.
Driving the Chevy Camaro SS: On the Road
The driving experience of the Chevy Camaro SS is a mix of exhilarating performance and some compromises due to its size and weight. The sport suspension, particularly in the SS model, provides impressive grip and cornering capabilities, as expected from a modern performance coupe. However, the sheer size and weight of the Camaro are undeniable factors in its on-road behavior.
Compared to the Ford Mustang, the Camaro is noticeably larger and heavier. This translates to a feeling of less agility and more bulk, especially in tighter driving situations. The large 20-inch wheels and low-profile tires on the 45th Anniversary Edition, while visually striking, contribute to a firmer, sometimes bouncy ride, particularly on less-than-smooth pavement.
While the Camaro SS excels in cornering and offers immense grip, it demands more driver input to manage its weight and size. The Mustang, being lighter and more compact, generally feels more nimble and easier to handle in everyday driving. Visibility in the Camaro, particularly to the sides and rear, can also be a challenge due to its low roofline and thick pillars, a common trait in modern muscle car designs prioritizing aesthetics.
Chevy Camaro SS: Curb Appeal and Interior Impressions
The Chevy Camaro SS undeniably possesses strong curb appeal, particularly with younger demographics. Its bold styling and retro-inspired design command attention, and the 45th Anniversary Edition, with its unique Carbon Flash Metallic paint, red stripes, and special wheels, amplifies this effect. While the Ford Mustang is also a stylish car, its ubiquity on the roads means the Camaro often stands out as more of a novelty.
The Dodge Challenger, even larger and bolder than the Camaro, also shares this attention-grabbing quality, though its even greater size might be less appealing to some. In terms of practicality, the Challenger offers a significantly larger trunk and more usable rear seats compared to the Camaro, addressing some of the space limitations of the latter. The Mustang, while also having cramped rear seats, is at least smaller overall than the Camaro.
Moving to the interior, the Camaro SS presents a functional layout, but the material quality and finer details may not fully align with its price point. While the design is generally well-executed, some critics point to the use of hard plastics and a somewhat basic feel to elements like the gauges. The Mustang’s interior, in comparison, is often perceived as having a slightly more premium feel. However, the 45th Anniversary Edition does incorporate leather accents and special trim, attempting to elevate the cabin ambiance.
Final Verdict: The Chevy Camaro SS Experience
The 2012 Chevy Camaro SS is a muscle car that delivers on its promise of power and style. It’s a car that prioritizes driving thrills and visual impact over outright practicality or luxury. While it may not be the most family-friendly vehicle and might challenge ride comfort on rough roads, these aspects are arguably secondary for enthusiasts drawn to the raw appeal of a V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive muscle coupe. The Camaro SS offers a potent blend of retro charm and modern performance, making it a compelling choice for those seeking an iconic American driving experience.
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