The lines of this car instantly remind me of the 1967 era Camaro and how it is such a sought after car even today, and now you have the chance to own a brand new version today. I will break it down into a couple of categories. Performance, comfort, design, and economy.
To start off performance, of course if I am going to be buying a new Camaro it is going to be the SS trim level with the 6.2L 426 horsepower V8 engine under the bonnet. Now being I work at a Chevy dealer I did just have the chance to drive one. To be honest the first thing I couldn't wait to hear was the exhaust, as I sat down and put the key in the ignition I waited in anticipation turned the key and........it sounded like I started a 98 Honda Civic with a rice burner can on the back. What a disappointment!! I have 426 HP at the disposal of my right foot and all it has to say for it is nothing?? Now I gave it the benefit of the doubt to let it warm up a bit, also taking into consideration all the "green" movement and how not everyone wants a loud car, but honestly who buys a car with that power and doesn't want it. Also, for the faint of heart they do make a 312 HP V6 engine for the Camaro, good on gas...but then it is also only a V6.
Once on the road and I let loose all 426 HP in second gear, I got the sound I was looking for. I felt like the devil himself was inside the engine with the devilish bellow that came from that engine bay. Secondly the steering is a little slow to respond, almost felt like and all wheel drive car to me. But it is a large car, we are still Americans after all.
As far as comfort goes, I loved it. The seats are extremely comfortable and being a two door car the leg room is phenomenal. I did forget to mention that I am 6'9" so I am kind of a stickler for cars that can fit my unusually large frame. That being said if for some reason someone wanted to sit behind me while I was driving, you would have a better chance fitting a square peg in a round hole. The seats are full power and if you happen to be 4'5" they will rise up to put your head above the windshield. Air conditioning and stereo by Boston Acoustics are also great, you would not be unhappy with sitting in this car for a long drive.
Like I mentioned design, well frankly to me it is like looking at the Mona Lisa for the gear head. Perfect. My favorite exterior accessory would be the BMW inspired halo eye band that wraps around the HID headlight, making it look like the car is looking directly at you. The added benefit of the convertible is when the top is up it looks even better than the hardtop with a "chopped" top apperance.
Lastly economy, for someone knowing they are going to be buying a car with a V8 that could tear down a house they will be presently surprised to know their Camaro can get 25 MPG on the highway, yes...25. Now you will average around 14 in the city and for people who drive like me closer to 12. The V6 little brother averaging about 3-5 MPG better.
So overall I would be happy purchasing a Camaro SS except for one thing, the big brother being produced starting in 2012. The Camaro ZL1, which is destined to tear your face off.
You know a lot about cars and your comments are interesting. I went car shopping the other day and felt like I was wasting my time. It would be neat if someone could match the car to the driver or at least let the driver know what they need to be looking for so you are not out wasting time.
ReplyDeleteI've seen this camero on the road. I may even like it more than the vet.
I like your idea, almost like a car concierge service where all you have to do is ask a desk of experts and they match you up with the car of your dreams.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the Camaro to vet comparison. It is a much better looking and striking car, as opposed to the vet which a lot of people already own. And the corvette starts around 50k where the fully loaded camaro ends at about 44-45k. And being the corvette for that price has the same 6.2L V8 why would I choose is? The only step I would make is to the Z06 which gets the 7.0L V8 with 505HP. Now the corvettes are all lighter so it will perform better, but unless you are doing track days, there is really no point to getting the high powered of a car.
Thanks Mike