The automotive landscape is brimming with impressive vehicles today, and among them, the 2015 Camaro Ss stands out as a true testament to American muscle car prowess. This isn’t just another car; it’s a statement, blending raw power with surprising track capability. I recently spent three exhilarating days pushing the Camaro SS to its limits on the newly paved Gingerman Raceway in South Haven, Michigan, and the experience left a lasting impression.
General Motors offers a diverse Camaro lineup, catering to various tastes and performance needs. From the approachable 323 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 to the formidable 580 HP supercharged ZL1, there’s a Camaro for almost every enthusiast. And that’s before considering the numerous convertible and specialized editions available. The model I tested was a Summit White 2SS, boasting a luxurious leather interior, a potent 426 hp 6.2-liter V8 engine, and a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission. Configuring this exact model on Chevrolet’s website prices it just under $40,000, offering a compelling performance bargain.
Sinking into the wide, supportive leather seats, the Camaro’s dimensions become immediately apparent. While not excessively large, it carries a substantial weight of around 4,000 lbs, a heft that’s noticeable through the somewhat over-assisted power steering and the brake pedal with considerable travel. However, this sensation isn’t entirely negative. It reflects the car’s dual nature: a comfortable daily driver capable of navigating the daily commute, yet always ready to unleash its V8 fury at a moment’s notice.
2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS on the Racetrack
It’s on the racetrack, however, where the 2015 Camaro SS truly reveals its unexpected capabilities. Despite the initial impression of weight and slightly muted steering and braking feel, the Camaro demonstrates surprising agility on the track. Entering the first turn, the SS seems to shed a significant portion of its mass, feeling considerably more nimble than its curb weight suggests. While not a purpose-built track weapon, its inherent robustness allows it to endure demanding track sessions, lap after lap, for days on end.
A crucial first step to maximizing track performance is to fully disengage the traction control system. This can be achieved by either holding the button down or pressing it twice to completely disable it. Leaving it partially engaged will result in the yaw control system applying the brakes, which, while maintaining stability, will accelerate wear on the brake components.
Instead, learning to manage the tires becomes paramount. The Camaro SS leaves the Oshawa factory equipped with staggered P245/45R20 front and P275/40R20 rear high-performance summer tires. These tires are remarkably capable, particularly considering the Camaro’s likely role as a street car. However, for those planning regular track use, investing in a dedicated set of track wheels and tires is highly recommended. This is a common practice with other muscle cars like the Mustang GT and Challenger; these powerful machines, while fast, are not lightweight sports cars and will inevitably consume consumables like tires and brakes more quickly on track. Just as in the Trans-Am racing series of the late 1960s, track-focused versions of these cars benefit significantly from upgraded wheels, tires, and braking systems. Fortunately, a wide array of aftermarket companies, including GM Performance, offer a plethora of options, sparking endless online discussions and forum debates among enthusiasts.
These online forums are also rife with discussions regarding engine modifications and performance enhancements. However, for most drivers, these upgrades are unnecessary. The 6.2L LS3 V8 engine, even in its standard configuration, provides ample power. While it might not set outright track records against dedicated sports cars, the generous 420 lb-ft of torque is more than sufficient to get drivers into exhilarating, and potentially challenging, situations.
During track testing, the Camaro SS proved surprisingly capable even when driven aggressively amongst higher-performance vehicles. While it exhibited some push through turn 2, it confidently slid out to the track’s edge, setting up perfectly for a blast into turn 3. With the suspension loaded, the SS effectively utilized the entire track width on exit, building significant speed through turn 4 without needing to lift off the throttle, settling wide for the entry into turn 5. Turn 6 became the Camaro’s strong point. By maximizing the exit from turn 5 and positioning the car wide for the turn 6 entry, hitting the apex precisely, and aggressively applying throttle, allowing the rear wheels to spin slightly with the limited-slip differential, the Camaro could confidently glide to the exit. This maneuver consistently gained a car length on a Nissan GT-R driven aggressively behind it. The fast right-hand sweeper of turn 7 allowed all-wheel-drive cars to close the gap as the Camaro exhibited some front-end push, but the SS maintained exceptional composure and balance through the challenging 8/9 combination. Hard braking into 10a with a touch of trail braking, before unleashing the full power down the Phoenix Flat, led to a textbook entry into turn 11 and onto the front straight, followed by hard braking uphill for turn 1.
2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS Cornering on Track
This demanding cycle of pushing the limits was repeated relentlessly for three consecutive days. It is this durability and consistent performance that truly earns respect for the Camaro SS. While numerous well-engineered cars can be driven to the track, enjoyed intensely for a weekend, and driven home without issue, the SS was tasked with leading a pack of nine supercars, collectively producing nearly 4,500 horsepower, with five of them equipped with all-wheel drive. This was a genuine trial by fire for the “big white whale,” and it unequivocally rose to the occasion. It’s important to remember that the 2015 Camaro SS isn’t a supercar. It is, simply put, a remarkably solid and fast car.
2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS Front View on Track
For those with a budget of around $40,000 and a need for occasional rear seats, the 2015 Camaro SS is an exceptional choice. By being selective with optional extras, the price can be kept closer to $35,000, leaving room for personalized modifications down the line. After all, for any true gearhead, the pursuit of automotive personalization is part of the passion, and right now, it’s a fantastic era to be an automotive enthusiast.
2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS Rear View on Track
2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS Dashboard and Interior
2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS Engine Bay LS3 V8
