The allure of American muscle cars is undeniable, and the Chevy Camaro Ss stands as a modern embodiment of this legacy. Back in 1987, the author of this review reminisced about his cherished 1980 Z28, a vehicle that, in its time, represented power and style. Fast forward to 2012, and the landscape of muscle cars has dramatically shifted. The 2012 Chevy Camaro SS, a car recently put to the test, boasts more than double the horsepower of that classic Z28. Even the base V6 Camaro of 2012 eclipses the power of those golden-era V8s. Coupled with this immense power is a surprising leap in fuel efficiency, achieving double, if not more, the MPG of its vintage counterpart.
This review delves into the 2012 Chevy Camaro SS, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and how it stacks up in the contemporary muscle car arena. As automotive experts at cardiagnosticnearme.com, we understand the importance of not just raw power, but also the nuances of performance, handling, and overall driving experience. Let’s dive deep into what makes the Chevy Camaro SS a compelling choice, and where it might fall short.
What Exactly is the Chevy Camaro SS?
The Chevy Camaro SS firmly plants itself in the realm of the classic American muscle car: a two-door, four-seater coupe overflowing with attitude and, most importantly, a potent V8 engine. It’s a modern reimagining of the iconic muscle car formula from the 60s and 70s, built for performance and presence.
The starting price for the V6 LS coupe is an accessible $23,200, while the SS variant, packing the V8 punch, begins at $31,850. Convertible versions are also available, broadening the appeal with starting prices of $30,100 for the V6 and $37,900 for the SS convertible.
In a competitive market, the Chevy Camaro SS squares off against formidable rivals like the Ford Mustang (ranging from $22,310 to $40,310) and the Dodge Challenger ($24,915 to $43,995). Each of these contenders brings its own flavor of American muscle to the table.
2012 Camaro SS: What’s New?
For the 2012 model year, Chevrolet enhanced the Camaro lineup with several key updates. The base V6 engine received a power bump, now delivering 323 horsepower, up from 312 in the previous year. The SS model benefits from a revised sport suspension, aiming to sharpen handling and driving dynamics. Interior refinements across the range include a redesigned steering wheel and updated trim elements, giving the cabin a refreshed feel. Visually, the previously optional RS taillights, featuring darker lenses and chrome surrounds, became standard across all Camaro models, enhancing the car’s signature rear styling.
Adding to the excitement in 2012 was the introduction of the 45th Anniversary Edition of the SS, the model under review here, celebrating Camaro’s rich heritage. Looking ahead, Chevrolet announced the revival of the legendary ZL1 nameplate later in the year, signaling an even higher performance Camaro to challenge the top-tier Mustang Boss 302 and Dodge Challenger SRT-8.
The Highs of the Chevy Camaro SS
The 2012 Chevy Camaro SS boasts several compelling advantages:
- Powerhouse V6 Base Engine: Even the standard V6 engine in the 2012 Camaro delivers more power than many classic V8 engines. It’s a testament to modern engine technology that this V6 can also achieve up to 30 MPG on the highway, blending performance with relative efficiency.
- Superior SS Horsepower: The Camaro SS, with its 426 horsepower V8, outmuscles the Ford Mustang GT (412 hp) and significantly outpowers the Dodge Challenger R/T (375 hp) in terms of raw engine output. This translates to exhilarating acceleration and a commanding presence on the road.
- Iconic Status and Attention-Grabbing Style: Driving a Camaro SS is about more than just performance; it’s about driving an icon. The Camaro’s bold styling and heritage guarantee attention wherever you go. It’s a car that turns heads and evokes a sense of automotive history.
Areas for Improvement in the Camaro SS
While the Chevy Camaro SS excels in many areas, there are aspects where it faces challenges:
- Weight and Agility: The Ford Mustang, being significantly lighter, translates to quicker acceleration and potentially more agile handling. Weight is a critical factor in performance, and the Camaro SS carries a substantial mass.
- Price and Practicality Compared to Challenger: The Dodge Challenger offers a more budget-friendly entry point and provides genuinely usable rear seats and a larger trunk. For buyers prioritizing practicality alongside muscle car appeal, the Challenger presents a strong alternative.
- Ride Quality on SS Models: The SS model, especially with larger wheels and low-profile tires, can exhibit a bouncy ride, particularly on less-than-perfect road surfaces. This can impact daily driving comfort.
- Size and Weight Concerns: The Camaro SS is a large and heavy car, which can feel cumbersome in tighter driving situations and detract from overall agility. A reduction in size and weight could enhance the driving experience.
Under the Hood of the Beast: Engine and Performance
The engine lineup for the 2012 Chevy Camaro is headlined by two impressive powertrains. The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6, now tuned to produce 323 horsepower. To put this in perspective, this V6 outpowers many V8 engines from the muscle car era. Even the legendary 1969 Camaro Z28’s 302 V8 was rated at 290 gross horsepower (using older, less realistic measurement standards), while a 1980 Z28’s 5.7-liter V8 produced a mere 190 net horsepower. As recently as 2000, a Camaro Z28’s 5.7-liter V8 only generated 305 horsepower (320 in the SS trim of that generation).
The V6 is paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Performance is brisk, with 0-60 mph times in the six-second range – faster than a stock 1969 Z28 and significantly quicker than the 1980 model. Fuel economy is surprisingly respectable for a performance car, achieving 19 MPG city and 30 MPG highway. In contrast, the 1980 Z28, with a slower 0-60 mph time of 8.5 seconds, was rated at a dismal 14 MPG on the highway.
For those craving ultimate muscle car performance, the Camaro SS delivers with a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing a potent 426 horsepower. This translates to a blistering 0-60 mph time of around 5 seconds. While not quite as quick as the lighter Mustang GT (around 4.8 seconds), it outpaces the heavier and less powerful Challenger R/T (5.5 seconds).
Like the V6, the V8 Camaro SS offers a choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for the V8 is rated at 16 MPG city and 24 MPG highway with the manual. Interestingly, opting for the automatic transmission with the V8 slightly reduces fuel economy to 14 MPG city and 22 MPG highway, unlike the V6 where the automatic is slightly more efficient. Comparatively, the automatic Mustang GT achieves 18 MPG city and 25 MPG highway, while the manual Challenger R/T manages 15 MPG city and 24 MPG highway.
Chevrolet also announced the upcoming ZL1, a Camaro that will elevate performance even further, making the SS seem relatively tame. The original ZL1 from the late 1960s was a special-order Camaro equipped with a Corvette 427 cubic-inch big-block V8. The 2012 ZL1 was expected to follow a similar high-performance philosophy, utilizing a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, derived from the Corvette ZR1, with an anticipated output of around 570 horsepower. This would make it the most powerful factory-built Camaro ever, surpassing the Challenger SRT8 (470 hp) and the Mustang Boss 302 (444 hp) in sheer power.
On the Road with the Camaro SS: Handling and Ride
Driving the Chevy Camaro SS is a mixed experience, blending exhilarating performance with some handling trade-offs. The Camaro SS, especially with the upgraded sport suspension featured in the test model, offers impressive grip levels, typical of modern high-performance coupes. However, its considerable size and weight are noticeable factors in the driving dynamics.
The Camaro is a large car by any standard. Its dimensions include a 112.3-inch wheelbase, an overall length of 190.4 inches, a width of 75.5 inches, and a height of 54.2 inches. It tips the scales at a hefty 3,860 pounds. To put this size into perspective, it’s only slightly shorter than a contemporary Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan, which has a comparable wheelbase and weighs just slightly more. Even compared to its own lineage, a 1980 Camaro had a shorter 108-inch wheelbase and weighed approximately 200 pounds less. Parked next to a mid-1970s Trans-Am (which shared the Camaro’s platform), the Trans-Am appears almost compact.
Comparing it directly to its primary rival, the Ford Mustang, highlights the Camaro’s size. The Mustang has a significantly shorter 107.1-inch wheelbase and is about three inches shorter in overall length (188.1 inches). Crucially, the Mustang is also almost 300 pounds lighter, explaining its quicker acceleration despite having a slightly less powerful engine than the Camaro SS.
The combination of the Camaro SS’s weight, long wheelbase, and large 20-inch wheels (on the 45th Anniversary edition) wrapped in low-profile, ultra-performance tires results in a car that demands attention and effort to drive. The ride can be bouncy on uneven surfaces due to the stiff suspension and low-profile tires.
Despite the weight and size, the Camaro SS is undeniably capable in corners, exhibiting tenacious grip. However, it requires a firm hand on the wheel to maintain composure, especially during spirited driving. The Mustang also handles exceptionally well, and the debate over which car is superior on a track likely comes down to marginal differences and driver skill.
For everyday street driving, the Mustang arguably offers a more user-friendly experience. It feels less cumbersome, visibility is better due to a less restrictive roofline, and the ride is less jarring on imperfect roads. The Camaro’s substantial size, without a corresponding increase in interior space, particularly in the rear seats, raises questions about space utilization and overall proportions.
Camaro SS at the Curb: Styling and Presence
The Chevy Camaro SS excels in curb appeal. Its bold, retro-inspired styling resonates strongly, particularly with younger demographics. During the test drive, the car garnered numerous positive reactions, thumbs-up, and waves, especially from individuals in the 18-35 age range. In terms of visual impact, the Camaro arguably surpasses the Mustang, which, despite being an excellent car, has become a more common sight on the road. The Camaro’s relative novelty and striking design make it stand out. Even a brand-new Mustang GT tends to blend into traffic, while the Camaro still commands attention. Its styling is unique and unlike anything else currently available.
The 45th Anniversary edition, with its Carbon Flash charcoal metallic paint and distinctive asymmetric red stripes, further enhances the Camaro’s visual appeal. This special edition also includes LED headlight surrounds, unique 20-inch wheels, and interior trim accents, including charcoal leather seats with contrasting stitching.
The Dodge Challenger also shares the Camaro’s ability to turn heads, thanks to its equally bold and retro design and relative rarity. The Challenger is even larger and heavier than the Camaro, weighing in at over 4,000 pounds and boasting a longer wheelbase. However, this extra size translates to a more practical trunk with 16.2 cubic feet of space, exceeding even some sedans, and significantly larger than the Camaro’s surprisingly small 11.3 cubic foot trunk. The Challenger also offers usable rear seats, a feature lacking in both the Camaro and Mustang.
The Camaro’s rear seats are notably cramped, offering limited legroom and headroom. In contrast, the Challenger provides more comfortable rear passenger space. While the Mustang also has tight rear seats, its smaller overall size makes this less of a proportional issue than in the larger Camaro. The Camaro’s efficient use of space and overall proportions are areas that could be improved.
Interior and Overall Value of the Camaro SS
The original Camaro was conceived as a relatively affordable car. Even a top-of-the-line 1980 Z28 had a relatively modest MSRP. However, the modern Camaro SS, especially in higher trims like the 45th Anniversary edition tested, approaches pricing levels typically associated with luxury brands like BMW, Lexus, or Cadillac.
While the Camaro SS’s interior layout is functional, the materials and finer details don’t fully align with its price point. The gauge cluster, while legible and functional, lacks visual sophistication. There’s a noticeable amount of hard plastic throughout the cabin, which even leather accents in higher trims can’t entirely mask. Subjectively, the Mustang’s interior design and materials present a more premium feel.
One positive aspect is that GM has resisted overly intrusive electronic driving aids. Disabling traction control effectively turns it off, allowing for more driver involvement and control, a welcome feature for performance enthusiasts.
The manual transmission’s sixth gear is a very tall overdrive, resulting in relaxed and fuel-efficient highway cruising, with the engine barely ticking over at 80 mph. The GM LS-series V8 engine is a remarkable piece of engineering. Its pushrod, two-valve design belies its ability to rev as high as many overhead cam engines, including the Ford 5.0-liter V8. The engine is inherently robust and possesses significant untapped potential for further performance modifications.
The Bottom Line: Is the Chevy Camaro SS Right for You?
The 2012 Chevy Camaro SS is far from a perfect car. It prioritizes style and performance over outright practicality and family-friendliness. It might even provoke some annoyance from those who value understated vehicles. However, for many enthusiasts, this inherent character is part of the Camaro SS’s charm. It’s a car that makes a statement, delivers exhilarating performance, and taps into the rich heritage of American muscle cars.
For those seeking raw power, iconic styling, and a thrilling driving experience, the Chevy Camaro SS remains a compelling choice in the modern muscle car landscape. However, potential buyers should also consider its competitors and weigh their priorities regarding practicality, ride comfort, and overall value.
