WASHINGTON — With longer days and summer right around the corner, the urge to have a sporty-looking machine starts to fill your mind. And what’s more American than the Chevrolet Camaro? You can have a coupe or convertible, and now the Camaro is built in Michigan and not in Canada.
For 2016, the Camaro has been made over inside and out. What you can’t see adds to the driving pleasure: a lighter weight and slightly smaller dimensions.
The really big news is the standard engine — a turbo four-cylinder engine that sounds odd in the Camaro, which is famous for its big V8 sound and power. While the four-cylinders don’t have that V8 soundtrack, it does pack 275 hp. A six-speed manual and the optional eight-speed automatic, which I drove, are rather good. The weight loss for 2016 allows this engine to move the Camaro well. It’s not neck-snapping, but quick enough for people who would rather have the look and economy than the straight-line speed.
The handling is good thanks to the weight that’s been taken off the front end. It can be flung around and it feels solid doing it. The ride isn’t harsh at all, and is fine for daily use. It’s a bit firm over rough pavement. The high beltline and small windows hamper the visibility from the car. There are blind zones; luckily, there’s an optional side blind zone alert with lane-change alert as well as a standard rear-vision camera.
Styling isn’t over the top. It’s a more modern take on the last Camaro, and looks smaller, with a lower roof compared to a 2015 model. The new Camaro looks streamlined and aerodynamic. The headlights appear more modern and not as large as before. The side view gives off a very sporty vibe, with large front and rear fenders that bulge out to create a muscle-car look in an almost cartoonish way.
My tester had the $1,950 RS Package, which includes large 20-inch wheels and a unique front grill and tasteful small rear spoiler with LED taillights. Dual exhaust helps complete the look. The new styling and the RS package combine to add the look of the SS model without the V8 engine and cost to fill up with gas.
The interior is a nice advancement. The fit and finish is improved from the last Camaro. While there are still some hard plastics, there aren’t as many, and they look better than before. The heated and ventilated front leather seats are a nice quality for the nearly $38,500 price tag.
The climate controls, which are cleverly housed in the center air vents, are a cool touch. There is a large eight-inch screen for the NAV and stereo and it works better than in past Chevrolet models. The Apple Car Play is nice for select phones. There’s also a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging, but you have to reach to nearly the back seat to use it. The reach is minimal, though, since there seems to be less space than before. I didn’t even try to stuff a kid in back, but there are two seats, sort of.
The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro is a step up from before, with a nicer interior and weight loss that makes it a better-driving car. Now with a more fuel-efficient turbo four-cylinder engine, you can have the muscle-car look without breaking the bank at the gas pump. You just have to get used to a different sound coming out of the tail pipes.
Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI, FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.
