Inside the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro

The Chevrolet Camaro starts at $25,905 for the base “1LS” model, which is available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder standard, or with a 3.6-liter V6 as an optional extra. The 1LT variant starts at $26,600, while the 2LT starts at $30,405 Both of these variants share the same engine configurations as the base 1LS model.

If you want a 6.2 V8, be prepared to spend at least $36,905 for the base model 1SS. The posher 2SS will run you $41,905 and shares the exact same engine configuration as the 1SS. If you want the same engine albeit with a massive supercharger, be prepared to fork over $61,140 for the ZL1 model.

Performance Specifications

The 2.0-liter inline four available in the 1LS, 1LT, and 2LT trim levels produces a respectable 275 horsepower. This takes the Camaro from 0-60 in 5.7 seconds. It’ll continue onward until it reaches 145 miles per hour.

The 3.6-liter V6 that is also available in the 1LS, 1LT, and 2LT trim levels produces 335 horsepower. This allows the V6 Camaro to accelerate from 0-60 in around 5.3 seconds. The V6 Camaro is limited to a respectable 155 miles per hour.

The naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 available in the 1SS and 2SS produces 455 horsepower. This allows it to travel from 0-60 in 4.1 seconds. It is capable of a limited top speed of 165 miles per hour. When fitted with a supercharger as in the ZL1 model, the Camaro produces 650 horsepower. This allows it to travel from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds and onto a top speed of 199 miles per hour.

Fuel Economy

When fitted with the 2.0 liter turbocharged inline-four, the Chevrolet Camaro manages a respectable 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. With the 3.6-liter V6, the Camaro will do 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. With the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8, it will do 17 mpg city, 28 mpg highway. When supercharged, it will do 14 mpg city, 20 mpg highway.

Safety and Entertainment Features

The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro received an overall five-star crash test rating by the NHSTA. It received four stars for the frontal test and five stars for side and rollover.

The Camaro features a fairly-average count of nine airbags, with a passenger on/off switch. Like most modern cars, it has ABS and four-wheel disc brakes available. Assisted braking is also an option. Additionally, it has traction control, daytime running lights, adjustable pedals, self-levelling headlights, and active stability control.

The 2018 Camaro is available with a six-speaker audio system standard, or a nine-speaker Bose audio system as an optional extra. USB connection, auxiliary audio input, and a AM/FM stereo with satellite radio capabilities are standard features. If you purchase your Camaro new, you get a free year of satellite radio.

Additionally, navigation and roadside assistance are options, while hands-free calling is standard. Electric seats are optional extras, as are the brilliant Recaro bucket seats.

How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

The 2018 Camaro is a worthy adversary to the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang. All three of them sit in similar price brackets. All three of them are available with V6 engine options, while the Ford Mustang and Camaro have turbo-fours available.

What is interesting is that nobody seems to compare these low, base model muscle cars with the likes of the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 and Mazda Miata. The 86 starts at $26,255, making it more expensive than the Camaro, yet the Camaro seems like a better car on paper. The 86 only has 205 horsepower and a 7.7 second 0-60 time, whereas the Camaro has 275 horsepower and a 5.7 second 0-60 time. Furthermore, it is arguably much better looking than the 86, and has a lot more grip than the Toyota.

The Mazda Miata starts at $24,915. The Miata only has 155 horsepower, as opposed to the Camaro’s 275. Additionally, it takes 6.1 seconds for the Miata to accelerate to 60 miles per hour, whereas the Camaro takes just 5.7 seconds.

Pros

• The Camaro has a very reasonable asking price
• The 3.6-liter V6 is one of the best sounding V6 motors of all time
• Handsome, yet subtle styling
• Surprisingly powerful with the 2.0-liter turbocharged motor
• Decent fuel economy for such a heavy car, surprisingly good with the supercharged 6.2-liter V8

Cons

• Four-cylinder has an, at best, dreary exhaust note
• Massive C-Pillars cause a substantial blind spot
• Automatic transmission is very slow
• Interior fabrics are of questionable quality