2011 Chevrolet Camaro Shows Up On www.Chevrolet.com

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Shows Up On www.Chevrolet.com



2011 Chevrolet Camaro: Overview

Pros

• Acceleration
• Ride (V6 w/19-inch wheels)
• Steering/handling

Cons

• Cargo room
• Cabin materials
• Rear-seat room

Vehicle Highlights

The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro gets more V6 power, and a convertible version might arrive later in the model year. General Motors' iconic pony car is available as a 2-door coupe. A 2-door convertible is slated to arrive in early-calendar 2011. Camaro wears body styling inspired by the 1969 model. LS, 1LT, 2LT, 1SS, and 2SS trim levels return. Two engines are available--a V6 and a V8. The V6 is a 3.6-liter unit that produces 312 horsepower, an increase of eight over the 2010 model. It's available on LS and LT. The SS uses the V8, which sees no major changes for 2011. SS versions with a manual transmission get a 426-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. Automatic-equipped SS models also get a 6.2-liter V8, but it makes 400 horsepower and features GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. V6 versions also offer a manual or automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. An RS Package for LT and SS models includes bi-xenon headlights, specific trim, and on LT versions, 20-inch wheels. All Camaros are available with 21-inch wheels. Rear-obstacle detection is standard on the 2LT and 2SS and optional on the 1LT. Other available features include a wireless cell-phone link, USB port, satellite radio, and remote engine start. A head-up display is newly standard on the 2LT and 2SS.

Expert Ratings Summary:



2011 Chevrolet Camaro: Road Test

Our road test for the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro includes a full evaluation of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro help you decide if a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro is right for you.

ACCELERATION

Evaluations of V6 Camaros are based on the 304-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. We don't expect 2011 models with 312 horsepower to be much faster. They don't pin you to your seat, but they have good scoot in pretty much any situation. The manual transmission shifts smoothly, though the shift action is not as precise as in some sporty-car rivals. The automatic transmission is occasionally slow to downshift in passing and merging maneuvers. The included steering-wheel paddles help, but we wish GM included a manual override on the console shift lever as well.

V8 versions with the manual transmission feel every bit as robust as their 426-horsepower rating would suggest. Plenty of power is on tap, and passing maneuvers are possible with the transmission in as high as 5th gear. Clutch engagement takes a bit of getting used to, and the shifter's throws are a bit on the long side. An optional factory-installed short-throw shifter (available with the V6 or V8) should take care of the latter issue, though. V8s with automatic transmission are also muscular, with quick, yet smooth shifts.

FUEL ECONOMY

In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission V6 averaged 19.0 mpg in mostly city driving. V6 models with the automatic transmission averaged 20.9-23.0 mpg. V6 Camaros use regular-grade gas. Chevy recommends premium for the V8.

RIDE QUALITY

LT models' ride is supple for the class, regardless of wheel size. A solid body structure and astute suspension tuning enhance the impression of overall comfort. Said body structure is what saves the SS, which has 20-inch wheels and a sport suspension, from being overly harsh. Potholes and pavement cracks that are generally well smothered in the LT register with a jolt in the SS.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

Any Camaro corners with good grip and minimal body lean. It shows better composure than a Dodge Challenger, though it's a bit too big to be as agile as a Ford Mustang, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, or Nissan 370Z. SS models have the sharpest moves, though the LT is no slouch. Braking control is very good on the LT, but the SS' performance brakes have the most bite and best pedal feel.

QUIETNESS

The V6 is quite refined with a rich, almost European-sounding engine note. It's a surprisingly quiet cruiser with minimal tire and wind noise. The V8 produces the expected muscle-car snort at open throttle. It mostly fades into the background on the highway. Its performance treads generate more ruckus on all types of pavement, though the noise is never loud enough to be intrusive.

CONTROLS

Retro-flavored instrument and control layout pays homage to the 1967-69 Camaro, with mixed results. The gauges are clearly marked, but the upper rim of the steering wheel can partially block the view for some drivers. The 2LT and 2SS models' auxiliary four-gauge instrument cluster is located at the leading edge of the console and is more for nostalgic looks than function. Some of the climate-control buttons are small, but all functions are readily apparent. The unique audio deck also differs from the GM norm, a step backward, in our view. The standard auxiliary audio-input jack and available USB port are inconveniently located far back inside the center console, requiring an awkward reach for either driver or passenger.

DETAILS

Assembly quality and overall fit and finish are good. Materials are disappointing, with the dashboard constructed of an expanse of budget-grade plastic. The 2LT and 2SS models' leather upholstery and optional interior trim package bring a slightly richer ambiance.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

The standard cloth seats feel a bit cheap and aren't quite as supportive as the leather buckets on the 2LT and 2SS. Legroom is fine, but headroom is in very short supply, particularly with the optional sunroof. A high belt line imparts even more of a closed-in feeling. Visibility directly aft is good, as the deck is not too tall. Over-the-left-shoulder view suffers from large blind spots that require multiple checks before attempting lane changes. We're glad to see GM has added rear-obstacle detection as a standard feature on the 2LT and 2SS and an option on the 1LT.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)

Room enough for jackets and small parcels, but that's about it. Small children might have OK legroom, but the shape and slope of the roof line severely restrict headroom.

CARGO ROOM

Chevy claims 11.3 cubic feet of trunk space, but the hold is tough to access due to a high liftover and small opening. Interior storage is limited to an average-size glovebox and fairly small center bin that's inconveniently located at the back of the console. All but the 2LT and 2SS have a shallow tray at the leading edge of the console.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

Camaro suffers from the usual sporty car vices of poor visibility and a claustrophobic interior. It balances that with very good power and generally civilized road manners. The V6 version is surprisingly refined, while the V8 successfully draws upon the spirit of its late-1960s ancestor. Though not head and shoulders better than any of its rivals (retro-flavored or otherwise), it's still worth your consideration.

Total Score

Total Score: 58
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars




2011 Chevrolet Camaro: Safety

Specs and safety for the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro include detailed information on everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity. NHTSA crash-test scores for the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro are provided as well as manufacturer warranty information.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.





More Information Visit Consumer Auto Guide.