Having previously rented (and enjoyed) a 2010 Camaro equipped with the V6 last year, I figured the SS model with an upgraded suspension, the ability to go topless, and 6.2l V8 could only bring more delight to an otherwise stale and boring drive from Orlando, FL to Savannah, GA and back again.
After picking up the vehicle at the preferred booth, I was having trouble getting the top to operate. Unlike my Miata, this top is not quite as simple and requires a little more thought. First, you must pull and twist the solitary roof latch. Next, you push the button, hear the motor whine and receive a crappy nonsense message on the instrument cluster telling you to “secure the luggage rack.” After some frustration (mainly due to anxiousness) a friendly Avis employee showed me that if one wishes to lower the top, they must pull on what looks like a privacy shade (inside the trunk) and latch it. My guess is that this step assures that there is enough clearance in the trunk for the top to fold down without crushing any luggage.
Once this was figured out, I adjusted my seating position, tilt and telescoping steering wheel and mirrors; all very intuitive controls and easy to operate. Upon turning the key, you’re greeted with a low (make that very low) growl and miniscule rumble. Even with the top down in the parking garage, the engine doesn’t sound like it produces 400 horses. Though the throttle is pulled open by fly-by-wire, the go fast pedal does have reasonably accurate resistance for a fuel injected vehicle. When selecting reverse to pull out of the garage parking space, a subtle “ding” is emitted from the speakers and a back-up camera pops up in the left side of the rear view mirror. Nifty. I don’t trust them and would rather turn around and see first hand what is happening, but others will probably like the feature. However, I must note that visibility with the top up is incredibly poor and the back-up camera will definitely be more of an aid than an annoyance. Fortunately for me, the weather was perfectly sunny and I never had to drive with the top up for 6 days.
Upon leaving the garage, the first point of business was to let those rear tires rip. Stand on the brake- check. Ease into the gas- check. Listen for engine to rev- waaaaait a minute. Its only revving to 1 grand. Damned Toyota and their unintentional acceleration lawsuit! You’re unable to hold the gas and the brake at the same time without being limited. Fortunately for me, this car is equipped with a traction control button. Even more fortunate is that it seems to completely turn off the traction control to the point where roasting the tires is very possible with the limited slip differential.
After the burn out that'll leave your friends and other observers choking on massive amounts of smoke, the car accelerates like a scalded snake. Motor Trend reports a 0-60 of under 5 seconds and 0-100 in 11 seconds. I didn’t time how long the SS took to accelerate to 60 or 100, but my butt dyno and huge smile on my face would provide substantial evidence that it was damned fast. Within 20 minutes of having the Camaro in my possession, I was cruising down an interstate at an unmentionable triple digit speed. (And for all you nay-sayers, I was the only vehicle on either side of this desolate highway at the time the decision was made to see just how fast she was. Besides, I didn’t hit the limiter). Additionally, the brakes have excellent feedback and gobs of grip, mainly due to the four piston Brembos- they’ll bring you from “go straight to jail without passing go” speeds to the law-appointed limit in a hurry.
Handling wise, driving the chassis hard isn’t as rewarding as expected. Since I was in my home town, I drove to an undeveloped acreage with finely paved roads that had been there since I was in high school; ie: great place to let the car rip. Much to my dismay, the first long sweeping turn I attempted to take was…neutered. The Camaro SS is equipped with the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system. This system incorporates anti-lock braking, traction control with an active braking system to control wheel slip. Being that I normally auto-x a Miata with none of these electronic, fun spoiling nannies, I was very put off the first time that the system intervened. To my knowledge, you can not disengage it, either. Or at the very least, not on the model provided to rental car companies. There also was not an off switch or button to change modes. Hopefully there is if you purchase one for yourself. Otherwise, the system sucks the soul out of a well balanced (50/50), confident, and stable chassis. Normal, run of the mill consumers may not be bothered by this, and with that said, the convertible handles as well as any coupe, properly poised and braced, it is extremely responsive and confident in the corners- even with the StabiliTrak. A note about StabiliTrak; while the systems does its job very well and keeps the car under control while driving aggressively, I just prefer to do my own work and not have it done for me as if I were playing Gran Tourismo in practice mode.
While piloting the car around town, everything feels harmonious. The steering wheel is meaty with a tight circumference and two extra protruding “nubs” on the inside of the wheel at the 10 and 2 positions- something I have grown accustomed to in my ’88 Trans Am. The only downside is that I would prefer a 4 spoke steering wheel to the massive bottom of the three spoke currently equipped. Road feel is transmitted through the wheel very well with satisfactory feedback. Steering wheel controls for cruise and radio are a plus as well. A heads up display (HUD) also keeps your eyes on the road. I chose the view of the tach and speedometer. A cluster of four analog gauges in the forward position of the center console give you up to the minute transmission and oil temperatures, oil pressure, and battery volts. While this may not be important information to the casual owner, the enthusiast will enjoy glancing at them from time to time and will certainly appreciate them as the vehicle ages and/or modifications are added.
The turn signal stalk has a thoughtful “one tap for three blinks” function and other well placed controls. When you’re not listening intently for the muted sound of your V8 or the wind rushing past you, the Boston Acoustic sound system will make you forget all about the lack of an engine rumble and slight bother of wind noise. Tones all across the range are superb- bright highs, punchy mids, and tight bass come from the 6 speaker sound system. Even the head unit that resembles ET comes with a customizable EQ.
The air conditioning works quickly and very well, but I never used it for an extended period of time. However, one morning it was a tad chilly so I used the heated seats. They heated evenly, and with two settings never felt too hot, even though I was only wearing a t-shirt. The only downside about driving the car that makes me cringe just a little bit was casually turning around to check for cars in neighboring lanes. The headrest, though well placed and perfectly supportive, is wide and makes a quick glance over your shoulders take a little more effort.
Wind noise and cowl shake are uncharacteristic of a convertible. As in, they’re both extremely tolerable. Conversations can be heard in the cabin and the music doesn’t flow out with the wind. Cruising on the highway and high speed stabs at the pedal are smooth and don’t drown out the cabin. After returning the Camaro and getting into my own convertible 4 hours later, it was apparent how excellent of a job Chevy did with the wind noise. Kudos, Chevy. With the SS being so enjoyable to drive, you won’t even notice or mind the gas mileage it gets. The best mileage returned 19.8 mpg at an average speed of 78 mph. A small price to pay for driving bliss.
On to the styling. Simply put, seductive and sexy. Not enough of these ‘retro’ models being released by the Big 3 pull off a tribute to the original without being considered an insult to its predecessors quite as well as Chevy has accomplished with the Camaro. Anywhere I parked the car had folks taking long glances at it or pulled them in to take a better look at the interior. I also loaned the car to my recently wedded friends to ride away on the back as they waved farewell to their guests. For every four “they look so great together comments” there was a male saying, “where’d they get that car??!”
Whether you’re driving on the highway or city streets, others will notice the Camaro. Guys of all ages will flash you thumbs up or try to race you, and crossovers loaded with women and young girls on their way to the beach will yell and wave at you. Who could blame them? The top folds neatly over the rear quarter humps leaving a clean, unbroken belt line. The short over hang in the front and rear and aggressive looking stance of the nose appearing slightly lower than the rear give the impression that the Camaro SS could kick your a** if it was so inclined. Simple, massive 5 spoke wheels fill the wheel wells just right without looking gaudy. The “angel eye” headlights tucked into the already recessed grill are complimented by ‘just right sized’ fog lights below them. Chrome neatly outlines each of the tail lights. Styling wise, every detail of the exterior works.
However, the forward thinking of external styling wasn’t as thoughtfully applied to the interior. While there is more to like than not like (the steering wheel, gauges, and seats previously mentioned) there are long stretches of hard plastic on the doors above the arm rests and dash board. Soft touch materials and leather were kept in strategic places- arm rests, steering wheel, shifter- but spared in others where they would be more aesthetically pleasing. The seats are appointed in quality leather and are extremely supportive and comfortable on long drives, and despite having no lumbar control, never tired my back or rump. Rear seating is what you’d expect of a sports car- a minimalist approach with room for children to be comfortable. This isn’t the convertible you’d take the family around in, Full House style to cruise San Francisco. One last styling cue- when the sun sets, a light, unobtrusive ring of blue outlines the large plastic slabs of plastic on the door. While somewhat cheesy, its actually enjoyable.
Overall speaking, having the Camaro SS drop-top for just under a week was an incredibly enjoyable experience. The addictive speed and handling never got old, nor did the looks and compliments. While the latter may fade in time, the former will keep smiles on your face for years to come. If I were able to afford the vehicle (not that it is all that expensive for a high powered convertible at $39,000) this rental experience would have sold it to me on the spot. Though I would have a tough time owning such a visually and mechanically stunning car in silver.
and vert. I dont like verts at all but thats just me.