2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS 45th Anniversary Review By Larry Nutson
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2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS 45th Anniversary Review
by Larry Nutson
Senior Editor, Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel
In the last week of November, General Motors began production of its 100 millionth small-block V-8 engine, a 638-horsepower LS9 would you believe.
Earlier in November, at the SEMA show Chevrolet introduced the COPO Camaro. A purpose-built drag race Camaro for Pro or semi-Pro drag racers to barrel down the quarter mile in about 9.8 seconds with terminal speeds of about 135 mph.
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Chevrolet is doing its part with the Camaro to keep up with the likes of the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger. Not only do we have a Pony Car War but also The American Horsepower War. I recently wrote a story that focused on the joys of lots of horsepower titled The American Auto Industry Horsepower Wars here on The Auto Channel.
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The get-go is aided by a Performance Launch Control feature together with a Limited Slip Differential. Stopping power comes from four-piston Brembo brakes. EPA Fuel Economy for the 6.2-liter V-8 is, if you care, 16 city and 24 highway. Nice to know is that you can use Regular Unleaded fuel, or for maximum performance Premium is needed. The auto trans model that is rated at 400HP gets 1 mpg better on the highway.
The SS is heavy at 3850 to 3900 lbs. Weight balance puts 52% on the front wheels with 48% on the independent-sprung rear wheels. The trunk is smallish at 11.3 cu.ft. and the fuel tank holds 19 gallons of all-night-fun!
Rear vision is less than ideal on the Camaro, but this has been greatly aided with a new Rear Vision Package which includes Rear Parking Assist and a new Rearview Camera Video Display located in the inside rear view mirror.
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The Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual trans is a joy to shift. Precise, firm enough but not too heavy, with short throws. A far cry from the sloppy-ness of years gone bye. The final drive ratio is 3.45:1 which is a nice middle-of-the-road choice for good launch balanced with comfortable cruising. While on the subject of shifting, the Head-Up Display nicely shows the tach right in your field of view for eyes-on-the-road shifting.
Milder versions of the Camaro are offered in LS and LT trim, both powered by a new-for-2012 3.6-liter V-6 churning out 323 HP and available with the TR6060 6-speed manual or a Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic. Now, 323 HP is nothing to sneeze at and will certainly provide loads of fun driving at a slightly more conservative pace.
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To quote, “See the USA in a Chevrolet.”
© Larry Nutson