Underneath the latest Camaro's 1969-themed styling is a shortened version of General Motors' Zeta platform, used on large rear-drive sedans like the recently departed Pontiac G8. This architecture provides the Camaro with a rigid body structure and an all-independent suspension, the latter a first for a production Camaro. Only a coupe body style is currently available, with the convertible model due within the next year or so. Trim levels are base LS, midgrade LT and high-performance SS. The Camaro LS and LT pack a 3.6-liter, direct-injection V6 rated at 304 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the V6, and a six-speed automatic is available. The Camaro SS is equipped with a powerful 6.2-liter V8 matched to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The manual-gearbox SS cranks out 426 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, while the automatic version is tuned to "just" 400 hp for improved fuel economy. Speaking of fuel economy, both engines do well there, with the V6 rating 17 mpg city/29 mpg highway and the V8 rating 16/24 when equipped with manual transmissions. The automatic boasts slight improvements. In reviews, we've found that both versions offer a lot of traditional bang for the buck, only now it's coupled with a level of refinement not seen in previous Camaros. Even the base car is quick, agile and handsome, while the SS offers road-ripping performance equal to or better than cars twice the price. Outward visibility, however, is compromised by the thick roof pillars and tall body, while the oddly contoured steering wheel rim will annoy some drivers. ~ Edmunds.com
