The Chevrolet Camaro is a sports coupe and is also available as a convertible. After a brief hiatus, the Camaro returned in 2008 and was updated in 2016. Chevrolet isn’t likely to continue with the Camaro once this generation ends. Electrification is in the works and that leaves the Camaro with an uncertain future.
Chevrolet offers the 2022 Camaro coupe in 1LS, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, LT1, 1SS, 2SS, and ZL1 trims. All but the base trim are offered with the convertible. Prices range from $25,000 for a base model to about $70,000 for the range-topping ZL1 convertible. For 2022, there are no significant changes of note. The rear-wheel-drive Camaro seats four.
Exterior and Interior Styling
Sleek styling with retro-enhanced looks is the hallmark of the current-generation Camaro. The Camaro’s take on pony car goodness includes a long hood and a short rear deck. A bold grille, beefy wheel wells, distinct signature lines, and a rear haunch enhance its look.
Wide fenders and a tucked-in middle section give the Camaro its take on the coke-bottle theme common to this segment. The soft-top convertible is handsome with the roof up, but it is gorgeous with the top down.
Chevrolet equips the Camaro with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and taillights, and power side mirrors. Among the upgrades includes LED fog lamps, larger wheels set within summer tires, heated side mirrors, and various performance design embellishments.
On paper, the Camaro seats four, but squeezing into the rear seat takes much effort. Once there, you’re knee-capped for the lack of legroom. While small children may fit, we think the rear seat is best left empty or utilized as a supplementary storage compartment. The trunk is small, measuring just 9.1 cubic feet with the coupe and just 7.3 cubic feet with the convertible.
The Camaro’s interior is anything but exciting with more than enough low-cost plastics and miscellaneous materials present. Dressed in black, the Camaro lacks the charm to move the needle, although the available contrast stitching, two-tone upholstery, and flat-bottomed steering wheel enhance its appeal. In all, the interior styling pales in comparison to the exterior design.
All trims come with full power accessories, air conditioning, and a tilt-and-telescopic steering column. Move beyond the base cloth seats and leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and zoned climate control come in. The ZL1 swaps out the standard buckets seats for a pair of Recaros.
Technology Highlights
Chevrolet equips the 2022 Camaro with a standard 7-inch touchscreen display and a 6-speaker audio system. Bluetooth, USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility are also standard.
Among the upgrades are an 8-inch touchscreen display and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster. A 7- or 9-speaker Bose audio system, wireless phone charging, and a head-up display are available. Satellite radio and navigation are included with some trims and packages.
Safety Features
The Chevy Camaro comes with a rearview camera and Teen Driver technology, the latter allowing the owner to control the speed and restrict audio volume. Various trim and package upgrades make available driver-assist technologies.
Chevrolet offers forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. A rearview camera mirror, rear parking sensors, and a head-up display are also available. Surprisingly, automatic emergency braking is not available.
Engines and Transmissions
Chevrolet offers four engine choices with the 2022 Camaro, including four-, six- and eight-cylinder options. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Available for just $100 more is a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque.
Moving up to the V8 range reveals a pair of engine choices. A 6.2-liter naturally aspirated engine powers the LS1 and SS trims. This one makes an even 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. Choose the ZL1 model and this trim has a supercharged version of the 6.2-liter V8. Notably, the output increases to an even 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque.
All trims offer a 6-speed manual gearbox. Optionally, the base engine pairs with 8-speed automatic transmission. The other three engines utilize an available 10-speed automatic transmission. The V8 engines require premium fuel; the two other engines run on regular grade.
Chevrolet equips the Camaro with a double-pivot, control-arm and struts design front suspension. The optional magnetic dampers improve ride control and agility. The Camaro offers direct steering, excellent handling, and decent cornering. The ride, though, is somewhat stiff.
Competitive Set
The Chevrolet Camaro counts the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger as its closest competitors. While the Mustang is available as a coupe and a convertible, the Challenger is a coupe-only model. Other performance coupes to consider include the Nissan Z, BMW 4-Series, and the Toyota Supra.
Sum and Substance – The Camaro delivers the style and performance sports coupe fans want. In top-trim guise, the ZR1 goes wheel-to-wheel with far costlier sports car. The low-grade interior and terrible rear and side outward visions are demerits. For an additional $6,500, a convertible can be had, a delicious upgrade matched only by the Mustang and 4 Series.
See Also – Wow! 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06!
Photos courtesy of GM Corp.
Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.
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