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CHEVROLET CAMARO SS

At the Spring 2018 Charlotte AutoFair

April 7, 2018 by admin 1 Comment

Updated April 9, 2018, to include Day No. 4 photos.

Charlotte Motor Speedway’s AutoFair is a classic car extravaganza.

The twice-annual Charlotte AutoFair never disappoints, even when the weather is less than cooperative. Rainy skies and falling temperatures ruled Day No. 3 of the Spring 2018 Charlotte AutoFair, keeping crowds to a minimum.

On the other hand, if you ventured out as we did, those same small crowds made it easier to capture the moment. In this case, we found ample opportunities to take photos without worrying about people getting in our way. The following two dozen photos are the work of my contributing photographer, Arsis Fruritch, and are included here for your enjoyment.

Chevrolet Corvairs
These Chevrolet Corvairs were on display for judge review.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Do your wheels hang low? They do if your Jeep was modified for extreme off-road antics.
Jeep Wrangler
Jeep clubs toughed out the rough weather all day Saturday.
Ford Mustang
This “California Special” caught our eye, one of dozens of first-generation Ford Mustangs on display.

Car Corral

Typically, more than 1,500 cars ring the car corral, but today the numbers were below 100, at least in the late afternoon when we paid our visit. The corral is a top spot for haggling and where deals are finalized with a handshake, cash and title transfer at the on-site NCDMV desk.

hot rod
As dank as the conditions were, this yellow hot rod brightened the infield.
Chevrolet Impala Wagon
This Chevrolet Impala wagon is great for hauling the family and for kicking butt.
Ford Thunderbird
The lone Ford Thunderbird present was this stylish one dressed in black.
1966 Chevrolet C10
This 1966 Chevrolet C10 could become your next project truck.
1934 Ford Pickup Truck
As you can see, this 2018 Ford pickup truck has a $45,000 asking price.
Chances are you can talk this owner down.
Chevrolet Camaro SS
Does this Chevrolet Camaro SS hardtop coupe speak to you?
1964 Plymouth Belvedere
A 1964 Plymouth Belvedere with a Hemi engine? But of course!
1966 Ford Mustang
The price of this 1966 Ford Mustang with a 289 cubic inch engine was a reasonable $12,900.
Chevrolet
Is this your next project car?
hot rod
Too late! This one was already sold. Check back a few for the available yellow one.
1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
A 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 could be all yours.
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Our favorite car corral vehicle may be this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air.

Dodge Challenger
The Trakit Motorsports people had not one, not two, but five customized models on hand,
including this Dodge Challenger.
Chevrolet truck
This classic Chevrolet truck is ready to bring a new set of tires your way.

Showcase Pavilion Features the Classics

Moving inside and away from the rain had become a priority by late in the afternoon, something we accomplished by visiting the Showcase Pavilion. True to its name, the pavilion is where we found Chevrolet Trucks marking its 100th anniversary, movie cars and assorted other beauties.

Chevrolet Apache
Did someone say Apache? In Hulk Green, of course!
Chevrolet truck
This truck appears to have just left the factory floor!
Chevrolet truck
I’m a fan of the truck, but not of the wheels.
1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
Sure, why not show a 1971 Chevelle SS in proximity of the Chevrolet Trucks exhibit?
Blues Brothers
If you have ever seen the “Blues Brothers” movie, then you understand this Dodge Monaco police car.
American Graffiti
“Where were you in 62?” was a saying attributed to the 1973 hit, American Graffiti.
This 1958 Chevrolet Impala played an important role in this classic flick.

2018 Charlotte AutoFair

If you’re still wanting to visit the Speedway for the Spring 2018 Charlotte AutoFair, you have one final chance on Sunday. Gates open at 8 a.m. and close early at 4 p.m. Then make plans to return to the fall show, Sept. 6-9, 2018, at the same location.


Day No. 4 Photos

(click on any photo to view full size)


[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”4″ gal_title=”Spring 2018 Charlotte AutoFair”]


See Also — This Week: Spring 2016 Charlotte AutoFair

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: Auto Shows Tagged With: 1934 Ford Pickup Truck, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air, 1964 Plymouth Belvedere, 1966 Chevrolet C10, 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28, American Graffiti, Arsis Fruritch, CAR CORRAL, CHARLOTTE AUTOFAIR, CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY, Chevrolet Apache, CHEVROLET CAMARO SS, Chevrolet Corvair, Chevrolet Impala Wagon, CLASSIC CARS, FORD MUSTANG, Jeep

Corvette Counterpart: 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS

March 3, 2016 by admin 6 Comments

Is the Chevrolet Camaro SS a 2+2 version of the Corvette? It sure seems that way.

Both models share a 6.2-liter, V-8 engine making 455 horsepower. The Camaro has an output of 455 foot-pounds of torque; the Corvette shoots out 460 foot-pounds. In the Camaro you get a 6-speed manual transmission, while the Corvette has an additional shift point.

From there, the differences become more apparent as the Camaro is at least 300 pounds heavier, a foot longer and sits five inches higher than Chevrolet’s sports car. The styling separation is apparent as well, but if you were to drive both models back to back, you’d quickly note the performance levels are nearly the same.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS
2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro

Six years after resurrecting the Camaro following an eight-year hiatus, an all-new model has taken center stage. The latest iteration shares nothing with the previous generation, except for the badging. The 2016 Camaro is based on the same platform underpinning the Cadillac ATS and comes in approximately 200 pounds lighter and four inches shorter overall than the 2015 Camaro.

These changes add up to one thing: a truly fast sports coupe or muscle car delivering a blistering 0-to-60 mph time of just four seconds. Take that, Ford Mustang GT!

Redoing the Camaro has come as fuel prices have fallen below $2 per gallon nearly everywhere, except in the usual overpriced areas, such as California. That being said, the Camaro was designed with higher fuel prices in mind and that’s why a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine is now available, delivering 31 mpg on the highway. A 3.6-liter, V-6 is standard and now makes 335 horsepower.

The test model served up was a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS coupe (a convertible comes later) in 2SS trim, outfitted with HID headlights with LED signature lights, LED tail lamps, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. This model also has a dual-mode exhaust system, heated leather seats, an upgraded lighting package, and a Bose premium audio system. All SS models come with a unique grille with integrated brake cooling ducts, a distinct hood with functional air vents, and a unique rear stanchion spoiler.

Top-of-the-Line Camaro SS

The standard 1SS package retails for $36,300; the 2SS package starts at $41,300. Chevrolet supplied the latter, adding $3,800 worth of options.

A ceramic white interior accent package ($500) was offered, providing a beautiful contrast to the Hyper Blue Metallic patina gracing the coupe’s brawny frame. Further, other interior color patterns are available, depending on the exterior color chosen.

Magnetic ride control ($1,695) and a dual-mode performance exhaust system ($895) were also present. Inside, an upgraded Chevrolet MyLink telematics system with navigation ($495) and low gloss black 5-spoke 20-inch aluminum wheels ($200) rounded out the main upgrades. Chevrolet even added $15 for the front license plate bracket, bolted to the grille and unfortunately evident in some of the photos you’ll see herein.

All told, the final price on the test model was $46,095 or approximately $20,000 more than the cost of the base model.

Robust, Powerful Sports Coupe Design

From stem to stern, the 2016 Camaro exudes boldness. The front fascia has a look that is almost sinister, sporting a coming-at-you smirk designed to evoke dread in all who dare stand in its way. From the front corners across the lower profile and pushing back to the rear corners, distinctive body sculpting emphasizes the coupe’s sinuous silhouette. Rolling character lines, powerful shoulders, a distinctive rear haunch, and four quad exhaust pipes are among the other exceptional features of note.

Inside, the Camaro SS offers room for four, but in reality only two will fit comfortably inside. The rear seat is mostly useless unless you and the front passenger are short and giving up legroom to accommodate the rear passengers doesn’t present a problem. Otherwise, the rear seat is best served as a supplemental storage compartment. In any event, the entire rear seat back folds down to provide access to the trunk. And you’ll savor that extra room because the trunk measures a mere 9.1 cubic feet.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive as expected. Average bolstering means you won’t feel so honed in that you can’t maneuver. Likewise, you’ll have sufficient support as you navigate the twisties or take on your other on-road theatrics.

Kudos to Chevrolet’s designers for keeping the rest of the interior uncomplicated. Both doors have the smallest of pockets with no room for holding drinks. The two cup holders between the seats are all you need.

Dashboard and Displays

The dashboard offers a straightforward layout with a double-notched instrument panel shield present. Two big analog displays — tachometer and speedometer — dominate the panel, but the center digital driver information display is large too. That panel is controlled by the usual steering wheel face controls.

Speaking of the steering wheel, it comes leather wrapped, stitched and perforated. Fairly tame wheel grips are present. In addition, a flat-bottomed design and SS badging are two of its other features of note.

If you hate clutter, then you’ll love the Camaro’s handsome center stack. That stack is dominated by a large, color display acting as the nerve center for the audio, climate control and navigation systems. Plug in your iPhone and Apple CarPlay appears on the screen — it works as promised too: I received and sent emails with it — the software allows you to correct same before sending. As with any voice-activated system, speaking clearly helps, so don’t chew and talk — it just ain’t polite or understood!

Beneath the substantial display are switches and a knob to control same. Further below that is a row of 14 switches ranging from seat heating and cooling management to climate control.

Two large circular dials are at the base of the stack and go beyond what they’re intended to do: deliver air to the cabin. Indeed, they’re an engineering feat and an artistic marvel rolled into one — scroll either dial to the left and your section of the cabin is cooled. Scroll to the right and more heat is supplied. In the center of each dial is another knob to open or close the vents. Its a nifty design, meant to conserve space.

Stick Shift and Drive Mode

Probably the most important feature in the cabin is the stick shifter itself. Or perhaps the shifter along with the three-pedal action taking place as you drive. The stick is joined by three nearby switches — traction control on/off, driving mode and the electronic parking brake. You’ll become intimately familiar with all three, if for nothing other than for different reasons.

Working our way back with the switches, the parking brake is a must to engage. You might forget to leave the transmission in first gear (if you’re parked facing uphill) or in reverse (if you’re parked on a downward slope). Yes, it happened to me — the Camaro rolled when I thought the stick was engaged. Fortunately, I was still behind the wheel and took corrective action.

The mode switch is where the fun begins — it is automatically set for touring, but you can also choose sport, track and a snow/ice mode. I used all four, including the last one for driving on a thinly graveled road. But the fun is everywhere else, especially in track mode as you feel the steering play tightening, sense the suspension system pulling in and enjoy quicker flicks of the transmission through the gears. The exhaust note resets to a deeper baritone too. In any mode, turn off stability control as you see fit.

Just one more note about the interior: leather is nearly everywhere — on the seats, across the dashboard, surrounding the steering wheel and covering the door inlays. When natural light eases, the interior bedazzles as outline lights surrounding the color display as well as the door inlays switch on. You can control the color choices by way of the touchscreen to employ a riot of reds, oranges, blues and whites to correspond with your drive mode.

Performance: The Be All and the End All

Everything about the Camaro SS boils down to one thing: performance. This is where Chevrolet’s sports coupe nearly matches the brand’s sports car in performance. The only separation is five extra foot-pounds of torque in the Corvette Stingray and a few hundred additional pounds of body weight in the Camaro. Other than that, Chevrolet designed the Camaro to go from 0-to-60 mph in an even four seconds with the automatic transmission or just a fraction off the pace of the Corvette Stingray. Such a closeness in numbers might rile Corvette faithful, but it also allows the Camaro SS to vanquish its chief nemesis, the Ford Mustang GT.

If the new and lighter frame underpinning the Camaro SS doesn’t convince you of its virtue, then the hulking V-8 should sew up the deal. Enthusiasts will want the 6-speed gearbox, what comes with a limited slip differential and active rev matching for downshifts. No doubt the 8-speed automatic will be preferred by some if only for the slight speed edge. Then again, if you’re an older driver and have tired of shifting or most of your driving is in the city, then eschewing the manual becomes more appealing. In any case, you’ll have paddle shifters to fall back on whenever a more engaged driving experience is desired.

Stomp the gas pedal and your Camaro SS is gone. If you’re especially quick at shifting you’ll see 60 mph before you know it. Let’s just say I was still in third gear when I hit that all-important performance threshold with fourth gear readied for engagement. No worries about redlining — just keep shifting as fast as you can. You might also reset the instrument panel’s display before you get started to show you the g forces at work. Clutch play is clean, although I would give a slight edge to the Mustang GT in that category.

As important as the powertrain is, the SS shines in the handling department. Muscle cars of yore provided excellent off-the-mark acceleration and confident braking, but came up far short in handling. The Camaro eliminates those deficiencies as it borrows some parts from Cadillac, including the CTS’ steering as well as GM’s famed magnetic ride control adaptive dampers, the first time we’ve seen the latter on the SS. Throw on the included Brembo brakes with 20-inch Goodyear Eagle tires and you’re ready for the track.

Regardless of drive mode, steering is brawny, but especially so in track mode. At the same time, a quick flick of the wheel to either side moves the front wheels, imbuing driver confidence as you slice through the turns. Steering and handling is on par with anything coming out of Europe —- I put the 2016 Camaro just ahead of the Mustang GT. In fact, this model is faster than the GT, although the Shelby GT350 and Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat are faster yet. And much more expensive too.

I would be remiss if I left out one important factoid regarding the interior that has a substantial impact on the driving experience: the sight lines up front are excellent, but are awful on the sides. The smallest rear coupe windows are present, so you’ll need to lean heavily on the side mirrors to be aware of your surroundings. For some motorists driver assist features, including side blind zone alert, are a must. You’ll find it included with the top-end 2SS trim package.

Meeting and Exceeding Expectations

In summation, the current iteration of the Camaro does everything to uphold what enthusiasts want in a modern sports coupe. It also goes well beyond that by delivering a stylish, competent and thrilling model that takes no prisoners. Moreover, GM has invested heavily in advancing the Chevrolet brand in recent years and the all-new Camaro is one of its shining achievements.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS Specifications

  • Sticker price from $36,300
  • Price as tested: $47,500
  • Seats 4
  • 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine
  • 455 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
  • 455 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,400 RPM
  • 4.06 inches bore by 3.62 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 11.5-to-1
  • Six-speed manual transmission
  • Wheelbase: 110.7 inches
  • Length: 188.3 inches
  • Width: 74.7 inches
  • Height: 53.1 inches
  • Passenger volume: 52 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 9.1 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: NR
  • EPA: 16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway
  • Premium grade gasoline recommended
  • Fuel tank: NR
  • Curb weight: From 3,685 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: NR
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 6 years/100,000 miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Lansing, Michigan

Chevrolet Camaro SS photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: Apple CarPlay, BREMBO BRAKES, CHEVROLET CAMARO SS, CORVETTE STINGRAY, FORD MUSTANG GT, MUSCLE CAR, navigation, SPORTS COUPE, V-8 ENGINE

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