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2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS First Test Review: A Return to Form It’s a funny thing about automotive passion. You can be pounding a state-of-the-art machine through sinuous mountain passes, feeling the raw G-forces press you into the seat, and still, a tiny voice in the back of your mind whispers, “I wish this had a V-8.” That’s precisely where I found myself a few months ago, piloting a Cadillac ATS-V through the iconic canyons of Malibu, California. The twin-turbocharged V-6 was ferocious, effortlessly carving apexes as I chased a BMW M3 and a Mercedes-AMG C63 S. Yet, the visceral soundtrack, the primal connection only a big V-8 can deliver, was missing. Perhaps Chevrolet was reading my mind—and the minds of countless enthusiasts worldwide. The revelation of the sixth-generation 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS wasn’t just a new model year; it was a declaration of intent. By grafting the lightweight, surgically precise architecture of the Cadillac ATS—albeit with a slightly longer 1.4-inch wheelbase—onto the Camaro lineage, GM engineers created something truly special. But they didn’t stop at the chassis. The heart of this new beast is what truly defines it. Gone is the capable but aging LS3 V-8 from the previous generation. In its place sits the very same LT1 6.2-liter small-block V-8 that powers the Corvette Stingray. This isn’t just a parts-bin swap; it’s a transfusion of modern performance DNA. The result? A staggering 455 horsepower and an equally impressive 455 pound-feet of torque. That represents a healthy surge of 29 horsepower and 35 pound-feet over its predecessor. When paired with the standard six-speed manual transmission—a nod to purists who believe gear-rowing is part of the driving experience—the mechanical synergy is intoxicating. For those who prefer convenience, a lightning-fast eight-speed automatic is available, though the true enthusiast knows the stick-shift is where the magic happens. Track Dominance: Redefining the Muscle Car Benchmark The immediate impact of this engineering overhaul was evident the moment the 2016 Camaro SS hit the asphalt at the test track. Shedding a significant 214 pounds from the last SS we tested, the new model felt lighter, more agile, and significantly more potent. The acceleration figures were nothing short of breathtaking. Hitting 60 mph from a standstill took a mere 4.0 seconds. To put that into perspective, that’s a dead heat with the previous-generation Camaro Z/28, a car built with track-day dominance as its sole purpose. The quarter-mile run was completed in a blistering 12.4 seconds at 114.6 mph. This time not only eclipses the 12.9 seconds at 110.5 mph posted by our 2015 Camaro SS 1LE but also places it squarely in the territory of its more hardcore sibling. The Z/28, with its massive 7.0-liter V-8, managed the quarter-mile in 12.3 seconds at 116.1 mph—a difference so marginal it speaks volumes about the new SS’s capabilities. But speed in a straight line is only half the equation. A true performance car must be able to slow down as effectively as it accelerates. Here too, the Camaro SS excels. The standard Brembo brakes proved more than capable, hauling the car from 60 mph to a complete stop in just 104 feet. This level of braking performance is indicative of a chassis that is ready for track duty, not just boulevard cruising. The lateral acceleration numbers further cement this newfound capability. On the figure-eight test, the 2016 Camaro SS lapped the course in 24.1 seconds, maintaining an average lateral grip of 0.85 g. While the race-bred Z/28 edged it out slightly with a 23.6-second run at 0.89 g, it’s crucial to remember that the SS is the base V-8 model. The performance hierarchy at Chevrolet is clear: if the standard SS is this good, the anticipated ZL1 and other performance variants will undoubtedly redefine the upper echelons of the pony car segment. Street Manners: The Cadillac Connection Pays Dividends Stepping away from the controlled environment of the test track and into the real world, the transformation of the 2016 Camaro SS becomes even more apparent. The driving experience is remarkably similar to that of the Cadillac ATS-V, which is high praise indeed. The LT1 V-8 sings a symphony of mechanical prowess, delivering instant torque from the moment you touch the throttle. Unlike some turbocharged engines that suffer from lag, the LT1’s power delivery is linear and immediate. The sound, a deep, guttural rumble that escalates into a snarling crescendo at higher RPMs, is intoxicating. It’s the kind of soundtrack that makes you seek out tunnels and bridges just to savor the acoustics. The transmission, particularly in manual guise, is a joy to operate. The shifter moves with a crisp, mechanical precision, and the clutch action is perfectly weighted, providing excellent feedback to the driver’s foot. The pedal placement is ideal for heel-toe downshifts, encouraging a more engaged driving style. This is a car that rewards driver involvement, not just brute force. Perhaps the most significant improvement over the previous generation is the ride and handling. The new chassis is simply worlds better. The steering is sharp, direct, and communicative, providing the driver with a clear sense of what the front tires are doing. The weighting is spot-on—effortless at low speeds but firm and confidence-inspiring when pressing on. While the car will exhibit predictable understeer at the absolute limit, a characteristic of front-engine, rear-drive platforms, it’s easily managed with a judicious application of throttle. Our test vehicle was a base 1SS model, which does not feature GM’s Magnetic Ride Control adaptive dampers. Even on conventional steel springs, the ride quality is remarkable. The suspension effectively soaks up road imperfections, providing a compliant ride that wouldn’t feel out of place on a daily commuter. Yet, when the road turns twisty, the springs stiffen, keeping body roll in check and allowing the car to transition smoothly between corners. It strikes an almost perfect balance between comfort and performance, a feat that many manufacturers struggle to achieve. The Competitive Landscape: Facing the Michigan Rivalry In the ever-evolving realm of high-performance American muscle cars, the rivalry between Chevrolet and Ford is legendary. The 2016 Camaro SS enters a market where the 2016 Ford Mustang GT is already firmly established as a formidable competitor. The Mustang, with its independent rear suspension and updated styling, has long been the benchmark for the segment. The question on every enthusiast’s mind is: How does the new Camaro stack up against its Dearborn-based archrival? While a direct comparison test would be the definitive answer, the early indications are extremely promising for Chevrolet. The Camaro appears to have clawed back the handling advantage that the Mustang briefly held. The Alpha platform’s lightweight construction and Cadillac-derived chassis engineering give the Camaro a nimbleness that the Mustang, despite its own significant improvements, may struggle to match. The power-to-weight ratio is firmly in the Camaro’s favor, and the availability of the track-focused SS 1LE package suggests that Chevrolet is serious about reclaiming the performance crown. However, the Mustang brings its own considerable strengths to the table. Its interior packaging is generally more generous, offering a more usable back seat and a larger trunk. The infotainment system, particularly Ford’s SYNC 3, is widely regarded as intuitive and user-friendly. For the average buyer, these practical considerations may tip the scales in favor of the Blue Oval. Yet, for the driving enthusiast, the choice may come down to the intangible elements—the feel, the sound, the emotional connection. The 2016 Camaro SS seems to excel in these areas. The LT1 V-8 delivers a visceral experience that is hard to quantify but easy to appreciate. The steering feedback, the precise shifter action, and the overall balance of the chassis create a driving experience that is both exhilarating and confidence-inspiring. Interior Refinement and Technology Beyond the mechanicals, Chevrolet has made significant strides in the interior of the 2016 Camaro SS. While the previous generation was often criticized for its plasticky, dark cabin, the new model features a more upscale environment with higher-quality materials and improved ergonomics. The design is driver-focused, with a clean, uncluttered dashboard and intuitive placement of controls. One of the most notable improvements is the visibility. The previous Camaro was often described as feeling like a bunker, with thick pillars and a high beltline that restricted the view of the outside world. Chevrolet has addressed this by incorporating a slimmer A-pillar and a lower dashboard, significantly enhancing the driver’s sense of awareness. Technology has also taken center stage. The infotainment system features a large touchscreen display with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, bringing smartphone integration to the pony car segment. Navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium Bose audio system are also available, ensuring that the Camaro can compete with its rivals in terms of connectivity and convenience. The Road Ahead: Performance Variants and Market Positioning The introduction of the 2016 Camaro SS is merely the opening salvo in Chevrolet’s broader performance strategy. With the ZL1 variant rumored to be packing the super