The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro combines the iconic style of the past, with the technology of the today. It’s still a sporty, retro style, with Chevrolet engineering technology that is an affordable sports car with power and great handling.
The new Camaro is offered as a sporty coupe, or convertible, and four models to choose from. The 2012 Camaro LS, LT, and SS models differ in engine power, transmission, trim, and price. Each model delivers great handling, a sporty appearance, and value.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Coupe | Base Price: $23,280.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons (71l) | MPG: 17 city / 28 hwy |
| Length: 190.4 in. (483.6 cm) | Wheel Base: 112.3 in. (285.2 cm) |
| Height: 54.2 in. (137.6 cm) | Width: 75.5 in. (191.7 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3780 lbs (1714 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 11.3 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 4 people |
| Engine: V6 DOHC | Displacement: 3.6 Liter |
| Horsepower: 323 HP | Max RPM: 6800 RPM |
| Torque: 278 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Manual |
| 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds* | Maximum Speed: 184 mph* (296 km/h) |
*Based on ZL1
| Option:2LS | MSRP: $24,480; MPG: 18 city / 29 hwy |
| Option:1LT | MSRP: $25,280; MPG: 17 city / 28 hwy |
| Option:2LT | MSRP: $28,430; MPG: 17 city / 28 hwy |
| Option:1SS V8 | MSRP: $32,280; MPG: 16 city / 24 hwy |
| Option:2SS V8 | MSRP: $35,880; MPG: 16 city / 24 hwy |
| Option:ZL1 580 HP V8 | MSRP: $54,095; MPG: 14 city / 19 hwy |
Engine
Overall, the 2012 Camaro tops the 2011 model, with more horsepower. The LS and LT models comes equipped with a 3.6 liter, V6 engine producing 323 horsepower, and is available in automatic or manual transmission. The Camaro SS model increases the horsepower to 426, with its 6.2 liter, V8 engine. Variable valve timing, combined with direct injection ensures power and performance.
Performance
The Camaro has independent rear suspension, and its weight ratio has great front-to-rear balance. With variable-ratio power steering, and its chassis tuned to handle turns and transitional driving situations, the handling of the 2012 Camaro is superior.
The Camaro is very comfortable when handling, providing cornering grip, and confidence. The Camaro manual transmission LS and LT models will provide 28 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg in the city fuel economy, while the automatic transmission will provide 29 mpg highway, and 18 mpg city driving.
Exterior
The Camaro features a long hood, with a short rear deck, giving it a retroactive look. The cleanly creased body with long lines and wide fenders give it a sporty muscle car appearance. The sculpted rear shoulders and deeply-set, high-intensity LED headlights, add to the Camaro’s sporty look.
The body is available in eight colors: blue, orange, yellow, silver, white, red, grey, and black. The 45th anniversary edition package adds unique stripes in red and silver, with a carbon-black body color, and 20-inch wheels.
Interior
The cabin of the Camaro has a retro-styled interior. It has wide front-passenger seats, with updated gauges and steering wheel. The dash, console, and door panels are of hard plastic, and seats are made of cloth, in either ash gray, or black. The steering wheel is revised to include thumb grips, and controls for audio functions. The standard 6-way adjustable driver seat is also available for the front passenger seat now.
The Camaro is equipped with a rear vision camera, and self-adjustable Head-Up Display (HUD), which displays the traveling speed, RPMs, and radio station selected, on the windshield. Other features provided in the Camaro interior are: OnStar Navigation with Remote Link, SiriusXM Radio, Bluetooth technology, Boston Acoustics, and Remote Start options.
Safety & Reliability
The wider tires, communicative steering and refined rear suspension, makes handling corners effortless. Six standard airbags, including side curtain air bags are provided, and StabiliTrak technology with 4-wheel disc brakes and hydraulic brake assist, are provided for driving ease and safety reassurance. The Camaro has the power of a sports car, but is also very agile, and easy to handle.
Comparison
In the affordable sports car category, the Camaro trails in performance to the Ford Mustang (MSRP $22,310; 19 city / 29 hwy). The Camaro is more powerful, but the car is heavier. The Mazda Miata, Ford Mustang and Nissan 37OZ (MSRP $33,580; 19 city / 26 hwy), have better fuel mileage, and slightly better interior qualities, including more trunk space and back seat passenger space. The Dodge Challenger (MSRP $25,195; 17 city / 25 hwy) has the largest trunk, and will seat five comfortably.
The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro does seem to have the most stylish looks however, along with composed handling, agility, and an interior loaded with essential features. The Camaro, with an iconic, retro look, great power, handling, and performance safety, could just be in your price range, and can be personalized with your own preferences, from the various models offered.
Overall Rating
70 out of 100
What others say:
“Though it’s not the best environment for taller drivers, and there’s no surplus of cargo space, the 2012 Chevy Camaro is comfortable, quiet, and generally well-built.”Car Connection
“Both LT and SS Camaros corner with good grip and minimal body lean. ”Consumer Guide
“The Camaro has classic muscle car looks and sound.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“If you’re looking for a high-performance machine that offers the best dollar-to-horsepower ratio in the business, check out the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. In SS form, it outmuscles most exotics costing twice as much.”KBB
“For tire-burning power and Hollywood flash, it doesn’t get much better than the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro.”Edmunds
