America and cars go far back, and while we don’t claim to invent this four-wheeled vehicle, we have certainly contributed to its ever-changing nature. Case in point is the ultimate expression of American ingenuity, pride, and love for the open road: the muscle car. Over the years, several iconic muscle cars have come and gone, and only a few names have weathered the storm of gas prices and carbon emissions. The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro is part of this select group, continuing a tradition that is definitely all-American and at same time blurring the lines of what a muscle car needs to be.
Exterior
After existing for fifty years, the Chevrolet Camaro has only gone better with age. Outside no one will mistake it for anything else other than the quintessential muscle car. It still carries some nods even to the first generation and subtle changes from the last. The sharp and bold curves clearly scream masculinity, while the low roof, wide fenders, and distinctly thin headlights evoke the feel of hunters stalking prey. And that is how one would feel regardless if you are behind the wheel with one or just seeing the car in your rear view mirror.
The exterior design does introduce a few concerns. The low roof not only makes it a challenge for some taller drivers, rear visibility will also get a little used to. The same visibility concerns follow the side mirrors, though some will just be glad to see another angle of those back wheel arches.
A closer look, though, reveals that it is smaller and more lightweight, which makes its handling closer to traditional sports car territory. Quick acceleration and braking are not entirely a surprise, but negotiating corners is more refined than similarly priced competitors. One also has a choice from several driving modes, introducing certain adjustments to the car’s sensitivity in order to respond better to the driver’s input. The LT model is packed 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust tips, and LED daytime running lights. The top SS trim upgrades the wheels to 20-inch aluminums, adds a rear stanchion spoiler further reducing lift, as well as aggressive-looking HID headlamps.
Performance
With the two trims come several options for performance. The base LT comes standard with a 2 Liter Turbo 4 cylinder engine capable of 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Those looking for more performance can (and should) opt for the 3.6 Liter direct injection V6 outputting 335 horsepower and 284 lb-ft torque. If the V6 is still not up to speed, you can always drop everything else and go for the SS trim, giving you the 6.2 L V8 which can put out an impressive 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. What does all that power produce? Zero to sixty in 5 seconds for the 2 Liter variant and 4 seconds for the V8. All engines can be mated with either a 6-speed manual or the 8-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy can go as high as 25 miles per gallon for the 2-liter variants and a respectable 19 mpg for the V8-equipped SS.
Interior
The interior is tuned to the sensibilities of the driver and continues the marriage of classic muscle car aesthetic with an eye on the future. The inside is dominated with a dark two-tone look with comfortable and adjustable seats for both driver and passenger. Drivers are greeted with an adjustable small diameter steering wheel. Behind it are two traditional gauges and between them is a digital display that can cycle through speed, mileage, or even tire pressure details. Higher end models also have the option of a heads up display, which project necessary driving information up on the windshield.
On the center of the dashboard is a 7-inch Chevrolet Mylink touchscreen is standard with the option of a larger screen with built navigation for higher trims. You can also hook up your mobile phone and access apps on the center screen with the car’s Android Auto and Apple Carplay support. Audio is piped through the 6 channel speaker system though there also a premium 8 channel option provided by Bose. Other interior features include keyless entry with engine start/stop button and a wireless charging pad, which is another perk smartphone owners will appreciate.
Behind the driver, there is room for rear seats, though it is clear that only younger passengers will fit them best. These rear seats can also be folded down to expand the 9 cubic foot trunk space, making it easier to fit golf clubs or other large equipment.
Safety
Aside from the aforementioned daytime running lights, every Camaro is fitted with traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, and a rear view camera showing on the center screen every time the reverse gear is engaged. Onstar is also accessible from the center console, which includes drive maintenance alerts as well as advanced features such as automatic crash response.
Both driver and passenger are protected by a number of airbags including front-seat knee and side airbags as well as full-length curtain airbags. Those with children can also make use of the provided Lower Anchors and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH) support. Furthermore, there is also a Teen Driver mode available, which gives parents the assurance that their teen children can drive the car without manually adjusting settings they cannot handle.
More Choices
If the two trims are not enough for you, there is also a convertible option that solves the low roof coverage but reduces trunk space. A limited edition fifty-year car option is also available which gives the car all the top of the line options as well the exclusive trims.
Get One at a Bargain
Although it’s a long shot, you can own a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro this year. Not only that, you can get it at a bargain. One of the best ways is to bid and win it in an auction. Auto auctions can potentially reduce your spending by as much as 30 percent the vehicle’s book value. Should you decide to resell the vehicle – and because it’s still new and really good it’s more likely to be sold – you can recognize a much higher profit.
Do you know an auto auction in the United States? Subscribe to an auto auction listing and find out the hundreds these types of auctions. Get all the details you need including where to find the best used 2017 Chevy Camaro.
