2022 chevrolet camaro ss review : a well-kept secret
2022 chevrolet camaro ss review : a well-kept secret
Photo: D.Rufiange 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS, front

•    Auto123 reviews the 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS.

•    This sports car has reached a certain state of maturity and near-perfection, just as it prepares to leave the scene.

With the transition to electrification now well on its way and set to turn the industry upside down in the next 15 years or so, the car such as we’ve known is destined to disappear. In the case of some models, their disappearance may not be so traumatic as all that.

By that I mean something like this: Think of a Chevrolet Equinox, and the serviceable if terrifically unexciting drive it delivers. Now think of the driving experience its coming electric version will deliver. It’s guaranteed it will be more dynamic, even fun, thanks in large part to the added available power inherent in the new technology. What’s more, the costs associated with the new will be lower than with the old. But some current models will see their DNA changed utterly when the gas engine is removed and replaced by electric motors and a battery pack. And that has nothing to do with any loss of performance as such. The electric vehicle has all the tools to not only match but humiliate its ICE progenitor. What it does have to do with, is emotion behind the wheel.This is why it’s inconceivable that the Camaro as we know it could simply be replaced by a Camaro EV in the hearts of its fans. And this is why it behooves us to appreciate the last generation of gas-powered cars like this that are likely to come from automakers. Their days are numbered, no question. If you’re looking for a future classic, no need look any further than the Camaro in its SS configuration. Browse cars for sale available near you

2022 chevrolet camaro ss review : a well-kept secret
Photo: D.Rufiange 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS, rear

Over and beyond the name

The Camaro name doesn’t call up the same associations in everyone. For baby-boomers, first to come to mind are likely cars from the late 60s or the 70s. Maybe 80s vintage Camaros as well. For Generation Xers, it’s more likely to conjure memories of those “less-successful” (read: horrifying) Camaros put out in the 1990s. That Camaro was discontinued in 2002, and down the drain with it went the last remaining car assembly plant in Quebec, the GM plant in Boisbriand.

For even younger folks, Camaro refers to the current model, which was first put on the market in 2010 and has evolved steadily since then. Not always successfully, I should add – the coupes don’t really seem to interest buyers all that much anymore.

That said, by and large, the truth is that the Camaro of today is far superior to even the 2010 edition. This 2022 Camaro is a mature product, and a very sporty car.

2022 chevrolet camaro ss review : a well-kept secret
Photo: D.Rufiange 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS, three-quarters rear

Worth exploring

A word of advice to those shopping in this segment: get in some time behind the wheel of the Camaro before you buy anything. Even better, try out this the Camaro SS we test-drove.

First thing to know is, the Camaro product line is quite varied, and the nomenclature used by Chevrolet is needlessly complicated. There are eight variants in all: 1LS, 2LT, 3LT, LT1, 1SS, 2SS and ZL1. As you travel this alphabetical-numerical mish-mash, the equipment included gets more generous and the available powertrains get more muscular.

The version we drove, the 2SS, sits almost at the top of the range hierarchy, kow-towing only to the ZL1 (which runs on a supercharged version of the model’s 6.2L V8 and delivers 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque). The 2SS “makes do” with 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. And that’s plenty, because frankly, any more than that is only exploitable on the track. To my mind, it’s even downright dangerous to allow on public roads.

Our tester came well-endowed in terms of equipment, but most relevantly, it included the 1LE Performance Track package. That adds Recaro seats, electronically controlled traction control differential, Magnetic Ride Control adjustable suspension, performance-tuned chassis with unique springs and stabilizer bars.

With this, buyers also get Brembo brakes, rear spoiler, front diffuser, satin black hood, red calipers decorated with the 1LE logo, and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. The tires? Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3s (285/30R20 front, 305/30R20 rear).

2022 chevrolet camaro ss review : a well-kept secret
Photo: D.Rufiange 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS, interior

A number of other packages are available, many with appearance-enhancing packages. While the base Camaro is attractively priced at around $31,000, and the SS version is very reasonably priced at around $51,000, be warned that you can almost double the bill if you let yourself go regarding the options.

The question is, do you want a Camaro to be flashy, or do you want a model that will mostly satisfy you on the road?

Behind the wheel
You've probably already guessed where I'm at on that question. To each their own.

One thing's for sure: with the Performance Package, available for $8,495, the SS version is taken to another level, to a level of performance that awakens your senses.

What more can you ask of a sports car?

Once you're in the driver's seat, you'll find a driving position that suits you fairly easily. In front of you is a dashboard with a distinctive design, which is refreshing. There are references to the past or not, which are hit and miss in my view. The visibility is not great, however. It’s one of the model's shortcomings, and the price you pay for the car’s exterior styling.

2022 chevrolet camaro ss review : a well-kept secret
Photo: D.Rufiange 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS, wheel

But that concern goes out the window, so to speak, when you turn on the engine. The roar of Chevrolet's V8 quickly puts you in the mood, and your senses will be titillated as soon as you hit the road and get to revving ‘er up.

Our model was equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission (with synchronization available on downshift), which of course adds to the fun. A 10-speed automatic transmission is available for those who want a simpler experience.

The first thing that strikes you about this Camaro SS is obviously the power, the exhaust note and the feel under acceleration. However, the Performance Package is a difference-maker. It gives the car exceptional handling, for instance. Our tester stuck to the road like velcro, provided that I respected the mechanics. You can push this Camaro to your heart's content and have a great time at the wheel. Comfort is pretty average, but it’s not so bad, really.

The final word
All in all, the Camaro delivers an old-timey feel, but very contemporary levels of performance. Its SS version comes close to delivering the very best of both worlds. And at just over $20,000 less than a ZLE variant, it delivers pretty solid bang for the buck.

And once gasoline-powered cars disappear from new-car dealerships, its worth will only go up.

2022 chevrolet camaro ss review : a well-kept secret
Photo: D.Rufiange 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS, screen

We like

The unique stylingThe sound of the V8 at the top of the rev counter
Impressive handling in every way

We don't like

The interior visibilityThat it feels like the end for this model
Beware of the option packages

The competition

Dodge Challenger
Ford Mustang

2022 chevrolet camaro ss review : a well-kept secret
Photo: D.Rufiange 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS, badging

Keyword: 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS Review : A Well-Kept Secret

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Here's Your First Look at the New Corvette Racing Z06 GT3.R

Corvette Racing's iconic yellow livery returns for 2024 looking meaner than ever.

View more: Here's Your First Look at the New Corvette Racing Z06 GT3.R

Is It Time To Buy A Chevy Corvette C4 ZR-1 Or LT4? This Video Offers An Answer

These are two of the more desirable variants of the C4 Corvette. But, is one of them better?

View more: Is It Time To Buy A Chevy Corvette C4 ZR-1 Or LT4? This Video Offers An Answer

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 Convertible

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 Convertible muscle car in black.

View more: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 Convertible

This Corvette-Powered BMW 330i ZHP Is The Ultimate Sleeper

It has rock chips on the bumper, an LS3 V8 under the hood, and it's for sale.

View more: This Corvette-Powered BMW 330i ZHP Is The Ultimate Sleeper

1956 Chevrolet Bel Air

1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. Great looking old car in red and white. Loving the chrome too!

View more: 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air

GM Hilariously Lists Corvette ZR1’s Rumored LT7 Engine As 4.3-Liter Diesel

To be fair, GM did have an LT7 diesel with the same displacement in the 1980s.

View more: GM Hilariously Lists Corvette ZR1’s Rumored LT7 Engine As 4.3-Liter Diesel

1959 Chevrolet NAPCO Suburban | Old Car

1959 Chevrolet NAPCO Suburban. What a great looking old SUV.

View more: 1959 Chevrolet NAPCO Suburban | Old Car

1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible

Originally applied to two-door hardtop coupe and convertible versions of Chevrolet’s Bel Air in 1958, the Impala name was subsequently used in its own right to signify a top-of-the-range luxury trim level rather than a separate and distinct body style. Marketed as ‘All New, All Over Again,’ Chevrolets exhibited a ...

View more: 1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible

The Next Chevrolet Bolt Could Be Built In Kansas: Report

1969 Chevrolet Impala

Saab 9-3 Pickup, Audi Quattro, Drift Corvette: The Dopest Cars I Found For Sale Online

Rare 4-Cylinder 1970 Chevrolet Postal Nova

Barn Find: 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

The Flat Out Autos KR2 Is The New K5 Blazer Chevrolet Refuses To Sell

Chevy Corvette Rides Wide And Low On Air Suspension And Japanese Body Kit

(video) Meet The New 2024 Chevrolet Chevelle Ss

1973 Chevrolet Camaro For Sale (Video)

First breakdown of my Chevrolet Beat in 13 years that too at midnight

⁠Chevrolet Equinox EV Launches At $48,995, $35K 1LT Trim Coming In 2024

LT7 Turbo Engine Appears in GM Parts Catalog. Is It For The Corvette ZR1?

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel