The Chevrolet Camaro comes standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Most shoppers will be impressed with its power and swift acceleration, but if you expect blistering throttle response from a sports car, you may be a little underwhelmed. This engine can also be loud in an unrefined way.
The Camaro is livelier when it has a V6 or a V8 engine under the hood. The optional 10-speed automatic transmission that’s paired with these power plants is a star, executing smooth and quick shifts. The naturally aspirated V8 was plucked from the C7 Corvette, so you know it means business. Topping the powertrain lineup is a supercharged V8 once shared with other high-performance GM cars. Now exclusive to the Camaro ZL1, it turns this car into a track monster.
Chevrolet Camaro Powertrain/Performance Options:
- Base engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque; starts at $25,000 (standard in 1LS, 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT)
- Available engines:
- 3.6-liter V6 with 335 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque; starts at $27,095 (optional in 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT)
- 6.2-liter V8 with 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque; starts at $34,000 (standard in LT1, 1SS, and 2SS)
- 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque; starts at $63,000 (standard in ZL1)
- Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive
- Transmission: standard six-speed manual; available eight-speed automatic; available 10-speed automatic (with V6 and V8 engines)