Spotted: an extra fuel-efficient Chevrolet Camaro

Four-cylinder in a muscle car?

The sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro entered the market in 2015 and was lighter, more modern and more refined than its predecessor. Instead of exclusively fat V6 and V8 engines, the Camaro also received a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That may sound like an odd move for a car that owes its existence to the V8 tradition, but there was a clear rationale behind it: to make the car more appealing to a wider audience and respond to changing environmental regulations.

Performance four-cylinder

The engine produces 205 kW (279 hp) and 400 Nm of torque. This does not make it a slow model. The sprint to 100 km/h goes in about six seconds, depending on the gearbox chosen. An eight-speed automatic was available, but a six-speed manual transmission was also offered.

Lighter, and you notice it

Due to the lower weight of the four-cylinder, the balance of the car is better than the heavier V8 models. The front end is lighter, making the car slightly more responsive to steering movements. The suspension remains firm, with a sporty tuning that does not dampen all bumps, but for a Camaro it is reasonably comfortable.

Based on a previous test drive, we can say that the steering is direct enough, although feedback remains limited compared to European sports coupes. Still, the whole thing is surprisingly drivable in daily traffic. The four-cylinder version does not feel overly sporty, but rather more accessible.

Consumption and noise

With an average consumption of about 7.8 liters per 100 kilometers, the four-cylinder is relatively economical, especially within this segment. Of course, fuel economy depends very much on your driving style – it is still a sporty car. The turbo ensures sufficient pulling power at low revs. The engine noise is not as present as with a V8, but it is not completely silent either. At higher revs, the four-cylinder lets out a mechanical rumble, though the sound remains quite subdued. There is no fake sound through the speakers, but no overly loud exhaust either. A bit tame for some enthusiasts, perhaps, but pleasant for others.

Equipment and interior Chevrolet Camaro

The 2018 four-cylinder Camaro was mainly delivered in the Netherlands as an LT or LT RS. Both versions offered reasonable equipment, with things like air conditioning, infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, sport seats and a digital cockpit. Safety features such as blind spot warning, parking sensors and reversing camera were also available, depending on the chosen version.

The interior is uncluttered, but not particularly spacious. The seating position is low, entry somewhat awkward, and rearward visibility limited – typical coupe characteristics. The finish is solid, with enough comfort for daily use, although tougher plastics are present.

V8 a thing of the past?

The traditional muscle car does not always have a V8 engine. In fact, electric muscle cars have already entered the market in this energy transition. A well-known example is the Dodge Charger EV. A 100% electric model generation of the Camaro will also reportedly appear eventually.