The Chevrolet Camaro is a muscle car, one with a long history, albeit interrupted by an early 2000s cancellation and later revival. The Camaro is available as a coupe or a convertible and occupies a narrow segment of the industry. GM plans to discontinue the Camaro soon, replacing this model with an all-electric vehicle.
The 2023 Camaro comes in eight grades: 1LS, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, LT1, 1SS, 2SS, and ZL1. It is priced from $27,495 to $69,990, although most trims start for no more than $40,000. Add $1,395 for the destination fee. The ZL1 also requires a $1,300 gas guzzler tax payment.
The Camaro is a rear-wheel drive model with room for four. For 2023, the Camaro comes with no major changes.
Exterior Highlights
The look is retro, although modern touches are evident. Striking LED lighting elements paint aggressive accents on an already powerful front fascia. Its high beltline and low roofline give this vehicle a near “gangster” look. Chevrolet finishes the rear with square taillights.
Much customization through various package upgrades distinguishes these models. From special emblems and badges to a hood insert, hood wrap, racing stripes, and an available rear wing are options or upgrades. All models come with staggered tires that wrap alloy wheels.
Interior Highlights
The Camaro seats four but is ideal for two adults. The rear seat is small and the space is limited. The cabin has more plastics than anyone likes. Cloth seats, air conditioning, and manual front seats come standard. Available features include leather seats, power-controlled front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a sunroof.
The cargo space measures 9.1 cubic feet in the coupe, but just 7.3 cubic feet in the convertible.
Performance and Efficiency
Chevrolet offers four engine choices with the 2023 Camaro. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Customers have a choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Available with any of the three LT models, a naturally aspirated V6 develops 335 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque. This engine works with either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the LT1 or SS models and this one comes with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that makes 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. Power routes to the rear wheels with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Exclusive to the ZL1 is a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine. This engine outputs 650 horsepower and 650-pound feet of torque. The same transmission choices from the naturally aspirated V8 carry forward.
Technology and Safety
Chevrolet equips the Camaro with a standard 7-inch touchscreen display. Bluetooth, two USB ports, and smartphone compatibility (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) come standard. A 6-speaker audio package is included.
Move up through the grades and features such as a 9-speaker audio system (7 speakers with the convertible), satellite radio, navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an 8-inch touch-screen display come in. A wireless charging pad is available on some trims.
The 2023 Camaro has a limited number of driver-assist technologies. All models come with Teen Driver Technology, a parental control feature that manages speed and audio volume. Certain grades add forward collision alert, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, and an HD rear vision camera. A head-up display and rear parking sensors are optional.
Competitive Set
Two models are direct competitors to the Chevrolet Camaro: the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger. On a smaller scale, the Toyota GR Supra and Nissan Z might be compared.
Our Verdict
The current Chevrolet Camaro will soon disappear with likely one more model year left before it is gone. Chevrolet is pivoting to electric vehicles and the replacement model may not sport the Camaro name.
The standard engine doesn’t supply the level of power shoppers expect in this segment. The V6 is a decent place to start, while either of the V8s is for true performance enthusiasts.
See Also — Dodge Challenger Overtakes Ford Mustang for Pony Car Laurels
Photo courtesy of GM Corp.
