The 2013 Chevrolet Camaro comes in a wide range of models designed to cover uses ranging from stylish open-air cruising to track-ready high-performance driving. The 2013 Camaro is available in Coupe or soft-top Convertible models. Camaro Coupes can be had at any trim level while Convertibles are only offered in LT and up trims. There remain three available engines in the lineup: a 323-hp 3.6L V6, a 426-hp 6.2L V8 and a monster 580-hp 6.2L supercharged V-8. All three engines can be had with either an automatic or a manual transmission, both with six forward gears.
SS models of the Camaro can reach 60 mph in around 4.5 seconds, with V6 models reaching 60 around 6 seconds. Fuel economy ratings are actually quite impressive for the Camaro, considering its performance potential, with V6 models rating up to 19 mpg city, 30 highway and SS models achieving 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway.
There are several different suspension packages available in the Camaro. LS and LT models get the FE2 calibration; SS Coupe models come with a high-performance FE4 suspension, while SS Convertibles come with a somewhat softer FE3. A 1LE package is new for 2013 and is optional on SS Camaros fitted with a manual transmission. The 1LE pack comes with the most aggressive suspension available on non-supercharged Camaros and should be right at home on the racetrack. The Camaro's rack-and-pinion steering system provides quick response for tight corners but is relaxed enough for highway cruising.
SS models get a competitive/sport mode for the stability control system, allowing more wheel slip for the track; also included with the SS in manual-gearbox versions is a Performance Launch Control system that helps launch the car from a start in the quickest possible way. SS Coupes, in addition to getting the FE4 high-performance suspension, get retuned dampers, bigger stabilizer bars and 20-inch wheels and performance tires. Huge 21-inch wheels are offered as a dealer-installed accessory.
The ZL1 Camaro launched in 2012 and represents the top rung on the Camaro performance hierarchy. Costing roughly $20,000 more than a Camaro SS, the ZL1 is a serious performance car. For the money, it comes with an extra 154-hp over a Camaro SS from its 6.2L supercharged V8 good for 580 horses. The ZL1 doesn't stop at a massive engine though; the cockpit is loaded with luxury features and comes standard with heated leather seating surfaces. The suspension has also been beefed up to deal with the extra horsepower and many of the body panels have been modified to give the car a much meaner look on the street. Sold only as a coupe in 2012, the ZL1 is now available as a convertible as well.
Power accessories, cruise control, a tilt/telescopically adjustable steering wheel, rear-window defrost, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and a good 6-speaker sound system with steering-wheel controls are all standard. LT models upgrade to painted aluminum 18-inch wheels, fog lamps and sport bucket seats, while SS models get the V8, upgraded suspension and Brembo high-performance brakes.
All Camaro models get the suite of OnStar roadside assistance and crash-safety notification system, including six months of the Directions and Connections services, with Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Stolen Vehicle Assistance. A host of appearance extras are available, but of interest to those who intend to use their Camaro as a daily driver is the Rear Vision Package, which also brings a rearview camera system and auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Strong Acceleration
Great Handling
Rip-roaring Muscle-car Look And Feel
Daring Design Inside And Out
Good Highway Efficiency
The 2013 Camaro has been given several notable updates. Most noticeable is the 1LE performance package available on the Camaro SS. Featuring stiffer springs and shock absorbers, a shorter final drive ratio, high performance tires and a flat black hood, the 1LE Camaro sacrifices a little bit of comfort for stronger, track-oriented performance.
Other updates to the Camaro include Hill Start Assist on all manual transmission equipped Camaros, a nicer leather shift knob and updates to the optional navigation system. SS Camaros receive electronic power steering and an optional dual mode exhaust.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a modern take on GM's legendary muscle-car, offering strong rear-wheel-drive performance in a low coupe or convertible body style. Relative to the other pony cars like the Ford Mustang or Dodge Challenger, the Camaro performs athletically, although it gives up some outward visibility for the chunky, bold design. The standout of the model line remains the Camaro SS Coupe for performance and handling approaching that of an exotic car. But Camaro Convertibles are a strong value as well and provide a different sort of fun. For the rare driver wanting to better the performance of high-end exotics, the ZL1 provides outrageous horsepower numbers. While it's expensive for a Camaro, it's faster than cars costing two or three times as much.
