2011 Chevrolet Camaro: What's New

Vehicle Overview
The 2010 Camaro marked the return of affordable (compared with the Corvette) rear-wheel-drive performance at Chevy. The Camaro is available in a variety of LS, LT and SS trim levels. The Camaro competes with other retro-inspired muscle coupes, including the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang. For 2011 there is a new convertible version.

New for 2011
The 3.6-liter V-6 gains eight horsepower, to 312, and the standard OnStar communication system adds six months of the Directions and Connections Plan (a subscription is required afterward). There is also a new convertible version.

Exterior
The Camaro has a retro theme that borrows from previous models, including a long hood and short rear deck. The front end features a honeycomb grille, and the rear has aggressively styled fenders with air intakes shaped like gills. The back has four rounded taillamps, similar to the ones found on the Corvette.

An available RS appearance package includes high-intensity-discharge headlamps with integrated halo rings, a rear spoiler, unique taillamps and 20-inch wheels. Exterior features include:

• Available 18-, 19-, 20- or 21-inch wheels
• Standard power mirrors
• Standard dual exhaust
• Optional power heated mirrors
• Optional auto-dimming driver-side mirror
• Optional fog lamps
• Optional rear spoiler

Interior
The retro theme continues on the inside. In a rare instance for GM, the Camaro’s steering wheel, radio unit and climate controls are unique to this car, not shared with another GM vehicle. There’s an available auxiliary instrument panel near the shifter that indicates oil temperature, oil pressure, battery charge and transmission fluid temperature. Interior features include:

• Available cloth or leather upholstery
• Standard air conditioning
• Standard power windows, locks and keyless entry
• Standard XM Satellite Radio
• Optional USB connector for MP3 player
• Optional heated front seats

Under the Hood
Camaro LS and LT models have a V-6 engine, while the V-8 is exclusively found on SS models. It features GM’s Active Fuel Management system, which turns off four cylinders under light driving conditions.

The Camaro offers two suspension settings: LS and LT models receive a sport-tuned suspension, while SS Camaros get a performance-tuned suspension. SS models also get large Brembo brakes and adjustable electronic stability and traction control settings, and manual versions feature Launch Control. Mechanical features include:

• 312-horsepower, 3.6-liter direct-injected V-6 with 273 pounds-feet of torque
• 400-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 with 395 pounds-feet of torque (automatic SS)
• 426-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 with 408 pounds-feet of torque (manual SS)
• Standard six-speed manual transmission
• Optional six-speed automatic transmission
• Four-piston Brembo brakes standard on SS models

Safety
All Camaros receive OnStar, with one free year of GM’s Safe and Sound Plan, whose features include monthly email alerts, automatic crash response and roadside assistance. The 2011 models also get six months of free Connections and Directions Plan.

Standard safety features include:

• Side curtain airbags
• Front side-impact airbags
• Daytime running lamps
• Antilock braking system with brake assist
• Electronic stability control
• Traction control

Camaro convertible
Chevrolet debuts the droptop version of the Camaro for the 2011 model year, and it hits dealerships in February 2011. Like the coupe that debuted as a 2010 model, the Camaro convertible is available with V-6 or V-8 power and a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Chevrolet has been teasing Camaro enthusiasts with a convertible concept for the past few years, and the production version doesn’t look much different from the concept. It retains the sleek, wide stance of the concept and is offered with a choice of 18-, 19- or 20-inch wheels.

Convertibles are less rigid than their closed-roof counterparts. To counteract that, the Camaro convertible gains structural reinforcements like a tower brace under the hood, a reinforcement brace for the transmission, and underbody bracing.

Chevrolet says the Camaro convertible’s power soft-top takes just 20 seconds to lower — pretty quick for a large top. It latches at the windshield with a single lever, and the canvas top has sound-deadening material and a glass rear window with a defogger. The soft-top also maintains the silhouette of the coupe’s metal roof when raised.