Used 2020 Chevrolet Camaro

While the American sedan’s days seem numbered, the American muscle car continues to find a welcoming audience. Whether you’re one who loves the snarling growl of a big V8 engine, or the potent rush that comes from a fuel-efficient turbocharged 4-cylinder, the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro coupe and convertible have you covered.

Horsepower figures range from 275 in the base 1LS to 650 horsepower from the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the ZL1. There’s also a V6 in the mix, as well as a choice between a 6-speed manual or 8- and 10-speed automatics.

With a model range that runs from sporty to superfast, the Camaro keeps pace with rivals Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger, and even flirts with some very expensive exotics.

If you haven’t driven the Camaro in a while you’re in for a surprise. Gone are the days when this was a straight-line sled. The launch of the 6th-generation platform really took things up a big notch. The latest version of the Chevy muscle car is smaller, lighter and delivers handling more in line with what you might expect of a European sports coupe.

That said, it still packs a visceral punch whenever you smack the throttle. At 275 horsepower, even the base turbocharged 4-cylinder version matches the output of a V8 Camaro from a few generations back. The latest-generation SS bumps that up to 455 horsepower with its 6.2-liter 8-banger. And if you really want to feel yourself thrust into the back of your seat, you’ll be well advised to consider the blindingly-fast ZL1 with its supercharged version of that V8 punching the horsepower up to 650.

The 2020 Chevy Camaro’s interior is a mix of the old and new. There are elements of the original car here, such as the dual hoods over the instrument cluster and the numerous chrome surrounds on various controls. Modern touches like heated seats and a touch-screen infotainment system bring the muscle car into the 21st century, but the Camaro’s sleek exterior design presents some ergonomic issues inside the cabin.

The tiny window openings create a claustrophobic feel and a preponderance of black plastic doesn’t help. Narrow sun visors are practically useless when swiveled to shade the door glass. The sport seats feel terrific and can accommodate drivers of all sizes. The same can’t be said for the Camaro’s rear seat, however, which is little more than a padded parcel shelf. If you regularly need room in the back for passengers, the Dodge Challenger may be a better choice.

Last year’s Camaro mid-cycle refresh kicked up a dust storm, with many loyal fans shaken by the funky look of the new bumpers, front and rear, as well as the coupe’s headlights. These updates aside, there were no major changes to sheet metal, and the overall look of the 6th-generation Camaro continues to hearken back to the classic 1969 edition, one of the most attractive muscle cars ever. The thinner headlights give the 2020 Camaro a menacing squint, reinforced by the bulging hindquarters and sweptback roof.

CAMARO 1LE TRACK PERFORMANCE PACKAGE
The 1LE option vastly improves the Camaro’s cornering ability by borrowing suspension and brake bits from the SS trim. Available with either the V6 or V8 engine upgrade, the 1LE package includes Brembo brakes, beefier anti-roll bars, stiffer shocks and dampers, 20-inch wheels, a limited-slip rear differential and a satin-black hood.

CAMARO CONVERTIBLE
One way to eliminate the Camaro’s numerous blind spots is to remove the roof. With the convertible, you can do just that. The Camaro’s cloth power top lowers with the push of a button and stows neatly behind the rear seat. When up, the sturdy top provides good protection from rain and wind noise.

The base-model 2020 Chevy Camaro is the 1LS, which comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine connected to a 6-speed manual transmission. Standard amenities include power windows, cruise control, an 8-way-power driver’s seat and a 7-inch touch-screen audio system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, dual USB ports, AUX input, and GM’s 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

There’s also a driver-selector mode that includes Snow and Ice, Tour and Sport, plus automatic climate control and a color driver-information display between the gauges. Upscale features include push-button start and keyless entry and a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel. Multiple airbags and advanced stability control help keep you safe. All versions of the 2020 Camaro get Chevy’s 3rd-generation infotainment technology.

On the new Camaro’s options list are an 8- and a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, two different Brembo-brake upgrades, an upgraded audio system with a larger 8-inch touch screen, and an enhanced driver-information center similar to the Corvette’s.

The Camaro SS offers magnetic ride-control suspension, a power sunroof, in-dash navigation and a dual-mode exhaust system for more V8 rumble. A remote engine-start system is available.

Optional safety technology is limited to the LT and SS trims and includes blind-spot monitoring, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, Lane Change Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, all helping to minimize the Camaro’s compromised outward visibility. Chevy also offers numerous wheel options.

There are four engines available in the 2020 Camaro. There’s the standard 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, with a muscular 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Step up to the 3.6-liter V6 with 335 horsepower; it offers more power but less torque than the 4-cylinder, and offers cylinder deactivation for better fuel economy.

But a Camaro needs a V8, and in the Camaro SS there’s the 6.2-liter V8, shared with the Corvette, pumping out 455 horsepower. Step up to the Camaro ZL1 and you’re looking at a 650-horsepower supercharged version, making it the most powerful Camaro ever. All engines connect to a 6-speed manual that includes automatic rev-matching on V8 models.

The 4-cylinder Camaro offers an 8-speed automatic, while V6- and V8-powered cars employ a 10-speed automatic; both of which can be had with paddle shifters.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (LS, LT)
275 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/31 mpg (automatic), 20/30 mpg (manual)

3.6-liter V6 (LS, LT)
335 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
284 lb-ft of torque @ 5,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/29 mpg (automatic), 16/26 mpg (manual)

6.2-liter V8 (SS)
455 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
455 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/27 mpg (automatic), 16/24 mpg (manual)

6.2-liter supercharged V8 (ZL1)
650 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
650 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 mpg (manual), 13/21 mpg (automatic)