Mustangs and Camaro are so common these days, that one may think their commercial success is more about cheap pricing than real merit. The truth could not be farther and the Chevy Camaro SS is here to remind everyone, especially those of German origins, that American muscle icons are not only alive but Reborn.

The Camaro/Mustang fratricide competition has pushed each generations further in terms of handling and overall build quality. The 2019 Camaro is now a very mature, modern sport car. The high displacement V8 rumbles above the turbocharged imports, and the many years of testing at the Nurburgring is paying of large dividends. Add to the mix a newly found interest for quality interior and you have a car Europeans would dream to put their hands on. So let's go ahead and dive into this 'Americana driving machine'.

Exterior

Engine

Interior

Driving impressions

Let's start with the not so obvious fact that the Camaro is a real sports car. Yes, even after all these years of rules and regulations, rental fleet duties and tree huger trend, the V8 still rumbles like it did in the old days and the engineers at Chevy even took some magic lessons to make the heavy weight muscle car handle like its german rivals. The SS trim, featuring the V8 engine is so much fun to drive, it is addicting! This is the kind of vehicle that makes me love cars. Some will tell you Miata power is all you need if you want to keep your license, but that is not true. The V8 torque is just as fun under 35 mph as it is far above speed limits. The engine sound is a big part of the show, and kuddos to GM for finding the right balance between comfort and fun. It is loud want you want it to be and quite when you have to be. The steering is crisp in all driving mode, but the track mode is just perfect, not too heavy, not too light. Sure the car is a big heavy and the suspension has to be quite firm to keep it in check, but you get a nice commanding feeling from the steering. The Camaro is a big muscle car, with all the good coming with the badge, and very little of the old drawbacks. Gone are the days of straight line only performance, the Camaro learned it way around the Nurburgring, like its German friends and it shows at every turns.

Conclusion

The Camaro offers an extremely fun yet versatile vehicle at an attractive price point. Sure it gets expensive in the SS trim, but similar power with a German badge would set you thousands more and don't get me started with the reliability of the over engineered German cars. Buying a Camaro is living a fun car life without buyer's remorse!