Opinion of 2016+ Camaro V6

What do you folks think about the 2016+ Camaro V6? I'm potentially interested in it from a daily driver perspective, but with mild track use as a potential option (currently have dedicated track car).

Based on what the various enthusiast media has suggested, it sounds like a good car with possibly exceptional value, possibly transcending from mere muscle or GT car into one that has sports car qualities (handles, feels smaller than it is, steering feel, etc). The V6 car with the 1LE package ($5-6k option: Basically the suspension from the base SS model, auxiliary rad, oil cooler, diff cooler, bigger wheels, stickier tires, appearance items) appears to be a giant killer (eg. see C&D lightning lap - 3:04 @ VIR). Apparently GM performance parts will be selling the 1LE suspension alone starting in early 2017, bringing an even more cost efficient possibility. The 4-piston front brakes can be found used (SS owners installing 6-piston setup) for not a lot of money.

Thoughts?

Had a few as rental cars and was sufficiently impressed. I'd buy one. Once you get used to the odd sight lines that car hauls the mail.

I've rented them and liked them. I think I liked the Challenger more. If you hold down the traction control button it will also disable the stability control. That's where the fun is.

The V6 1LE does look to be a good car for what you want. GM is offering the SS front brake kit for 2016+ V6 and Turbo 4 cars, listed at $2000, but Amazon has it for $1500. Traction control has 3 modes: All on, hold for 7 sec, all off, or push twice for Competitive mode. I use the competitive mode on my '12 SS and it works good for autox.

I'm torn. I love the new Mustangs styling, and figured I cold just forgive any mechanical shortcomings that the aftermarket can fix. Especially since it's easier to fix mechanical shortcomings than stylistic ones, as seen on the Camaro. However, I think the new V6 Camaro's superiority to the non-GT Mustang has caused its looks to start growing on me recently...Enough so that I'm starting to lean towards the Camaro over the Mustang for my money.

I have a 2016 1LT with a stick. Just a little over 5k miles since new. I get 32mpg highway at 80mph, and my 50 mile avg around town is usually in the 23/24mpg range. Plenty of power, and runs on 87 octane.

Too many people complain about 'visibility' that have never even driven the car. For me, it's so much easier to see out of than the Miata I had, with either the hardtop or the soft-top up.

I also rented one for about a week and drove between Phoenix and San Bernardino. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was impressed with how quickly it could do 80 to 120 (lots of open highway in the desert west of phoenix). I was able to take a detour down the Pine-to-Palms Highway through Iydlwild, CA, lots of good mountain roads through there. It handled quite a bit better then i expected it to in the twisties, only had some understeer on the really sharp corners but besides that it did really well.

Quite a lot of output from that motor - think about it - that thing is putting out what V8s made 10 years ago, with 50% better fuel economy.

^ I was thinking 335hp from 3.6L naturally aspirated on 87 octane may be a record. I can't think of an engine that makes more power/L on 87. The other thing is that IMO a mid to high 13s in the quarter car is about all the power you can realistically use on the street without losing one's license.

Would you guys categorize the handling as akin to a "sports car"?

I can't figure out why the diff cooler is included in the 1LE package. Surely a run of the mill clutch pack LSD doesn't need a dedicated cooler for normal track use?

Snrub wrote: Would you guys categorize the handling as akin to a "sports car"?

Yes. But I suggest you rent one from National.. Drive it for a few days.

Snrub wrote: ^ I was thinking 335hp from 3.6L naturally aspirated on 87 octane may be a record. I can't think of an engine that makes more power/L on 87. The other thing is that IMO a mid to high 13s in the quarter car is about all the power you can realistically use on the street without losing one's license. Would you guys categorize the handling as akin to a "sports car"? I can't figure out why the diff cooler is included in the 1LE package. Surely a run of the mill clutch pack LSD doesn't need a dedicated cooler for normal track use?

I'd bet money it's not making the rated HP on 87, the computer will be pulling some timing so I'd bet it's down 10-15hp vs 91/93.

If you're an advanced driver on sticky tires, yes a diff cooler is a great idea. You'd be surprised how hot they get on track.

Heat is what kills things, the more you keep it in the optimum temp range the better durability it has.

Snrub wrote: ^ I was thinking 335hp from 3.6L naturally aspirated on 87 octane may be a record. I can't think of an engine that makes more power/L on 87. The other thing is that IMO a mid to high 13s in the quarter car is about all the power you can realistically use on the street without losing one's license. Would you guys categorize the handling as akin to a "sports car"? I can't figure out why the diff cooler is included in the 1LE package. Surely a run of the mill clutch pack LSD doesn't need a dedicated cooler for normal track use?

Being an IRS setup, the diff does run hotter than a solid axle would. The axle tubes do draw a good amount of heat away from the center section. CV axles not so much.

Is this based on the same 3.6L V6 that Chevy has been using across the board in SUVs, cars, and the colorado? I know the older ones in the traverse have a tendency to go through timing chains.

A friend has one because her car is in for warranty repair. (and looks to be there for a long time) She doesn't like it so I traded cars with her for awhile. I got to say it's really designed for someone my size. Long legs andd short torso. I haven't got to push it yet in the tight roads but I got to say I like it a lot more than the mustang I test drove.

Nitroracer wrote: Is this based on the same 3.6L V6 that Chevy has been using across the board in SUVs, cars, and the colorado? I know the older ones in the traverse have a tendency to go through timing chains.

Yes. I believe it's updated to have a more robust oiling system and makes more power.

I've driven a couple as rental cars and I was impressed. They're very competent GTs capable of eating miles comfortably at a rapid pace. I'm sure the rentals don't have the 1LE package so this may not be helpful but I found that they tend to slide the nose if pushed hard but the grip levels are high enough that you really shouldn't be that aggressive on the street anyway. I think that if you wanted to compete with it you'd find it in need of some tweaking but I you just want something reliable for the occasional track day you could enjoy yourself with it just as it is.

GM's site now actually lists the 1LS model (base, manual). In Polar Peso currency, a base model V6 costs ~$1k less than a base Miata, $5k less than a club model. A 1LE costs about the same as a club model. One could argue the Camaro has a $2-3k price incentive due to 0% financing. Standard Camaro tires are all seasons, so factor in $1k for real tires. The 1LE suspension on its own will probably be ~$2k.

The Camaro ~$2k more than a base FRS. Used options are obviously widely available, they are not yet for the Camaro.

The Camaro ~1.5k more than a base 370Z. Used options have yet to align with the new base model price reality.

I currently own a RX-8 (street) and Miata (track). Previous street car was a RX-7 TII.

Thoughts?

I'd be strongly considering it. I was tempted by the 2011 V6 mustang for similar reasons, but the camaro is way more car for the money now. Plus it looks much better than it used to.