2011 Chevrolet Camaro

The 2011 Camaro gets three different available engines under its hood. On LS and LT models, a 312-horsepower 3.6-liter, direct-injected V6 is standard. This engine can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed automatic with TapShift manual control. On SS models, there's a high-output LS3 engine available. It's a 6.2-liter V8 making 422 horsepower and 408 pound-feet of torque. SS models equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission get a lower-output 400-horsepower L99 6.2-liter engine featuring GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation system.

All models feature a very rigid chassis with a 4-wheel independent suspension design, including struts and double ball joints in front and a double-isolated, ‘4.5-link' design in back. The FE2 suspension in V6 models is performance-oriented but also yields a little bit more in ride comfort. V8 models get a more stiffly-tuned FE3 performance suspension. Variable-rate rack-and-pinion power steering has been designed for a direct feel, and all models receive four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.

Fuel economy is respectable for a so-called "muscle car." The V6 has direct injection technology, which aids overall power and efficiency, and the V8 gets Active Fuel Management, a system that intelligently runs the engine on just four of its cylinders when coasting or cruising at steady speed. EPA highway estimates range up to 29 mpg for the V6 and 24 mpg for the V8.

In terms of safety features, the Camaro shines. Front occupants get seat-mounted side-thorax airbags. Head-curtain bags for front and rear occupants and StabiliTrak electronic stability control are also standard. SS models have a Competitive/Sport mode that allows some wheelspin and more enthusiastic driving for the racetrack.

The Camaro's retro exterior styling speaks for itself-especially with the addition of optional 18-, 19-, and 20-inch wheels-but inside it offers a unique mix of retro styling with modern materials and top-tech conveniences. The "heritage" interior design incorporates deep-dish retro-styled gauges, for instance, but LED light-pipe lighting bathes the interior in the glow of a modern luxury coupe.

An RS appearance package is offered on LT and SS models, bringing a distinctive look that includes HID headlamps, a spoiler, a special tail lamp design and flashy 20-inch wheels.

The base LT stands its own, with an extensive list of standard features, to be offered at an affordable base price. It includes keyless entry, power accessories, cruise control, air conditioning and a 6-speaker CD sound system with XM Satellite Radio. LT models add sport seats, fog lamps and flashier painted aluminum wheels. With the 2LT package they get a Boston Acoustics speaker system and a Bluetooth hands-free interface is available. The SS in its top trim gets heated mirrors, heated seats, steering-wheel controls and additional gauges. The options list includes plenty of retro appearance equipment-such as a Hurst short-throw shifter, ground effects and special striping.