I finally got a good hilly-road drive in a base-model automatic convertible Camaro. Am I missing something, or is this the best sporty gas car ever built? It's got the feedback of a Miata and even the four-banger is fast. The chassis seems totally unflappable.
What's the setup to look for? V6/manual cars go for about 20k around here; V8s are ten grand more. Does the V8 retain the handling balance of the smaller engines?
I test drove a 2018 SS 1LE a few years ago.......I should have bought it. The salesman at the dealership was not happy when I walked it up the onramp a bit sideways.
I don't know about the V6/V8 comparison but I had no complaints about the SS 1LE package. Huge brakes, all the drivetrain coolers............The only negative I seem to remember is that I don't think my helmet would fit through the window opening.
The chassis is excellent. I rode in and drove the most bonkers one. I believe it was a 2018. It's an excellent package. I could feel the magic happening in the rear differential even from the passenger seat since it tends to spin the rear tires faster than the front.
I've got a 16 1LT V6 with the 6spd manual. It's a fantastic car. Good brakes, limited slip, high revving V6 that makes 335hp, and has 200 less pounds than a V8 on the front wheels. My best run at Bradenton Motorsports Park has been a 13.909 @ 100.75 mph. It's been through three track days at Sebring, even on the stock 245/50-18 Goodyears it came on.
It needs better shocks, tires and sway bars for track work, and I have to watch the oil temp on all but the coldest days at Sebring, but for a base model, it's pretty fun.
Hopefully, Randy Pobst will come along to talk about his 2.0 turbo 1LE. He has a few videos about it on his YouTube channel.
The best thing about the V6 and turbo 4 cars is that you can use a lot of parts from the V8's, and even the Cadillac ATS-V's. Chassis bracing, brakes, oil coolers, wider wheels... you name it.
As for the 'helmet problem' of the side windows... if you hit something hard enough that the doors aren't opening, it won't matter what you're in if it's a fairly new car. Side curtain airbags will keep you from going until they've deflated sufficiently. At that point, the covers are no longer in the way, and the helmet fits.
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