2014 Camaro SS Driving Impressions!
My review of the car so far. Only had it 3 days, but here are my thoughts as of now.
Comfort/Interior
-The Camaro interior is light years better than the last GM interior I owned. Driving the same model car for the last ~8 years (Infiniti) I am used to where the gauges are, so it's taking me a little bit to adjust. The MyLink is intuitive and easy to use. I have not used the navigation as yet, but programmed in my home address easy enough.
-The seats are spectacular! Very comfortable and well supported. I am 5'10 and they fit me very well.
-The rear cup holder is tiny! You cannot fit anything bigger than a can or small fountain soda in that one. Passengers won't be happy.
-Recommend the Lloyd's floor mats. Looks are great and they really finish the interior well.
-Contrary to most, I love the way I feel a bit closed in inside the cockpit. Feels like a race car. Properly adjusted mirrors and a little more awareness means the blind spots are limited. The end of the hood IS a bit hard to see however and you don't want to pull up to traffic lights too close or you won't be able to see them change
-With the windows up it's dead quiet in the car. The big tires are silky smooth and there is no noise. Nice if you want to zone out for a bit.
Handling/Ride Quality
-Blown away with how rock solid the car is. Does not drift, and road input is well transferred.
-The Camaro goes where you tell it, and that's that. It's not jumpy nor twitchy. Some may not like the heavier feel of the car (not "sports car" like) but I love it. It feels weighty and purpose built. Crazy about the ride quality.
-Grip is insane on the big Pirelli's. I cannot imagine how grippy the 1LE models are or the Z cars. Corners are devoured in this car and you always feels you have plenty more grip if you need it.
Transmission (Tremec Manual 6)
-Having not driven a manual in about 10 years, I was concerned it would be hard for me to re-learn. So far, so good. Hydraulic clutches are very nice and that helps quite a bit.
-The low gears I feel are a touch too low for regular, around town driving. It's great when you want to get on it, it will rocket ship go, but just toolling around 2nd and 3rd have a tough time finding the right engine speed.
-The overdrive gears are really overdrive! 5th and 6th are great for easy cruising on the highway but a downshift is the only way you are going to pass anything or get moving. Good for gas mileage I imagine.
-I have the well discussed "clutch smell". I kind of like it actually, and imagine it will fade as the pieces get broken in.
Engine/Performance
-The sound of a V-8 grumble is impossible to beat. The dual mode exhaust really adds a nasty side of evil sound at higher engine RPM's.
-The Camaro almost screams at you to get on it! The power band really comes on around 3500 RPM and makes full song ~4200. I am used to quiet V-6 cars and it's taking me a little time to let the car roar and come to life.
-When you are in the gas and the engine is full bore, it's fast. Sneaky, deceptive fast. Because the car is so solid and so quiet inside I have to pay attention to the HUD or the speedometer because I can go from 30-90 MPH in a blink. It just does not feel like you are going that fast!
-I can understand now a bit more why folks go with the CAI, a tune etc. The engine has a ton more potential and response ability, but it is a factory offering after all. I may re-think my anti mod stance. PLEASE let the Z/28 CAI and tri-Y headers come with a factory tune this summer! I will be sold! None of this puts down the car, it's a muscle car and it's FAST! You can imprint your ass into the seat easily upon WOT, and the Camaro loves to run! Spectacular ride, better than any amusement park.
Overall I am extremely pleased with "Christine"! She is everything I thought she would be and more in many ways. The relationship has just begun, and I am in love already.
