LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
The Chevrolet Camaro is one of the most iconic vehicles in the American automotive industry, and it has built quite a reputation from being both in the Hollywood movies and also by burning rubber on the streets.
The 2012 Chevy Camaro returns with a slew of changes amongst all its trims. However, the biggest talking point is the introduction of the ZL1 model that comes with a 6.2L Supercharged V8 motor found on the Cadillac CTS-V and the Corvette ZR1. The ZL1 also gets adaptive suspension dampers, Brembo brakes, a dual-mode exhaust, performance tires, and more.
In terms of other changes, the V6 model gets a bump in power, with a refreshed instrument cluster and an all-new steering wheel as well and an optional rearview camera. The SS model gets some tuning to its suspension for better handling, and all Camaros now get 2011 Camaro RS-style style taillights and a rear spoiler as standard. There's also a new 45th Anniversary package to celebrate the Camaro's milestone.
The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro coupe is offered in four trims and comes loaded with plenty of features from the base 1LS trim itself. The higher trims add more technology and functionality, and only the top-spec 2LT trim features all the latest gadgetry and creature comforts, but the prices do not rise exorbitantly as one would expect.
Trims |
1LS |
2LS |
1LT |
2LT |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$24,180 |
$25,380 |
$26,180 |
$29,330 |
Key Features |
3.6L, 323 hp V6 engine |
1LS trim plus; |
2LS trim plus; |
1LT trim plus; |
|
Rear Limited Slip Differential |
Dusk Sensing Auto Delay Off Headlamps |
Front Fog/Driving Lights |
Rear Parking Sensors w/Rear View Camera |
|
Post-Collision Safety System |
Front And Rear Head Airbags |
8 -Way Power Front Seats |
Leather Upholstery |
|
6-speaker audio system |
18-inch Steel Wheels |
Premium Cloth Upholstery |
9-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system |
|
3 Months Of Paid Satellite Radio Service |
|
Leather Steering Wheel |
12 Months Of Paid Satellite Radio Service |
|
Tilt And Telescopic Steering Wheel |
|
18-inch Painted Alloy Wheels |
Multi-Level Heating Front Seats |
|
Cloth Upholstery |
|
|
19-inch Painted Alloy Wheels |
We Recommend
There are plenty of handy features available as standard with the Camaro coupe, but to fully enjoy the Camaro and be able to use it as a daily driver, it is better to opt for the 1LT trim that gets all the latest features that one would need on a daily basis, making it the best value for money option in the lineup.
The 2012 Chevy Camaro gets a hike in its power output, and the 3.6-liter V6 engine now generates a whopping 323 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired up with only a 6-speed manual transmission, and the power is sent only to the rear wheels as standard. The performance is pretty brisk, bringing up 60 mph from a standstill in under 7 seconds, while a quarter-mile is done in 15.3 seconds.
Model |
Chevrolet Camaro 1LS |
Ford Mustang Base |
Dodge Challenger SXT |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$24,180 |
$23,105 |
$26,190 |
Engine |
3.6L, Naturally Aspirated V6 |
3.7L, Naturally Aspirated V6 |
3.6L, Naturally Aspirated V6 |
Drivetrain |
RWD |
RWD |
RWD |
Transmission |
6-speed manual |
6-speed manual |
5-speed automatic |
Power |
323 hp @ 6,800 rpm |
305 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
305 hp @ 6,350 rpm |
Torque |
278 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
280 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm |
268 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
0-60 mph (sec) |
6.9 |
6.7 |
6.8 |
Quarter-mile (sec) |
15.3 |
15.1 |
15.4 |
Top Speed (mph) |
132 |
130 |
130 |
The Ford Mustang is the most affordable of the three American pony cars, and despite having a lower engine output as compared to the Camaro, it is the quickest off the line. The Dodge Challenger is the most expensive car in here and has a performance similar to that of the Camaro even with the lower engine output. When comparing the top speed, all the coupes stand around a figure of 130 mph.
The large and powerful V6 engines aren’t that frugal, to begin with, and the Camaro does not break this trend either. The EPA rates the 2012 Camaro for 17 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highways, with the combined fuel economy rating for 20 mpg. The large 19-gallon fuel tank does come to the rescue and provides a decent driving range of around 380 combined miles on a single tank of gas.
Model |
Chevrolet Camaro |
Ford Mustang |
Dodge Challenger |
---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
17 |
19 |
18 |
MPG (Highway) |
28 |
29 |
27 |
MPG (Combined) |
20 |
22 |
21 |
Fuel Capacity (gal) |
19.0 |
16.0 |
19.5 |
Range (City / Highway / Combined) (miles) |
323 / 532 / 380 |
304 / 464 / 352 |
351 / 527 / 410 |
The Ford Mustang is more efficient as well as powerful than the Chevy Camaro, while the Dodge Challenger too has a marginally better fuel economy than the Camaro. The Challenger employs a larger gas tank and hence has the best driving range, while the Mustang has a much lower fuel tank capacity which adversely affects the driving range of the car.
The muscle pony cars have always had bland interiors, and although the Camaro offers a good mix of retro styling with modern touches to its cabin, the materials quality and build quality aren’t as great. The new steering wheel is more ergonomic and much better to grip. The space is decent at the front, but at the rear, it is better suited for kids, and the lack of foldable rear seat and the thick pillar hamper practicality and visibility of the car respectively. The coupe comes with a cargo capacity of 11.3 cubic feet.
Model |
Chevrolet Camaro |
Ford Mustang |
Dodge Challenger |
---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
4 |
4 |
5 |
Front Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in) |
37.4 / 56.9 / 42.4 |
38.5 / 55.3 / 42.4 |
39.3 / 58.2 / 42.0 |
Rear Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in) |
35.3 / 50.4 / 29.9 |
34.7 / 51.6 / 29.8 |
37.4 / 53.9 / 32.6 |
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft) |
11.3 |
13.4 |
16.2 |
The boot space is also limited with the Camaro as the top honor goes to the Dodge Challenger, which has the largest trunk to complement the spacious cabin it has to offer. The rear seat of the Challenger is a lot more forgiving for adults with more legroom and headroom than both the Mustang and the Camaro. Major interior features include-
The dashboard has a pretty neat layout with the classic four-pack of auxiliary gauges alongside the modern elements. There is a decent level of fitment available which includes navigation, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity, but the head-up display is something that adds immense value to the cabin. Major infotainment features available with the coupe are-
The styling of the Camaro is something that everyone from different age groups has fallen in love with. The slim and wide front grille which hides the circular headlights in the recess and the large chunky scooped up the hood, all together provide a very masculine and mean look to the car. The flared-out quarter panels with sharp haunches on the sides add to the muscular appeal of the car. The coupe weighs 3,780 lbs and stands 4.0 inches above the ground.
Model |
Chevrolet Camaro |
Ford Mustang |
Dodge Challenger |
---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
3,780 |
3,453 |
3,834 |
Length (in) |
190.4 |
188.1 |
197.7 |
Width (in) |
75.5 |
73.9 |
75.7 |
Height (in) |
54.2 |
55.6 |
57.1 |
Ground Clearance (in) |
4.0 |
5.7 |
5.7 |
Wheelbase (in) |
112.3 |
107.1 |
116.0 |
When comparing the curb weight, Dodge Challenger turns out to be the heaviest at 3,834 lbs, followed by Camaro and Mustang weighing 3,780 and 3,453 lbs, respectively. Dodge dominates in other dimensions too by offering the best in class overall length and wheelbase of 197.7 and 116 inches, respectively. Major exterior highlights of the Camaro are-
Safety is a big concern when trying to have some fun in a car that is so capable. Since Chevrolet is not a brand that would compromise on the safety aspect of their cars, rest assured that your teenager would be safe in this 2012 Camaro. Although the IIHS is yet to test the car, the NHTSA has rated it with a perfect 5-star overall rating. There aren’t many driver aids available with the car, but a highlight of the available safety features is listed below.
The Chevrolet Camaro brings an immense fun ability to the table unlike any other car available in the market today. That being said, the Challenger is a lot more spacious and practical than the Camaro, while the Ford Mustang has a superior performance and fuel efficiency to offer. Thus, one really has to decide by heart rather than the brain to really buy the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro.