Thoughts on the 2016 Camaro Turbo

"Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies" (jordanwphillips) 03/31/2016 at 11:40 • Filed to: Camaro 6

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No, it’s not April Fools, I actually went and test drove a new Camaro. The one I drove(the dealership wouldn’t let me leave the lot, but it was a big lot and I got to hit over 50 mph in a very short distance) was a 2LT RS in white with the 8 speed, but I did get to sit around in a 1LT and the same pretty much applies.

Pros:

Everything I would normally touch in the interior felt nice and premium. It felt decently put together, and was overall a nice place to be.

The engine felt pretty responsive, and I didn’t notice too much lag. It definitely has enough power. I like it, I like it a lot.

It handled well in the corners that I got to go through. It was composed and flat, but the steering is kind of numb. The numb steering is just something pretty much anyone who wants a new car is going to have to deal with.

It was pretty comfortable for a coupe. I definitely can live with it.

The speakers sound pretty alright for both the base and the Tech package cars. The Bose speakers are definitely better, and I will spec that, but the base speakers are liveable.

The seating position is pretty good, definitely better than the FiST.

As much as I hated the looks of the steering wheel, I think it feels extremely nice.

Cons:

Yep, visibility. It’s bad. Even I, who has notoriously shit on all things GM, have said that it can’t be that bad. It is. But I’m 90% sure they come standard with backup cams, and the one I used alleviated that issue pretty well.

Headroom, it’s not great. I can’t imagine having one with a sunroof and being over 5'10". I had to sit really low in the seats. I was still comfortable, but I definitely will not be getting a sunroof.

GM has successfully made 18" wheels look cheap and small. I will have to live with the 20" ones.

There isn’t a whole lot of storage space. Maybe my expectations were a little high, but where am I supposed to put my Glock?

One more con that I forgot, the starter button. It glitched on me before the test drive. I’m not really a fan.

Overall:

I forgot the biggest Pro: It did something that the FiST did not do, it made me feel special. It made me feel like getting the base model and engine would not at all be a penalty. It also changed my outlook on GM. Maybe they have changed, because they successfully changed the mind of one of the most stubborn people on earth, Me.

As long as I can get the discount that I’m pretty positive I can get, I’m getting a Camaro. My mind has been changed about the brand. It’s an amazing car, and the FiST(while extremely fun) can’t really compete with the way it made me feel.

Meatcoma > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 11:45

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My wife won’t let me test drive a 2016. She knows I won’t leave the dealership w/o it.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Meatcoma 03/31/2016 at 11:47

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It’s awesome, and I could see why you wouldn’t!

Your boy, BJR > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 11:47

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Maybe it’s better, maybe living in South Carolina just rubbed off on you, but I'm glad you opened your mind.

Brian Silvestro > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 11:48

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this is literally the only opinion I’ve seen so far on the internet on this car

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Your boy, BJR 03/31/2016 at 11:48

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It really is a great car! Though the Malibu is still ugly as shit.

fourvalleys > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 11:48

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(the dealership wouldn’t let me leave the lot, but it was a big lot and I got to hit over 50 mph in a very short distance)

Uhh... that’s awful in so many ways.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > fourvalleys 03/31/2016 at 11:50

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Yeah, but to be fair to them, I openly admitted I wasn’t buying that car or buying that day. Also, there are more corners in that parking lot than anywhere close to the dealer.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Brian Silvestro 03/31/2016 at 11:51

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Yeah, it just hit the lots, but I’m surprised journalists haven’t got in one yet. They were chomping at the bit when Ford released the Boostang. Subaruwrxfan has a review, but he’s annoying as fuck.

Brian Silvestro > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 11:53

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confirmed dislike that guy

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Brian Silvestro 03/31/2016 at 11:55

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I tried watching it, but I couldn’t finish it. Plus his crowdfunded Mustang made me completely lose respect for him.

yitznewton > Brian Silvestro 03/31/2016 at 11:55

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Subarujubbajubfan reviewed it, although I haven’t watched it yet.

yitznewton > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 11:59

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Has anyone here driven the V6 and the turbo? The V6 Camaro is on a very short list of new cars I’d be (pragmatically) interested in.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > yitznewton 03/31/2016 at 12:01

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Don’t. It’s(He) terrible.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > yitznewton 03/31/2016 at 12:06

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I think the first one(after the crash) Jalopnik reviewed was the V6. It definitely sounds better than the turbo, but .4 seconds to 60 isn’t worth the extra money to me. Also, Chevy offered a warranty backed factory tune for the Cobalt SS, so I wonder if they’ll do the same for the Camaro.

yitznewton > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 12:08

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Is the chassis, wheels, tires, suspension, interior etc. different between the turbo and V6?

Jayhawk Jake > Brian Silvestro 03/31/2016 at 12:09

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There have been a couple reviews. Autoblog had one recently.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > yitznewton 03/31/2016 at 12:11

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Basically. The gearing is different, and you can’t get a 1LE Turbo yet, but for the most part they are the same. Still get an LSD with the manual, and the turbo is by far the lightest of the options.

Brian Silvestro > Jayhawk Jake 03/31/2016 at 12:33

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yeah but autoblog is the worst

Justin Hughes > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 12:45

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!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Thus confirming what Jeremy Clarkson has said for years - that Camaro drivers are murderers. :)

I did watch SubaruWRXfan’s videos, and it looks like Chevy has really kicked up the quality, especially on the interior. A completely base model has more power than the old IROC did. I certainly prefer the visibility out of the Mustang and would probably get the Ford for that reason alone, but the Camaro is certainly a strong contender. You won’t go wrong with either car.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Justin Hughes 03/31/2016 at 12:52

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I can get a Camaro for quite a bit less money than the Boostang. Plus, I actually like it a bit more.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 12:56

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Knowing who this is coming from... wow, the Camaro must be one hell of a car.

On the subject of engines—while I’d obviously prefer the V8, I’d rather have the turbo than the V6.

“V8" sounds like POWER. GIB.

“Turbo 4" sounds like it should at least be in something sporty.

“V6" sounds like it should be in a minivan.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 03/31/2016 at 13:06

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Honestly, even if I could afford the V8, I’d still probably get the Turbo. I just don’t like the V8 enough to spend money on one. If I was going for a muscle car, I’d buy a Scat Pack.

Justin Hughes > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 13:40

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Both are cool. No question about that. I spent a week with a Mustang EcoBoost. I’d be curious to try the boosted Camaro myself.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 14:50

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This must be one hell of a car if it changed the mind of you that drastically. I can't wait to get behind the wheel of one.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2016 at 15:01

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Yeah, it’s an awesome car. It felt commanding, yet nimble. Also, you can try it, but I think you might have problems with the head room in a sunroof equipped car. I’m 6' and even sitting with the seat fully down, I was fairly close to the roof and pretty close to the top of the windshield. The windows really are small. Another thing, the 7" screen isn’t that bad, and HUD is incredibly gimmicky.

FastIndy > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 16:22

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Interesting, I’ve driven the 6th gen with a sunroof and didn’t notice any problems with headroom, still a couple inches of clearance. I’m 6'0" 34 inseam, so if your inseam is shorter maybe you’d have a problem.

Have you tried the V6?

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > FastIndy 03/31/2016 at 16:28

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I’m 30", so I have a long torso and short legs. I have not driven the V6, though I don’t think it would be worth the extra money. It isn’t that much faster, plus the aftermarket on the Turbo will be better. In fact, GM had a factory tune for the Cobalt SS which put it over 300hp with the factory warranty still intact, so I’d be surprised if they don’t do something similar.

FastIndy > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 03/31/2016 at 16:29

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I don’t know if you’ve seen this or not:

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > FastIndy 03/31/2016 at 16:35

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No, but I meant the actual engine, not the noise it made.

Stereotypes, I know, but that’s the way I feel about it.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 17:59

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Visibility is a joke. Like a dangerous joke on these cars.

I’ve driven a handful of them and you just can’t see.

As for the seating position, I never noticed the headroom (Im a little over 5 11) but I really drive the cars just around the corner so Ive never noticed.

Seating position is super low. That might be one thing I have to give the FiST advantage on. I don’t like those super low bucket seats. It’s fine once you are in them, but getting in and out isn’t super easy

Really like the feel of the new steering wheel. As for handling, again I took it around a corner at about 6MPH so IDK.

jkm7680 > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 18:01

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Can't to a 4cyl in any American muscle car.

Steve in Manhattan > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 18:02

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They wouldn’t let you leave the lot and have a proper test drive? Who are these people?

TheLOUDMUSIC- Put it in H! > Justin Hughes 03/31/2016 at 18:12

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He said Glock, not Hi-Point.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Steve in Manhattan 03/31/2016 at 18:16

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To be fair to them, I was pretty up front that I wasn’t buying that car or that day, so they didn’t want someone who wasn’t likely to buy a car putting miles on it. Also, that parking lot had more curves in it than the roads around it, so I did enjoy it there. I probably will go to another dealership though, and actually test drive one farther. But I’m pretty sold on it.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 03/31/2016 at 18:18

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Yeah, visibility is bad, but I can deal with that. I drive trucks on a daily basis with a barrel blocking my sight. I drive a Toyota, so I’m super used to the low seating position, and I quite like it. It’s familiar, but with more leg room.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > jkm7680 03/31/2016 at 18:18

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It’s quicker than a lot of the old ones, and puts down more power.

LongbowMkII > jkm7680 03/31/2016 at 18:26

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Pony car. Not a muscle car.

LongbowMkII > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 18:27

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If you own a Camaro you’ll likely just have your gun out anyways, with all the murdering and all.

Steve in Manhattan > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 18:46

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You have the rare opportunity to order a car precisely to your specifications. If a dealership will play ball and not rape you on price.

Textured Soy Protein > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 18:48

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Melt down the Glock for scrap and you won’t have to worry about storage space, maaaannnnn .

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Textured Soy Protein 03/31/2016 at 19:02

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Negative. I work in really shitty areas.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Steve in Manhattan 03/31/2016 at 19:02

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That’s the plan!

shop-teacher > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 19:55

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Shocked. I am shocked.

I freaking LOVE that blue!

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > shop-teacher 03/31/2016 at 20:26

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It is how I will order mine. The white one that I test drove looked good, but the fact that it was piss yellow currently, swayed me away from that.

shop-teacher > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 23:24

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Excellent choice sir! That’s the color I would chose if I bought one. I’d love to, but my wife and I decided against sawing off our children’s legs :)

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > shop-teacher 03/31/2016 at 23:27

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If they curled up in a ball, they could fit... Maybe. Honestly I was surprised by the lack of room back there, it’s worse than the 86 twins. I can at least fit in the back of those with a child in a car seat next to me.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Brian Silvestro 03/31/2016 at 23:35

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You telling me you’d take subabababwu wubwubwubwrex fan over Autoblog? That is a tough as choice though.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 23:35

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Gonna need to explain further plox.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 23:37

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We don’t even know if they’ll offer anything close to 1LE for the T4. V8 diehards are already throwing shitfits for the V6 getting it so who knows what civil war this could start.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/31/2016 at 23:39

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Because if I’m going to gain weight for a V8, might as well go full boulevard cruiser. Plus, I’m not totally sold on the reliability of the LT1 yet. It had a few teething issues.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/31/2016 at 23:41

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You can actually already get a lot of the parts as dealer installed options. Plus, if you spec the RS package, Brembo 4 piston fronts, with upgraded cooling for everything is only a $480 option.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 03/31/2016 at 23:44

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I didn’t think visibility is that bad. I have a method for driving cars like this...

I just never turn around! Use my mirrors!

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > jkm7680 03/31/2016 at 23:44

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PONY CAR GOD DAMMIT

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 23:53

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It’s not even that much weight, when you consider the previous SS was 200lbs more! But it’s a fair point. To be honest, both the Ecoboost, SS, and Turbomaro have the same serious problem that concerns me long term. Direct injection carbon buildup -_-

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/31/2016 at 23:54

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True, but the 1LE package is a lot more than the standard heavy duty cooling and braking package; but for me, that would suffice for AutoX and regular driving.

Brian Silvestro > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/31/2016 at 23:59

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what

they’re both terrible

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/01/2016 at 00:01

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Don’t idle them for long, that usually prevents it pretty well, along with frequent Italian tune-ups. Plus, this engine has been in the ATS for a couple of years now, and I can’t find to many problem threads.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/01/2016 at 00:04

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I know, but there are dealer installed performance suspension and brake options as well.

shop-teacher > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 04/01/2016 at 00:12

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With my seat where I want it in both the Camaro and the 86 twins, the back of my seat is directly up against the front edge of the back seat.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > shop-teacher 04/01/2016 at 00:20

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I didn’t say the driver was comfortable lol. I guess it’s the windows, but there feels like less space in the Camaro.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Brian Silvestro 04/01/2016 at 00:27

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This is true, as there is no compromise here.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 04/01/2016 at 00:28

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True, but there still isn’t a legit fix for the issue, as much fun as Italian Tune-ups are.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 04/01/2016 at 00:33

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You can get performance parts from the factory, from the dealer??

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 04/01/2016 at 00:42

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Yep, it’s under options when building and pricing.