2017 Chevy Camaro V6: Is the V6 Good Enough?
The V6 Camaro has always suffered from an identity crisis. Why? Because when people think Camaro, they think V8. No high school kid is dreaming of having a V6-powered Camaro, they want the SS. If you’re someone who has worked their ass off and wants to buy a muscle car, you’re going all-out with that 6.2L small block. That’s the perception society has about the Camaro V6.
Question: Where does that leave the V6-powered Camaro?
Answer: Parked in front of the local Hertz or Avis rental agency.
However, that doesn’t need to be the case. Since the launch of the fifth generation Camaro in 2010, the V6 is no longer the penalty box it once was.
Is the V6 Now Good Enough?
Yes, yes it is. The 3.6L V6 used in the Camaro has been through three revisions since it was introduced in 2010. Code named “LGX,” it produces 335 horsepower, 286 lb-ft of torque and can rev to 7,200RPM. Newsflash: the LS1-powered fourth gen SS produced 325 horsepower. Today’s Camaro V6 produces more power than it’s V8 predecessor, that’s the progress of progress. Either transmission choice, a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual, will produce 13-second quarter mile times, from a stock V6 Camaro.
So the powertrain is robust, what about the rest of the car? This is no F-body Camaro, throw those sub frame connectors in the trash. The Alpha platform is modern, rigid and fairly lightweight for what it is. If you’re so inclined you can spec the V6 with the 1LE track package, which will turn your Camaro V6 into an 8/10th’s Z/28 Camaro for 2/3rd’s the price. Track-ready suspension, with stiffer bushings all around; fat wheels and tires; bigger brakes; some aerodynamic aides, and a smorgasbord of ancillary cooling components for engine oil, coolant, differential oil and the transmission. All of that means you can go harder and longer at the track while setting faster lap times to boot.
But a Convertible Though, Really?
I’ve laid the groundwork, from here, it’s up to Jason Connor from the Hooniverse to lure you to the dark side. You’re up, Connor! Work that fancy camera equipment and show the readers what’s what with the new 2017 Camaro V6 convertible.
[Via The Hooniverse]
Jake Stumph is the Content Editor behind LS1tech.com. He is an avid racer and car enthusiast. He considers himself very lucky to be able to write about cars. You can follow him on Facebook and YouTube.
