Camaro Turbo Manual Quick Drive Review: Entry-level Fun
When the road gets twisty
I once posited that there is no bad Camaro, when it comes to handling. The sixth-gen car, which rides on General Motors’ Alpha Platform, just rides and handles in a way that makes BMWs envious. This Turbo model is no exception.
The turbocharged engine is easy to keep in boost, and offers excellent mid-range power. Of course, keeping that turbo on boil requires working the 6-speed manual transmission, which is an absolute delight. The clutch is perfectly weighted and easy to modulate, and the shifter is a joy, offering mechanical feedback and a very satisfying gear change.
Handling-wise, as previously mentioned, the Camaro Turbo is a winner, again. When you opt for the manual transmission, a helical limited-slip differential is fitted to your Camaro, gratis. Combine that with the wide wheel and tire setup that the RS affords, and the Camaro simply feels glued to the pavement. Despite weighing over 3,400-lbs, the Camaro Turbo belies it’s size and mass in a way that, again, BMW sports coupes used to do. It’s predictable, friendly and easy to drive, perfect for younger, less-experienced drivers who may be inclined to try out the occasional autocross, or track day.
Oh, and remember that heavy-duty cooling package that I mentioned at the beginning? It’s the best $485 one could ever spend on their Camaro. That modest sum adds a larger radiator and oil-cooling solution for the engine, a cooler for the transmission, and, crucially, four-piston Brembo brakes behind those big front wheels. This setup means the powertrain and brakes are indefatigable on your favorite back road. Combine that with the swift handling and it makes for an excellent, well-balanced package overall.
Is the Camaro Turbo A Good Stoplight Drag Racer?
Of course, it’s also pretty quick in a straight line. 0-60 happens in a tick over five seconds, and the quarter-mile is knocked out in 14-seconds flat. Though, launching the turbocharged Camaro can be a touch tricky. Go too low and it bogs off the line until it comes onto boost. Go too high and it will roast the rear tires deep into second gear with a quick shift. Get it just right, however, and it will surprise anyone who isn’t a master of reaction times. Not bad for a 30+ MPG, sub-30 grand, entry-level sports car.
Oh, and it’s pretty good at doing burnouts, too.
Job well done, Camaro.
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