HSV lands a hefty right-hook (Camaro, that is)

Tuesday, 5 February 2019

CHEVROLET CAMARO

Base price: $104,990.

Powertrain and performance: 6.2-litre petrol V8, 339kW/617Nm, 8-speed automatic, RWD, Combined economy 11.5 litres per 100km.

HSV is keeping its V8 flame alive with 'remanufactured' RHD American icons like the Camaro.

Vital statistics: 4784mm long, 1349mm high, 2811mm wheelbase, luggage capacity 258 litres, 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 tyres front and 275/35 rear.

We like: Looks sensational. Flawless 're-engineering' into RHD. Quality interior. Sounds fantastic up in the revs. Sharp, confident handling.

We don't like: Cramped cabin. Poor visibility. Busy ride. The colour…

Is there really anybody likely to be reading this that doesn't know what a Camaro is? It would seem unlikely, but this one is a bit different. While the cliched yellow Bumblebee paint might lead you to believe this is just another private import (likely to be wearing Transformers badging), it most certainly isn't - this is HSV's 're-engineered' factory-backed RHD version here to take on the Ford Mustang.

But it doesn't really take the Mustang on directly, does it?

It's big, it's fast and it's unfortunately yellow, but it is still very cool.

That's a big 'sort of, yes, but not really' on that one, because while the Camaro is a direct competitor to the 339kW/556Nm Mustang in its home market - and while it largely matches it spec-for-spec here - there is that significant price difference that keeps them somewhat apart in this market.

* No turbos for us thanks: here are five old-school V8s

High-quality interior is a bit squeezed, but you would never guess it was originally a lefty.

* HSV's future hinges on a pickup truck called SportsCat**

Rather obviously that is because while the Mustang is produced in RHD from the factory, the Camaro rolls off the line as a left-hooker and is converted to RHD by HSV in Australia.

Except, whatever you do, don't say 'converted', because HSV prefers the term 're-engineered' and while this may sound like a silly marketing term (although I'm just thankful they didn't go with 'transformed'), it is actually a more accurate description of what HSV does - they have done a simply amazing job of switching the steering wheel to the proper side, with a process that uses a blend of factory-supplied and locally-produced parts, much in the same way as it does with the Chev Silverado and sister company American Special Vehicles (all under the Walkinshaw umbrella and out of the same facility) does with the Ram 2500.

But unlike the big pick-ups that still have the occasional LHD oddity here and there, the only real clue you might notice that the Camaro wasn't originally RHD is the fact that the cup holders are on the wrong side of the centre console, which is something that RHD cars get wrong on a regular basis anyway…

But it is dearer, isn't it?

Just in case you forget it's American there are lots of red, white and blue reminders scattered around the Camaro.

Well, if you want to keep going on about it; yes it is. That remarkably complete re-engineering job does mean that price bump over the Mustang - $24,000 to be precise.

So how would you justify that? Exclusivity is one way, as Mustangs are getting a fairly common sight on our roads, plus there is that badge allure for a dedicated Chev fan.

Huge wheels, direct steering and a firm ride mean the Camaro isn't a relaxed cruiser, but it sure can take a corner.

But the imported LHD versions do diminish that exclusivity somewhat, particularly with the lack of any visual differentiation between a LHD import and the HSV version. Some HSV badges would have been nice, but they have clearly not been allowed to do that…

Oddly, it is actually up against those LHD cars that the HSV version of the Camaro stacks up better in a value-for-money comparison. A current 2SS LHD import lines up at around the $90K mark, meaning that the HSV 2SS offers a factory-backed RHD version with a full 3 year/100,000km warranty and local support for around $14K more. Which is actually rather good value for money when you think about it.

What about the important stuff - is it a bellowing monster on the road?

Oh, hell yes.

The Camaro is all about belligerent power and noise, although its menacing rumble down low is a bit more muted than the current Mustang's. Up in the revs, however, it roars magnificently, with a savage, barrel-chested metallic bellow that is a fantastic way to make your frustration at dawdlers getting in your way on the road known to all.

The acceleration that accompanies all the noise is rather pleasingly savage as well, with a nicely compliant rear end that will happily writhe and squirm under all that power, break majestically loose or stay confidently planted, depending on how you treat the loud pedal.

But it is also rather surprisingly frugal for a big 6.2-litre V8, thanks to the cylinder deactivation that kicks in easily and often (dropping it to four cylinders when cruising, at 100km/h and even some light acceleration), meaning a week driving around town - complete with many, many utterly unnecessary, but totally hilarious full-throttle blasts away from traffic lights - and a decent 250km open road run down country saw an average consumption of 11.2L/100km, or less than HSV actually claims for it.

In terms of handling, the Camaro is nicely adjustable on the throttle and also boasts some brilliantly direct steering, which makes it surprisingly sharp and accurate through corners (y'know, for an American car and all), but there is a down side to this…

What possible downside could there be to direct and accurate steering?

Not so much the steering itself, but the steering combined with the firm ride and massive 20-inch wheels means that you are constantly chasing the Camaro over the road when you aren't going hard.

It follows any ridge or contour of the road and you are constantly making small adjustments. It's not awful, and it is sublimely good when you are really getting stuck into a winding road, but it sure ain't a relaxing cruiser.

Any other cars I should consider?

In terms of 'New Zealand new' with a proper factory warranty, then it is either the Ford Mustang or nothing. If you are a dedicated Ford fan, then the Camaro could be half the price and still not interest you. If you are a dedicated GM fan, then it could possibly well be twice the price and still hold strong appeal.

If you don't particularly care about the badge and just want some big, brash American muscle, then the Mustang makes a stronger rational case, but the Camaro still has those remarkable looks and a more exclusive appeal. Just don't EVER put Transformer badges on it…