Chevrolet Camaro: Modern American muscle turns 45

MANILA, Philippines - It’s no secret that the Filipino has a long-standing love affair with everything American. From hamburgers to music, there seems to be a bit of America in various aspects of the Filipino way of life. The Pinoy car enthusiast is no exception, as seen via the pony muscle car.

First seen in the 1960s, a pony/muscle car is essentially defined as a rear-drive, American midsize car equipped with a powerful engine, donning a 1960s or 70s body style—a stance that “powers” through the air, rather than “slicing” it. Moreover, this beast of a car can actually be driven on a daily basis and shines on the long open road as a long-distance freeway cruiser.

As far as muscle cars go, many will recognize the Chevrolet Camaro nameplate. The Chevy Camaro first saw daylight in September 1966, as a 1967 model. That first generation model gave the world a taste of true American muscle, with power-packed engines, masculine styling, and a new driving experience.

Fast forward to 2012. The Camaro celebrates its 45th birthday, yet seemingly looking not a day older than when it first came out in 1967. And the good news is that the Filipino motoring enthusiast can now enjoy the muscle car experience as Chevrolet Philippines – The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI), exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet vehicles and parts in the Philippines offers the 5th-generation Chevrolet Camaro as part of its extensive vehicle lineup.

Described by many as the most retro-inspired model of all the Camaro iterations, the 5th-gen Camaro’s styling cues are reminiscent of the 1966-69 1st-generation model. Not surprisingly, the latest Camaro’s body was indeed based on the 1966-69 F body Camaro’s flanks. From its recessed front fascia, to its power-domed hood, to a hardtop roof, and finishing off with flared rear quarters and the line’s signature quad taillamp design, there’s a lot of original 1st-gen goodness in its looks, albeit sculpted in a more modern look.

Just like its forebears, the 2012 Camaro sports powerful muscle car engines. Unlike the engines of old, however, today’s Camaro offers modern electronics and fuel management systems to boot. TCCCI, for instance, offers the Camaro 2LT with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) technology, putting out 304 (323) hp and 273 (278) lb-ft of torque, channeled to the rear wheels via 6-speed TAP shift-equipped automatic gearbox.

The power hungry motorist, though, can opt for the 2SS model with the big 6.2-liter V8 strapped to either a 6-speed auto gearbox (with 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque) or a 6-speed manual (dishing out 426 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque).

These powerplants endow both models with stellar performance figures, such as a 0-60-mph time of 6 seconds for the V6 and a 4.6-second time for the V8.

Apart from scorching performance numbers, today’s Camaro is equipped with creature comforts and amenities that can run with the best luxury cars. The 2LT V6 variant gets power features, including powered front seats, AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with music navigator, daytime running lights, and 18-inch wheels and tires, to name a few. The 2SS V8 version, on the other hand, adds four-piston Brembo brakes, fog lamps, rear spoiler, SS-specific front and rear body-colored flanks, and stylish 20-inch alloys wrapped in low-profile rubber.

Of course, the best of today’s safety equipment goes into every 2012 Camaro. These include four-wheel ABS, Stabilitrak electronic stability control and traction control systems, oil-lite, and tire pressure monitors, and front, side, and curtain SRS airbags.

To further enjoy the Camaro, TCCCI gives the Filipino motoring public worry-free driving thanks to its 5-year warranty program and 24/7 Roadside Assistance, both of which come standard with every Chevy vehicle.

To learn more about the Camaro and other exceptional Chevy products, visit any of 16 dealers nationwide or check out www.chevrolet.com.ph and “like” Facebook: Chevy Philippines.