AutoNSider Review | 2019 Chevy Camaro 2SS

So why am I driving a high-performance 455 HP machine like this SLOWER than I normally drive?

Two reasons. One, because its fire-engine red exterior and the almost animal-like sounds coming out of those big twin pipes in the back make the Camaro SS a magnet for every law-enforcement professional within a mile.

And number two is simply because I can.

Let me explain.

When driving a modestly-powered economy car, I keep my speed up just because I know that if I slow down, it’ll take a little while to get back up to speed.

Not with the SS. “GO” is always just a tap of the toe away. In literally one second you can break the rear end loose if you’re not careful…and be well on your way to surging past almost anything on the road.

And while there are Greenies out there who’d call that kind of power needless and excessive, you could actually counter with a case for safety. It’s comforting to know that you have the ability to power your way past trouble in a mere second or two. And as for passing on a two-lane? Again…you’re safely back in your own lane in a matter of seconds.

But let’s not kid ourselves…vehicles like this are for folks who like driving, and if that’s you, the Camaro SS has a double-dose of what you’re looking for.

Speed?

Sure. According to reviews on YouTube, the ’19 Chevy Camaro SS can go 0-60 in four seconds and top out in the neighborhood of 170 MPH. Please don’t try that, tho’. Seriously. Above 100, anything that’s not 100% in-spec can have you on the evening news.

But there’s way more than sheer speed to enjoy with the SS. The 4-piston Brembo brakes can bail you out of many an indiscretion. And the adjustable suspension is a very close relative to the suspension on the ZL1 Camaro. That’s the one that came out on top of a track test against one of Porsche’s finest a year or two ago.

So yes, there’s a faster Camaro than the SS. It’s the supercharged 650 HP 65K ZL1.  And unless you’re a first-round draft choice with a shiny new contract, you don’t need it. The SS has more power than the average driver can handle.

And for roughly $45,000, Chevy’s SS Camaro is one of the biggest performance bargains on the road today.

Now, if you like the look of the ’19 Camaro, but don’t quite need 455 HP, there are “LS” and “LT” models that start in the mid $20’s. They’re powered by a turbo four with 275 HP and can be had with a 6-speed stick or an 8-speed auto.

Step up to an LT3and you’ll have Chevy’s 335 HP V-6 and most of today’s safety and comfort amenities and a window sticker in the low $30’s.

But if you want the ability to just flat-out scream, the SS is the way to roll. As we said, performance suspension, limited slip, oil cooler, 20” alloys, the big Brembo brakes, rear parking assist, cross-traffic alerts, forward collision warning, 4G LTE, and Chevy’s new 10-speed automatic.

That 10-speed is one of the reasons for the performance. You’re always in the right gear.

And that 10-speed is also one of the reasons for the SS’ economy. Yes…with cylinder de-activation allowing you to run on 4-cylinders under light load…and the 10-speed, the ’19 Camaro SS is rated at a surprising 27 Hwy MPG…darn near the same as its four and six-cylinder cousins get.

Seriously…did you ever think that you’d be able to have 455 HP…0-60 in 4 seconds…AND 27 MPG on the road…and have it all for a hair less than 45K?

Chevy’s ’19 Camaro SS delivers in more ways than one.

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