2011 Chevrolet Camaro RS 1LT Review

In the pony car resurgence, Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet adherents are strongly tied to each manufacturer’s respective retro wheels. Ford guys and gals are sure to tout the Mustang as the preferred ride in this category while Dodge supporters will argue in favour of the Challenger; that leaves the Camaro as the wheels of choice for Chevrolet proponents.

GM has done a remarkable job of capturing the spirit of the 60s Camaro in this modernized icon irrespective of its shortcomings. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com)

Which looks best
Determining which ride deserves the title of Best Looking Pony Car is a hotly contested debate. What is certain though, is that the outstanding styling effort GM put into its submission is hard to top. My 2011 Camaro RS was finished in Inferno Orange Metallic, which boldly accentuated the dramatic lines of its muscular body.

Of the three retro ponies, I’m of the view that the somewhat sinister looking Camaro is the most expressive and daring in appearance of the trio. Its low roofline, narrow green house and broad shoulders give the vehicle a “customized” image that emphasizes appearance over functionality.

The look is so compelling that I saw fathers and sons peering into my tester through its tinted windows in an effort to catch a glimpse of the car’s interior, but perhaps most indicative of the Camaro’s effect on car enthusiasts emerged during my drive to return this week’s tester.

I noticed a beat-up old Mercury Marquis gaining on me in the inside lane. It then paced me and when I looked over, I saw an elderly couple gazing at my bright orange ride. When our eyes met, the old gent driving the Marquis gave me a huge grin and thumbs up! Is there any better evidence of the Camaro’s ability to excite? I doubt it.

Excitement is external
Unfortunately, the excitement bred by the powerful exterior imaging doesn’t carry through to the interior. Here Chev can take a lesson from Ford. The Mustang’s cabin wholly outclasses the dull and awkward interior real estate of the Camaro.

Apart from a classic-looking twin speedo and tach, there’s not much remarkable about the Camaro’s heavily plasticized interior, and that’s disappointing. The weird centre cluster that combines audio and climate controls does little to offend but similarly, little to please.

Apart from a classic-looking twin speedo and tach, there’s not much remarkable about the Camaro’s heavily plasticized interior. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com)