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2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS
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| 35th Anniversary Edition |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 21:59:37 |
| Rating |
 4833 ( -502 -10.38% ) | | Author | Dan Lyons |
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Description:
2002 Chevy Camaro Z28 SS
35th Anniversary Edition
Limited Time Offer
Writer's Notes
Test Vehicle
2002 Chevy Camaro SS 35th Anniversary Edition
Showroom appeal:
Modern interpretation of classic American muscle car
Asphalt Rating:
Big, fast, surprisingly light on its feet
Cool Factor:
Retro street rumbler, limited edition cache for 35th Anniversary models
Plus:
Beefy, torque-laden, great sounding V-8. Unique, rear drive Detroit iron feel
Minus:
Cabin layout, fuhgeddaboudit winter traction, cargo space configuration
The Competition:
Ford Mustang Cobra, hazy memories of 60's muscle cars…
For 2002, Camaro is offered in coupe and convertible body styles and base or Z28 trim levels.
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Chevy is commemorating the retirement of its long serving pony car with a special anniversary edition Camaro. The passing of Corvette's kid brother is sad business for many of us who were growing up when these cars were coming of age. Though tough to hear, the news of Camaro's demise hardly comes as a shock. GM has shown little interest in keeping Chevy's resident Mustang fighter fresh over the years. The last truly new Camaro appeared in 1993, and before that, 1982. There have been several high profile, limited edition models since, but by and large, changes have been few and far between. For 2002, Camaro is offered in coupe and convertible body styles and base or Z28 trim levels. The SS Performance and Appearance package - a combination of show and go items - can be added to the Z28 for an additional $3,625. The 36th and last model year will be highlighted by a limited run of 35th Anniversary Edition Camaros. Based on the SS models and available on hard tops or rag tops, the Anniversary Edition package adds special graphics and trim, for an additional $2,500.
Lift the hood on a Z28 and you'll find a 5.7 liter, aluminum block V-8, making 310 hp and 340 lb. ft. of torque. SS models up the ante to 325 hp and 350 lb. ft. of torque.
Lift the hood on a Z28 and you'll find a 5.7 liter, aluminum block V-8, making 310 hp and 340 lb. ft. of torque. SS models up the ante to 325 hp and 350 lb. ft. of torque. The extra horsepower is courtesy of forced-air induction, fed by a center mounted hood scoop. SS cars roll on 17", ten spoke aluminum rims, shod with sticky, speed rated Goodyear F1 tires. A high performance ride and handling suspension keeps the rolling stock pinned to the pavement and a sweet-sounding, low restriction, dual exhaust system is music to the ears of motorheads.
Twist the key, slip the clutch and the SS starts to flex its muscles. The LS1 small block V-8 is related to that found in the Corvette. The engines aren't identical twins but you'll certainly feel the family resemblance. Most noticeable is the motor's miles-wide power band. Crack the throttle and the Camaro responds with a rumbling rush - regardless of speed or gear. A noticeable improvement over earlier models is found in the suspension. Camaros' cornering capability used to be achieved at the expense of a filling-rattling ride. Fourth generation cars feel far more refined. Handling is tight, ride quality is road-trip approved.
The Camaro's interior is driver oriented, but with aging ergonomics. Full gauges are easily read, and the sound system is easily heard. The eight speaker, 500 watt peak power Monsoon AM/FM/Cassette system kicks butt, and redundant switches on the steering wheel allow for adjustments without losing sight of the road. Front seats are comfortably supportive. The legroom of the front passenger is compromised by a big floor bulge, courtesy of the catalytic converter lurking below. Back seats are of the plus 2 variety, more suitable for packages than people. The hatch back coupe holds 12.9 cubic feet of cargo, expandable to 32.8 cubic feet, with rear seat folded flat. Good numbers, but there are a few provisos. For example, when removed for sun worshipping, the roof t-tops are stored in back, eating into available room. And to access any of this space, you must first negotiate the high lift-over height.
If you have thirty large to spend on a performance automobile, there are lots of ways to have fun. One such option is a modern American muscle car like the Camaro SS. The SS offers a driving experience that is decidedly different than the sporting competition in this price range. If all of this has you thinking about a test drive, you'd best think fast. Come 2003, Camaro is history.
---Story and photos by Dan Lyons
photos © Dan Lyons 2002 |
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