2018 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Chevrolet understands what customers expect from the Camaro, and the sixth-generation model exceeds those expectations. The Camaro rides on GM's Alpha platform, which is shared with both the Cadillac ATS and CTS. It's an incredibly stiff and light foundation for a performance car, and coupled with weight loss elsewhere relative to the previous generation--200 pounds in total--the Camaro packs quite a punch.
The Camaro is offered in several trim levels: 1LS, 1LT, 2LT, 1SS, 2SS and ZL1. It is also the most fuel-efficient Camaro to date, thanks to three fantastic engines. The 2.0L turbocharged four puts out an impressive 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque while posting a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds and returning an estimated 30 mpg on the highway, according to GM.
The direct-injected 3.6L V6 features variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation--a V6 first--all of which combine for 335 horsepower and 284-lb-ft of torque, plus up to 27 mpg on the highway. GM claims it will hit 60 mph from a stop in just over five seconds. The engine is the most powerful naturally aspirated V6 in its class.
Finally, the 6.2L V8 is also direct-injected and makes a healthy 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque--enough to propel the Camaro SS to 60 mph just 4 seconds. It, too, features cylinder deactivation, and the engine returns an estimated 28 mpg on the highway. In the ZL1, this engine is supercharged and makes 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque.
Suspension is handled thanks to double-pivot control arms and struts up front and a five-link setup in the rear. Chevy's adaptive Magnetic Ride Control damping system is optional on the SS and provides fully adjustable control for aggressive cornering.
A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all Camaros, while an 8-speed automatic with steering wheel paddles is optional. In the SS, it features rev matching during downshifts.
2018 Ford Mustang GT-
It’s still a Mustang. With the exception of the bastardized Pinto that became the Mustang II, Ford’s pony car hasn’t strayed from the original blend of herbs and spices that made it a hit in 1965. Now we're getting into the meat of the 21st century and the 2018 Ford Mustang continues to offer a V-8, rear-wheel drive, two doors, and a manual transmission. It still looks the business too, even though the 2018 may look a little beady eyed.
The EcoBoost 2.3-litre lump retains the same max power output of 233kW but gets another 41Nm of torque. This has been wrought from the engine using an overboost code refined from the Focus RS.
The really big news, though, is in the gearboxes. Both the V8 and the turbo-four can now be specced with a 10-speed auto ’box – a relative of the 10-speeder fitted in the all-conquering F-150 Raptor. This allows both engines, but especially the smaller unit, to remain smack in the middle of peak performance. There is also a six-speed manual option on both cars that’s been reworked to handle the extra torque.
On the V8 cars, it now includes a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel. Both help smooth the clutch action. Ford looked at, but resisted, the idea to add auto rev-matching to the manual. It isn’t ruling it out for later models.
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