2021 Chevrolet Camaro Review: Prices, Trims, Specs & Pics

Test driving the 2021 Chevy Camaro convertible for this review reminded me that my job ain’t that bad. :0)  And, it highlighted that I no longer live in the Midwest!

Because it was on an afternoon in December.   Cruising along the Pacific Ocean.  With the top down.  In Southern California.  So if you happen to be reading this from anywhere but SoCal, then I’m sorry you’re missing our mostly perfect-year-round weather.

2021 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible LT1

Specifically, I test drove a ’21 Chevy Camaro convertible LT1.  And it was a blast!  Because not only was it a convertible with a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine.  But also it was a 6-speed manual transmission.  And I love driving a powerful manual trans from time to time!

Trims & Pricing

Of course, Camaro also comes with a top too.  In fact, there are a number of trim options to pick from.

And there is a Camaro within reach of every budget.  But the equipment and performance widely vary.

Starting MSRPs $25,995 to $71,590

The 2021 Chevy Camaro coupe starts at $25,995.  It offers 8-different trims.  The convertible starts at $43,495.  And it offers 7-different trims.

And the Camaro trims include; 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, LT1, 1SS, 2SS & ZL1.  There’s also a 1LS.  That’s the base which is only available on the coupe.

In addition to those trims, Chevy also offers a number of special edition packages.  These include; Redline, Shock and Steel, RS, and 1LE.  Finally, there are a couple of ‘Wild Cherry’ packages which, you guessed it, focus on special red paint schemes.

2021 Chevy Camaro Engines & Transmissions

Pretty much any trim for the ’21 Camaro offers a 6-speed manual transmission or an automatic with paddle shifters.  And something important to note for the driving purist.  Camaro is the only Chevrolet performance vehicle that offers a stick shift.  Because with the 2020 Corvette C8, the manual transmission has been dropped entirely.

Engines

So the engines are a big factor representing the huge price range of the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro.  Because you can get a fuel-efficient turbocharged 4-cylinder with 275 horsepower and 295 bound feet of torque.  The manual will give you 19 mpg in the city and up to 39 mpg on the highway.

But, at the opposite end of the spectrum.  You can run with a supercharged V8 that puts out 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque.  And that clocks a blistering 0-60 mph at 3.5-seconds.  Plus, it’s surprisingly good on gas as well!  The automatic delivers 13 mpg in the city and up to 21 mpg on the highway.

Between those two opposites, Camaro also offers a V6 with 335 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque.  And a V8, that’s not supercharged.  It delivers 455 hp with 455 lb-ft of torque.

What’s It Look Like?

Even in its most basic trim, the 2021 Camaro is a tough, aggressive-looking sports car.

I love it because it’s a throwback design.  It pulls on the elements of its original American muscle car heritage.  And since all factories are making more and more electric vehicles.  Over time,  that will make American muscle an even more special genre for car lovers and collectors.

So, the Camaro looks fast and sporty in the base model.  And then it goes through various levels of faster and sportier badness.  Until it finally makes its way to looking like an adrenaline-fueled speeding ticket on the way to a tire-burning day at the track.

But The Looks Shouldn’t Lie!

But, I do have a general complaint.  And all manufacturers do this.  Whether it’s Chevy with the Camaro, Ford with Mustang, or Dodge with Challenger.  In my personal opinion.  There should only be two types of engines in American muscle cars.  Really fast.  And even faster.  I wish they didn’t put 4 and 6-cylinders in these cars.

But, I get it.  They want to sell more cars.  So, they insert the option for a peppy 4-cylinder or a respectable V6.  And frankly, if I’m buying one of these for my new teenage driver, I’m going with a smaller engine too.  Just to be safe.

But still, I’m just sayin’… ya know?

2021 Chevrolet Camaro Interior

Sliding into a 2021 Camaro, no matter the trim is a notable experience.  Because there’s no doubt you’re entering a sports car.  Of course the higher-level trim package you opt for, the sportier and more aggressive the interior details look and feel.

All trims are very driver-focused.  And all the surfaces in the LT1 that I test drove for this review felt high quality to the touch.  And looked clean and aggressive.

At the top trim levels, the interior looks and feels like a race car.  With carbon fiber, microfiber, leather, and suede.

Technology & Safety

And the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro can come equipped with some impressive tech.  That is for a car that’s focused on engine and performance and does it so well.

Track-ready trims come with Performance Data Recorder which turns your driving performance into a voyeuristic video game.  Because you get to watch and analyze after your run.

But you don’t have to be in a track-ready trim to get head-up display and launch control tech features.  Plus, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available.  Alexa is built-in.  Wireless phone charging is available.

 

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