Detroit - As far as American muscle cars go, South Africans now have at least one option following the launch of Ford’s new Mustang two years ago.
Sadly its two closest rivals - the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro - will remain forbidden fruit for the foreseeable future, as they’re only made in left-hand-drive and their respective brands are no longer represented in South Africa.
So what are we missing out on in the Chev’s case?
The two-door muscle car has been given a fresh look for the 2019 model year, with completely new front and rear styling. Upfront, there are now some distinct differences between the various trim grades, with the V8 powered SS being the most notably different with its “flowtie” open grille that puts the bowtie badge in the centre of a large black fascia.
On the mechanical front the SS model, which is powered by a 339kW/617Nm 6.2-litre V8, gets a new 10-speed paddle shift automatic gearbox option, featuring custom launch control and line lock.
Chevrolet has also upped excitement levels at the lower end of the range, with a Turbo 1LE model, which pairs the 205kW/400Nm 2-litre turbocharged entry engine with a track-inspired chassis package.
Chevrolet hasn’t shown us inside the new Camaro, but has promised new-generation infotainment systems along with new colour choices and revised ambient lighting.
