What's all this about?

The latest iteration of the Chevrolet Camaro, a Yank muscle car that has endured since 1967, is here. This is the 'Gen Six' car and doesn't it look cracking?

It does, but isn't it largely the same as the old model?

Well, its styling is certainly similar, although it is actually smaller in every measurable dimension than the Gen Five Camaro - and it's also lighter, as the 2016MY Chevy is at least 91kg less porky than its predecessor model-for-model.

OK. What's the interior like? Cheap 'n' cheerful?

No, as two big eight-inch digital display dominate in a driver-focused cabin. It even features some properly 'Yoo-ro-pean' design touches, like climate controls that are integrated into the air vents. Audi TT, anyone?

Talk to me about motive power - are we talking a range of thirsty-yet-charismatic V8s?

Again no, as the big news here is the introduction of a 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that marks the entry point into Camaro ownership; both firsts, as no Camaro previously has ever had so few pistons or this method of forced induction. The engine for the LT models is not weedy, given stats of 279hp, 400Nm and a predicted 0-62mph time of around 6.0 seconds, and it's also the most fuel-efficient Camaro yet, with economy quoted at a massive, er... 36mpg. Yes, quite.

I want more cylinders than four! Will I be sorely disappointed?

Of course not. A normally aspirated 3.6-litre V6 has been introduced and it's none too shabby on the performance stats, as it delivers 340hp and 385Nm; it also has cylinder deactivation in certain instances, meaning it can 'turn off' two cylinders if need be. Naturally, though, the range-topping SS provides the interest, because it receives the LT1 6.2-litre V8 as seen in the Corvette Stingray. Around one fifth of the components are changed specifically for the Camaro, but with 461hp and 617Nm, it's bound to be storming nonetheless. All engines can be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts.

Can I indulge in some lazy, national stereotyping for a moment by saying it is bound to be rubbish in the corners?

If you must, although you're likely to be wrong. New multi-link front suspension teams up with a five-link fully independent rear set-up, while Magnetic Ride Control will be offered on the SS Camaro for the first time (it has been on a Camaro before, the madhouse ZL1). Braking is handled by four-pot front, single-piston rear Brembos, optional across the lower models and standard on the SS. Wheels are anywhere between 18- and 20 inches, with Goodyear tyres.

Matt Robinson - 18 May 2015