Five-Point Inspection: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible

6.2L V8 delivers smiles, except at the pump

Hip-hop jagaloon Wiz Khalifa wasn’t joking in his song “Black and Yellow” when he said the pedal makes the floor shake. With a 6.2-liter LS3 V8, the Camaro has a gargling roar and chugs gas like a hillbilly does moonshine. Still, it’s tough to care.

Good mileage is theoretically possible, but only for someone with a misplaced soul. The fact is, shifting only feels right after 4,500 rpm when 420 lb-ft of stump-tugging torque are at play. Of course, that means ditching a few more dead presidents at the pump, but it’s money well spent.