From the start of the history of the Chevrolet Camaro, a range of small block V8 engines have offered us the power and the performance we’ve desired.
One of the most storied versions that we can enjoy when it’s time to have the V8 power we want is the Camaro SS which uses the LT1 6.2-liter V8 in a naturally aspirated form. This engine is now able to be mated to an optional ten-speed automatic transmission for the 2019 model year, giving us a drive that we can easily enjoy on the road or at the track.

This V8 has Staying Power at Chevrolet

The first small block V8 engine was introduced by Chevrolet in 1955 and this smaller version of what Ford had in its flathead V8 made it possible for Chevy to offer the V8 engine in a variety of models and configurations. This engine turned out to be so versatile that it has powered nearly everything in the Chevrolet lineup that needs or desires more power. Unlike the rival engines from FCA and Ford, the LT1 that produces 455 horsepower and trace its pushrod roods back to the initial 4.3-liter configuration that was offered.

A Change that Matters for the Camaro

The early days of the Chevrolet Camaro and the V8 engine gave us transmissions that had as few as three gears. You couldn’t even imagine only having three gears today and probably wouldn’t know what to do if they were on the stalk. Today, you can have the ten-speed automatic transmission that’s computer programmed and tuned for pure performance to give you the drive you want to experience on the road. This gearbox is right for you when you take a drive and get ready to have the fun you want from behind the wheel of the Camaro.

The Performance Numbers of the Camaro SS

If you choose this incredible powertrain and get behind the wheel of the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro SS, you’re going to be able to reach sixty mph in only 3.9 seconds and make a run to the end of a quarter-mile in 12.2-seconds at a speed of 118 mph. These numbers are better than the SS model with the six-speed manual transmission but the same as what they were for the model with the eight-speed automatic transmission, which makes for a curious discussion.

What Makes Ten Gears Better for the Camaro?

The fact that the straight-line run isn’t faster with the ten-speed automatic makes you wonder why you would opt for this transmission in your Camaro SS. The benefits of more gears on the track is that you can hold higher speeds with more gear options for the drive. You’ll also be able to enjoy a smoother shifting performance with this version of the car when you take it out on the roads that you drive on a daily basis. This makes the new layout of the Camaro SS just a little better when it comes to performance, and better is always, well, better.

This is Still a Camaro

Purists may argue that the Camaro lost its prestige when the first automatic transmission was dropped into it, but the fact that either automatic is faster than the manual version makes for a terrible argument on their behalf. The added smoothness of the shifting makes the ten-speed version more of a pleasure to drive and when you’re talking about a car that’s purely built for fun and performance, it makes a lot of sense for you to have as much added comfort and pleasure as you can find in the sports car that you love to drive.