It’s Bumblebee from Transformers! Was the movie one of the reasons you bought it?
This car is widely known for its magical performance in the movie, but I watched it after buying the car! Strange, I know. I was always going to get one in yellow as I think this colour suits it the best.
Camaros are legendary, but you had a pretty iconic first car too, didn’t you?
Yep, my first car ever was a 1962 Volkswagen Beetle. I cannot forget the excitement I felt when I bought that Bug. I was just 20 years old. Since then, I have had 12 cars in 13 years.
Do any stand out?
I really enjoyed the smooth drive of my 2008 BMW 740 Li, while for sheer power and road presence, my Range Rover Sport hit the spot. I also enjoyed driving around with the top down in my BMW Z4 and now I’m loving the roar of the Camaro.
These fifth-gen cars provide a great balance between driving pleasure and practicality, wouldn’t you say?
Definitely. The 3.6-litre V6 gives it that extra punch and it’s good on fuel economy. The size is also just right and it has enough space for two adults at the back. This means my wife and daughter can also enjoy the ride.
I always wanted a muscle car and so last year, before buying it, I did my research and test-drove other cars in this category and decided to go for this.
In my opinion it has the right balance between power, practicality and fun. I love it, especially its macho looks, comfortable cabin and the fact it has just the right number of gadgets for a muscle car.
It has a 3.6-litre V6. Is it potent enough for you?
Definitely! There’s no point having a beast under your belly without using it, and when I floor the throttle I can feel the power while everyone else can hear it coming from miles away! You cannot underestimate its acceleration, even at three-digit speeds when you floor it; the response is fabulous. I really enjoy the way this Camaro picks up speed, especially from the traffic lights. With 323bhp, it has more than enough power to take on some V8s. It has superb grip too, which gives you a lot of confidence to drive it to its potential.
It has a six-speed automatic gearbox, which is very smooth and has the added bonus of paddle shifters on the steering wheel, allowing you to shift manually, which just adds to
the fun.
It looks and sounds great. But is it difficult to drive being so low to the floor and featuring that letterbox-like windshield?
It is a different experience altogether, but now I am used to it. You get a different view of your surroundings from these low cars. It’s a very sporty feeling. My Z4 also used to sit quite low, but once you’re in, you then leave the world behind.
It’s a muscle car and designed to be driven hard, and though you have only owned it for eight months, has it given you any problems?
Well, this is almost brand new and I have only driven 9,000km. I have never faced any problem, just pleasure and enjoyed the power of the fellow on short and long journeys.
It certainly is a head-turner. What sort of reaction does it get from people?
They love this car, especially youngsters; they’re always excited to see it and think it’ll transform! Wonder if they’ll make cars in the future that actually transform from, say, saloons to SUVs? That’s a really good idea — remember where you read it first!
Anyway, where do you enjoy driving your Chevy the most?
It depends on the mood really, but of course, a straight long road with no radars or speed limit like the Autobahn in Germany, would be great.
It’s all original and you plan to keep it that way, right?
That’s right. I do not plan to change anything as I am a strong believer of keeping these cars the way they were — designed by professionals with years of research behind them. They know best and I wouldn’t trust a back-street garage with it.
Fair play. Any funny or strange stories that you would like to share about it?
Well, this car is a head-turner and I often see people in car parks or when I am stopped at the traffic lights trying to sneak a photo or two. One time, I saw a couple taking photos of it, so I waited for them to finish but they were so engrossed that they didn’t notice me standing behind them and waiting for about a minute. When the husband realised I was the owner of the car he felt embarrassed, but I assured them it was OK and ended up taking two more pictures for them, posing together with the car.
That was nice of you. Finally, what’s your dream car?
You might see me in the following cars in the next couple of years — the new Corvette, Porsche 911 and Audi A5. A Ferrari and Lamborghini will surely follow.
