How much horsepower does a Chevrolet Camaro have?

Short answer? Anywhere from punchy to downright unruly. The Chevrolet Camaro has been my go-to yardstick for affordable performance for years, and its horsepower depends on the engine you pick. I’ve driven them all—from the efficient turbo-four to the thunderous ZL1—and the spread is huge: 275 hp to 650 hp, with personalities to match. The latest sixth-gen cars (through 2024) are a reminder that the Chevrolet Camaro isn’t just a nostalgia piece; it’s a bona fide driver’s car that still surprises me on a winding back road.

Chevrolet Camaro horsepower by engine (2023–2024)

• 2.0L turbocharged inline-4: 275 hp, 295 lb-ft. Don’t snicker—torque comes on early, and it’ll hustle. Think everyday commuter with a mean streak.
• 3.6L V6: 335 hp, 284 lb-ft. Smooth revs, nice midrange, great soundtrack above 5,000 rpm. A solid sweet spot if you want more zing without V8 thirst.
• 6.2L V8 (LT1/SS): 455 hp, 455 lb-ft. This is the Camaro you picture. Big lungs, immediate response, and that classic small-block shove. It makes errands feel like qualifying laps.
• 6.2L supercharged V8 (ZL1): 650 hp, 650 lb-ft. The one that pins your stomach to your spine. On a warm tire, it’s properly supercar-quick.

Chevrolet Camaro horsepower: trims explained

• LT (1LT/2LT/3LT): Turbo-4 standard, V6 available. Best for daily drivers who still want smiles on on-ramps.
• LT1: Drops the fancy trim, keeps the V8. It’s the sleeper of the range—big power, fewer frills, great value.
• SS (1SS/2SS): The full-fat 455-hp V8 with bigger brakes, cooling, and the sort of steering feel that makes you take the long way home.
• ZL1: 650-hp sledgehammer with serious aero, cooling, and track-ready hardware. It feels special every time you fire it up.
• 1LE packages (when equipped): Track-focused bits—stiffer suspension, stickier rubber, shorter gearing. The 1LE transforms the car on a twisty road or track day.

Real-world speed: what those numbers feel like

• Turbo-4: 0–60 mph in the mid-5s with the auto. Feels stronger than the spec sheet suggests thanks to torque off the line.
• V6: Low-to-mid 5s to 60 mph, with a sweeter top-end rush.
• SS V8: Around 4.0 seconds to 60 mph (quicker with the 10-speed auto). The surge is addictive.
• ZL1: As quick as 3.4 seconds to 60 mph and capable of nearly 200 mph. On a highway merge, you’ll need restraint—and space.

How the Chevrolet Camaro feels on the road

I noticed right away—every Camaro, even the “base” ones, steers with intent. The front end keys into a corner, the body stays flat, and you can lean on the rear tires earlier than you expect. The ride, especially with Magnetic Ride Control, is grown-up compliant. On a gnarly stretch of concrete I use to judge highway manners, the SS skimmed over the chatter without turning my coffee into modern art. Visibility? Still a cave. You get used to it, but pay attention in tight city parking. The back seats are basically for kids or grudges, and the trunk opening’s a letterbox. But when the road opens up—coastal highway at dusk, windows down—the Camaro has that old-school, big-lung rhythm that makes you forget the practical bits.

Chevrolet Camaro vs. rivals: horsepower snapshot

Living with a Camaro: the little things

• Brembo brakes: Strong bite and consistent pedal feel. Fade was a non-issue in my short track session.
• Infotainment: Quick enough, with clean menus. I had one CarPlay hiccup in the SS; a restart fixed it.
• Climate controls in the vents: Looks odd at first, then makes sense—easy to tweak without hunting in menus.
• Safety tech: Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are worth it given the slit-like rear glass.

Accessories that make sense

If you’re the track-day type (or just carry muddy boots), floor mats save you from hours with a shop vac. I’ve used thicker, molded mats in a couple of press cars and they’re worth it to protect the Camaro’s low-slung carpets.

What about the 2024 Chevrolet Camaro and beyond?

Chevrolet has wrapped the sixth-generation Camaro with the 2024 model year, including a Collector’s Edition for certain trims. As of now, the nameplate’s future hasn’t been formally detailed—expect rumors to fly. What hasn’t changed is the core appeal: a driver-first cockpit, engines with character, and a chassis that flatters your bravery more than your budget.

Bottom line: how much horsepower does a Chevrolet Camaro have?

From 275 hp to 650 hp, the Chevrolet Camaro covers the spread—from quick to unhinged. Pick the turbo-four for efficiency with attitude, the V6 for balance, the SS V8 for the full American soundtrack, or the ZL1 if your weekends involve tire warmers. Whichever you choose, the Camaro still feels like the honest performance car it’s always been.

Chevrolet Camaro FAQ

• Which Chevrolet Camaro has the most horsepower?
  The ZL1 tops the range with 650 hp and 650 lb-ft from a supercharged 6.2L V8.
• Is the 275-hp Camaro fast enough?
  Yes for daily use—0–60 mph in the mid-5s. The turbo torque makes it feel eager in real-world driving.
• Manual or automatic—what’s quicker?
  The 10-speed automatic is generally quicker to 60 and in the quarter-mile. The 6-speed manual is more engaging and offers rev-matching on V8 models.
• Does premium fuel change horsepower?
  High-performance Camaro engines are tuned for premium; using it helps the engine deliver rated power and consistent performance.
• Is the Chevrolet Camaro discontinued?
  The sixth-gen ended after 2024. Chevrolet hasn’t announced a definitive successor yet.