2000 Chevrolet Camaro SS

You don't have to look very hard to find the muscle/ponycar DNA in the Camaro SS. It's there in spades: a rumbling overhead-valve V-8 and a stick-shift tranny, packed in a low slung, distinctly American 2+2. Just like the Z28s and SSs of 30 years ago. No gizmo-actuated variable-valve timing, no overhead cams, no independent rear suspension, no BS. The honest-to-quarter-mile musclecar goods, and one of the last examples on the market that can make the claim of being a true descendant of what it's been from, well, its beginning back in '67.

There are few changes to the SS from last year: the addition of redundant audio controls on the steering wheel, an optional 12-disc CD changer, new interior fabrics, and new wheel designs (for all Camaros, actually). The all-alloy 5.7-liter LS1-derived drivetrain remains, in 305 horsepower form for the Z28, and an almost Vette-like 320 horses in SS trim. Both now meet LEV standards, which is pretty amazing, considering the smoggy "death" of performance 25 years ago. Adding the SS Performance/Appearance package to a Z28 delivers fiberglass cold-air induction hood, low-restriction dual exhaust system with 2-inch tailpipes, Goodyear's top-of-the-line F1 GS radials on SS-specific 17-inch wheels, stiffer suspension, power steering cooler, and SS-specific rear spoiler. Quite a goody basket for $4000.

This thing's got torque everywhere: It comes off the line hard and keeps on pulling-just look at the numbers (though no one could explain why our identically powered Trans Am test car was markedly quicker). GM's LS1 is one of our favorite powerplants, the SS intake and exhaust systems just letting it breathe that much better. And it sounds wonderful. It's very smooth for an overhead valver, and quite docile if you're so inclined. The easy-to-snick six-speed means you have a gear for any occasion, though the 0.50-geared sixth is a taller overdrive than is useable under about 100 mph.