The Dodge and Chevy crews are continuously working to give us — the people — exactly what we want. Big number cars. The Wheels YouTube channel brings us another great episode pitting two of the great American car brands amicably at the track.
The Future Classic Chevy Camaro SS
The current generation Camaro SS screams America. Although, a good chunk is made in Canada… and the significance of the Camaro badging discussions sometimes leading to a homage to the French roots of Louis-Joseph Chevrolet, who was a race-car driver and founder of the Chevrolet brand. Or the fact that Camaro loosely translates to “comrade” or “old friend” in French.
Either way, the 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE is home to a very, very American, 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine putting out 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque which helps propel the car from 0-60 in 3.8 blistering seconds.
The Good Ol' Dodge Boys
Dodge history begins with two brothers, John and Horace Dodge, opening a shop in 1900 on Beaubien Street in Detroit, Michigan. Being American always meant one thing to the boys — excess. That excess still runs deep in the Dodge brand today and the Challenger Scat Pack, as well as the Charger Hellcat, featured in the video, are prime examples. The Scat Pack comes standard with Dodge's 6.4-liter Hemi V8 and pumps 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Hellcat comes in at even more ridiculous, with over 700 ponies.
The Wonderful World Of American Racing
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The first race pits a dark purple Challenger Scat Pack against the white Camaro SS. Once the tree lights green at the 39-second mark, the two squeal off the line. The Challenger seems to lose a little more grip than the Camaro, but still pumps out a win at 13.36 seconds at 104.13 mph, while the Camaro finishes with a 13.76 at 106.51 mph. The second race against the two is an incredibly consistent win for the Challenger with 13.37 seconds at 105.42 mph, while the Camaro accepts its loss with a 13.36 at 105.50 mph.
The last race is the Camaro SS versus a charcoal gray Hellcat Charger. The Camaro gets off the line quicker, but only because the Hellcat is constantly losing grip. The Hellcat squeals up until the mid-track point, screaming and living up to its name. Despite this lack of grip the Hellcat still posts a win of 13.17 at 115.07 mph and for the third time, the Camaro takes a loss at 13.84 seconds at 103.83 mph. This brings to mind the age-old saying, “if a bigger engine fits, put it in. It's the American way.”