– Detroit, Michigan

You want high praise for the sixth generation of the Chevy Camaro (at least in convertible form)? I drove one the weekend our own Steven Ewing was rocking the Audi R8, and I never went to bed jealous.

Some of that is down to my being a confirmed ragtop zealot – it was a lovely summer weekend and the car’s top was basically only raised when parked, and for a painful stint of testing. But much of it is because the current Camaro being is the best iteration I’ve ever driven (even if the pony-car-buying public hasn't quite come around yet).

Pros

• I am legally required to say that I’d prefer this car to have a manual transmission (it’s written right there in the Enthusiast Car Reviewer Code of Conduct), but I actually think the eight-speed automatic is a good option for this particular car. The auto box works smoothly to handle all the torque from the SS’ big V8, kicking down without hesitation when I’m feeling froggy, and otherwise riding the torque for super smooth acceleration. The paddles effect quick up- and downshifts when I’m truly hustling the car. But this car is best suited to warm-weather cruising, and the automatic trans does that with aplomb.
• I didn’t lead with it – I don’t want you guys to think I’m getting formulaic – but can we talk about how great this engine is? Just 6.2 liters of red hot sex and snarl right here, kicking out a square 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. Throttle pedal travel is on the long side, which makes modulation...