You read that right. The Camaro, for eons the symbol of d-bags that couldn't afford a Corvette, has gotten a makeover. Which of course, isn't really news, considering it happened about three years ago. What is news is the ZL1, a supercharged, 550 HP beast that captures an essence of American muscle cars that has been dormant since the mid-70's. The ZL1 ws unveiled Wednesday at the Chicago auto show and will be available in August at a price of about $50k, which is pretty impressive considering that's $10k less than an M3. American cars have always occupied the value end of the sports car spectrum, but the ZL1 has a lot more going for it than a cheap price tag. 

Not only can this car perform, but it's got the attitude to match. The dual mode exhaust cranks up the volume when you drop the hammer. (I don't know why the topic of muscle cars makes me use phrases like "drop the hammer," but they do. Deal with it.) The loud exhaust might be a little douchbaggy, but no matter how you dress it up, a Camaro isn't an S-Class Benz, so you might as well embrace the silliness a little bit. 

I love that this car has a dignity that we haven't seen from Camaro's in ages, but would also look right at home with some racing stripes and Deep Purple blaring from the stereo. Not an easy line to walk, but Chevy appears to have gotten it right. Finally, a modern muscle car that doesn't look like it should come with complimentary jean shorts. (The Street)