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The SS option was offered on the Z28 performance model in partnership with SLP Engineering, and it added a functional hood scoop among other items.

The 1996 Chevrolet Camaro SLP Z28 SS is quick, offers excellent handling, and has good gas mileage.

After a 24-year hiatus, Chevrolet offered the Super Sport (SS) badge as an optional performance package for the 1996 SLP Z28. This made the SLP Z28 a special car because previous Camaro models with the SS emblem were known to be high-performance vehicles that roared with fury.

This performance model offered more than the standard Z28 Camaro. The SLP Engineering team ensured the car had more power, a better brake system, tuned suspension, foot-wide tires, and a custom exhaust.

Chevrolet also made some changes to the vehicle; they painted it with Cayenne Red Metallic paint and added chrome aluminum wheels. Also, the car has rocker panel moldings, rear fascia extensions, and a three-part spoiler.

Owners of this model advise that one shouldn't take the car lightly, it's not meant to be a family vehicle, and inexperienced drivers should go for another car. It's very fast on the highway, and you might get a ticket if you're not careful.

Let's find out more about the Z28 SS and what made it special.

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When General Motors introduced the fourth generation of the Camaro, it was a landmark in the automobile world. Camaro fans knew the fourth-generation models would offer better vehicle technology and designs. The first model debuted in 1993 and came with new levels of power, better handling, and advanced safety features.

In the previous decade, other muscle car manufacturers like Ford had significantly improved their vehicles, which were also huge benchmarks during that era. But the fourth generation Camaro had those improvements and offered even more than its rivals, making it one of the first modern muscle cars.

However, the Camaro didn't start well when Chevrolet introduced the first generation in 1966. Mustang fans called the Camaro a copycat because the car had a similar design to the iconic Ford Mustang. The company decided to change the overall design of the Camaro, and the second & third generation models didn't resemble any car from Ford.

The fourth generation Camaro carried that tradition and introduced coupe and convertible body styles with 2+2 seating. Chevrolet equipped the models with the options of V6 and six-cylinder V8 engines. Owners of the fourth-gen Camaros praised the car by saying they were reliable and had minor issues.

Under the hood, there's a 5.7-liter V8 that produces 300 horsepower and comes with a six-speed manual transmission. According to Road & Track magazine, the Z28 SS can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and reach a quarter mile in 13.7 seconds at 102 mph.

The car is fun to drive, and it's very light and on point. It steers precisely, and it can hold its own on rougher roads. It also does well on surfaces like snow, and the car doesn't ask for too much maintenance or service. The Z28 SS is meant to be driven to the max and lasts longer than most vintage muscle cars.

Once on the highway, the car overtakes easily and doesn't give the driver a hard time. When the car reaches full speed, you won't even notice because you'll be enjoying the roaring sound of the engine.

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The exterior design includes fog lights, a composite hood with functional cold air induction, removable glass T-top panels, SS badging, and an integrated rear spoiler.

The luxurious interior comes with Graphite leather that covers the seat dashboard, door panels, and carpets. The designers branded Z28 SS to the floor mats, and they wrapped leather around the steering wheel frame. The car has additional features like a Delco/Bose CD stereo, cruise control, a power adjustable driver's seat, air conditioning, electric windows, and locks.

The SLP Z28 SS is considered one of the rarest Camaros, with Chevrolet only manufacturing 2,269 units. During an auction on Bring A Trailer, the car sold for $20,000, but its price will skyrocket soon because they are very few.

When the SLP Z28 made its debut, it had an MSRP of $24,500 without the luxury widgets and the custom exhaust system. But the total price is around $29,000-$30,000.

The Mustang Cobra SVT is the only car that can compete with the SLP Z28 SS. The Cobra SVT is around the same price, and its performance comes close to the SLP Z28 SS, although it's just the tweaked version of the Mustang GT.

Marcus is a car enthusiast who loves writing about them. He travels frequently and always seeks out the best driving roads to really test a car's limits. His favorite cars are anything with a manual transmission, and he's been known to spend hours just shifting through all the gears.