I LOVE it. its actually like having 3 transmisions. Put it in Drive, regular mode. then you put it in M or SPORT mode and it changes the shift points, for a sportier time, but still shifts automatically, UNTIL you use the paddle shifters the first time, then you are required to do all the shifting, UNTIL you put it back in Drive. And you can go from one mode to the other ON THE FLY. to me, its better than having a manual.
as far as the motor goes, I have had a Caddy STS for a year and a half, and it has the same motor, and it HAULS THE MAIL. and considering the camaro is lighter, well you know what that gets you......lol