The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro returns for its second model year with only a few minor changes. The high-shouldered, cartoonish exterior, scorching performance, and muscle-car attitude carry over with all the force of before.

Just as the muscle-car feeding frenzy (first stoked a few years ago by concept cars, then the introduction of the Dodge Challenger) might have subsided, Ford turned up the heat this year with new V-6 and V-8 engines, truly resurrecting a decades-old rivalry. And what better indication than after Ford revealed the 305-hp Mustang V-6, Chevrolet announced a new 312-hp rating for its base 3.6-liter V-6 in the Camaro.

The 2011 Camaro makes some extreme sacrifices inside in order to achieve an aggressive look. Space inside is tight, without much headroom for taller drivers, while shorter ones might feel claustrophobic from the high beltline; for just about everyone, visibility is severely compromised. There’s a small backseat, but it’s good for only two small children, and the trunk is quite tiny. On the other hand, ride quality is excellent, with a surprising lack of road noise.

The SS uses the V8, which sees no major changes for 2011. SS versions with a manual transmission get a 426-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. Automatic-equipped SS models also get a 6.2-liter V8, but it makes 400 horsepower and features GM’s Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. V6 versions also offer a manual or automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. An RS Package for LT and SS models includes bi-xenon headlights, specific trim, and on LT versions, 20-inch wheels. All Camaros are available with 21-inch wheels

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze replaces Cobalt as the compact car from General Motors’ volume division. Cruze is a 4-door sedan that comes in LS, LT, LTZ, and fuel-economy-oriented Eco trim levels. LT models are subdivided into 1LT and 2LT. The LS has a 136-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. The 1LT, 2LT, LTZ, and Eco use a 138-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the LS and Eco.

A 6-speed automatic is optional on those models and standard on the LT and LTZ. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, front- and rear-side airbags, and front-knee airbags. Cruze Eco models have ultra-low-rolling-resistance tires and other aerodynamic tweaks designed to increase fuel economy.

Available on the LT and LTZ is an RS Appearance Package, which includes fog lights and specific exterior trim. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, remote engine start, and a wireless cell-phone link are standard on the 2LT and LTZ. A sport suspension is standard on LTZ. Rear-obstacle detection is optional on the LT and standard on the LTZ. This evaluation is based on preview test drives of pre-production vehicles.

Breaking with the small Chevy tradition of offering a larger-than-average engine in a small car, the Cruze offers a pair of fuel-efficient yet peppy small power plants. Whether you get the 1.8-liter non-turbocharged inline-4 or the 1.4-liter turbo mill, you’ll get class-competitive performance along with the promise of high fuel economy.

The Cruze’s handling is also notably sharper than the Cobalt’s and its interior is light-years ahead in terms of quality and styling. In terms of features, even the base Cruze LS comes pretty well equipped, with 10 airbags being one notable standard equipment highlight. The Cruze is also quite roomy (the EPA actually classifies it as a midsize car), though rear seat comfort is only so-so for taller folks.