Following its latest round of testing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro a perfect score in all of its tests, making the modern day muscle car the first vehicle to do so since the latest New Car Assessment Program was introduced in 2011.

The latest version of the Camaro, in its coupe bodystyle, scores a perfect five-star rating not only overall but also in the administration's six separate safety evaluations. In addition to the overall rating, they also include frontal barrier crash test ratings for the driver and passenger, side crash ratings for the driver and passenger, and a vehicle rollover rating.

As Examiner points out, many cars that were originally rated five-stars in NHTSA testing lost their top rating when the tests were overhauled in 2011.

It’s safe to say that muscle cars have come a long way since their peak of the 1960s and ‘70s, not only terms of performance but safety too. In fact, even when the current generation Camaro was launched it only earned a four-star rating in the NHTSA's tests so it's good to see that automakers continue to strive to improve their vehicles' safety.

Other cars coming close to clinching a perfect score in the NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program include the 2012 Honda Accord and 2012 Kia Optima. Note, so far the administration has only tested 46 individual 2012 models so expect more top scorers to appear over the coming months.

For more details visit the website www.safercar.gov.