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Chevrolet Camaro
Review: After debuting in 1967 to compete with the Mustang, the GM
pony car went through several generations before being retired in 2002.
After what seems like forever, the Camaro is back in 2010, and well
worth waiting for.
The new car certainly
has the right look, of the last of the first-generation cars, the ’69,
with voluptuous rear fender curves, pointed grille, and that
hunkered-down look. So retro, yet with a modern sensibility, it
attracted interest wherever I drove it. My son’s high-school pals had
their tongues hanging out when I arrived, and the gray-haired owner of a
classic ’69 gave it the thumbs up too.
As always, Camaros come
in plain and potent versions. The LS and LT models represent the former
and the SS, the latter. The thing is, even the LS and LT provide 304
horsepower from a direct-injection 3.6-liter V6. Isn’t that Corvette
territory? And the car goes from 0-60 in just 6.1 seconds.
The sound of this
advanced engine is hearty, and through a manual or automatic six-speed,
you get EPA mileage of 18 City / 29 Highway (auto) or 17 / 29 (manual)
using regular fuel. I averaged 18.6 mpg.
The SS drops in a
6.2-liter V8, for 426 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, so you can
surely expect a rousing performance every time you place your foot on
the gas pedal. At just under two tons, the Camaro runs great with either
powerplant. You only need the SS if you must have a 0 to 60 time of 4.7
seconds.
My Imperial Blue
Metallic LT test car had the six-speed automatic with TAPshift, so I was
able to manually select gears, minus the clutch, if I felt like it. As
usual, I let the car take care of itself most of the time. I would have
enjoyed sampling the Aisin Warner 6 speed manual too.
I enjoyed my time
inside the car. It’s obvious that GM is learning how to produce quality
looking and feeling plastics, and Chevy’s current design language is
exuberant, from Malibu to Traverse to Equinox to Camaro. It’s got to be
their best look since the 1960’s.
A sweep from door to
dash to door distinguishes these new cars; satin-finish trim on the
gauges, steering wheel spokes and console keeps the car in league with
the newly upgraded Mustang. Soft tan cloth surfaces in my test car felt
welcoming and sporty too. The steering wheel rim, in cross-section, is
an oval, not a circle, so when you lay your hands on the wheel, you get
a nostalgic sense of a skinny 1960’s rim, but when you grip, there’s
plenty to grab on to.
Driving the car, you
can feel how substantial it is. Today’s cars are structurally sound in a
way a ‘60s car could only dream of, but you pay with fat windshield
pillars. By concentrating on the road, the gratifying engine sounds and
comfortable accommodations, I was able to avoid a sense of
claustrophobia from the high window line.
For $22,995, including
destination charges, the LS delivers a nice helping of goods, including
an audio system with XM Radio, Driver Information Center, a year’s worth
of basic OnStar service for security, remote keyless entry, and
Stabilitrak with traction control to keep you safe on the road.
Step up to the LT model
for $24,63, and at the 2LT level you get better sound, a Boston
Acoustics 245-watt system with nine speakers, and handy things like
Bluetooth for your phone and a USB port for your iPod. Heated front
seats are nice on frosty mornings and their leather adds ambiance and
aroma.
For $30,995, the SS
delivers all the LT upgrades plus the aforementioned V8. You also get
four-piston Brembo brakes for efficient stopping, and big 20-inch wheels
and tires. Unique front and rear fascias, a tougher grille, and all the
scoops and spoilers you can use distinguish the SS. The instrument panel
flaunts an SS logo for when you’re inside and can’t see them.
Not much really to
nitpick about. I accidentally called OnStar one night when I went to
adjust the mirror, as I pressed the button unintentionally. The man who
answered picked up in a few seconds, and that’s reassuring. The long
coupe doors require careful handling in parking lots, and the slim
sunvisors were sometimes ineffective. All in all, it’s a great new
Camaro.
The EPA Green Vehicle
Guide gives the V6 Camaro surprisingly good numbers: 7 for Air Pollution
and, with the automatic, a 6 for Greenhouse Gas. That earns it the
coveted SmartWay label, and who would have thought a Camaro would be
green?
By Steve Schaefer ©
AutoWire.Net - San Francisco
The Bottom Line:
The concept version Camaro thrilled past auto show attendees. It took a
long time to get the car into the showrooms, and onto the road, but it
was worth it. Go celebrate with a test drive, and then buy one, now that
the 2010 Camaro is back and ready to rumble.
Bottom Line
Review provided by: Tony Leopardo © AutoWire.Net
“Tony the Car Guy”
is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay
Area. If you have a question or comment for Tony send it to
TonyLeo@pacbell.net or visit AutoWire.Net at
www.autowire.net
And remember: “ You Are
what you Drive ”
Chevy Home Page
Column Name: The Camaro
is back!
Topic: The 2010
Chevrolet Camaro
Word Count: 935
Photo Caption: The
2010 Chevrolet Camaro
Photo Credits:
Chevrolet Camaro Internet Media
Series #: 2010 - 03
Download
the Microsoft Word version here:
2010 Chevy Camaro
Download the Original Image File here:
2010 Chevy Camero
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