First Look: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
07/21/2008
Shahed Hussain
In Chevrolet's lineup, the Camaro slots below the Corvette as its traditional rear-drive muscle car. Introduced in the late 1960s as a rival to the Mustang, the Camaro went out of production in 2002, to the disappointment of Chevy enthusiasts. After much anticipation, and several years of concept car teasers, Chevrolet finally released details about the production 2010 Camaro.
Chevy fans will be most interested in the available powertrains, which include a 3.6L V-6 or 6.2L V-8. Camaro LS and LT models get the 300-bhp/273 lb.-ft. V-6 mated to an Aisin Warner AY6 6-speed manual or Hydra-Matic 6L50 automatic. Equipped with the V-6, the Camaro gets highway mileage of 26 MPG. Muscle car traditionalists will lust after the LS3 V-8 that cranks out 422-bhp/408 lb.-ft. coupled to a TR6060 6-speed manual. If you prefer the optional Hydra-Matic 6L80 6-speed automatic, Chevrolet substitutes the L99 V-8 with 400-bhp/395 lb.-ft. Active Fuel Management allows the L99 to run on four cylinders in light-load conditions to achieve 23 MPG on the highway.
So how does the Camaro line up against the Mustang? The Mustang's standard 210-bhp 4.0L V-6 and optional 300-bhp 4.6L V-8 are at a definite disadvantage relative to the Chevy. Ford enthusiasts can take solace in the GT500, with its 500-bhp supercharged 5.4L V-8, which has a decided edge over the 422-bhp 6.2L V-8 in the Camaro SS.
Some Camaro enthusiasts may be disappointed that Chevrolet abandoned the traditional solid rear axle used on previous models. Instead, GM engineers designed a multi-link rear suspension to ensure superior handling compared to the solid axle Ford Mustang. Front/rear weight distribution is a remarkable 52/48, which should minimize understeer. Camaro LS and LT models get the FE2 sport suspension, but the firmer FE3 suspension is reserved for the SS models. Steering is via a variable-assist rack-and-pinion system with 16.1:1 ratio, resulting in 2.5 turns lock-to-lock.
Other available performance enhancements include ABS, StabiliTrak stability control with Competitive/Sport modes, 4-piston Brembo calipers (SS models), and optional 20-inch alloy wheels (base models get 18-inch or 19-inch wheels). Camaro LS and LT models are equipped with P245/55R18 all-season tires or an optional P245/50R19 size. The SS gets summer P245/45ZR20 tires in front and P275/40ZR20 tires in the rear. The lightest Camaro is the V-6/6-speed manual LT, which weighs in at 3,741 lbs., while the SS equipped with the 6-speed automatic comes in at 3,913 lbs. (3,860 lbs. if you opt for the 6-speed manual).
In a departure from earlier Camaros, which had relatively minimalist comfort and convenience features, the new Camaro includes available Bluetooth phone connectivity, Boston Acoustics/XM satellite audio system, USB input, ultrasonic park assist, remote vehicle start, and OnStar service. Chrome-rimmed controls, optional heated leather seats, LED instrument backlighting, and a retro-inspired center gauge cluster meld classic and modern Camaro design cues.
Judging by the popularity of the Camaro concept at recent auto shows, GM should have no trouble selling its resurrected muscle car to eager Chevy enthusiasts. With the new Dodge Challenger and upcoming revised Mustang, the Camaro takes on some formidable competitors. Nevertheless, it is heartening to see that GM recognizes that the Camaro is as much a part of Chevrolet's heritage as the Corvette.