2010 Chevrolet CamaroIt’s Back and Hotter than ever!
By Charles Donaldson
The talk about the re-born Chevrolet Camaro has been the topic of car buffs and automotive journalists forever! Pictures have been circulating for the past few years and Camaro concepts have traveled to major auto shows across the country. Well, the wait is over – the All-New 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has arrived and looks better than ever!
The last new Camaro rolled off the assembly line in 2002. During its hiatus, engineers at Chevrolet began dreaming up a new semi-retro styled hot rod to steam up the hearts of fans new and old. The 2010 Camaro is rear-wheel drive and shares the chassis architecture with the now defunct impressive Pontiac G8. From any angle, the Camaro is beautiful and is a head-turner, thumbs up, eye catcher for sure.
The model lineup is divided into three trim levels: LS ($22,245), LT ($23,880) and SS ($30,245). The LS and LT models are equipped with a V6 motor, while the SS is pumping out the horses with a V8. Optional packages include a LT2 ($2,700) and SS2 ($3,185).
We may be in times of elevating fuel prices, calling for small fuel efficient 4-banger engines that deliver enough horsepower to quietly drag you from point A to point B, however, fortunately for us, Chevy chooses to leave that to the other guys; they want – a tire smoking, exhaust rumbling vehicle.
Chevrolet borrowed Cadillac’s V6 that easily generates 304 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic with semi-manual shifting. What; you say you need more power? No problem. Then how about a 6.2-liter Corvette engine tucked into your Camaro SS – cranking out 425 HP with the manual six-speed transmission or 400 HP, teamed with the optional six-speed automatic transmission?
From the outside we admire the muscular chiseled lines and powerful stance. The look brings back memories of my buddy’s 1967 Camaro. The front grille and headlamps are tucked under what appears like a visor at the end of the hood. This pushed back design adds to the menacing front smirk as if the Camaro is challenging you – no – daring you to race. The center of the aluminum hood is raised 2.5-inches to form a long scoop – in looks only, since it is non-functioning.
A side view highlights a few interesting characteristics. Starting with the rear wheels moved forward 6-inches and the front wheels forward 3-inches compared with its Pontiac G8 sibling. This wheel adjustment along with lowering the suspension helps to improve the handling. Nice! High rear shoulders give the Camaro a sense of motion while standing still. Four square red brake lights wrapped in chrome sit below the small spoiler mounted trunk lid. Dual chrome exhaust tips complete the rear and alert bystanders that the Camaro is on the prowl with their rumbling effect.
The interior is populated with great and fair attributes. The center console was cool with unique radio buttons and temperature knobs sitting on top of a four gauge pack. The steering wheel was dressed in black and silver with speed and radio controls. The instrument panel lacked inspiration with two large silver ringed rectangles sandwiching a small information center in-between. The rest of the dash felt like it was formed in layers in an ascending style. Our LT model had sharp looking two-tone seats that were comfortable and adjusted easily. However, it is easy to see that even though the Camaro has four seats it is clearly a two person vehicle. At 5’8” I had the seat pushed back to a comfortable position that left only a couple of inches separating the front seat from the back equaling no rear legroom.
Room for improvement:
· Extremely tight rear leg room
· More creative dash
Cool Features:
· Extremely hot design
· Four gauge pack
· Stitched leather wrapped steering wheel
· XM Radio standard
The Camaro may be a muscle car, but it still has a safety conscience. Safety equipment includes electronic stability control with traction control, front airbags, front side airbags, airbag curtains, anti-lock brakes, a tire pressure monitoring system and one year of OnStar Safe and Sound Plan.
In Summary – The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is a stunningly gorgeous car with thundering power and rumbling exhaust to boot. It has superb handling and ride on tight corners and begs for aggressive driving to follow its aggressive styling. The Camaro drew smiles and excited faces at every turn. Chevrolet did a wonderful job bringing back an icon.
Specifications
2010 Chevrolet Camaro LT
Base price: $23,880 as driven: $31,015 (estimated)
Engine: 3.6-Liter 6-cylinder
Horsepower: 304 @ 6400
Torque: 273 pound-feet @ 5200 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive: Rear Wheel-Drive
Seating: 4-passenger
Turning circle: 37.7 feet
Cargo space: 11.3 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3719 pounds
Fuel capacity: 19 gallons
EPA mileage: 29 highway, 18 city
Wheel Base: 112.3 inches
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper
Also consider: Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and Nissan 370Z
Future changes: New for 2010