2010 CAMARO REVEALED By Casey Williams Preview - 2010 Chevy Camaro
A new day has come to Chevrolet. Although the division has shown concept versions of Camaros for several years, we finally got our first look at the coupe that will begin production early next year. It has been a relatively long gestation, but the next-generation Camaro is at hand. "The new Chevrolet Camaro delivers a thoroughly modern, advanced package of performance, comfort and technology," said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. "It's a sports car for a new generation of enthusiasts that doesn't forget the heritage that helped make the original a cultural icon. That is no small feat and it took a worldwide commitment to achieve it." You'll know the 2010 Camaro by its hint of 1969 melded with the look of a contemporary Corvette. Stylists kept a fleet of classic Camaros in their studio while they created the new car, but avoided the highly retro look that has made the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger so popular. An eggcrate grille, round headlamps, quad tail lamps, and coke bottle shape make it clear this is a Camaro. Under the hood will be a powertrain never seen in any Camaro. Base RS models come standard with a direct-injection 3.6-litre V6 engine that produces 300 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, routed to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. SS editions will deliver 422 horsepower and 408 lb.-ft. of torque via a Corvette-derived 6.2-litre V8. Acknowledging today's realities, V6 models will achieve 26-MPG on the highway while the V8 achieves 23-MPG hwy. A turbo-four from the Pontiac GXP and Saturn Sky is rumored to be in the works for even better economy and 260 HP. Developed off of the same platform that underpins the Australian-engineered Pontiac G8, the Camaro has something that will make all predecessors and even the Mustang jealous - an independent rear suspension. Finally, we'll drive a Camaro that doesn't shake and shimmy over every bump and groove. GM vice president of design, Ed Welburn continued, "The new Camaro is just that - new. We acknowledge the nameplate's strong heritage in the design, but recognize that keeping this modern sports car relevant meant more than simply honoring a classic car. The line forms, stance and overall execution are consistent with other new Chevrolets." Welburn should know. His was one of the classic Camaros in the studio.
