The all-new Camaro gets three different available engines under its hood. On LS and LT models a 300-horsepower 3.6-liter, direct-injected V-6 is standard. This engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic with TapShift manual control. On SS models, there's a high-output LS3 engine available. It's a 6.2-liter V-8 making 422 horsepower and 408 pound-feet of torque. SS models equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission get a lower-output 400-horsepower L99 6.2L engine.
All models have a very rigid chassis with a four-wheel independent suspension design, including struts and double ball joints in front and double-isolated, '4.5-link' design in back. The FE2 suspension in V6 models is performance-oriented but also yields a little bit more in ride comfort. V-8 models get a more stiffly tuned FE3 performance suspension. Variable-rate rack-and-pinion power steering has been designed for a direct feel, and all models receive four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.
Fuel economy is respectable for a muscle car. The V-6 has direct injection technology, which aids overall power and efficiency, and the V-8 gets Active Fuel Management, a system that intelligently runs the engine on just four of its cylinders when coasting or cruising at steady speed. EPA highway estimates range up to 26 mpg for the V-6 and 23 mpg for the V-8.
In terms of safety features, the Camaro outshines other sports coupes. Front occupants get seat-mounted side-thorax airbags. Head-curtain bags for front and rear occupants and StabiliTrak electronic stability control are also standard. SS models have a Competitive/Sport mode that allows some wheelspin and more enthusiastic driving for the racetrack.
The Camaro's retro exterior styling speaks for itself--especially with the addition of optional 18-, 19-, and 20-inch wheels--but inside it offers a unique mix of retro styling with modern materials and top-tech conveniences. The "heritage" interior design incorporates deep-dish retro-styled gauges, for instance, but LED light-pipe lighting bathes the interior in the glow of a modern luxury coupe.
An RS appearance package is offered on LT and SS models, bringing a distinctive look that includes HID headlamps, a spoiler, a special tail lamp design and flashy 20-inch wheels.
The base LT stands its own, with an extensive list of standard features, to be offered at an affordable base price. It includes keyless entry, power accessories, cruise control, air conditioning and a six-speaker CD sound system with XM Satellite Radio. LT models add sport seats, fog lamps and flashier painted aluminum wheels. With the 2LT package they get a Boston Acoustics speaker system and a Bluetooth hands-free interface is available. The SS in its top trim gets heated mirrors, heated seats, steering-wheel controls and additional gauges. The options list includes plenty of retro appearance equipment--such as a Hurst short-throw shifter, ground effects and special striping.
Acceleration And Performance
Crowd-drawing Retro-muscle-car Design
Modern Interior Style
Safety Features
Affordable Price
The Camaro name returns after a six-year absence, as an all-new sports car, with styling inspired by the original 1960s muscle-car Camaros, paired with thoroughly modern powertrains and some of the latest high-technology interior conveniences. It goes on sale early in calendar-year 2009, as a 2010 model.
GM wants to appeal to nostalgic buyers wanting to relive their muscle-car past with the Camaro. It's also a hard-edged sports car or modern touring coupe, depending on how it's configured. The new Camaro is priced to be a sports car for the everyman, with V-6 models starting at less than $25,000.
