Update: 2010 Camaro SS : )
#1
05-30-2009, 01:45 PM
Update: 2010 Camaro SS : )
MAY 30, 2009
Driving Impression: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
After a 3-year wait, we finally drive the new Chevrolet Camaro SS. We found out that not only is it a darn good car, it's also a bargain.
By Mike Montice
Slideshow: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS >>
Slideshow: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS development >>
Video: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Road Test >>
Although we're thrilled to have finally driven the 2010 Camaro SS with its throbbing 426-bhp V-8 (we'd previously only driven the V-6 version), we're positive the gobs of attention the car received during our photo shoot in San Diego, California, means that Chevy got this "modern interpretation of a classic car" thing just right — people were thrilled to be seeing the new Camaro; it didn't seem to matter if it was an SS V-8 or a V-6. Everyone seems to know this is the new Camaro the second they lay eyes on it, yet it's not merely a carbon-copy of the 1969 Camaro upon which designer Sang Yup Lee took his inspiration. And with the Camaro's purposeful hood power bulge, slightly shrouded headlights, menacing grille and foglights-as-DRLs, few cars on the road display a more aggressive face.
Slideshow >>
But let's get back to the Camaro SS and its V-8. Two 6.2-liters are available: Order the 6-speed automatic (which comes with shift buttons on the back of the steering wheel for manual control,) and you get the L99, which features Active Fuel Management (switching from 8 to 4 cylinders when driven at light throttle loads to save fuel) but lower power ratings of 400 bhp and 410 lb.-ft. of torque. Automatic-blip downshifts add a manly feel to this gearbox.
Order the Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual and you get to feel the power of Chevy's LS3 V-8 with 426 bhp at 5900 rpm along with 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 4600 rpm. Although the Camaro was designed/built with a price point in mind, Chevrolet didn't skimp on the necessities. All V-8 Camaros, plus V-6s with manual transmissions, come with limited-slip differentials — a must for good burnouts, power slides and true performance driving.
With 426 bhp and a 3860-lb. curb weight, the car hits 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and the quarter-mile in 13.0 at 111.1 mph. Those numbers basically equal the Dodge Challenger SRT8 we previously tested with an automatic transmission, while they're significantly quicker than Ford's less powerful Mustang GT. Of note, the last Camaro Z28 we tested, in our November 2001 issue, hit 60 mph in 5.5 sec. and ran the quarter mile in 13.9, powered by a 310-bhp 5.7-liter V-8.
An interesting aspect of the new Camaro is Chevy's Launch Control, which functions when the stability system is set to its Competitive Driving mode. Launch Control manages wheelspin in 1st gear, as you keep the throttle pinned. Of note, we achieved quicker acceleration times managing wheelspin ourselves.
It's no secret that the new Camaro is a joint Australian/U.S. project. It's also no secret the Camaro rides on what is basically a shortened platform of Pontiac's G8. But unlike the G8, which is built in Australia, the Camaro is built at GM's Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, plant (production started March 16th). The G8's rear-drive platform means that for the first time in the Camaro's history, it has an independent multilink rear suspension, to go along with its MacPherson-strut front setup. Camaro SS models come with slightly stiffer spring rates, thicker anti-roll bars and a 0.5-in. lower ride height than V-6 versions.
Slideshow >>
Fitted with 245/45ZR-20 front and 275/40ZR-20 rear Pirelli PZero tires, our test car garnered 0.87g around the skidpad and 66.8 mph through the slalom. For comparison purposes, those are slightly better numbers than the Challenger SRT8 (0.85g and 65.0 slalom) but a far cry from the Track Pack-equipped Mustang GT (0.93g and 69.3 mph). Chevy currently doesn't have plans for a factory "track package" for the Camaro.
Out on the road, what the Camaro gives up in precision, it makes up in pure ride quality. This car is downright comfortable! And due to its independent rear suspension, bumps don't make the Camaro SS "hopping" mad. Sure, push the Camaro SS hard and you'll encounter a fair amount of understeer — there's no escaping the car's plentiful 3860-lb. curb weight. Luckily, the 14.0-in. 4-piston Brembo front brakes (14.4 at the rear) are up to the task of getting the Camaro SS slowed down quickly.
In lower speed corners, you can use the massive amounts of V-8 power to steer the Camaro SS with the throttle. Which is just plain good fun! The 6-speed manual, although not the quickest shifting ever, is easy to use and has positive gates, while pedals are placed close enough for reasonable heel-and-toeing. The front seats are clearly made for wide Americans, but despite this they offer good lateral support and comfort aplenty. Limited rear head room defines the Camaro as a 2 + 2.
The EPA rates the Camaro V-6 with the 6-speed manual at 17 mpg city/ 29 mpg highway. The manual SS is rated at 16/24, (with the automatic a tad better at 16/25). At $22,995 for the LS V-6, and $30,995 for the SS, we rate the new Camaro as great news for Americans. Chevy says the first Camaros will hit dealers at the beginning of April.
What's Hot:
Driving Impression: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
After a 3-year wait, we finally drive the new Chevrolet Camaro SS. We found out that not only is it a darn good car, it's also a bargain.
By Mike Montice
Slideshow: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS >>
Slideshow: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS development >>
Video: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Road Test >>
Although we're thrilled to have finally driven the 2010 Camaro SS with its throbbing 426-bhp V-8 (we'd previously only driven the V-6 version), we're positive the gobs of attention the car received during our photo shoot in San Diego, California, means that Chevy got this "modern interpretation of a classic car" thing just right — people were thrilled to be seeing the new Camaro; it didn't seem to matter if it was an SS V-8 or a V-6. Everyone seems to know this is the new Camaro the second they lay eyes on it, yet it's not merely a carbon-copy of the 1969 Camaro upon which designer Sang Yup Lee took his inspiration. And with the Camaro's purposeful hood power bulge, slightly shrouded headlights, menacing grille and foglights-as-DRLs, few cars on the road display a more aggressive face.
Slideshow >>But let's get back to the Camaro SS and its V-8. Two 6.2-liters are available: Order the 6-speed automatic (which comes with shift buttons on the back of the steering wheel for manual control,) and you get the L99, which features Active Fuel Management (switching from 8 to 4 cylinders when driven at light throttle loads to save fuel) but lower power ratings of 400 bhp and 410 lb.-ft. of torque. Automatic-blip downshifts add a manly feel to this gearbox.
Order the Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual and you get to feel the power of Chevy's LS3 V-8 with 426 bhp at 5900 rpm along with 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 4600 rpm. Although the Camaro was designed/built with a price point in mind, Chevrolet didn't skimp on the necessities. All V-8 Camaros, plus V-6s with manual transmissions, come with limited-slip differentials — a must for good burnouts, power slides and true performance driving.
With 426 bhp and a 3860-lb. curb weight, the car hits 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and the quarter-mile in 13.0 at 111.1 mph. Those numbers basically equal the Dodge Challenger SRT8 we previously tested with an automatic transmission, while they're significantly quicker than Ford's less powerful Mustang GT. Of note, the last Camaro Z28 we tested, in our November 2001 issue, hit 60 mph in 5.5 sec. and ran the quarter mile in 13.9, powered by a 310-bhp 5.7-liter V-8.
An interesting aspect of the new Camaro is Chevy's Launch Control, which functions when the stability system is set to its Competitive Driving mode. Launch Control manages wheelspin in 1st gear, as you keep the throttle pinned. Of note, we achieved quicker acceleration times managing wheelspin ourselves.
It's no secret that the new Camaro is a joint Australian/U.S. project. It's also no secret the Camaro rides on what is basically a shortened platform of Pontiac's G8. But unlike the G8, which is built in Australia, the Camaro is built at GM's Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, plant (production started March 16th). The G8's rear-drive platform means that for the first time in the Camaro's history, it has an independent multilink rear suspension, to go along with its MacPherson-strut front setup. Camaro SS models come with slightly stiffer spring rates, thicker anti-roll bars and a 0.5-in. lower ride height than V-6 versions.
Slideshow >>Fitted with 245/45ZR-20 front and 275/40ZR-20 rear Pirelli PZero tires, our test car garnered 0.87g around the skidpad and 66.8 mph through the slalom. For comparison purposes, those are slightly better numbers than the Challenger SRT8 (0.85g and 65.0 slalom) but a far cry from the Track Pack-equipped Mustang GT (0.93g and 69.3 mph). Chevy currently doesn't have plans for a factory "track package" for the Camaro.
Out on the road, what the Camaro gives up in precision, it makes up in pure ride quality. This car is downright comfortable! And due to its independent rear suspension, bumps don't make the Camaro SS "hopping" mad. Sure, push the Camaro SS hard and you'll encounter a fair amount of understeer — there's no escaping the car's plentiful 3860-lb. curb weight. Luckily, the 14.0-in. 4-piston Brembo front brakes (14.4 at the rear) are up to the task of getting the Camaro SS slowed down quickly.
In lower speed corners, you can use the massive amounts of V-8 power to steer the Camaro SS with the throttle. Which is just plain good fun! The 6-speed manual, although not the quickest shifting ever, is easy to use and has positive gates, while pedals are placed close enough for reasonable heel-and-toeing. The front seats are clearly made for wide Americans, but despite this they offer good lateral support and comfort aplenty. Limited rear head room defines the Camaro as a 2 + 2.
The EPA rates the Camaro V-6 with the 6-speed manual at 17 mpg city/ 29 mpg highway. The manual SS is rated at 16/24, (with the automatic a tad better at 16/25). At $22,995 for the LS V-6, and $30,995 for the SS, we rate the new Camaro as great news for Americans. Chevy says the first Camaros will hit dealers at the beginning of April.
What's Hot:
- Stunning styling interpretation of modern Camaro
- Throbbing 426-bhp V-8
- First-ever Camaro with independent rear suspension
- SS starts at only $30,995!
What's Not:
- Poor outward vision
- Automatic-equipped V-8 down on power and torque
- Yellow car reminds too much of Transformers movie
What's New:
- All new for 2010
Cars to Compare:
Last edited by Space; 05-30-2009 at 01:53 PM.
#3
05-31-2009, 09:46 PM
We got 20 of them and all are sold!!! We only have 1 LT2 V6 in Silver available... But there will not be anymore available until October, with the pending bankruptacy and plant shutdown, production will not start again until September.
#4
05-31-2009, 10:01 PM
I love these cars...Motor Trend just put out an article about the V-6 version...
Amazing this is that the V-6 is hitting 60 in 5.7 Sec, and the old style Camaro SS V-8 was hitting 60 in 5.5 Sec...those are damn close numbers!
Amazing this is that the V-6 is hitting 60 in 5.7 Sec, and the old style Camaro SS V-8 was hitting 60 in 5.5 Sec...those are damn close numbers!
#5
06-01-2009, 08:16 AM
Next Ampersand:UP NEXT
Jaguar Prototype XFRGO >>
Slideshow: Future Cars >>
As Chevrolet prepares the Camaro for its much-anticipated launch this spring, it appears that GM's financial straits are not having much of an effect on future variations.
Spy photos confirm Chevy's intention to follow up the coupe with a convertible version — work is continuing on the droptop despite rumors that it could end up on the cutting room floor as a result of tight budgets. Expect to see it by summer 2010 as a 2011 model. The same is true for the mighty Z28, which will be the range topper above the base 300-bhp 3.6-liter V-6 and 422-bhp 6.2-liter V-8 in the SS. And talk has surfaced again of a less powerful V-6 or 4-cylinder entry level model.
But first, the Z28, as reported last July, will be powered by the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 from the Cadillac CTS-V. Rumors suggest this 556-bhp mill is preferred over the Corvette Z06's 505-bhp naturally aspirated LS7 V-8 because it's actually a less expensive engine to produce!
As for the base car's V-6 (which makes almost as much power as the V-8 of the Mustang GT), it's now reported that a new, less expensive engine will join the lineup. One possibility is the new direct-injected 255-bhp 3.0-liter V-6, but there is another option; a turbocharged direct-injected 2.4-liter I-4 from the Ecotec family as an alternative to a plan that was rejected a year ago involving the 2.0-liter turbo Ecotec from the Solstice GXP. Currently, this engine is not turbocharged, but it could be. The fact that the block was strengthened over the older non-direct-injected engine leads us to believe that it was designed for a forced induction application, and a turbocharged 2.4 would supply ample torque, fuel efficiency and performance for a base Camaro. So, would buyers prefer a 255-bhp 3.0-liter V-6 or a 260-bhp turbocharged 2.4-liter I-4?
#6
06-01-2009, 01:04 PM
2010 Chevrolet Camaro coupe - Reviews and News
Editor's Ratings
Base Price
$23,040-$27,375
Reviews
2010 Chevy Camaro SS vs. 2010 Ford Mustang GT, 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T - Video
WoW...click `it & EnJoy...Auto Porno 
July 2009
All-beef sliders: It took 40 years, but this Big-Three rematch proved almost as interesting as the first one.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6 LT vs. 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 V6 - Video
June 2009
Battle of the sixes: Who'd have guessed that the Camaro V-6's most earnest competitor would hail from from Ulsan, Korea, and not Detroit?
2010 Chevrolet Camaro - Video
March 2009
The arrival of the Chevy Camaro finally completes Detroit’s pony-car trifecta. But did Motown save the best for last?
2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS V8 - Short Take Road Test
March 2009
The arrival of the Chevy Camaro finally completes Detroit’s pony-car trifecta. But did Motown save the best for last?
Source: Car & Driver : )
Editor's Ratings
- Enthusiast Rating: 8/10
- Consumer Appeal: 4/10
- Ratings Explained
Base Price
$23,040-$27,375
Reviews 2010 Chevy Camaro SS vs. 2010 Ford Mustang GT, 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T - Video WoW...click `it & EnJoy...Auto Porno July 2009
All-beef sliders: It took 40 years, but this Big-Three rematch proved almost as interesting as the first one.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6 LT vs. 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 V6 - VideoJune 2009
Battle of the sixes: Who'd have guessed that the Camaro V-6's most earnest competitor would hail from from Ulsan, Korea, and not Detroit?
2010 Chevrolet Camaro - VideoMarch 2009
The arrival of the Chevy Camaro finally completes Detroit’s pony-car trifecta. But did Motown save the best for last?
2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS V8 - Short Take Road TestMarch 2009
The arrival of the Chevy Camaro finally completes Detroit’s pony-car trifecta. But did Motown save the best for last?
Source: Car & Driver : )
Last edited by Space; 06-01-2009 at 01:07 PM.
#7
06-01-2009, 01:35 PM
Monte Of The Month -- August 2009
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Highland, IN
Posts: 5,827
#8
06-01-2009, 01:40 PM
...LOL `Ted, It may have been there choice for a Winner, but it was not faster 4 -Sure. The Camaro had a green engine & wasn't broke in....I was waiting 2 see who read/watch the vid/report.Kudo's 2 Mustang & I think they have done a great job with their 4.6, but if you or I were driving we would've smoked them `all
lol
#9
06-01-2009, 01:58 PM
Monte Of The Month -- August 2009
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Highland, IN
Posts: 5,827
Sorry, but the Challenger and Camaro won't stand a chance vs. this:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/r...ote-v8-coming/
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/25/s...-mustang-mule/
I almost sound like a Ford fanboy! lol
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/r...ote-v8-coming/
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/25/s...-mustang-mule/
I almost sound like a Ford fanboy! lol
