The long-awaited return of the Chevrolet Camaro intensifies the great debate among car enthusiasts as to which of the three modern muscle cars is best. There is no doubt this new Camaro urges a rethinking of what actually defines "best."
The three retro road warriors - Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro - have managed to evoke lots of gear-head gab by capturing the early spirits of these classic muscle cars.
Thirty-plus years will change a person, and a car, but the enthusiasm held by millions for these period pieces cannot be - and has not been - overlooked by the manufacturers.
Camaro is the latest and greatest vehicle to meld retro styling with high-tech engineering and performance.
Yes, you will find yourself smiling a lot when in the presence of a Camaro.
The previous models that have successfully captured the spirit of the muscle car, and wrapped it in something that evokes a passionate response, have done it with performance. Camaro certainly manages to hold its own against the competitor's power, though in the end it was the value of the V-6 that really won me over.
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2010 Chevrolet Camaro performance coupe is available in five trim levels: base LS, 1LT, 2LT, 1SS and 2SS. The first three feature the V-6; the SS versions get the V-8. My 2LT coupe tester turned heads every moment it was on the road or in the parking lot; I answered questions while I was stopped at intersections and fielded queries from crowds in Little League parking lots.
While it has become common to see Camaros on the roads, the car is still hot and it draws a crowd as well as anything I've driven since, well, since the Challenger came out. Not surprisingly, there were two different types of questions: those from car buffs and those from the general public.
It is the latter group that I think holds the key to Camaro's real success.
Hands down, car buffs wanted to know if it was the V-6 or the V-8. I get it: In their minds there was no other question to ask. Surprisingly, most did not shun the smaller engine package and automatic transmission. After all, the 3.6-liter V-6 produces 304 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, enough to make even the most dogmatic gear-head nod with biting approval.
On the other side, the general public savored the exterior styling. They were able to put 300 horsepower into perspective - at least enough to know that's a lot of ponies and that the potential fun factor goes way up at 300-plus. I was surprised that the average Joe I talked to asked about fuel economy, which is an impressive 17/29 mpg. I think everybody wanted to picture themselves driving the Camaro and while it is impractical for families (most of the fun vehicles tend to be), the questions kept coming: Is it rear drive? (Yes.) Does it require premium fuel? (No.) What does it cost?
Ah. And there you have the hook.
Base price for the 2010 Camaro is $22,245. A collective gasp usually followed that price point. Of course it is easy to option up to the larger V-8 engine, massive 21-inch rims, ground effects package and even a $285 body-color-painted engine cover.
My 2LT package started at a modest $26,580 and climbed to $37,640.
My point is that the average Joe will be more than content with the base model's head-turning styling, overjoyed by the 304 horsepower and happy to plop down about $22,000 for all the attention.
It is an affordable extravagance at a time when there are few to be found - especially in the auto world. Add good fuel economy and low emissions and there's little to feel guilty about (unless the kids have to sit sideways in the back seat).
Word on the street is that Camaro enthusiasts, understandably, like the exterior of Camaro. I do too. It is devilishly sleek, athletic and just enough old Camaro to make a new customer feel a tradition once they get inside. What's there not to like?
Well, how about the weird round exhaust pipes exiting the square peg openings in the rear? Summation: Round? Square? Really?
Once inside you feel the cool retro treatment everywhere as simplicity wins out over flash 'n' dash.
Make no mistake, this is a modern-day ride that exhibits all the high-tech engineering prowess of any General Motors product and the cool ambient lighting system douses a subtle splash of blue on the dash, doors and the console.
Camaro delivers a really nice exhaust note when you jump on the accelerator. The ride is refined and just rough enough to keep that all-important spirit alive and kickin'. Sure, V-8 power at the higher level is going to be a must for many enthusiasts, but the real volume seller should be the V-6 that nets decent mileage with 300-plus horsepower.
2010 CHEVROLET CAMARO 2LT COUPEENGINE: 136-horsepower 2.0-liter I-4
TRANSMISION: four-speed automatic
DRIVETRAIN: front-wheel drive
FUEL ECONOMY: 22 city/25 highway
BASE PRICE: $21,840
AS TESTED: $23,600 (includes $695 for destination)
www.Chevrolet.com