One of the worst kept automotive world secrets of recent years was that General Motors' Chevrolet Division would eventually bring back the Camaro nameplate, which last graced the pavement in the 2002 model year. After all, a coupe concept version got paraded around the 2006 auto show circuit while its convertible counterpart strutted its stuff during 2007 shows. The only real remaining question was, if the new entry would live up to past memories. The answer is a resounding, "YES."
The all-new, rear-drive 2010 Camaro coupe has all the head-turning styling one expects, plus interior creature comforts past efforts lacked. The coupe looks strikingly similar to the 2006 concept car. A convertible production version is set for a debut in 2011.
A bright yellow test Camaro arrived for a week of testing. Lots of folks took the time to take note by shouting verbal approval as the car whizzed by (at posted speeds of course), or slowly circling the vehicle on foot when Camaro stood idly parked. Not sure if the screaming yellow hue caught the eye, or the car itself. Either way, expect some notoriety. Camaro is one of those test cars where an evaluator becomes a spokesman/salesperson as folks from just about every walk of life enjoy sneaking a peek, querying the driver or sharing a bygone memory.
General Motors is the last of the domestic Big Three to rerelease or offer a next-generation birth of a budget-friendly, rear-drive sporty-looking two-door retro. Ford has gotten miles of smiles from the durable Mustang pony car, which has never left the showroom since 1964 and gets a major makeover in the 2010 model year. Both Ford and GM introduced 2010 versions early in the 2009 calendar year. Dodge returned the sporty Challenger coupe to showrooms in 2008 as a 2009 model year offering; its 2010 counterpart arrives in the fall of 2010. All have patrician loyalists, but for those who enjoy a more subtle ride while looking cool, Camaro may be the click to pick.
Of the three, Camaro drives the most from a gallon of fuel. The new, impressive, 3.6-liter V-6 engine (304 horsepower) generates 18 miles per gallon city, and 29 mpg highway with automatic transmission thanks in part to direct cylinder injection. This compares to 16 mpg city and 24 mpg for a 4.0-liter V-6 engine (210 horsepower) in a 2010 Mustang mated to a five-speed automatic. Challenger's 3.5-liter V-6 (250 horsepower) averages 17 city and 25 mpg highway and four-speed automatic. Camaro's 29 mpg from the V-6 engine with automatic transmission ties many smaller engines with four-cylinder power. A recently tested 2010 Mazda 3 with a 2.5-liter four cylinder engine and manual transmission averaged 29 mpg highway. With a 112.3-inch wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle), the 2010 Camaro measurers slightly longer than Mustang, and shorter than Challenger.
General Motors calls Camaro's V-6 the most technologically advanced engine at the company; a claim that's hard to discount. With power approaching that of a V-8 and fuel economy approaching 30 mph highway, this sweet-sounding power plant shares all the posh-elegance of the Camaro's exterior.
Exterior styling excites Camaro shoppers and this 2010 gets it right. The rectangular front-end grille sports an overhang with circular-shaped headlights tucked inside each end. The nose comes to a point with the golden Chevy bow tie leading the way. Rear fenders are raised, nicely flared and morph into a thick rear C pillar. Tail light housing is small and square, but illuminate in half circles. Windows are short while side sheet metal accents depth. The long hood features a raised center portion while the raised rear deck lid is short and stout. Chrome-tipped exhausts, are found at each side end. Door handles are strap-like and body colored.
Three trims are offered; LS, LT and SS. Both the LS and LT come standard with the 3.6-liter V-6 while SS boasts the more potent 6.2-liter V-8 with 400 horses. All come with the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic (with a clutchless, manual shift option). The SS propels Camaro from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 4.7 seconds. Both engines recommend 87-octane unleaded, although the V-8 will accommodate premium unleaded for enhanced performance.
An LS edition starts at $22,245. Our test LT with V-6 power checked in at $26,580. The bottom line ended up at $37,345 including $750 destination charge and options that add up quickly. Extras included a $4,680 21" tire package; ground effects package; ($2,265), RS package ($1,450) automatic transmission ($1,185), painted engine cover ($285) and spare compact tire ($150). A base, V-6 Mustang with manual transmission starts at $20,995.
Notable standard equipment includes XM Satellite radio, cruise control, air conditioning, compact-disc/MP3 player, rear window defroster and power mirrors, locks and side-view mirrors. Most options come packaged in the LT and SS trims.
The interior is an eclectic mix of old and new. It's rather polarizing; some like it, others think it's strangely out of character. For me, it passes the mustard because of its user-friendly approach; information is easy to read and dials convenient to reach. The analog speedometer and tachometer (each in separate compartments) in the instrument panel utilize large, retro-font numbers. In between is a large rectangular window with digital readouts of miles per hour, compass direction and gear placement. The straight across dashboard and eclectic instrument panel is shared with no other Chevy vehicle. Circular air vents flank the sides while thin, horizontal types reside high in the middle. Headroom is average but if over 6'6", tight.
The trunk release button is conveniently located on the door. If it were on the floor one would be hard pressed to ever find it. Large, industrial looking dials control fan speed and temperature. Fan direction buttons are found inside the fan speed dial. All are below the rectangular-shaped stereo. The sound system can be a pain to use if you're the type of person who likes switching between radio stations; too intricate and not as user-friendly as is could be. Power window and mirror controls are found on the driver's door. You'll find power locks on the center dash in between the two ventilation dials.
In front of the six-speed automatic transmission shifter were four nostalgic, half-moon dials with analog indicators detailing battery voltage, oil temperature, etc. At night, narrow, curved light bars on the door exhibit a cool blue ambiance. |