Thank God no one was killed as a result of my test week in the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. You wouldn’t believe what people did to get a better look at this car.
Probably most notable were the guys in front of me, in traffic, at 60 miles an hour, who turned completely around inside their cars to look at the Camaro, while they were driving. This happened on more than one occasion. The rear-view mirror just didn’t provide a good enough look, I guess.
After a seven-year break in the action, the great American classic Camaro is back on the road, and the much-anticipated all-new version is dazzling. It looks exquisite from every angle.
The rear-wheel-drive Camaro two-door sports coupe is offered in LS, LT and SS versions, with pricing — including destination charge — starting at $22,995, $24,630, and $30,995, respectively.
LS and LT models come with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 304 horsepower. The SS offers a choice between two 6.2-liter V8s — one with an Active Fuel Management (AFM) system that increases fuel economy by shutting down four cylinders in driving conditions that don’t call for full V8 power.
The V8 without AFM makes 426 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque; with AFM the ratings are 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.
All Camaro models except the V8 with AFM are available with a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic with manual shift capability. The V8 with AFM is paired exclusively with the automatic.
EPA ratings for LS and LT models are 18 mpg city, 29 mpg highway when equipped with an automatic transmission, and 17/29 with a manual transmission. The SS ratings are 16/25 with an automatic and 16/24 with a manual.
My tester was an LT with automatic transmission and I averaged 31.5 mpg during a week of not exactly lead-foot driving, but far from cork-foot.
All models come with anti-lock brakes, stability control system with traction control, front side airbags and curtain airbags. There are seven different wheel options, depending on model, in 18-, 19- and 20-inch sizes.
The LS is fully power equipped, including remote keyless entry and cruise control.
Other standard features include a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, driver information center with compass, a folding rear seat with trunk pass-through, OnStar, and a CD/MP3 audio system with XM satellite radio and information display including outside temperature.
The LT has a premium audio system and adds Bluetooth, a USB port, Universal Home Remote, leather upholstery, six-way power driver’s seat, foglamps and more.
The SS has Brembo brakes, enhanced suspension and exterior dressings expected on this model.
My LT’s interior had a striking black-and-tan color scheme with two-tone seats in upscale microfiber-style cloth upholstery. There’s no center stack; instead the center console extends to beneath the dash, with audio and climate controls neatly clustered in a unit in the dashboard’s center that reaches almost to the console.
Chevrolet has perfected Camaro’s ride. Road feel is great but not jarring, the cabin is quiet and comfortable, and the car is rock solid with the resulting excellent stability and taut handling.
The V6 goes from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds — totally satisfying performance, without the bane of pitiful fuel economy.
Whatever else may be going on, the new Camaro makes Chevy look alive and well.
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