Autoweek Chevrolet Camaro Review : V6 more than solid; V8 SS is a rush
 

http://www.autoweek.com/article/2009...IEWS/903209981

After three years anticipating and two hours driving the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, there's not much to be disappointed about. And, yet, a thought lingers: The 426-horsepower, LS3-powered Camaro SS is hot, but the V6-powered LS (and LT) are crucial.

Consider Camaro's longtime, more successful competitor. Over four decades, Ford's Mustang has run 60 percent six-cylinder production and never less than 50 percent sixes at a given time. And so it must be with the new-generation Camaro. The V6-powered cars will keep the Camaro plant in Oshawa, Ontario, stoked, and they will give rise to a next-generation, high-performance SS model, whatever that car might turn out to be.

Or not.

By Chevrolet's admission, the new Camaro must do more than compete with so-called pony cars--a.k.a Ford's Mustang and Dodge's Challenger. It must reach past aging muscle car enthusiasts to thrive. Chevrolet insists it will do that by chasing buyers who might otherwise choose a Honda Civic Si, a Scion tC or even a Hyundai Genesis Coupe. But most of that work must be done by the Camaro LS and LT.

<article continues>

That would be me. I have a Civic and was anticipating the next SI or the Hyundai before I discovered the Camaro 6. I'll take it.

is there a vid in this one, i want to see another vid besides the Edmunds one

Do you guys find it funny, that when ever someone gets hold of a v6 RS, they suddenly just call it an RS? Like its kind of a v6 thing only? I wonder what they would say with an SS/RS
Ijust thought it was funny

either their V6 test car was a LS or a 1Lt since they described the 18" tires...It sounds very good for us Base model buyers!

You may need to add me to the list of "defectors". I went to a dealer and had a lengthy discussion. They didn't seem well informed on getting one. I gave it a lot of thought..... GM is several years late on the muscle car entry. The car got so heavy they had to make the hood out of aluminum. The engine compartment got so crowded they had to put the battery in the trunk. And the "packages" and tire sizes! What were they thinking? Why so many different sizes and why the ones they selected? Did they look at how much those tires cost to replace? To get an SS you get two different sized tire sizes and can't even rotate them. Want the spoiler on the V6? If so, it's $1450 because you have to take a bunch of other stuff that you may or may not want. Don't want the spoiler on the V8? Too bad - you're taking it anyway. I have driven the chevy trucks with the VCM and don't want anything to do with that - thus no V8 if I want my wife to drive the car (she can't drive a manual tranny). So for this 51 year old man who was REALLY looking forward to the camaro - a camaro that I believe looks better than those of the 60s - I think I'm going to pass. As much as I don't want to do it, it's probably going to be another import. Sorry. I really did want one, but not like this.

I agree with the article- the V-6 is really the revolutionary engine: 4 OHC, 4 valves per cylinder, variable valve timing- very 21st Century. THAT is what will keep the car alive for the crowd that wants a car in the 20's with good performance and great looks, not the V-8. I'll probably get the SS with its 20th century pushrod technology (except for the roller cam) but that's just because I am old school. But a lot of young people now think in terms of 4 and 6 cylinders- this car competes well and will peel off some Toyota/Honda/Nissan people that also think the car looks great.

This is the kind of thinking that will make American car makers competitive again. Imagine a world where you see as many Camaros in Tokyo as Hondas in Cleveland. It's possible.

I am looking for a good rush.

Wow dude, I am so glad you dropped in to tell us that. :rolleyes:

btw, who gives a isth where the battery is?

:word:

:word:

Who joins a Camaro site just to bash the car and then tell everyone he's going to buy an import?

I'm looking forward to 300+ horses from a butter smooth V6.
- Xanthos

P.S. - Oh, and the battery was put in the trunk for weight distribution reasons. If you've seen the car in person, you'd see there's room for the battery in the engine compartment.

Who joins a camaro site to bash a car? Actually, it wasn't like that at all. I've been following these threads for some time. I got an email directing me here and in the very first thread it says:
By Chevrolet's admission, the new Camaro must do more than compete with so-called pony cars--a.k.a Ford's Mustang and Dodge's Challenger. It must reach past aging muscle car enthusiasts to thrive. Chevrolet insists it will do that by chasing buyers who might otherwise choose a Honda Civic Si, a Scion tC or even a Hyundai Genesis Coupe. But most of that work must be done by the Camaro LS and LT.

I had my heart set on purchasing two camaros - one for my son and one for myself. He is in his 20s and wants a ricer - fine... I was just responding to the very first entry here. For someone in his 20s or 30s I'm sure they would purchase this on emotion. For someone in his 50s, I was purchasing for an entirely different reason. I was looking for a well-built retro looking car. I simply told you why I have decided not to buy one. Money is not an issue as I am financially retired. For me, it was a matter of what I would call 50ish male common sense. I looked at the thought process that went into the car and was not impressed. I have owned a lot of cars and I don't care who makes them or where they're made (camaro is assembled in canada and I think many of the engines are made in Mexico). But to see the weight problem, the tire issues (that had to be made by a committee as no one person could be that stupid), the battery location, modifying the cylinders in the V8 to add VCM capabilities, no spare tire... the list was just too long for me to overlook. For those who do purchase the vehicle, I wish them nothing but the best. I own a CTS with the 3.6 and I love it. I wish it had the additional horsepower of the camaro.

I don't know if they're any way to say this that doesn't sound disrespectful (it's not how i want to sound) , but i think you're maybe just a bit too old fashioned for this car.
- They're only a year behind Dodge and Ford never quit the segment so several years late is a bit of an exaggeration.
- There's not much wiggle room weight wise with the Zeta platform, the two lightest cars are the camaro and g8, and making a new platform just for this car was out of the question for a cash strapped company.
- I may be wrong but i assumed the reason the battery was in the trunk was for weight distribution. And I don't see how it makes any difference to us, the consumer.
- As far as the tires go it's common place for sports cars to have different sized front and rear tires. Wider in back for grip/traction skinnier up front to be able to turn without rubbing the inside of the fender well. And i don't see what the problem is with the price to replace them, the tires for my old Regal were $125 a piece these are about $136-$140.
- Yeah the spoiler thing is a bit annoying but if you really do or don't want it you can change it yourself.
- VCM? I'll assume you meant AFM and that you can tune it out. Probably cost you less that $200.

I mean i really don't see the big deal about any of your gripes with the exception of the weight and spoiler. I could understand if you didn't like the interior layout. Or the trunk opening was too small. Or you though it looked like poo. But for the price this is a hell of a car. I just don't get how someone would say, "i didn't get the car cause battery is in the back. " "the hood is aluminum" "the tire and wheel packages are different from what i'm used to" etc.

CynAgain, your lips are distracting. nice to have you in the forum.

Hey Lenny, welcome to the forums!!

I totally understand your frustrations with the salesmen not knowing much, but is that a good enough reason to turn away. Heck, my dealer was deer in headlights when I went in and said I wanted to pre order one etc. But I got online and joined this forum and became informed. What I found was this car was by far the best thing out there.

If you dont want to pay for the expensive wheel upgrades dont buy them, by aftermarket stuff, if you dot want to pay RS upgrade DONT, just buy after market stuff INDIVIDUALLY!

What you said is hard to understand your reasoning, maybe its just me but what your saying is equivalent to saying you dont want to buy that race horse because of the horse shoes its got on it! :iono:

Anyway, hope you change your mind. If not enjoy your import and allow us to enjoy our Camaros. :headbang:

I don't see it as disrespectful at all. Maybe old-fashioned and maybe just have a different set of values when it comes to buying a car or spending my money. If it were not for the issues I mentioned (issues that are important to me, but perhaps not to others) I would buy a camaro for myself. I owned an 07 GT mustang and it was a great car. I almost bought a shelby last year, but bought a cts instead - at the request of the misses. My son wants a hyundai genesis coupe - although I am particular about how I spend my money and it hurts to the bone to buy a hyundai, I will honor his wants. But that is why there are so many brands - we all have different tastes. I wish the camaro enthusiasts lots of luck. I owned a 327/250 hp camaro a long time ago and would give my cts for it in a heartbeat.

CTS-V tires/wheels http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/...6%20Suspension

Tires

Front: P255/40ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport 2

Rear: P285/35ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport 2



Wheels

Aluminum alloy, 5-lug, painted (polished optional)

Front: 19 x 9-in.

Rear: 19 x 9.5-in.

EXACTLY! This has been a sore point of discussion between my wife and myself since day one of the cts!

i'm just lost. That's normal for high performance cars.

I'm sure somebody will buy your wheels off you so you can't get different ones - OR you might be able to talk the dealer into swapping your back set for a front set.

Personally, I understand where you're coming from. My tires will be the same all around, so I can rotate them. I don't see it as a reason to not buy the car though.
- Xanthos

I saw this coming from the very beginning. People that don't know much about this car will constantly be refering to the V6 as an RS, whether or not it has the package, and will not realize that an SS can also be an RS.

+1, standard procedure for all serious performance cars, and has been that way for at least 15yrs.

A troll....or a jerk...take your pick. I never have and never will visit another car forum to make demeaning comments. Waste of time.:thumbdown:

I don't post much on this forum, but I read it all the time. There are a large number of people on this forum who get their panties in a bunch when someone mentions something slightly negative about the new Camaro. I'm really getting tired of everyone bashing someone that has a disenting view. Some of you guys need to lay off the Kool Aide. You're drinking way too much. This is coming from a 54 year old guy who has owned more than a view F bods.

I dont think there is anything wrong with making a informed purchase. Using what you know instead of emotion is a good thing. This is part of why i am getting a V6 instead of V8 the 6 is better for me, but my emotion wants an 8. That being said remember something about the weight of the car, has to do with the new safety standards coming into play in a few years and cars will have to be safer= more metal=more weight. There are alot of things that manipulate the auto industry CAFE etc. Just remember GM didnt have to make the Camaro again, they chose to and there will be problems with any car and especially one we all love. So good luck on your import, and the man has every right to complain etc, thats why we are on this forum, to talk about how we feel good or bad. For me I cant wait to have my Camaro.

I hope you find something you like. I agree on the dealer issue, it's a pet peeve of mine when a dealer doesn't know their product. I tend to research the hell out of major purchases so I get driven nuts alot.

I think Chevy sees the different size tires as a feature-not a committee decision. I would bet someone actually bucked a committee to do this because it's more expensive. A lot of people really like that but I can see your point as well. As far as the VCM- that's the active cylinder cutoff for fuel right? That I believe you are simply stuck with in America today. They've got to get those corporate mileage estimates up while still meeting the consumer demand for ~400hp engines. That's a rock and a hard place.

I hope you can find an American car that you still like and fills the bill for you. I know you said you don't care where it's from, and I'm not normally overly jingoistic-but there are some really good American products out there right now.


**edit: I just double checked something, the Challenger R/T in manual only does not have the ACM and offset tires. The automatic does have the ACM. So if you don't mind a manual, there's an alternative.

Sadly, at least one of the salesmen at my nearest Chevy dealer is one of those folks. I asked him what kind of pricing they were going to offer on Camaros, and he asked me "V8 or RS?"

Fortunately I know there's at least one guy there who does know about the car, so I'll be going to him instead.

WELCOME to the site, and I hope you stay (and change your mind about the new Camaro :wave::chevy:)

I'm not sure I understand why you dislike some of the things you listed in your first post. There's nothing that could've been done with the weight, except use exotic materials (i.e. titanium, magnesium, carbon fiber, etc.) and that would've driven up cost past the demographic it is my understanding GM is trying to attract with this car. Why is the battery in the trunk a bad thing? It's better for weight distribution, and why is it a problem that there needs to be more room in the engine compartment? :iono: The modifications the the AFM are mostly limited to the valvetrain (mostly the cam, lifters, lifter valley) and PCM - what's wrong with that? It can be tuned out, but why would one want that unless it makes something else work less efficient?:iono: I can see the spare tire-thing though; that fix-a-flat's onyl going to get you so far, LOL. I love the idea on an aluminum hood, especially since the weight is the way it is.

All I know is they're you reasons, and hey, you'd be paying for the car, and if you're not happy with it, why have it? It's just not right for you.

Keep comments respectful.

You know, although I can agree with some points to a degree, this IS a Camaro site, and I think the majority of people here really like it and I don't think it's unexpected to get some of these reactions. I can see the point about only posting for the first time to show gripes or dislikes about the car and what that looks like, but this community needs to get back to finding mutual respect for everyone.

:word::clap:

Hey Dad I'm your long lost son. I want the camaro, Black 2SS RS :bonk:

Don't know where to start ...
 

I don't know where to start ...

In fact ... I won't ... It makes me too tired.

Why different tire sizes? Why an aluminum hood? Wife can't drive a manual?

PLEASE by a civic ....

some people are so odd .. or should i say different than me?
 

I have a customer who's a self-described car guy ... who talked about the RX8 for years ... had it on order forever. We talked about it every time we got together (I have a 3rd gen rx7) and then I saw him a while back and he had taken delivery, driven it for a year and traded it in on an acura because he wasn't getting the advertised mpg that mazda had promised and it pissed him off?

I think they had claimed it would get 27 and he was only getting low 20s!

Who buys a performance car and then trades it in because of 5 MPG?

Who buys a $35,000 car like the new Camaro and gets upset because they won't be able to rotate the tires ...

It boggles my mind.

I am fine with his posting with a couple negative comments, that was NOT bashing. Many of us that have been on this forum for a while, and remember this is a FORUM, have made negative comments about the car and even each other.

The man simply stated a few dislikes and why he may not get a Camaro. Remember all the complaints about no HUD, people said they would cancel and buy something else? The same with the Onstar antanae. The same with ABL. Same thing with CGM, the list goes on. Give the guy a break, He simply stated his thoughts.

I'm with you Radz, welcome to the site, there are alternative ways to get just the options you want on the aftermarket. If you like the Camaro but not some of the options, buy one and build it to your tastes.

This might be slightly off topic, but with regards to the battery being in the trunk (I had no idea about that lol) and the space in engine compartment, I was very impressed to see that there is room in there to work around (i could actually see the ground beneath the car). A lot of cars these days have particularity small engine compartments. Look at the late model Honda civic, I saw one in a mall once with the hood popped and stood their scratching my head trying to figure out how they even fit everything in there.

Just my 2cents

Well, a lot of folks are getting 14MPG with that car, so I can see his point. I hope that 27MPG number was from the old EPA standards. There's no way an RX8 gets that.

Ha! You aint kiddin mates. You should have seen me installing a cold air intake on mine. It was hysterical. I would have killed for the battery to be in the trunk.