AutomobileMag.com Reviews the PrePro V6

[KILLER74Z28]

I like this part the best...

Conclusion: Welcome to the future of pony cars

Things You'll Love:

The V-6 is no longer the engine of trailer-park mulletheads and those hosers who only buy pony cars for the looks. It's a real engine, one that produces real-world levels of power, and it's actually fun to spank.

The interior: It's retro without being overblown, fun without being goofy, and serious without taking itself too seriously. It's usable, intuitive, and practical. It's also just cool to look at.

The looks: Out among traffic, the Camaro stands out. It looks smaller on the highway than it does on the show stand, and while it's no microcar, it exhibits none of the largesse or long, fat flanks of its competition. It's modern and retro all at once, and because it's both a clean and unfettered design, it should age well. More important - and this thought is echoed by almost everyone, whether they're fans of the General or not - the Camaro simply looks awesome.

The rear suspension: Quite frankly, it's amazing. After decades of bump-wary, live-axle pony cars, we've finally arrived at the point where the base model of a production horse drives like a real, bang-up-to-date modern car. Bravo, GM, for having the balls to spend the money and take the chance.

The Camaro as high-revving back-road burner: It's not exactly a familiar concept, is it? Thankfully, that doesn't stop it from being true. The Camaro's engine, transmission, steering, and suspension work together in such a way that the entire car feels engineered, not simply bolted together from spare parts. There's actual, tangible feedback from the controls, the engine is more than up to its task, and the chassis exudes a level of polish rarely seen on cars from Detroit. And topping it all off, the Camaro essentially blows away its competition - the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger seem positively primitive in comparison, a couple of rough-edged, cost-cut, sedan-derived chunks of ordinary.

After forty years of compromises and letdowns, it's nice to see a pony car that behaves the way that we've always thought one should.

Things You'll Hate:

Knowing that you could've had a V-8 if only you weren't so damn poor.

The lack of back seat room: two seats, a cramped roofline, and very little exterior visibility. Kind of an accepted negative when you buy a small or mid-size coupe, but it's a negative nonetheless.

The enormous rear-three-quarter blind spot. At least until you realize that fixing it would make the car very, very ugly.

There's definitely more to the story, but we won't know the rest until we drive the production Camaro - both V-6 and V-8 versions - next year. Until then, rest assured in the knowledge that, even in prototype V-6 form, the new Camaro is something GM should be proud of.

[Vash]

Because of the blind spot. GM should put standard LED turn indicators on the side mirrors.

Just put 2 yellow LED's on the end point of the RV not really needed a whole yellow arrow.

[radz28]

This has to be about the best article I've read so far. I'm suprised this rag', among the rest of them, had so many good things to say about the car. Could it be Camaro will be able to change it's mullet-image?...

[Z28bryan]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

Not really...I'll need to test them both, you know that. I also WANT the SS with every grain in my body. But I already know that I don't need the SS. And my wallet will do a good job reminding me of that the day of.

I do, however, need a Camaro worthy of conversation - something I can stare back at in the driveway and the parking lot, something that will garner stares regardless of what engine is pulling it (especially since the RS looks so up-level), and most importanly I need a Camaro I can be proud of 100% beyond the time we are parted: and an LT/RS can and will provide just that.


But I'm still going to swing for an SS.

Im totally with this guy, i want the SS but i wouldnt be down on myself if i got the v6. I have a 02 Z28 now and i hardly ever use all 340 horses it comes with. I cant even remember the last time i raced it. Pretty much my muscle car is daily driver duty before anything else. So would i be upset with a well engineered lt/rs? nope not at all. However when march rolls around and im financially able to purchase the SS you bet i will. 422hp

[Angrybird 12]

If I got one my personal tag would read 300HPV6

[JEFF2010SSMANUAL]

Its SO AWESOME that the V6 Camaro is that great. When my older brother found out the V6 Camaro was getting the DI CTS V6 he flipped. That will be a great car that will be very quick and handle great.

But I WILL get the SS LS3 manual. I can't imagine what a modern 422hp Camaro will drive like. HOLLY COW, to think I was going to buy a twin turbo 3 liter BMW with 300hp. NOT ANY MORE.

Can't wait to smoke those German cars.

[Silverghost]

[str8himalaya]

I'm kinda bummed they took the torque gauge out I know, its a little petty, but that was a cool feature. Hopefully it will find its way back in.

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by gtahvit

I'm telling you Blur, you're gonna want to get an SS.... All it will take is one test drive...

I'm in no way against the V6, I am so happy with what the V6 is capable of.

But you Blur will kick yourself if you don't get the V8.

To be fair let me offer this piece of advice. If you get the V6, never go for a ride in the V8. Just my very humble opinion. :seesaw:

I think it's safe to say this goes for Dragoneye also.

I totally agree. For a long time, I've been wrestling the idea of a V6, and it's so justifiable. Dragoneye and I are in exactly the same shoes when it comes to this car, and I think that we both want the power of the V8. I want a roaring engine—the loudest, meanest roaring engine I can get—that scares small children. I want badges with a Super Sport heritage. I want to wait 2 years to buy it—obviously, not the case—if it gets me a car that I can show my 22-year-old with pride.

I want the SS as a classic. I don't think the LT will have that same destiny. That, too, is no disrespect to V6 owners. I've had so much trouble coming to this conclusion because that LLT is so amazing. Everyone who gets one will love that machine, but I will always want more if I get one. I need that Camaro SS like a crack fiend needs a fix. I couldn't agree with you more, TAG UR IT.

[Txturbo]

Anyone else notice the "ALUMINUM ROTORS" ? Hmmm.....I don't know what to think of that.

[Supermans]

Originally Posted by The_Blur

I totally agree. For a long time, I've been wrestling the idea of a V6, and it's so justifiable. Dragoneye and I are in exactly the same shoes when it comes to this car, and I think that we both want the power of the V8. I want a roaring engine—the loudest, meanest roaring engine I can get—that scares small children. I want badges with a Super Sport heritage. I want to wait 2 years to buy it—obviously, not the case—if it gets me a car that I can show my 22-year-old with pride.

I want the SS as a classic. I don't think the LT will have that same destiny. That, too, is no disrespect to V6 owners. I've had so much trouble coming to this conclusion because that LLT is so amazing. Everyone who gets one will love that machine, but I will always want more if I get one. I need that Camaro SS like a crack fiend needs a fix. I couldn't agree with you more, TAG UR IT.

ditto

[Black5thgen]

Awesome article. I wish they would have said something about cabin room around the driver and passenger. Also it would have been nice to have a fuel pressure gauge instead of trans temp, but still much better than torque.

[Mr Twisty]

Originally Posted by Black5thgen

Awesome article. I wish they would have said something about cabin room around the driver and passenger. Also it would have been nice to have a fuel pressure gauge instead of trans temp, but still much better than torque.

I'd like to see a G-force gauge.

[DntWrryBeHappy21]

Originally Posted by Automobile Mag

And topping it all off, the Camaro essentially blows away its competition - the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger seem positively primitive in comparison, a couple of rough-edged, cost-cut, sedan-derived chunks of ordinary.

that part is awesome :p