Motor Trend is driving the V6... Pics with Mustang and Challenger

[bret03]

Motor Trend is currently driving the V6 today in San Diego. They will have their review on the web later today.

http://blogs.motortrend.com/6271132/...ast/index.html

REVIEW:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...ive/index.html

First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V-6

No more guessing. No more hype. No more waiting. At long last, Chevrolet has opened the doors to its feverishly awaited 2010 Camaro sport coupe, and we've enjoyed a thorough shakedown run (in a "99%" prototype).

Let's not keep you in suspense any longer. The envelope, please: Chevy's new two-door is...very good. Very, very, very good. At the risk of inducing insider trading, now would be a good time to sell your Mustang stock.

The 99% prototype is admittedly rough around the edges-awful paint, not all parts to production shape, some interior bits held in place with tape while engineers test final pieces -- but in terms of hardware it's a "nearly done" Camaro. With minor tweaks, this is the car you'll be able to get by March.

For this early drive, Chevy served up only the base, V-6 version of its new ponycar (V-8 drives will follow in about two months), but that quickly proved no disappointment. The headline news: The "base" engine is the same DOHC, 24-valve 3.6L V-6 that serves in the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year, the Cadillac CTS. Outfitted with variable valve timing and direct injection, this high-tech beauty will romp with more than 300 hp (final output is still TBD) and should deliver EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings of least 18/26 mpg -- though Chevy is aiming for 19/27 mpg.

Even GM loyalists must be pinching themselves. After so many years of second- or third-rate powerplants appearing in brand-new GM vehicles, seeing this superstar engine make its debut at launch time speaks volumes about the winning mindset of the New General. The development team, a dedicated cadre of Aussies well versed in building fast, rear-drive cars for GM division Holden, fought the good fight to get project money spent where it would do the most good. The result: premium engine hardware, sophisticated chassis moves, a gorgeous shape unmarred by "convenient" production compromises. You want a navigation system? Too bad -- the Holden development crew figured you'd rather they spend the money on things like surgically precise steering and bourbon-smooth six-speed transmissions (besides, all new Camaros will offer OnStar turn-by-turn route guidance).

Yes, two six-speeds will be offered with the V-6 (and, by the way, the V-8): an Aisin manual and a HydroMatic automatic with wheel-mounted manual shift buttons (the V-8 manual will be a Tremec unit). All base Camaros will be equipped with an FE2 suspension package, though chief engineer Doug Houlihan says Chevy is "considering" adding, as an option, the uprated FE3 suspension that'll be standard on V-8 cars. Base tires are 245/55R18 M+S BFGoodrich Traction T/As on 18-in. alloys; optional rubber will include 19- and 20-in. Pirellis (the latter available in summer or snow versions) plus an available 21-in. wheel-and-tire upgrade (summer only). Brakes are single-piston calipers all around, with cast-iron rotors (12.6 in.) up front and aluminum discs (12.4 in.) in back. (All Camaro V-8s will sport bigger, four-piston Brembo binders and a larger master cylinder for improved brake feel.) An optional RS package will include the 20-in. rims plus HID headlamps, a rear spoiler, and door-sill trim, among other upgrades.

Inside, the 2010 Camaro recalls the flavor of the '67 model that inspired it -- squarish primary instruments plus a rectangular four-pack of secondary gauges in the center console -- but it's far too stylish and modern to appear "retro." A thick, deep-dish steering wheel is unique to the new Camaro, another reminder of project cash well-dispensed. Seats will be trimmed in cloth or optional leather; one gripe, as on the Pontiac G8, is the lack of a power backrest adjustment (on the Camaro it's a manual ratchet). The wheel is a tilt-telescoping model, which in combo with the smartly placed pedals helps deliver a near-ideal driving position.

Buckle up, because the new Camaro runs like a cheetah escaping the zoo. The engine twirls for the 7000-rpm redline as if were born to live there, but at cruise it withdraws, like a fine personal valet, almost into invisibility. The high-pitched exhaust note is decidedly non-musclecar; it almost says "Asian tuner car." Houlihan admits that engineers are still tweaking the sound, though. The production car will likely emit a more baritone growl. Or not. Prepare to be surprised.

Chevy is currently recording 0-to-60-mph sprints of about 6.1 sec or so, but the goal is to break the six-second barrier. Give us a car, guys. We'll get you the 5.9-sec run you're after. Top speed, by the way, is an electronically limited 155 mph. Yes, with the V-6. Both transmissions are superb, the automatic responding quickly to shift-button commands and the manual smooth and slick (pedals are well-placed for heel-and-toe downshifts).

When outfitted with 18-in. wheels and tires and the V-6, the Camaro may wear a "base car" label, but you'd never know it by the drive. The hydraulic power steering delivers excellent feel, with deft off-center response and plenty of mid-corner feedback. The chassis, boasting a Mustang-crushing independent rear, powers through bends with a level of grip that simply obliterates any "base car" notions. Even pushed as hard as you'd dare on public roads, the Goodriches rarely protest or slip, instead digging in and doing their best to pry your eyeballs from your skull. Stability control steps in only mildly, catching minor missteps (ooohh, that corner was just a bit tighter than expected) without quashing useful dabs of oversteer. Body rigidity is exemplary, too. The Mustang can only dream of delivering handling at this level of performance and sophistication.

With moves like this in the entry Camaro -- base price in the mid-to-low $20s -- it's drool-inspiring to imagine what the car will do with, say, the optional 20-in. summer rubber (not to mention the mega-output V-8s with FE3 chassis tuning). What's more, even in "stripped" form the Camaro feels distinctly upmarket. Wind noise is almost nonexistent. The ride polishes off road imperfections while remaining poised to spring, catlike, to quick steering inputs. Brakes are sturdy and bite hard early into the pedal's travel. Mustang? Nah. The new Camaro feels more akin to an American Infiniti G37. And remember: Thus far, our driving has been limited to the base V-6 version.

In an era when "mega-ultra-hyped blockbuster" often means "I wasted my money on that?" the new Chevy Camaro pushes back against unfulfilled expectations. It delivers. The look is there. The performance is there. The value is there.

And, oh yes, so is the "wow."

[Z28bryan]

Looks like they are comparing it with the V8s thats not going to make the v6 shine any

[kevin2323]

yea I dont get it...hopefully they do a review for each...and not compare it to the v6 vs v8... maybe it will shine if it puts up some good numbers.

[seattlecamaroboy]

Originally Posted by bret03

Motor Trend is currently driving the V6 today in Vegas. They will have there review on the web later today.

http://blogs.motortrend.com/6271132/...ast/index.html

If that's the V6, why does it have a hood scoop? And what's up with those wheels?

Car doesn't look all that impressive design wise, atleast in that picture. Maybe the wheels are too small and just a horrid design, but the car doesn't look any better than the Challenger or the Mustang. It doesn't look anywhere near as bold as the concept. Maybe the black color dulls it out. The SS will, and better, look much better than that.

[JaysonAych]

Autoblog posted an explanation for the other cars....

Motor Trend was driving the Camaro. Car blog Jalopnik showed up and crashed the PR event driving a Mustang and Challenger, apparently upsetting the GM PR rep that was there

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/f...f-muscle-cars/

[Z28bryan]

Thats obviously the old test mule v6 that gave everyone the hint that it was the LLT DI v6 a few months ago hence the headlights and the now v8 only front scoop

[radz28]

They didn't bring an SS because the other two cars would've soiled their tires from fear

[Vash]

OMG sweet picture thanks. I think all 3 are really nice cars.

[radz28]

I agree. I think Camaro is the most aggressive of the three, however, I like the Chally' in a close second. The Mustang is getting a little long in the tooth, but that'll change soon.

I like that all three are black though. It's too bad it wasn't a decked-out SS though.

[Angrybird 12]

Originally Posted by Z28bryan

Thats obviously the old test mule v6 that gave everyone the hint that it was the LLT DI v6 a few months ago hence the headlights and the now v8 only front scoop

Probably about worn out from the 300,000 miles worth of testing.... LOL joking, but those test mules do go through hell and back, and if the old Mule can hold it's own with two brand new cars then just think what the real deal will do....

[dayvedayve]

Originally Posted by seattlecamaroboy

If that's the V6, why does it have a hood scoop? And what's up with those wheels?

Car doesn't look all that impressive design wise, atleast in that picture. Maybe the wheels are too small and just a horrid design, but the car doesn't look any better than the Challenger or the Mustang. It doesn't look anywhere near as bold as the concept. Maybe the black color dulls it out. The SS will, and better, look much better than that.

I think those were the 18" wheels that were mentioned in th other v6 test drives. Still not the production car. Why keep these first drive/preproduction drives going. Give it a rest until they have their hands on a production model and give a real review.

[radz28]

Originally Posted by dayvedayve

I think those were the 18" wheels that were mentioned in th other v6 test drives. Still not the production car. Why keep these first drive/preproduction drives going. Give it a rest until they have their hands on a production model and give a real review.

[BowtieGuy]

This is just like C&D, comparing the V6 to the V8's. Watch the Camaro get points for interior styling and handling, and then get crucified when it comes to performance.

[Urthman]

Dang...I just got back from Vegas last night!