Gotta Have Cars: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

[Tran]

from motortrend.com

Gotta Have Cars: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
Muscling In: Next Up - The third of the retro ponies

By Arthur St. Antoine


Of the American Big Three's trio of "retro" ponycars-Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, and Chevrolet Camaro-it's the still-forthcoming 2010 Chevy that's the four-wheeled Paris Hilton, the car swarmed by the loudest buzz and blinded by the most paparazzi strobes.

Sure, magazine covers exploded with Mustangs when Ford unveiled its sensational, fifth-generation model for 2005, but the Mustang, like the rotation of the earth, is a constant, a familiar face ever since its debut in 1964. And the new-for-2008 Challenger, a great-looking piece that conjures images of the iconic star car from 1971's "Vanishing Point," is inspired by a nameplate that served only eight interrupted years in production; compared with its two pony rivals, it's nearly a niche model.

In contrast, the Camaro, the famed "F-body," won hearts nationwide for 35 straight years before GM abruptly locked the corral gates in 2002-amid hysterical cries of "Why?" No surprise, then, that the January 2006 announcement of the Chevy's pending return has had Camaro mavens digging for data, chasing test mules, and clogging Internet forums with breathless chatter ever since.

More than six months away from showrooms, the Camaro is still too far off for much "official" anything. But why let the lack of hard data stop us from holding another anticipatory bull session? Here's what we know (or think we do)*:

1. Pilot production will commence late this year (in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada), but civilians won't be able to buy the 2010 Camaro coupe until early 2009-probably February or March. At the end of 2009, just in time for summer, a convertible will follow; it'll also be a 2010.

The new, fifth-generation Camaro shares many of its underpinnings with the new Pontiac G8, which itself is based on GM of Australia's Holden Commodore. The so-called "Zeta" platform means rear-drive, struts up front, and a multilink setup at the rear-a chassis that easily betters the Mustang's live rear axle. Concept Camaros have worn 21-inch front and 22-inch rear tires, but those are sure to shrink for production-likely to 17s as the base rubber, with 18s optional and 19-to-20-inchers on top models.

2. Chevy will offer two engines: a V-8-probably the 6.0-liter L76 but possibly the 6.2-liter LS3-making 400 horses (or more in high-output versions), and a 3.6-liter V-6. If rumors are true and the six is indeed the direct-injection, DOHC, VVT unit from the Cadillac CTS, that translates to at least 300 horses-equal to the output of the Mustang GT's V-8. Both engines will offer cylinder-deactivation for enhanced economy. Manual and automatic transmissions will be offered with each powerplant.

3. The aggressive, long-hood/short deck styling is influenced by the 1969 Camaro-a good thing. Let us all stand and extend a round of applause to every single GM employee-even the night cleaning staff-for his part in keeping the look of the production car so close to the original 2006 Concept.

4. The Camaro interior will be modern with retro touches. Most conspicuous will be large 1969-like square analog instruments behind the wheel and quad gauges in the center console. Standard features will likely include XM Satellite Radio, OnStar, and remote keyless entry. One rumored option-among such expected fare as leather seats, dual-zone climate, and premium audio-is a head-up display, la Corvette.

5. Pricing? Look for the low-to-mid $20s for a base, V-6 Camaro. Available trims are also forecast to include a V-8 Z28 and, eventually, a high-output (say, at least 500 horses) SS (Super Sport) edition to combat the Shelby GT500. Given Bob Lutz's proclamation that Camaro pricing will shadow the Mustang's, that would put a base Z28 at about $27,000 and a base SS at $44-$45K.

6. Yes, you'll be able to get one. Chevy has big plans, anticipating up to 100,000 Camaro sales per year once the convertible hits showrooms. Thus far, postings on the Internet suggest dealers will be holding roll-out prices to MSRP. The order-taking begins later this year...

[Tran]

the four-wheeled Paris Hilton, the car swarmed by the loudest buzz and blinded by the most paparazzi strobes.

HUD? I've never really heard that being a possibility yet?

[The_Blur]

Oh my God—they actually got it right when they were talking about the engines. They mentioned both the L76 and the LS3. I'm thoroughly impressed at the accuracy of this article. It's even described as "modern with retro touches," clearly an informed article. This should be a sticky for sure.

[Mr. Wyndham]

I applaud this article. THE FIRST one that I have ever seen regarding Camaro that I haven't read and thought; "Yeah, right..."

[radz28]

I, too, thought it was pretty good. I only hope the price of the SS doesn't start where they're speculating...

[Camaro_Corvette]

Originally Posted by radz282003

I, too, thought it was pretty good. I only hope the price of the SS doesn't start where they're speculating...

+1

[Camaro_crazy]

Yeah, that's a bit much for my blood also, but my "Z28" (as the article is so sure about) will get some mods such as hot cams, injectors, headers, exhaust, tuning and intake, which will leave me more than satisfied with the horspeower it produces.

[Jay]

cool

[ralniv]

Originally Posted by radz282003

I, too, thought it was pretty good. I only hope the price of the SS doesn't start where they're speculating...

+2

[Omega94]

That's one of the reasons I love Motortrend I've always wanted a Camaro SS...but if I get to own a Z28...I'll be thrilled too

[GothamCamaro]

Originally Posted by Tran

HUD? I've never really heard that being a possibility yet?

We've been hoping for the HUD, since the Corvettes had them, no confirmation but still on my "please" list.

That has to be the best article I've read so far about the new Camaro!
Great find Tran!

[bouncertime]

Good article, I know that I got to have one.

[swazworth]

good find. if it is even close to $27k for the "z28" that is awesome. that would mean a nicely equipped one would be around $30k. sweet

[The_Blur]

I called $27k a long time ago. It's good to see someone else, especially someone with a rep, agree. I'm sticking to it.