2010 Chevrolet Camaro

After the success of the New Beetle, MINI, Mustang, Charger, Challenger, FIAT 500 in Europe, and GM's ownSSR pickup and HHR, it was time to bring back the looks and performance of the '67 Camaro in a modern form. Like Hollywood, GM knows that anything that was popular in the boomers' childhoods are sure to sell.

But even if you're too young to remember the pony car wars started by the Mustang, Javelin, Camaro, and Charger, the style is still striking. The new Camaro's sexy flanks, long hood and doors, and modern chopped greenhouse and huge rims look fantastic, but it's not all looks, it's got power and great gas mileage at 304HP and 18 - 29MPG for the base V6. That V6 shows that GM is moving into the future technologically.

Part of the pony car persona was reasonable prices, and a base price under $23,000 for this level of performance and styling fits perfectly.

GM's SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) improves gas mileage considerably over ordinary fuel injection. Instead of the fuel getting mixed with air in the throttle body outside of the combustion chamber, the gasoline is injected into the combustion chamber at very high pressure, causing the fuel to be atomized. Among other effects, vaporizing the fuel cools the charge through the magic of adiabatic cooling. This allows a higher compression ratio with regular 87 octane gasoline. High octane gasoline is normally required with high compression engines to avoid knocking. Knock is caused when the fuel ignites prematurely before the spark fires. This can damage the piston crown and cylinder walls, since it is closer to an explosion than a controlled burn.

The high 11.4:1 compression ratio, variable valve timing, and SIDI combine in a very efficient and powerful motor, that gives you all the power you need and more. The combination of VVT and SIDI mean that there's no need for a traditional throttle. The VVT allows the right amount of air in, while the SIDI injects the right amount of fuel for the current power requirements.

Inside the Camaro, the seats are supportive and comfortable, with enough side bolster to keep you in place through the twisties.

The doors are high to protect the occupants in a side impact, which makes the seat height adjustment critical for shorter drivers.

The power seat on the driver's side on our test car made it easy to find that sweet spot of being able to see under the rear view mirror while not being blocked by the side view mirrors. That's important for pedestrians.

Options abound, including remote engine start, Sirius/XM satellite radio, etc.

All American car companies are looking for the way out of this mess they are in, and we think that developing modern, efficient cars with great performance, handling, and looks are the way to go.