2010 Chevrolet Camaro

It's been a long time coming, but the rebirth of the 5th generation Camaro 2010 edition has been worth the wait. It has traditional muscle in all the right places; from the power plant all the wayback to the 20-inch rear wheels. Oh, but don't think it is just another old school concept warmed over to push sales. No sir. The engineers saw fit to include plenty of modern technology including a sophisticated fuel delivery, a 6 speed manual transmission with launch control, and an array of paint schemes to please anyone.

I have driven both the big muscle SS2 LS3 2010 Camaro along with its younger brother the V-6 LLT powered Camaro. I am pleased to report that both are satisfying rides. While they derive from the same heritage, they are designed for different tastes, and that should help the Camaro's commercial success match the vision, design, and execution Chevrolet so amply achieved.

Driving the SS2 is an exercise in personal restraint - it's intoxicating power is no further away than a light tap on the throttle; think Bruce Banner losing control to his inner Hulk. In contrast, the 1LT experience is more of a Clark Kent firmly keeping the "S" hidden underneath the modest button down exterior. Both drives were as fun me as the 1967 rag top Camaro I spent much of my youth in... But the nostalgia fades away fast as you slide behind the wheel of a 5th generation. You soon come to grips with the basic truth that the modern Camaro exceeds its lineage in many, many ways.

Let's start with the SS2 engine, which is the General Motors LS3 V8. The LS3 produces 426 hp @ 5900 rpm and 420 ft-lbs @ 4600 rpm. That is an amazing amount of power to find in a car with a sticker in the low 30s - usually you can expect to pay about twice that amount to get similar power output from other manufactures.

The LS3's all aluminum block with 6-bolt main bearing caps make this mill capable of handling a lot more than the plentiful stock ponies. The cylinder heads makes this engine a fire-breathing machine. The valves are 2.165-inch intakes, and 1.59 inch on the exhaust that really allow the LS3 to roar into life when pushed. Another impressive engine component is the direct cylinder fuel injection. The SIDI allows the LS3 to use less fuel at a higher compression ratio and allows for a very respectable 24 MPG on the freeway.

Don't think all the fun was saved for the SS2, however. The V-6 LLT powered Camaro is no slouch either. Its engine is a 24-valve 3.6L V-6 borrowed from the Cadillac CTS. With double overhead camshafts, variable valve timing and direct injection, this LLT is a real performer. Despite having two less cylinders and 107 less cubic inches than the inaugural 327ci 1967 Camaro, the 2010 LLT Camaro has almost 100 more ponies. The GM LLT V-6 produces 304 hp @ 6400 rpm and 273 ft-lbs @ 5200 rpm. But that's not all; the 1967 396 SS Camaro with over 176 more cubic inches was not as fast the V-6 Camaro. This is clearly the case of the offspring eclipsing the previous generation.

A minor quirk with the 1LT V-6 is the paddle shifters. Putting the automatic transmission into sport mode and trying to use the paddle shifters can be problematic for those of us with only two hands. The steering ratio is not close enough to allow consistent access to the paddles while maneuvering through a set of curves. Frankly, this is a problem w/ most production car paddle shifters. I recommend using the paddle shifters only on straight-line acceleration.

Both cars were a joy to drive. The independent four-wheel suspension, variable effort power steering, and four-wheel disc brakes (we had the four-piston Brembo calipers on the SS2) make the Camaro smooth and responsive on the road. Throw in the StabiliTrak electronic traction control system, and the launch control for the six-speed manual transmission equipped SS2 and you have a car better suited to handling comparisons with the Audi's and BMW's of the world - a comparison no 1960's era United States car could withstand.

The Ed Wellbourn designed interior has the fit, finish, fabric, and stitching which is reminiscent of a European interior. And that's no accident as these folks actually create interiors for cars across the pond.

Personally, I prefer the looks of the 1LT base model - understated, mild mannered, and polite, for the every day driving experience. The SS2 Bumble Bee paint schema was a bit much for me to handle on a day-to-day basis, but something that would have much more appeal if this were my weekend ride.

Over all I am impressed. Chevrolet pulled off the resurrection of a legend. The 2010 Camaro, in all of its configurations, is an excellent pony car updated and conceived to match the tastes and demands the modern driver.