2010 Chevrolet Camaro: Affordable, Stylish Performance Coupe

By Denis Flierl

Denis Flierl

Contributing Writer BIO

Denis Flierl is a Denver native and has a passion for automobiles. His extensive automotive background includes racing, 13 years in automotive... More

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725 views Mar 26, 2010

2010 Chevrolet Camaro

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The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro looks like a new vehicle, but it was built from existing GM parts from other models. They started with the chassis architecture of the impressive Pontiac G8 and engines from Cadillac and Covette. GM made the new Camaro drop-dead gorgeous, with high performance, and affordable.

I test drove the LT coupe with the RS package for the week with a six-speed automatic and the high performance Cadillac 3.6 liter V-6 producing 304 horsepower. When I first got in the car I could have sworn it was a V-8. The potent V-6 not only sounds good, but it has the performance to go along with it. I was hoping to get the 6.2-liter, 426-horsepower SS, but the sweet-sounding, 7000-rpm V-6 that gets 29 highway miles per gallon is nothing to complain about. Its 304 horsepower is not only more than the 1967 Camaro SS 295 hp 350 cubic inch V-8 I grew up with, but more than last year's Mustang GT with a 4.6-liter DOHC V-8.

The Camaro LT accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, and will do the quarter mile in 14.4 seconds, which makes it one hot ride. GM says the secret to the performance is the spark ignition in the modified Cadillac engine. The LT will also stop from 60 mph in a superb 106 feet, as measured by Motor Trend magazine, or 128 feet according to GM. Surprisingly, the SS with its four-piston Brembo brakes doesn't do much better, being nearly 200 pounds heavier. I put the brakes to the test after coming off I-70 near Floyd Hill at 75 mph and hit the brakes hard on the off ramp. The handling, ride and brakes are all exceptional, and I love the styling of the new Camaro.

The Camaro LT ($26,580) upgrades with leather upholstery with six-way power reclining driver's seat; foglamps and integral front fascia; and 18-inch painted aluminum wheels; and OnStar Directions & Connections plan, offering turn-by-turn route instructions, both verbal and visual. Option packages LT2 ($2,700) include heated mirrors and seats, nine-speaker, 245-watt audio system, Bluetooth and USB port, leather shift knob and steering wheel with audio controls, and console mounted gauges including oil temp and pressure, volts and transmission fluid temp; the LT2 package also includes 19-inch painted aluminum wheels. A sunroof ($900) is optional. Also available are 21-inch painted aluminum wheels and an RS appearance package that includes high intensity headlamps with halo ring, rear spoiler, unique tail lamps, and remote vehicle start. Total price of the RS I tested with all the options was $38,540.

The interior of the new Camaro is comfortable and materials are good, but the exterior styling is where it shines. The stitched leather wrap on the steering wheel is nice, and the bucket seats are comfortable, with decent bolstering, but may not be enough to keep an aggressive driver in his or her place during aggressive cornering. The front seat slides 8.5 inches, the steering wheel tilts and telescopes, and the seat can be raised up for better visibility, so drivers of all sizes will fit. The excellent leather upholstery is available in black, gray, beige and two-tone Inferno Orange.

The climate control buttons on the center stack didn't seem to be designed for ease of touch, but more for looks, but I have seen worse. Visibility through the windshield is good despite the long hood and raked windshield, thanks to careful location of the driver's seat and the ability to raise it. Rear visibility over the driver's shoulder isn't very good, but then it's impossible to make it good with a chopped roofline that gives it its sporty look.

The trunk is deep but the opening isn't large enough to put a large suitcase in which I found out going to the airport to pick up my wife. There is a pass-through to the trunk behind the rear seat, but it isn't easy to get into, and feels like your crawling into a pit. The rear seat legroom only measures 29.9 inches so you wont want to haul adults back there.

The new Camaro succeeds for all the reasons to buy this car, great looks and styling, a very potent and efficient engine borrowed from Cadillac, great performance and handling, and a good price point. I have test driven the Dodge Challenger SRT8, and the Ford Mustang GT. For my money I would choose the new Camaro.