What was originally planned as the 2009 Chevrolet Camaro made its debut as the 2010 Camaro in the first quarter of 2009. While that may sound a little confusing, the bottom line is that the new Camaro is available.
The much anticipated reintroduction of the iconic Camaro "muscle car" made its new entrance as a 2-door coupe. A convertible 2-door version will com later in the model year.
While much of the design and styling elements are based on the 1969 Camaro, it is built on GM's new global rear-wheel-drive architecture.
The Camaro is offered in LS and LT models with a V-6 engine. There's also an SS version that will be powered by a V-8. All the models and powertrain combinations are outfitted with six-speed transmissions for better fuel efficiency.
Highlights of the new Camaro include:
- a "traditional Camaro" interior and exterior design mixed with modern enhancements.
- upgraded safety features including six standard airbags.
- a balance of fuel efficiency and performance through advanced powertrain technologies (including direct injection and Active Fuel Management).
- a four-wheel independent suspension system designed to match the performance capabilities of the various powertrains.
- variable-rate power steering providing better weight balance and more sensitive driver feel.
- four-wheel disc brake systems are standard on all models including four-piston Brembo calipers on the SS.
- both a stability control system and traction control are standard equipment on all models.
- and a choice of 18, 19 or 20-inch wheels.
Comfort and convenience enhancing technologies include a remote vehicle starting system, Bluetooth phone connectivity, Premium Boston Acoustics audio system, USB connectivity, ultrasonic rear parking assist (late introduction), OnStar and XM satellite radio. (No, this isn't your father's Camaro.)
For optimal fuel economy, the Camaros 3.6 liter engine employs variable valve timing. It's also rated at an estimated 300-horsepower and 273 lb.-feet of torque. Standard on the 3.6 liter engine is the 6-speed manual transmission. An electronically controlled six-speed automatic, with TAPshift control, is available as an option.
The Camaro SS, the high-performance model, is equipped with a powerful and athletic 6.2 liter V-8 engine, with a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. The manual-equipped models get the LS3 engine, estimated at 422-horsepower and 408 lb.-feet of torque. It's coupled with a TR6060 six-speed transmission.
Automatic transmission-equipped SS models get a new L99 engine, based on the LS3. This model includes GMs fuel-saving Active Fuel Management feature for better fuel economy. The L99 is estimated at 400-horsepower and 395 lb.-feet of torque.
Update: Bad Economy Leads To Lower Camaro Prices:
Chevy's sales have been on the weak side historically for close to the past two years now, right along with the other car brands and evidence of a continuing slow economy.
They've recently made some progress in offsetting at least some of the market weakness through strong incentives and easier-to-get discounts. The bottom line? The current combination of a soft market along with intense dealer competition has created the perfect opportunity for nailing down some great deals.
Car dealers will "wheel and deal" bigtime right now if you know how to push their buttons.
How To Buy A New Camaro At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2010 Chevy Camaro, here's how to get the best price on one, especially given the current slow economy.
