Chevrolet pulls the wraps off of the new Camaro

[mockingbird812]

From Hemmings eWeekly:

MUSCLE CARS
Chevrolet pulls the wraps off the Camaro

The 2010 Camaro will be available in coupe form in 2009 and as a convertible in 2010.
photo courtesy General MotorsGeneral Motors has finally released a full slate of details about the 2010 Camaro, which will be available in coupe form in early 2009 and as a convertible in 2010.
It’s an aggressive-looking package that shouldn’t disappoint fans of the formerly forsaken pony car, unless they had their hearts set on a Z28 being part of the original lineup. The top-dog Camaro will be labeled SS, keeping it in line with the bowtie brand’s other SS offerings and will get a 422hp, 6.2-liter V-8. Next down the performance ladder will be a 400hp, 6.2-liter with a six-speed automatic and active fuel management. LS and LT models will get a 3.6-liter direct-injection V-6 rated at 300hp, presumably the same engine used in the Cadillac CTS and STS.
There will also be an RS appearance package offered on SS and LT Camaros that will include HID headlamps with integrated halo rings, RS specific taillamps, a spoiler and 20-inch wheels. Be sure to check out the Camaro microsite (link above) for complete details.
- By Mike McNessor


New Camaro (http://www.chevrolet.com/camaro/)

[1969l78]

Not a fan--Dodge did a way better job just my .02

[shor]

they really blew it.
they draged it on too long.
the new camaro should have been out a year or two ago...not 2010!

[Salvatore]

DITTO! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[BARNFOUND YENKO]

2010 works for me!, Red droptop SS w/422hp and a 6speed transmission, Can't wait to see it sitting in my shop next to the 69. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Les Quam]

A whopping 422 HP and about 4000 pounds wow what will I do with all the performance? Oh yeah I know, keep driving my 08 Shelby Supersnake with 725 HP. What is Chevy thinking to spend three years leaking pictures and information about this car and then bring it out through 2010 with 422 HP???

The Ford GT 500 Mustang is delivered stock with 500 HP and having a supercharger can easily and cheaply be modified and weighs about the same as the Camaro. Or you can buy the Mustang and have the Shelby factory convert it to 605 HP in the vert or a 725 HP coupe.

What happened to the 550 HP Camaro Bob Lutz promised? Cut due to budget or gas prices? Dodge did the same thing with the Challenger at 425 HP. So both Dodge and Chevy have already conceded this era's muscle car wars to Ford?

Dammit I want a 550 HP Camaro Lutz promised to park next to my Yenko Camaro.

[1970ChevelleSS]

So the cadillac cts-v has 556 and the camaro 422????

[Les Quam]

Is it just me? Am I the only one who thinks if Chevy put that 550 HP motor in the Camaro for 2009 or 2010 they would sell many more Camaro's than Caddy's? 422 HP in a 4000 pound car ???????????

Memo to Lutz: put a 550 HP motor in the Camaro offer a 3.73 or higher rear diff and call it a drag pack option and watch the line form at the dealers and while people are waiting in line, gasp they might actually notice other Chevy's on the lot? Or put the 638 HP Vette motor in a Camaro call it a COPO or ZL-1 and watch the car be on the cover of every magazine in the world. Or put the 422 HP motor in it watch it sell briskly for one model year than watch it die and just decide their is no market for muscle cars with high gas prices.

[chevelleheart]

And people wonder about how GM got in so much trouble ????

[BARNFOUND YENKO]

422HP with a few mods to around 500hp is fine by me for my streetcar as im done with the street racing thing long ago and don't need 800hp on the street, Even if it did have 800hp its not going to touch my nasty nascar SB-2 headed smallblock camaro dragcar which does make over 800hp and runs in the low 9 second range. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif Bring that 725hp supersnake on id like to give it a good spankin. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[69 Post Sedan]

If you compare a GT 500 at 500hp (45k plus markup) to a regular Camaro 422hp (35k),the price difference should be about 10k. I think for a lot less than 10k I could get another 78 more horsepower over the Shelby. IMO

[69hurstSC]

HP means crap. its how you get the HP to the pavement and if this car cant get it down as good as a Roush or Saleen with 100hp less who cares.

[Les Quam]

Markups are long gone on GT 500s, well below sticker is the norm. A fully loaded Camaro should come in at around 40K. For a few thousand more the GT 500 is the better bang for the buck right now right now. If you start adding mods to the Camaro to compare it to the Ford you also have to spend the same amount on the Mustang which makes a lot more HP for a lot less money due to being supercharged. All of which is a shame since the Camaro is a stunning car with far superior handling with the independent rear suspension. Makes me want to cry that the Camaro is coming in under 500 HP from the factory for at least the first two model years?

[Andy]

Chevrolet is trying to keep the price of the car down so that it will survive in today's market place. Most people are going to opt for the lower cost, fuel efficient V6. A 500 HP Camaro from the factory would be awesome, but I do not think it is ever going to happen. They have the Corvette for that reason. The LS9 in the new ZR1 corvettes is the same 6.2 L displacement as the LS3 in the 2010 camaro. I'm sure if you wanted to go forced induction, you could get all of the parts over the counter from GM. All you would really have to do to the LS3 would be a set of good set heads, cam, and full exhaust and you would be over 500 rear wheel hp. That is more than enough hp for the street.

[Mike]

I guess I'm in the minority here but i like it. The more I see of it the more it grows on me. I've seen the Challenger and to me it looks like a bloated version of the 70 model. It's a bigger car than I thought it would be. 422 Hp isn't anything to sneaze at, especially for a street car. To each his own, I guess.

Mike

[Les Quam]

I just don't "like" the new Camaro I love it. I saw both the coupe and vert at SEMA last year and pictures don't do the car justice it is one of the best looking cars ever to come out of Detroit or where ever it is going to be built? The vert is incredible in person the rear quarters bulge out like a 911 it is bad to the bone. I had read a while back that Lutz said a 550 HP version would be available and then Carroll Shelby confirmed recently in an interview that he was told Chevy was bringing out a 550 HP Camaro so I am surprised it won't be out for a couple years if ever? Its still a 4000 pound car and it doesn't have 8 inch wide polyglass tires on the rear wheels so I don't know how exciting 422 HP is going to be? I can tell you the 500 HP on my GT 500 was pretty tame in stock configuration before Shelby converted it into a Supersnake.

[Shankin]

Why is it all the new muscle cars have that over-sized side appearance. I think it is cool that all the old cars are reappearing just don't care for the tall sides.

[mockingbird812]

Side stripes will do wonders for the "big-sided" look. Not sure why the Challenger has not offered the classic "R/T" side stripes yet. They are killer and retro at the same time!!!!!

[TXSS]

I think I like it. However, the color renderings they have on the web site are not even close to what I’ve seen in person. They need to show actual cars painted in actual paint instead on computer generated cars. I didn’t see the “Hugger Orange Pearl” tri-coat listed as an available color. That’s the coolest color of all.

[P.J.]

Second best for the legendary Camaro is sad no matter how good it looks
PJ

[Les Quam]

They do look oversized to me also? My theory is that they are trying to capture the 60s exterior style while still providing enough interior space and at the same time integrating todays safety features? Just a thought? And why they are all coming in at around 4000 pounds is another big question for me?

[Mr70]

Is this a fraternity prank?

http://cache.jalopnik.com/cars/assets/resources/2007/10/BumblebeeCamaroConcept.jpg

[WILMASBOYL78]

It's a sled..!! Too little...too late is my take.

wilma http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[Zedder]

I haven't seen the new Camaro in person yet, but my Son and I stopped to look at one of the limited production SRT Challengers yesterday and we loved it! I've never owned a Mopar, but I would consider that car for an everyday driver in a heartbeat http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[DaveC68]

[ QUOTE ]
I think I like it. However, the color renderings they have on the web site are not even close to what I’ve seen in person. They need to show actual cars painted in actual paint instead on computer generated cars. I didn’t see the “Hugger Orange Pearl” tri-coat listed as an available color. That’s the coolest color of all.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm all for one in <font color="green"> Rally Green </font> .....wonder what the min quantity would be for a "fleet order" in <font color="green"> RG </font> .
just think...2010 RS/SS <font color="green"> RG </font> COPO http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[CC Rider]

I'd like a 2012 Inferno Orange Metallic or Red Jewel Tint Clearcoat convertible.

I'd also like a 2012 Hemi Orange Challenger.

Gonna have to make a tough decision in 2012. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[markjohnson]

I'm really not sure why, but it appears that all these new musclecars are weighing 4000 LBS. Shelby GT500's, the new Challenger and now the new Camaro. Heck, can you imagine what a stone they'ed all be if they were built with only 350-375 HP? They need 450-500 to put up respectable times. My Z06 'Vette with only 405 HP has walked all over Shelby GT500's just because it weighs about 900 lbs less!

[Les Quam]

Mark you are right my 4000 pound GT 500 was a slug in stock configuration really a turd. If Shelby wouldn't have converted it into a Supersnake I would have sold it. 500 HP just wasn't getting it done with all that weight. It really wasn't much faster if at all than my 03 SVT Cobra with 400 HP and 3500 pounds? If we the dumb consumers realize weight is everything where performance is concerned why don't the factories???? Even Carroll Shelby said recently is tired of these overweight retro cars and is working with Ford on hopping up there 4 cylinder rice type cars.

[mmcporter]

It's just sad all over again - in the '60's, GM slept while Ford created the Ponycar market, while they deluded themselves into thinking the Corvair was "enough". Why in the heck that the Camaro took so long to develop is beyond me....it's sad that this once-proud car company would leave us with Cobalt SS's to hold down the fort while they got their act together with the Camaro.....too little too late...they would have had some good run rate before gas hit $4 if they could have released that Camaro earlier....

[Late BrakeU2]

[ QUOTE ]
It's just sad all over again - in the '60's, GM slept while Ford created the Ponycar market, while they deluded themselves into thinking the Corvair was "enough". Why in the heck that the Camaro took so long to develop is beyond me....it's sad that this once-proud car company would leave us with Cobalt SS's to hold down the fort while they got their act together with the Camaro.....too little too late...they would have had some good run rate before gas hit $4 if they could have released that Camaro earlier....

[/ QUOTE ]

Can't argue with any of that,but the fact it has been in the mix for so long saved it from being x'ed with all the other rear drive platforms in the pipe. Hey it's been seven years bring it on one last time I say. It's got nothing for the Z06 anyway who cares if it's a little heavy and looks like a crossfire on roids,it's another Camaro!

I shudder to think what's coming in the next decade design wise, the horsepower wars are over,the ZR1 is the undisputed heavyweight champ, and in ten years people might be scratching around for a clean one of these in a sea of used smart cars. It's 1970 all over again,we have been living some great times the last few years with car performance but with the CAFE standards coming in enjoy it while you are able-we will transition into a euro size car nation within five years IMO

[markinnaples]

Well, I guess you don't ever know what will happen.

Maybe there will be another revolution in energy and we'll all have an opportunity to wrench on a whole other type of engine / vehicle.

[mrrec]

Well, I thought the Challenger had it all over the Camaro, but the Camaro has really grown on me and I think it is sharp. It won't be the hottest car on the street, but that doesn't matter to me.
The Challenger lost me when I saw one in person. WAAAY to slab sided - the photos flattered - it is just not right in person.

[Les Quam]

LatebreakU2,

The ZR-1 isn't even todays HP champ my Supersnake is at 725 HP and runs the quarter at 11.30 at 131 MPH same as the Vette. Of course the Vette is vastly superior on a road course but also can't fit all my kids for an ice cream run either? Shelby has stated he will win this era's HP wars and has a 1000 HP engine on the dyno getting ready for cerification right now if GM or the euro builders make it necessary. The new ZR-1 appears to be perhaps the worlds best supercar but as it stands now Ford looks like it will win this era's MUSCLECAR HP war? Muscle car in that it fits a family all week and can be used at the strip on weekends.

[Charley Lillard]

Big difference between Shelby tweeking a Ford product and Chevrolet building one from the factory. I'm sure Callaway or Lingenfelter could also tweek up a ZR1 if they wanted to.

[Chevy454]

[ QUOTE ]
The ZR-1 isn't even todays HP champ my Supersnake is at 725 HP and runs the quarter at 11.30 at 131 MPH same as the Vette.

[/ QUOTE ]
Who's friggin' numbers are those? The later Z06 'Vettes go deeeeep 11s in factory street trim (I've been in the other lane too many times!), and there's even a guy over at the Corvette Forum who whittled his ets down to 10s on the stock 'Vette tires...the proposed ZR1 would WALK your beloved Supersnake in every category except for the ever important "luggace capacity" column...the Snake may have a bigger decal, but the new ZR-1 will be holding the white et slip (read: winner) at the end of the day! As the racers say, "you ain't gotta tune weight"!!

BTW: you could simply throw a pulley on the ZR-1 and probably eclipse the 750hp mark...

[robber6910]

I was hoping Chevy would be smart enough to release it for the camaro's 40th anniversary. The final model doesn't look as attractive as the concept. The rims look aweful, there is too much wheel well space. Shoot they were better off taking a 69 shell and adding modern day gadgets. But then again I could do the same thing with my '69 camaro http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Les Quam]

Charley,
You are absolutely correct anyone can take anything and tweak it in the aftermarket world. But what Shelby offers besides a 40 year history of having Ford deliver Mustangs to his shop for conversions is the option of being able to walk into any Ford dealership and buy a Shelby Mustang off the showroom floor with a warranty in the case of the 600 HP Supersnake package and drive it home. This option and the Shelby mystique offer a lot of residual value that Lingenfelter and Callaway don't IMHO. To me if I can buy it off the showroom floor with a warranty at 600 HP backed by Ford that is close to the factory for me? In fact your Supersnake was a Mustang delivered to CA and converted into a Supersnake and then warrantied by Ford?

By the way Charly speaking of Supersnakes I have heard through my Ford guy insider club a flurry of rumors of a possible secret Supersnake sale/trade? Care to shed some light? Confirm or deny the Ford guy insider rumors? is the Ford guy insider club whirling away with baseless rumors or is there some fire where there is smoke? Enquiring minds want to know

[Charley Lillard]

You keep touting a 600 HP SuperSnake with a Warranty. My understanding is the ZR1 will be 638 hp with a warranty. Your orig claim was in regards to the 725 hp SuperSnake option that Shelby will do but there is no warranty.
Yes I believe my SuperSnake is going to a new home. I was going to do a deal with you but you got rid of my wagon.

[Jeff H]

Notice that there is no mention of the Z28 yet. Last I heard there were going to be 3 engines available which would be the v6, SS base v8 and Z28 option v8. I'm guessing, but I bet they wait and release the Z28 later on with 500-550 hp. They want to get some of the lower performance versions on the road first. That's my guess.

[Les Quam]

Its official the legendary Supersnake has a new home!!!!!! I wish I had the dough to buy it. Wagon went back to Jim Cunningham who maintained it all those years for the second owner it went to a great home Jim will take very good care of it.

ZR-1 will be the worlds best supercar for any price IMHO. But I can't stick my kids in the Vette to take them and their friends out for ice cream or a ride. I think your talking about apples and oranges comparing the Mustang to the Vette. One is a muscle car the other a world class sports car I think? All I said was that Ford is winning this era's Muscle car wars. I fully agree Chevy's ZR-1 will be the the Sports car HP champ unless Dodge bumps up the HP on the Viper?

Why don't you explain why Chevy put a 422 HP motor in what may be the best looking car ever to come out of Detroit? You have all the Chevy factory insider information what the heck happened to Lutz he lose his nutz?

[Charley Lillard]

You were the one comparing the Mustang to the Vette. I'm glad Jim got the wagon. I feel better now.

[Les Quam]

Glad I could help. Congrats on sale of snake.

[Verne_Frantz]

Back to the Camaro......... Slots in front of the rear wheels and 4 little rectangular gauges on the console do not make a retro Camaro! The rest of the car looks like a fat Cadillac.
1. The car was designed by a committee, not by stylists
2. They've been asleep too long and forgotten that their JOB is to build cars that people want to buy.
3. They need a new perk; a fixture in their executive bathrooms to give their brains an enema.
4. They've been acting this way for soooo long that they deserve to go under.

OK, I've vented........
Verne http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[ORIGLS6]

Re: Chevrolet pulls the wraps off of the new Camaro

Throw the wraps back on. Like I've said before; they missed it!

[Les Quam]

Thats exactly how I felt until I saw both the coupe and CV in person at SEMA last year. Incredible in person. Pictures just don't do them justice in my opinion. I am buying one if the HP hits 500

[ORIGLS6]

"Opinions vary." http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Mr70]

"Les is more" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[SSjeff427]

I agree with the "fat Cadillac" reference. Who really thinks this mirrors the 67-69 enough to call it a retro?
You would think that GM would recognize that if a POS 69 Camaro that will crank and run will bring 10 grand, they don't have to fret about how many they could sell if they emulated that car as close to the original as Ford did with the T-bird.
Maybe the brainchild behind this version is the son of the guy that came up with the Cadillac Cimarron!

[Les Quam]

I concede styling is always subjective but have you seen it yet in person? And I think in reading interviews Chevy does not intend for this new car to be "retro" I recall they specifically said they wanted to pay homage to the old car without doing a knock off of the old one like the Challenger and Mustang are.

[Mr70]

It's no secret that Cadillac engineers did design the new Camaro.

http://autofix.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/2008-cadillac-cts.jpg

[Charley Lillard]

The new Camaro is not the retro version that they had designed.

[Mr70]

You're right,I just meant I see their influence are all over this final design too.

[Late BrakeU2]

[ QUOTE ]
LatebreakU2,

The ZR-1 isn't even todays HP champ my Supersnake is at 725 HP and runs the quarter at 11.30 at 131 MPH same as the Vette. Of course the Vette is vastly superior on a road course but also can't fit all my kids for an ice cream run either? Shelby has stated he will win this era's HP wars and has a 1000 HP engine on the dyno getting ready for cerification right now if GM or the euro builders make it necessary. The new ZR-1 appears to be perhaps the worlds best supercar but as it stands now Ford looks like it will win this era's MUSCLECAR HP war? Muscle car in that it fits a family all week and can be used at the strip on weekends.

[/ QUOTE ]

Les.with all due respect Carroll was a road racer and that's what his cars were designed for. Manufacturers have been building performance cars for "touring" since 1/4 mile specific applications died in 1971 with the bias ply tire(and first gas crisis) Back to hijacking the thread that ZR1 is one impressive car,have you seen it's record run the ring?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6mEirkQN8o

The eight minute barrier used to be reserved for pretty elite company in the automotive world-that chap who did the 7:26 left about about 10-15 seconds out there, staggering for a euro exotic supercar car,let alone a GM car! The stang might have the #"s but the ZR is within a few horsepower and I think around 700 lbs lighter..that's huge.

I would like to see if ford has the stones to allow a buff mag to test the 4000lb Snake Vs the 4000 lb Camaro SS with the big motor heads up on the Nordshieffe-put John Heinricy in the Camaro and a ford contract driver de jour in the stang.. I think it would be very interesting http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[Les Quam]

Latebreak,
In my opinion 4000 pound cars are not good for much if anything? That anything being a drag strip. While the Supersnake has been lowered, now has brake cooling ducts, adjustable coil over Eibach suspension with adjustable shocks or dampers as you road racers like to call them, 6 piston Baer calipers, huge new rotors and new Eibach sway bars its still 4000 pounds and doesn't belong anywhere but a drag strip from my viewpoint due to its weight. I think those suspension mods were added to help from people taking their new 725 HP Mustang and promptly killing themselves while driving home. The new Supersnake is not an "R" model with the interior removed and safety equipment added.

From years of road racing and Karting and the deaths of a few friends on so called open track days in their high end supercars. I came to the conclusion that the only car that should be on a road course is a purpose built track car with the proper saftey equipment and lots and lots of weight removed. I guess the new ACR Viper might be the exception but the new ZR-1 is still in my view strictly a street car and as I have repeatedly said on this thread probably the worlds best new supercar.

Ford is building a new Mustang for 2010 with independent rear suspension and will more clearly compete with the new camaro in terms of a road course test. All the suspension tweaks Shelby does is simply to make the new cars handle better due to leaving Ford grossly obese. Remember he built 36 purpose built track cars in 1965 for the Mustang and a many comp Cobra's. It seems to me Shelby has always had comp cars and cars for weekend road racers. However in the 60s those Mustangs were capable of barely 120 MPH. Now his new Supersnake will easily exceed 200 MPH. I can't imagine he thinks any of his customers are capable of safely driving a street car on a road course at those speeds.

[69 Post Sedan]

I personally think this is a great look for the new Camaro. I have no problem putting this in my garage as long as it is a 6-speed. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif +2


http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn2/brkyard/custom5thgencamaro.jpg

[mockingbird812]

Kurt,

That is one of the best photos I have seen so far http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif . Lemans Blue? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[JQ]

[ QUOTE ]
Kurt,

That is one of the best photos I have seen so far http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif . Lemans Blue? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I second that http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Is the rear spoiler part of the SS package?

[69 Post Sedan]

[ QUOTE ]
Kurt,

That is one of the best photos I have seen so far http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif . Lemans Blue? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I am not sure of what color this is. I found this picture off of a website. I love the wheel/tire combo. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif


[ QUOTE ]
I second that http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Is the rear spoiler part of the SS package?

[/ QUOTE ]

As far as the spoiler, here is a video of the new Camaro which shows the actual spoiler that is being used. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE4ygd1qJOU
I like the one on the blue Camaro better. I hope GM looks at using it at a later date or a aftermarket company makes one like it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[no69x-44]

I'm curious, anybody know what engine options are available? The last thing I had heard was that the base model would be a v6. The highest performance option was going to the stock Vette (a pricey option, I'm sure) 405hp motor.

[Dave Rifkin]

I like the new Camaro but, noticed the poor fitment of the hood on the cars in the video. I hope those are pre-production cars and they get that ironed out before the cars hit the showrooms.

[69 Post Sedan]

Chevrolet has unveiled the 2010 Camaro sports car, resuming a 35-year production history that ran from 1967-2002. GM strove to strike a balance between performance and efficiency, and is offering the Camaro with a 3.6-liter V-6 direct injection engine delivering an estimated 26 mpg highway, and two V-8s, one of which offers Active Fuel Management (AFM, cylinder deactivation), for 23 mpg US. All engine options are matched with six-speed transmissions.

The 3.6L direct-injected V-6 in the LS and LT models employs variable valve timing to optimize performance and fuel economy across the rpm range. It is rated at an estimated 300 hp (224 kW) and 273 lb.-ft. of torque (370 Nm). A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the 3.6L engine; a Hydra-Matic 6L50 electronically controlled six-speed automatic, with TAPshift control, is available.

(For a historical—40 model years—comparison, the 1970 model year Camaro offered a base six-cylinder engine of 250 CID displacement (4.1 liters) that developed 155 hp. The new Camaro uses a smaller engine with almost twice the power output.)

The high-performance Camaro SS is equipped with a 6.2L V-8, with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Standard, manual transmission-equipped models receive the LS3 engine, estimated at 422 horsepower (315 kW) and 408 lb.-ft. of torque (553 Nm). The LS3 debuted on the 2008 Corvette and uses high-flow cylinder heads based on the Corvette Z06’s LS7 engine to enable high low-end torque and high-rpm power. It is paired with a TR6060 six-speed transmission.

A new, L99 V-8 engine is used on automatic transmission-equipped SS models. It is based on the LS3 and carries all of its high-performance design features, but also includes GM’s fuel-saving Active Fuel Management feature, enabling the engine to run on only four cylinders during light-load driving conditions, such as highway cruising, to improve fuel economy.

The V-8 is estimated at 400 horsepower (299 kW) and 395 lb.-ft. of torque (535 Nm); and it is matched with a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed transmission. This combination delivers an estimated 23 mpg on the highway.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/images/camarospecs.pdf

As far as prices, I haven't seen any that are confirmed, only speculations.

Kurt http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[king_midas]

Here's the problem that nobody ever seems to address in these threads regarding the new Camaro-- Who's going to buy it?

At the pricing point / performance point of the base model, there are at least 10 other cars out there that already have (arguably) better performance, more utility, better MPG, and most importantly, an established market position. Most notably, the GTI, the Honda Civic Si, Mazda 3, etc... I could keep going. Cars marketed to younger people for fun, but also everyday transportation. RWD, 300 hp? Okay, not the best combo for a young driver, and THEN this young driver must be insured. And, if you look at the Camaro in the showroom and don't make the buy, what are you left to look at, the Cobalt? The Malibu? Yikes and yikes. O-boy, here we go... Overall point-- Sure you'll maybe sell it to a few secretaries, but unless there are huge fleet sales, a la the Mustang, I see very little chance of success, because the product is positioned too narrowly in a segment with broad needs.

Regarding the higher-end options, I see a similar cunundrum-- When is horsepower too much, who's going to buy this car before a Mustang, an Infiniti G37, BMW 3-series, etc...? This is also a crowded segment, and it seems Chevy completely skipped a middle-of-the-road offering and went for 400 hp. What are there, 100 gearheads on this board, maybe another 1000 actively talking about this car on various other forums... Let's hope they manage to sell more than 1500 units.

So, let's see here: No 4-door offering to net those in that want the car but need more (*other than the Mustang and Challenger, every other performance car at this pricing point has a 4-door variant), it's not exactly cheap to insure 300, 400, and 422 hp, and we haven't even discussed MPG... Those MPG figures will plummet when your foot is into 422 hp, and I doubt in the real-world, the quoted MPG will ever be seen.

GM already has an albatross around their neck with Hummer and the trucks-- Do you want to be promoting thirsty performance to the world with your next big offering? Seems to me like they should be trying to figure out a 422 hp electric car that can carry five, and some bags in the trunk.

Hey, don't get me wrong-- If you've ever seen Trans Am racing, it's the best series ever put together. And if the mfgr's building these cars would spark a series, that would be great. However, the Big 3 have bigger problems than funding racing programs.

I hope for Chevy that they meet success, but the cards were stacked against them from the start, and in my opinion, even though they may have created a winner for some, they didn't do the best job of creating a sales success, which is the most important thing.

My overall prediction is that the Camaro may be exciting, but will be a black-eye style sales failure.

[69 Post Sedan]

I think 300hp and 27mpg is pretty darn good for a V6.

GM could have come out with more engine options although how cost effective can that be. Maybe down the road they will. I also think anyone buying a 400 or 422 hp motor, they are not really worried about fuel mileage or insurance rates.

If a 4-door is needed the Pontiac G8 is an awesome alternative with a V6 or a V8, which is 361hp. These cars with the V8 stay with the 425hp Charger! With a price tag of around $30,000.

The Chevrolet Volt is on its way in 2010 if you want an electric car. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif


Kurt http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn2/brkyard/large_General-Motors-Camaro.jpg

[Dave Rifkin]

In my opinion the ball in is Chevy's court; sure they dragged bringing this car to market out way too long but, as long as they keep the price of this car in line with the Mustang GT, I think they'll sell plenty of them. If Chevy, or the dealers, jack the price up too high then we'll see sales struggle.
I would love to buy a brand new SS with a stick shift and if the price isn't outrageous I just might.

[lwkitt427]

WELL I WAS REALLY DISAPOINTED AT FIRST WHEN I SAW PIC'S OF THE NEW CAMARO. BUT AS I LOOK AT MORE AND MORE OF THE NEW PIC'S I AM CHANGING MY MIND. I WOULD LIKE MINE IN BLACK WITH WHITE STRIPES. THE HORSE POWER CUOLD BE BETTER AND I HOPE THE GENRAL GETS THE MESSAGE, AND INCREASES THE HP FOR THE SECOND YEAR. IT IS JUST PLAIN GOOD TO HAVE THE CAMARO BACK.