The Comeback Kid?

Written by Nicolas Bates

The last time a Chevy Camaro rolled off the assembly line was in 2002. They were discontinued due to a decline in the sports coupe market, a steady slow in sales and a need for more room at GM’s plants. Can the completely revamped and long awaited 2010 Chevy Camaro keep up with the likes of more fuel efficient and imported vehicles? Only time will tell. In the meantime, we’ll tell you just what to expect from the performance driven 2010 Chevy Camaro SS.

If you’re interested in the SS, you’re obviously going to want all the horsepower you can get. Chevy engineers have not let you down. The 2010 Camaro SS packs a heavy punch with a 6.2-liter, LS3 motor creating 426 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. However, this is with the 6-speed, Tremec 6060 manual transmission. Opt for the less leg-straining automatic and that LS3 turns into an L99 motor. Power now drops down 26 hp and 10 lb-ft of torque. The L99, which is exclusively mated to the 6-speed, Hydra-Matic 6080 auto transmission, offers driver shift control and a PAS (Performance Algorithm Shifting) system that will override the transmissions choice of gear. The L99 motors, and thus, the 6 speed automatic transmission, offer Active Fuel Management, increasing fuel mileage by cutting off the usage of 2 cylinders when the car’s load is light enough.

The Chevy Camaro SS, which can be had at a relatively cheap price of $33, 945, comes with a few upgrades over the other models. These include: a more sport-tuned FE3 suspension (which is fully independent), 4-piston Brembo brakes, Competitive and Sport modes for the car’s Stabilitrak stability control system, and launch control which allows glorious clutch drops from ungodly RPM’s. Safety features include that of a 4-wheel anti lock brake system, front seat side airbags, and full-length side curtain air bags.

The Camaro’s looks are retro, but with a fresh breathe of air. The car says, “Yeah, I have an older brother, but I am younger, stronger and scarier looking.” It takes its overall lines from the iconic 1969 Camaro, with its squar”er” quarter panels, and more aggressive, sunk in headlights. The car’s overall looks have been widely talked about since its debut in the 2007 Transformers film.

The interior has a love it or hate it feel. You cannot ignore that blind spots will be the norm due to the car’s small rear windows and that lack of headroom will be an issue for almost every adult who decides to drive or ride passenger in this vehicle. The gauges and interfaces are extremely retro. The RPM and MPH gauges sit in large, square-like boxes above the steering wheel. Its auxiliary gauges, very square with a 60’s analog clock feel. Navigation is not an option in the Camaro, however, the 2SS does comes with turn-by-turn OnStar voice prompts, so you won’t be completely stranded. If at any point you will have large amounts of luggage, rent yourself a van, because this car has virtually no trunk space.

This car is not about luxury or anything else for that matter. This car is about getting the best bang for your buck, both horsepower and wallet wise. For virtually the same amount of power, the Dodge Challenger will cost you an average of 7 thousand more dollars. And let’s face it, getting a completely re-styled icon with 426 hp and 410 lb-of of torque with 20” wheels, 4 piston caliper Brembo brakes, stability and traction control for a starting price of $33,945 is pretty affordable in today’s market. So, will this bad boy be able to resurrect the F-Body phenomenon?

For more info go to:
Chevrolet.com/CamaroSS