2010 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT Coupe A Worthy Contender in the Muscle Car Category Reviewed by Susan Frissell
	The long-awaited return of the all-new Chevy Camaro has at last arrived. A 2010 model, the new Camaro is available in three versions: LS ($22, 995), LT ($24,630) and SS ($30,995), and while it resembles its predecessor, the 2010 Camaro is much improved. How could it not be? Driving around in a car built during the 1970s is less than ideal, even though we may remember it fondly. Two engines are available in the new Camaro, the 3.6-liter V6 and the 6.2-liter V8. The V6 is standard in the LS and LT versions; the V8 engine in the SS model. Two versions of the V8 engine include the L99 generation 4 small block, in the SS; and the active fuel management V8 (which shifts into a V4 when high performance is not needed ). The V8 engine is teamed with GM''s 6-speed automatic transmission with sport mode, and 400 hp., .The 6-speed manual (LS3) engine has 426 hp., and a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. According to Chief Engineer on the Camaro, Al Oppenheiser, it took eight years to bring the Camaro back on the road. Production time ran a spiffy 12 weeks, and was over on June 10. At that time, 6,000 cars had already been built, and 160 V8 Camaros were already in customers' hands. GM's big marketing campaign began the week of May 1, and GM had begun taking orders in October of 2008. As a result of those orders, 14,000 Camaros were sold. Pricing is reasonable on the new 2010 Camaro, with the V6 starting around $23,040; the V8 at $31,040. The list of standard equipment is long, and in the safety arena, includes six airbags, a roof rail, dual-stage frontal airbags with passenger sensing, side-impact thorax, front and rear head curtain side airbags, as well as 1-year OnStar subscription with automatic crash response and turn-by-turn navigation. XM Satellite radio is also standard, as is Bluetooth capability for phone and a USB port. A theft deterrent system, tire pressure monitoring system, battery rundown protection, ABS and StabiliTrak with traction control also add to the safety and security of the 2010 Camaro. Trying to be more than a muscle car, the Camaro does not compromise on styling. Regardless of which model you buy, the V6 or V8, you get similar equipment. Pirelli tires, available in 18-, 19- and 20-inch, match up with Brembo brakes, and some classy aluminum wheels. Our test Camaro came equipped with 20-inch tires and the optional flangeless, painted aluminum wheels with midnight silver finish. The Imperial Blue Metallic paint on our Camaro is a knockout, with a purple tint. Many an observer commented on how great it looks. Those Camaros equipped with the V6 engine come with 18-or-19-inch All-Season tires, 80 percent snow/mud. With our SS package and the RS version, Camaro's tires jump up to a whopping 20-inch. The appearance of this size tire really makes an impressive statement and makes for a comfortable highway ride. The 3.6-liter V6 engine with 304 hp. is the same engine as that in the Cadillac CTS, and gets an impressive 29 mpg on the highway. The FE2 suspension allows for a very comfortable riding car, miles above what the pony cars rode like in the old days. The six-speed automatic transmission with sport mode feature shifts so smoothly you hardly feel it. For the most part, we enjoyed driving the new Camaro and one very noticeable feature is the light feeling of the doors. In most coupes, the doors are so heavy it is an effort to open/close them. In the new Camaro, they move freely and it doesn't take all the strength you can muster to make it happen. The steering wheel is large by today's standards, and is reminiscent of the old ones. It is adjustable, which makes it easier for larger drivers to fit behind the wheel. However, I had the seat as high as it would go and I was hitting my head when exiting or entering the car. One isn''t able to rest an arm on the door when the window is down. The shape of the Camaro makes it almost impossible to position your arm straight up/down. Also, when adjusting the steering wheel (telescoping, adjustable) it blocks the IP if it is positioned too low, and if too high, isn't comfortable; you feel as though you are reaching to drive it. The wide, generous optional sunroof may not work well for taller drivers as the head touches the roof of the car even for some long-waisted, average height drivers. The interior is simple but nice looking. Our test car came equipped with leather seating and perforated backs, iin a neutral beige color. True to retro styling is the IP, dash and features. The tach, temperature gauges and such are mounted on the center console so although easy to read, this means the driver has to look down and to the right. The radio controls are simple to use, but it takes a little time to figure out the way all the features work (audio, tone, etc.). The passenger sits low in her seat. The seat back can be adjusted but not lifted up. The driver's seat has adjustable height, and although there were no switches for lumbar support, it felt as though there might be some. The visors are a little skimpy - not sure they would do much good against strong sun. The outside side mirrors are heated and are small, similar to the old style. If the driver doesn''t enjoy sitting low in the seat, or near the ground (as we did in the 1970s Camaros), it is suggested they opt for a power seat. Options on our test Camaro included a little over $4,000-worth: RS Package (20"x8" front and 20"x9" rear flangeless, painted aluminum wheels with midnight silver finish), body-color roof ditch molding, high intensity discharge headlamps with halo ring, rear spoiler, RS unique tail lamps ($1,450); 6-speed automatic transmission with remote vehicle start ($1,185); 20-inch polished aluminum wheels ($470); sunroof ($900); and spare compact wheel and tire ($150). There is a trunk release on the driver's door (a nice touch), a cargo convenience net in the trunk, and tire sealant and inflator kit in place of the spare tire. Power everything, carpeted floor mats and a console with cupholders are standard. The audio system is AM/FM stereo with CD, MP3 playback, music navigator and Graphic Information Display, with outside temperature display. As you move up in trim level, you of course get a more sophisticated audio system (Boston Acoustics premium 9-speaker system with 245 watts, etc.). Key competitors include Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, Nissan 370Z, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, BMW 3-Series.
SPECS MSRP: $26,580; total vehicle price $31,485; destination $750; options $4,155 Engine: 3.6-liter V6 SIDI w/VVT & DI; 304 hp. Transmission: 6-speed automatic with manual shift control, with TAP shift (optional); Hydra-Matic 6L50; RWD Wheelbase: 112.3 in. Width: 75.5 in. Weight: 3,719 lbs., automatic; 3,722 lbs. manual Length: 190.4 in. EPA Fuel Economy: 18/29 mpg. Wheels: 20x8" front and 20x9" rear flangeless, painted aluminum wheels with midnight silver finish Tires: P245/45ZR20 front; P275/40ZR20 rear, summer tires Warranty: 5-yr./100,000-mile limited powertrain Location of Final Assembly: Oshawa, Oshawa, Ontario