The Chevrolet Camaro has a long and storied tradition in the American automotive market, but after an eight-year hiatus it is finally back in production. First built in 1967, the Camaro was Chevrolet’s muscle car response to the Ford Mustang. Since 1967, the two cars had battled for supremacy until the Camaro ended production in 2002.
For 2010, the Chevrolet Camaro will join the redesigned 2010 Ford Mustang and the all-new Dodge Challenger in the rebirth of the muscle car era. Although the Camaro is currently only available in three distinct trim levels (LS, LT and SS), General Motors has confirmed a convertible model set for 2011 and a high-performance Camaro Z28 is still under consideration.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro Exterior
Like one of its classic-designed contemporaries, the Dodge Challenger, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has a design that is heavily inspired by the original model and blends in a modern elegance to give the new car a unique design. Up front, illuminated halos encircle the recessed headlamps, while the bulged hood adds to the overall aggression – SS models get a ram air intake just in front of the hood for improved airflow. In profile, the Camaro’s wide, sculpted rear haunches give the car added definition and character and a style similar to the original. Even the rear of the Camaro blends classic model with modern style by integrating a spoiler into the rear decklid and a diffuser into the rear fascia, and the chrome-trimmed taillights seemingly mimic the dual exhaust outlets. Signifying its increased performance abilities, the Camaro SS is differentiated from the V-6 models from the deeper front fascia, ram air inlet and uses a unique suspension setup and wheel/tire combination for a lower, more aggressive ride height.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro Interior
In addition to the retro exterior design, the cabin of the 2010 Camaro also uses inspiration from the first generation model. For the driver, the large-diameter steering wheel offers a perfect view of the deeply recessed instrument gauges. The passenger configuration is in line with all previous Camaro generations, but the new model also focuses on comfort and style. The new Camaro features a center stack that provides all of the conveniences of any modern car, while offering a look that harkens back to cars of the 1960s. Even the optional center-console gauge cluster offers an aftermarket look with four instrument gauges mounted just in front of the shifter lever. Cloth upholstery is standard on base Camaro models, while heated, leather seating remains an option.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro Performance & Handling
No muscle car would be complete without adequate muscle under the hood. For the Camaro LS and LT, customers will get a 300-horsepower V-6, while the high-performance Camaro SS gets a 400 horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 with Active Fuel Management. The 3.6-liter V-6 will be the same direct injected version that is currently used in the Cadillac CTS Performance sedan and will be offered with either six-speed automatic or manual transmissions. Chevrolet claims that the SS will get to 25 miles per gallon on the highway, which isn’t bad for a pure-bred performance car, but the base Camaro will return even better fuel economy estimates of 29 highway mpg.
For improved handling, the 2010 Camaro will feature independent rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes StabiliTrak electronic stability control. The Camaro SS offers increased handling with four-piston Brembo® aluminum front and rear calipers and an adjustable competitive/sport mode for better fine tuning on racetracks. With a storied history in drag racing, the Competitive/Sport mode also gives the 2010 Camaro SS a launch control feature for quicker, consistent takeoffs – ideal for bracket racers.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro Summary
Despite the low economy and the growing concern for fuel efficiency, the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro should prove to be a very popular vehicle due to its impressive performance, styling and even fuel economy. Not only does the 2010 Chevy Camaro build off the styling of the original 1967-1969 Camaro, but it also blends its retro design with a contemporary look. From its identifiable styling to its 426-horsepower V-8, the fifth-generation Chevy Camaro carries on the car’s muscle car heritage.