You have to hand it to Chevrolet... they beat the Mustang again, hands down. When you compare the standard 300-HP V-6 engine in the Camaro to the lowly 210 HP V-6 in the Mustang... ther eis no comparison. When you compare the standard across-the-board (all Camaros, all options) 6-speed transmisisons (auto and manual) to ye old T-5 in the V-6 Mustang (a transmission that literally dates back to 1983) and the 5-speed autos and manuals in the other models - saving the 6-speed manual only for the Shelby - there is no comparison. And, of course, the Camaro has a standard IRS... something that Ford designed for the Mustang and then dropped at the last moment.
Chevrolet press release follows:
FOR RELEASE: 2008-07-21
Chevrolet Unveils The 2010 Camaro - A Fun, Efficient Sports Car For The 21st Century
All-new, world-class sports car
Fuel-efficient, 3.6L direct-injected V-6 delivers an estimated 26 mpg on the highway
Range of fuel-saving, six-speed transmissions standard on all models and powertrains
Powerful SS models equipped with LS3 V-8 (manual transmission) and L99 with Active Fuel Management (automatic transmission)
Advanced vehicle technology, including Bluetoothconnectivity and available HID headlamps with integrated halo rings
Designed, engineered and built with GM’s global development process
DETROIT –Chevrolet introduced the production 2010 Camaro today. It is a heritage-inspired sports car for the 21st century, combining great looks and performance; advanced technology and surprising efficiency – including 26-mpg estimated highway fuel economy. Sales begin in the first quarter of 2009.
Built on GM’s new, global rear-wheel-drive architecture, the Camaro is offered in V-6-powered LS and LT models, as well as the V-8-powered SS. All models and powertrain combinations include fuel-saving six-speed transmissions.
“Camaro delivers all of the things that make Chevrolet such a revered, global brand,” said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. “It competes with the world’s best sports cars and does so with styling, fuel economy and value our competitors simply can’t match.”
Advanced powertrain technologies, including engines with direct injection and Active Fuel Management, enable a satisfying balance of exhilarating performance and good fuel economy.
“The new Chevrolet Camaro delivers a thoroughly modern, advanced package of performance, comfort and technology,” said Peper. “It’s a sports car for a new generation of enthusiasts that doesn’t forget the heritage that helped make the original a cultural icon . That is no small feat and it took a worldwide commitment to achieve it.”
Indeed, the 2010 Camaro exemplifies GM’s global development process. The design concept originated in the United States; engineering was directed by GM’s global rear-wheel-drive team in Australia; validation was conducted on roads around the world and assembly will take place at GM’s award-winning Oshawa facility in Canada.
Product highlights include:
Sleek styling with contemporary cues and 10 available exterior colors
LS and LT models offered with an advanced, 3.6L direct-injected V-6 engine with variable valve timing and a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions
SS model offered with 6.2L V-8 – including fuel-saving Active Fuel Management on automatic-equipped combinations – and a six-speed manual transmission
Four-wheel independent suspension system, including a 4.5-link rear suspension
Variable-rate power steering with the rack mounted forward of the front axle for greater driver feel
Four-wheel disc brake systems standard on all models, including four-piston Brembo calipers on SS models
Stabilitrak stability control system and traction control standard on all models
Competitive/Sport modes for the stability system offered on SS models, including launch control on SS models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission
Family of 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels
Detailed interior with heritage-inspired design, excellent attention to detail and available ambient lighting via LED light pipe technology
Robust body structure and exceptional build quality
Six standard air bags, including head curtain side-impact air bags and front seat-mounted thorax side air bags
RS appearance package available on LT and SS, including HID headlamps with integrated halo rings, spoiler, specific taillamps and 20-inch wheels
The new Camaro also has technologies that enhance performance, comfort and convenience, including:
Additionally, details such as frameless door windows with automatic indexing glass contribute to the overall feeling of quality, substance and technical prowess.
Design details
With a design that is very faithful to the original concept, the 2010 Camaro is a 21 st century sports car that acknowledges its heritage. A long front dash-to-axle and short rear deck give the Camaro classic proportions, while a sleek windshield profile, wheels pushed to the corners and muscular fender forms are modern elements that reinforce its advanced engineering – and give the car a decidedly aggressive stance.
Elements such as a forward-V shape at the front of the car and “gills” in the rear quarter panels are distinctly Camaro cues, as are the broad rear fender “shoulders.” Those elements make the new Camaro instantly recognizable, but their execution is smoothly integrated into the contemporary exterior form. A family of large, 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels also contributes to the Camaro’s modern appearance.
“The new Camaro is just that – new,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. “We acknowledge the nameplate’s strong heritage in the design, but recognize that keeping this modern sports car relevant meant more than simply honoring a classic car. The line forms, stance and overall execution are consistent with other new Chevrolets.”
A well-executed balance of heritage, modern design and attention to detail also characterizes the Camaro’s interior. A pair of deeply recessed instrument binnacles that feature round gauges in square housings is a nod to classic Camaros, while an available ambient light package offers advanced LED light pipe technology to give the cabin a distinctive and inviting glow. Cloth upholstery is standard; heated leather-appointed seats are available.
Details such as large, chrome-trimmed controls, low-gloss surfaces and premium fabric or acrylic appliqués convey a richness that is unprecedented in previous Camaro models – and challenge its contemporary competitors. More great detail is evidenced in the available center-console gauge cluster, which takes its cue from a similar option on 1969 Camaros. It displays oil temperature, oil pressure, state-of-battery and transmission fluid temperature, all highlighted with modern LED backlighting.
Powertrains
An advanced, efficient 3.6L direct-injected V-6 with variable valve timing is standard on LS and LT models. Direct injection technology helps the engine deliver more power through increased efficiency, while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions. That means less fuel is consumed and lower emissions generated – including a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions.
The Camaro’s 3.6L engine also employs variable valve timing to optimize performance and fuel economy across the rpm range. It is rated at an estimated 300 horsepower (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.
The high-performance Camaro SS is equipped with a powerful 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 great 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. It enables 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.
Body structure and chassis
The 2010 Camaro is built on GM’s global rear-wheel-drive architecture, with a strong body structure that enhances safety, quietness and handling. World-class build quality and attention to detail are enabled by features including one-piece body side stampings and very precise tolerances between body panels.
Front and rear independent suspensions are mounted to the rigid chassis, including a multi-link strut arrangement in the front with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and a double ball-joint configuration; and a unique, 4.5-link rear suspension that is double-isolated from the chassis for smoother, quieter driving experience.
Camaro offers two suspensions. LS and LT models receive an FE2 (sport) suspension, while the SS receives the FE3 (performance) suspension, including a lower ride height. Each is tuned to match the performance capabilities of their respective powertrains, as are their wheel-and-tire combinations.
A variable-rate rack-and-pinion power steering system mounts the rack forward of the front axle, for more direct action, an enhanced feeling of driver feedback and better weight balance.
Brakes and chassis control
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard on all models. LS and LT models receive single-piston calipers all around, with mass-reducing aluminum rear calipers. SS models have larger rotors that are acted upon by four-piston, aluminum Brembo calipers at all four corners. They are designed to stand up to the severe use encountered on road-race tracks, delivering excellent feedback and pedal feel, as well as fade-resistant performance during racing.
GM’s StabilTrak electronic stability control system is standard and incorporates traction control. The system on SS models includes Competitive/Sport mode that is adjustable for performance driving, such as on a racetrack; it also includes a Launch Control feature on SS models with the manual transmission. It enables quicker, more consistent takeoffs during performance driving.
Safety
Designed to protect occupants before, during and after a crash, the Camaro offers a comprehensive system of safety features – starting with a robust body structure and integral safety cage around the passenger compartment. High-strength steel and ultra high-strength steel are used in key areas throughout the structure.
Safety technologies integrated in the Camaro include:
Driver and front-passenger dual-stage air bags
Driver and front-passenger seat-mounted thorax side-impact air bags
Head curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear seat occupants
Front seat safety belt load limiters and pre-tensioners
The front passenger protection system senses children and small-stature adults and suppresses air bag deployment when appropriate.
Standard OnStar service assists after a crash. With OnStar’s Advanced Crash Response System, the vehicle automatically sends a signal to OnStar for assistance, even if the air bags don’t deploy.
Chevrolet is one of America’s best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $12,120 to $103,300. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
# # #
2010 CHEVROLET CAMARO SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
Models:
Chevrolet Camaro LS, LT and SS
Body style / driveline:
four-passenger, front-engine, rear-drive coupe
Construction:
unitized body frame, one- and two-sided galvanized steel
EPA vehicle class:
coupe
Manufacturing location:
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Key competitors:
Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang, Nissan 350Z
Engines
3.6L V-6 DI VVT (LLT)
6.2L V-8 (LS3, L99)
Application:
LS, LT
SS
Type:
3.6L V-6
6.2L V-8
Displacement (cu in / cc):
217 / 3564
376 / 6162
Bore & stroke (in / mm):
3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6
4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92
Block material:
cast aluminum w/ cast-in-place iron bore liners
cast aluminum w/ cast-in-place iron bore liners
Cylinder head material:
aluminum
aluminum
Valvetrain:
dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing
valve-in-head; two valves per cylinder; roller lifters; Active Fuel Management (L99)
Ignition system:
electronic individual coil-on-plug; individual cylinder knock control and extended-life platinum-tipped spark plugs
high-energy distributorless ignition; solid state direct-fire ignition w/ coil near plug and integrated ignition
Fuel delivery:
direct high-pressure fuel injection
returnless, multi-port fuel injection
Compression ratio:
11.3:1
10.7:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):
300 / 224 @ 6400 rpm*
422 / 315 @ 5000 (LS3)* 400 / 299 @ 5000 (L99)*
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):
273 / 370 @ 5200 rpm*
408 / 553 @ 4500 (LS3)* 395 / 535 @ 4500 (L99)*
Recommended fuel:
regular unleaded
premium recommended
Maximum engine speed (rpm):
7000
6000 (L99) 6600 (LS3)
Emissions controls:
evaporative system, single close-coupled catalytic converter, equal-length exhaust, single underfloor catalytic converter, positive crankcase ventilation, intake and exhaust cam phasers, electronic throttle control
double-ball-joint, multi-link strut; direct-acting stabilizer bar; progressive-rate coil springs; fully adjustable camber, caster and toe
Rear:
4.5-link independent; progressive-rate coil springs over shocks; stabilizer bar; fully adjustable camber and toe
Steering type:
variable-ratio rack-and-pinion
Steering ratio:
16.1:1
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:
2.5
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):
37.7/11.5
Brakes
Type:
four-wheel disc w/ ABS; ventilated front and rear rotors; single-piston front calipers and single-piston alloy rear calipers (LS, LT); four-piston fixed Brembo aluminum front and rear calipers (SS)
Rotor diameter, front (in / mm):
LS, LT: 12.64 / 321 SS: 14 / 355
Rotor diameter, rear (in / mm):
LS, LT: 12.4 / 315 SS: 14.4 / 365
Rotor thickness, front (in / mm):
LS, LT: 1.18 / 30 SS: 1.26 / 32
Rotor thickness, rear (in / mm):
LS, LT: 0.9 / 23 SS: 1.1 / 28
Wheels/Tires
LS
LT
SS
Wheel size and type:
18 x 7.5-inch steel
18 x 7.5-inch aluminum 19 x 8-inch aluminum
20 x 8-inch aluminum (front) 20 x 9-inch aluminum (rear)
However - as usual - the folks at Camaro5.com have the full set of photos: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5171 and the specs of the first two engines that will be be offered: a standard 300-HP 3.6 V-6 and a 400 (automatic)/422(manual)-HP 6.2 V-8. The V-8 model weighs 3800 (dependent on options and transmissions) pounds and has a 52/48 weight balance. Furthermore, the base V-8 has variable cylinder shut-off and with a standard 6-speed transmission will have extraordinarily low revs at highway cruising speeds. Like the Corvette with the similar engine and transmission, careful drivers will find high-20s on the highway.
Both V-8 and V-6 models "blow away" the Mustang by a considerable margin. And rumor has it that the 2010 Mustang coming next spring will use the existing engines. If so, that's bad news to Ford.
Production doesn't begin until next February. Full specs and further official photos will be revealed Monday afternoon by GM.
Yet again, the folks at Camaro5.com have pulled off getting pre-production pics of the upcoming Camaro. This time it's the SS model - showing the final headlights and wheels. Note the under-bumper front spoiler. We can't see the brakes here... and we don't as of yet know the specs of the engine.
By Ed Peper North America Vice President, Chevrolet
A few months ago, we showed you some official “spy shots” of the pre-production version of the new Camaro coupe.
To say the least, response to that post was overwhelmingly enthusiastic – something that was extremely gratifying to all of us here at Chevrolet, who have been hard at work testing and retesting the Camaro development models.
As a reward for your interest – and your patience – here’s a sneak peak of the convertible version of the Camaro, which is also undergoing a similar evaluation as we ready it for full production later next year. (Preproduction models shown. Actual production models may vary.)
GM released these images today, although without any specs or supporting information. It is known that the dry-sump system has been improved, thanks to a hand-me-down from the new ZR1. The new color and wheels are very handsome...!
I'll have specs and other data when GM makes it available. Why it's not out yet I'm not sure... although perhaps Chevy wants to celebrate it's upcoming class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans!
The 24 Hours of Le Mans has been described as the greatest race in the world, and with 250,000 attendees it most certainly is. The Corvette - once GM became serious about sports car attributes and handling prowess - has done very well in endurance racing and has made a solid name for itself. In turn, it's helped sales of the Corvette triple internationally. I'll be watching Le Mans this weekend, as I do every year.
Corvette Racing Claims First GT1 Pole for 24 Hours of Le Mans
Magnussen Qualifies First and Gavin Takes Third in Final Qualifying Session
LE MANS, France, June 12, 2008
– Corvette Racing won the GT1 pole at the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time as Jan Magnussen set the pace in tonight's final qualifying session. Magnussen's 3:47.669 lap time in the No. 63 Compuware Corvette C6.R was the quickest in the GT1 division, while Oliver Gavin qualified the No. 64 Compuware Corvette C6.R third in the category at 3:48.539.
"It was a really good lap," said Magnussen. "We've hit on something good, and we just need to work on the setup in small steps."
Predictions for evening showers in the Loire Valley proved to be inaccurate, but a flurry of red flags interrupted the first hours of qualifying and practice. The first session, scheduled to run from 7 to 9 p.m., lost a total of 52 minutes to two red flags. Magnussen and Gavin both turned their fast times on their first flying laps at the start of the night qualifying session at 9:45 p.m.
"It didn't start off too well because we were all packed together," Magnussen recalled. "I thought I'd be able to pass two GT2 cars in front of me on my out lap, but I didn't catch them until Tertre Rouge on my first flyer. I lost some time on the straightaway, but just as I was starting to get angry, a prototype whipped past me. I got into his slipstream and got back all of the time I'd lost!"
Magnussen's pole-winning time was 4.461 seconds faster than the C6.R's qualifying pace in 2007. Last year the top Corvette qualified at 3:52.130, putting it third in the GT1 field.
"Winning the pole at Le Mans is historic, but at some point in time it was also inevitable," said Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan. "It's a testament to the team's perseverance, dedication to the mission, flawless preparation, and most of all, to GM management's belief in the value of this program. That commitment has allowed Corvette Racing to compete here at Le Mans for nine consecutive years, and that continuity is what produces success.
"The Corvettes' improvement in performance is attributable not only to the guys who work on the cars, but also the engineers who develop the chassis and aerodynamics, our partners at Michelin, and Katech, which has been our partner on engine development since the program's inception. Everybody knew they had to put their shoulder to the wheel this year. We weren't happy with the outcome last year, and I think tonight we showed just how unhappy we were."
The last time Corvette won a class pole at Le Mans was in 1976 when John Greenwood set the fast time in the IMSA class with a 3:54-second lap. Chicanes were subsequently installed on the course to slow the cars.
"It's always great fun going out there and racing against Jan, trying to put a good lap down," said Gavin. "But we're not just racing the No. 63 Corvette – there is some really strong competition here. It can't get any tighter at the top, and they are the cars that are going to be in contention for a win.
"Hats off to the crew at Corvette Racing," Gavin continued. "They've done a marvelous job of preparing the cars and finding a substantial amount of speed. Of course I'm disappointed to not be the fast qualifier, but we're going to look at the data with my engineers and see where the differences are. The car will be virtually brand new for the race."
The Le Mans regulations require that all drivers complete three laps in darkness during qualifying. After losing track time to red flags in yesterday's session, Johnny O'Connell and Olivier Beretta both completed their mandatory night qualifying laps.
"It was very important to complete three laps in darkness to qualify, and I was quite happy during my night test," said Beretta. "Jan did a very good lap, and both cars were very quick. The conditions were very good – the track was cool and clean.
"Le Mans qualifying is good for the ego, but it doesn't make the race," Beretta cautioned. "We still have 24 hours in front of us. We just have to stay cool and calm, and see what happens."
On Friday the drivers will participate in the Parade des Pilotes (drivers parade) through the streets of Le Mans while the Corvette Racing crew installs fresh LS7.R small-block V-8 engines in the Corvette C6.R race cars. The 24 Hours of Le Mans will start at 3 p.m. local time (9 a.m. EDT) on Saturday, June 14 and finish at 3 p.m. (9 a.m. EDT) on Sunday, June 15. SPEED will televise the start of the race live on June 14 from 8:30 a.m. EDT to 12 p.m. EDT, and the finish from 9 p.m. EDT on June 14 to 9:30 a.m. EDT on June 15.
Ron Fellows, No. 63 Corvette C6.R: "With this afternoon’s rain showers the track was very green again in the beginning, very slick. In the first half of the session we were still chasing the back of the car as it was still oversteering turning into he corners and in the middle of the corners. In the night session I found that the headlights were a bit off, but we’ll adjust that tomorrow. Other than that the car is just great and we’re looking good for the race."
Johnny O'Connell, No. 63 Corvette C6.R: "The first issue of the day was to get my mandatory three nighttime laps in, which was just a formality. The car now feels way, way better than yesterday, and much more stable through the Porsche Curves. It improved dramatically since yesterday, as you can tell from Jan’s time. It’s nice to have a good car going into a race like Le Mans and we honestly expect to have a very good race."
Max Papis, No. 64 Corvette C6.R: "It was a good stint, I ran seven consecutive laps in the dark. I felt we made very good progress with the car, and it's getting faster and faster. Twenty-four hours is different than making one lap. It's going to take staying out of trouble and driving super hard. Sometimes you need a little bit of luck; we didn't have much luck last year, so hopefully we'll get it all back."
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.
