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The 2010 Camaro goes on sale today. Specs have been known for several weeks, and final prices were just announced yesterday.
For the amount of performance delivered, the prices are fabulous. My sole reservations about the car center around it's shear size and weight. 422 Horses in the SS model are going to have to pull ~3900 pounds with a driver. The car is just enormous and while it's well equipped it won't make a good track car.
There will be a gigantic rush to order today by many different kinds of enthusiasts.
One point really strikes me by the press release below - the Camaro has an IRS and the Mustang doesn't. For all the BS that Ford uttered about how certain enthusiasts don't want it (to cover the fact that it was designed, tested, and ready for production - then cut at the last minute for cost reasons), the inclusion of one isn't stopping the buyers of the Camaro. In fact, these modern specs - especially the excellent V-6 - are seen as attractions. A large number of enthusiasts will buy the V-6 model because it provides excellent power and will be an all-around fun-to-drive package. The 6-speed manual or automatics and the handling package are there for all V-6 enthusiast buyers. Compare and contrast to the absolutely lousy V-6 Mustang, with a very low power output from an engine that dates back to the early sixties and lack of a performance suspension. There just isn't any point left to that 20th century relic.
GM Press Release follows:
FOR RELEASE: 2008-10-13
Chevrolet Announces Pricing for the 2010 Camaro
Lineup Includes Fun and Efficient V-6 models rated at 27 mpg and High-Performance Camaro SS
DETROIT – Chevrolet today announced pricing for the all-new, 2010 Camaro. It starts at $22,995 MSRP for the V-6-powered LS model, and $30,995 for the V-8-powered Camaro SS (all prices include $750 destination charge). Customer ordering opened on Oct. 13, with production scheduled to start in first quarter of 2009.
“The wait is almost over,” said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. “The return of the Camaro gives sports car enthusiasts a reason to rejoice. It’s a 21st century sports car with a distinctly American legacy.
More than 600,000 enthusiasts have requested information on the Camaro since its production was announced. Chevrolet is reaching out to give them the opportunity to be the first to order one.
The Chevy.com/Camaro Web site carries information regarding early ordering, along with vehicle packaging information, a specification sheet and anticipated frequently asked questions about the ordering process.
Production is scheduled to begin in mid-February at GM’s Oshawa, Ontario production facility, with dealership deliveries shortly thereafter. Complementing the Camaro’s introduction is a range of performance, appearance and convenience accessories – including 21-inch wheels and tires; ground effects and stripe kits; and even a classic-styled Hurst shifter – that customers can order and have installed at their dealership. In some cases, the cost of the accessories and their installation can be rolled into the monthly payments.
“My Own Worst Enemy”
Enthusiasts will see the new Camaro this fall as part of NBC’s new drama, “My Own Worst Enemy.” It stars Christian Slater as a man with two personalities – a suburban dad and covert spy – with the Camaro featured prominently, along with the new Chevy Traverse crossover. The show premiers Oct. 13, the same day ordering opens for the Camaro.
Camaro’s supporting role on “My Own Worst Enemy” follows its big-screen debut as the Autobot named Bumblebee in the blockbuster 2007 movie, “Transformers.”
World-class performance, American heritage
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 are matched with fuel-saving six-speed transmissions. Advanced technologies, including engines with direct injection and Active Fuel Management, enable a satisfying balance of exhilarating performance and good fuel economy.
Camaro product highlights also include:
- Sleek styling with heritage cues and 10 available exterior colors
- Four-wheel independent suspension system, including a 4.5-link rear suspension
- 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
- Family of 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels
- 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
- Bluetooth phone connectivity
- USB connectivity
- Remote vehicle starting system
- OnStar
- XM Satellite Radio
Under the hood, Camaro LS and LT use a 3.6L engine with variable valve timing to optimize performance and fuel economy. 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. LS and LT models are estimated at 27 mpg in highway driving, for great fuel economy to complement their fun driving experience.
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. Manual transmission-equipped models receive the LS3 engine, estimated at 422 horsepower (315 kW) and 408 lb.-ft. of torque (553 Nm). 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, but also includes GM’s fuel-saving Active Fuel Management feature. It is estimated at 400 horsepower (299 kW) and 395 lb.-ft. of torque (535 Nm). It is matched with a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed transmission that helps delivers an estimated 23 mpg on the highway.
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.
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