Presenting the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

By Donna Kessler

Times Herald-Record

The 2010 Camaro has finally been unveiled and it is a beauty.

I first saw it on the cover of one of my auto magazines I receive and right off the bat I knew that I would love to have this car.

GM is sparing no expense in making this car enticing to every taste.

The Camaro will be available in LS, LT and SS. The LS and LT models will be powered by a 3.6L V6; mated to either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission; and will produce 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Despite having more power it will give you 26 mpg. The top-level SS will be motivated by a 6.2L V8 with the six-speed automatic transmission. The SS will fly at 400 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, with a manual transmission and will net an additional 22 horsepower, for a total of 422 horsepower and 408 lb-ft of torque. The V8 powered car will return about 23 mpg. Considering the price of gas, I'd say this car is definately not for traveling but cruising and, heck, just plain enjoying it.

An RS appearance package will be available on LT and SS models, and will include HID headlamps with a halo ring feature, spoiler, specific taillamps and 20-inch wheels.

The Camaro interior will be modern with some retro touches from it's granddaddy. Most noticable will be large 1969-like square analog instruments behind the wheel and quad gauges in the center console. Standard features will likely include XM Satellite Radio, OnStar, and remote keyless entry. Options may include leather seats, dual-zone climate, and premium audio.

"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," Ed Peper, GM North America vice-president for Chevrolet, said in a statement.

I personally wouldn't quite call it a sports car. It's definately kept that muscle look and sound.

February 16, 2009 is when the new 2010 Camaros will start heading into production at the Oshawa plant in Ontario.

It more than likely be mid-March before you'll see one in a dealership. That puts Camaro availability about a year behind the Dodge Challenger.

If you want a convertible Camaro, you'll have to wait until December 7, 2009. They should be avaialble at dealers in late December or early January. The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6 coupe will start around $22,000 with the V8 model around $28,000. Convertibles will likely start at around $28,000 for a V6 model and range up to $35,000 for a V8.

Chevy expects to sell over 100,000 Camaros per year.

dkessler@th-record.com