Chevrolet introduced the production 2010 Camaro on Monday.
It is a heritage-inspired sports car for the 21st century, combining looks and performance; advanced technology and efficiency – including 26mpg 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 performance and 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.”
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
Bluetooth phone connectivity
Premium Boston Acoustics audio system
USB connectivity
Ultrasonic rear parking assist (late introduction)
Remote vehicle starting system
XM Satellite Radio
Design details
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 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.” A family of large, 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels also contributes to the Camaro’s modern appearance.
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.
Large, chrome-trimmed controls, low-gloss surfaces and premium fabric or acrylic appliqués feature, and the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
