The New Camaro... Slightly faster than a Cobalt.

[-Camaro-]

Damn, I was hoping it would be a little better than this... :\ Still not bad by any means...

From Leftlane News:

2010 Chevrolet Camaro laps Nürburgring in 8:20

July22

General Motors has officially taken the wraps of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. Although images and specs leaked on the modern day muscle car last week, we now have the official figures straight from the horse’s mouth.

As expected, the Camaro will be available in LS, LT and SS guises. The LS and LT models will do with 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 than the V6 versions of the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger, the V6-powered cars will return 26 mpg on the highway.

Both the LS and LT models will ride on GM’s FE2 suspension.

The top-level SS will be motivated by a 6.2L V8. When coupled with the six-speed automatic transmission, the SS will be good for 400 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, while opting for the manual gearbox will net an additional 22 horsepower, for a grand total of 422 horsepower and 408 lb-ft of torque. The V8 powered car will return about 23 mpg on the highway.

Other SS goodies will include four-piston Brembo brakes, a sportier FE3 suspension and Competitive/Sport modes for the car’s StabiliTrak stability control system, including launch control for manual SS models.

Of note, Edmunds reports that the Camaro SS lapped Germany’s Nürburgring in 8 minutes 20 seconds. While not as blistering as the Corvette ZR1’s 7:26.4 second lap, it still puts the Camaro in some pretty decent company, such as the E46 BMW M3. However, the Camaro SS’ little brother — the 2008 Cobalt SS — made its way around the Nürburgring in just 8:22.

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

With four-wheel independent and StabiliTrak stability control standard, the Camaro will tip the scales at about 3,700 pounds, but is said to have a near ideal 52/48 weight distribution.

Although the V6 models will do battle with low-end Mustangs and Challengers, a turbocharged four-cylinder is still not out of the question. The automaker hopes to sell as many as 100,000 units annually.

Overall, the body shape looks very similar to the Camaro Concept. GM has added a B-pillar to the Camaro’s body structure for added strength. Otherwise, the car is virtually unchanged from the concept, as GM has promised.

Availability

Circle Monday, February 16, 2009 on your calendar as the date the new 2010 Camaros will start heading down the production line at the Oshawa plant in Ontario.

In actuality, this means it will more than likely be mid-March before you’ll be able to put your hands on one at a dealership. That puts Camaro availability about a year behind that of its nearest rival, the Dodge Challenger.

A few GM higher ups have stated that the General will start making Camaros in late 2008. That’s true, but, a little misleading. Salable, pilot build, Camaros will be the cars rolling down the line in late 2008. This run of cars will be given to engineers, execs and managers.

For those seeking a convertible Camaro, you’ll have to wait until Monday, December 7, 2009 — a little bit late for the 2009 convertible season in northern climates. Look for them to start showing up at dealers in late December or early January depending on where you are in the United States.

GM executives have publicly said Chevy expects to sell over 100,000 Camaros per year with pricing for the V6 model starting in the $20,000 range.

Edited August 4, 2008 by -Camaro-

[A Horse With No Name]

Hopefully they are still selling over 100,000 per year in about 5 years. That will be the acid test.

Chris

[Drew Dowdell]

Keep in mind that the Cobalt SS is the fasted FWD car on the Ring ever. It tied the GT-R, M3 E46, and beat cars like the S2000 and Audi S5.

Not bad company to be keeping, just saying...

Edit: The Cobalt SS is no longer the FWD champ of the ring. On June 23, 2008, this ugly critter beat the Cobalt SS's time by 6 seconds..... but it's French so it really doesn't count. They were probably running from a German car.

[A Horse With No Name]

So much for all FWD cars sucking.

GM is onto something good...

Chris

[gm4life]

Thankfully the new Camaro is fast. When will they give us more photos? Exact specs and pricing?

[regfootball]

Overall, the body shape looks very similar to the Camaro Concept. GM has added a B-pillar to the Camaro’s body structure for added strength. Otherwise, the car is virtually unchanged from the concept, as GM has promised.

ONE THING THOUGH

it would look out of place to be driving the Cobalt, and wearing the gold chain. That's a look you can only really pull off adequately with a genuine camaro (or trans am).

[CMG]

Hopefully they are still selling over 100,000 per year in about 5 years. That will be the acid test.

Chris

If they can sell over 500,000 Camaros in the next five years, I would think that would be more than just an "acid test".

Don't get the "hope" numbers up there too high, and no disappointments will follow...

:AH-HA_wink: