noul Chevrolet Camaro

Long-awaited Camaro does not disappoint


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Good things come to those who wait, and Camaro enthusiasts anticipating the return of the 2010 model won't be disappointed.

Many have groused that the gestation period to create this car was elephantine. The concept car was revealed at the 2006 Detroit auto show, and the concept was green-lighted for production not long after because the responses from media and consumers were overwhelming.

But to whip up a steel-bodied production car in the likeness of a stunning fiberglass concept is another challenge, indeed.

The concept was not based on an existing vehicle; so to end up with a new Camaro that looked anything like the concept and could be sold in markets around the world took a lot of engineering, design and luck.

The starting point was a Pontiac G8 (also the Australian Holden Commodore). The wheelbase was significantly adjusted, the rear wheels moved 6 inches forward and front wheels moved forward. A Camaro-specific engine bay was designed.

But now that it is on the way to dealerships, Chevrolet may have wished for even later timing. Launching a big coupe in the flat spot of a recession isn't ideal -- even with 800,000 "handraisers" seeking information, 15.5 million Web site visitors (chevy.com/camaro) and 14,000 customer orders, 55 percent of whom were conquests who deserted other brands.

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Chevrolet was in San Diego earlier this year for the media launch of the car for journalists in the western United States. Chevrolet provided all four models of the car: V-6 manual transmission, V-6 automatic, V-8 manual and V-8 automatic, with 426- and 400-horsepower ratings. I drove both V-6s and, briefly, the V-8 manual. I'll get the V-8 automatic at home for a full test of a production-quality car vs. the prototypes driven at the launch.

The prototype cars were good, but there were some quirks and peculiarities in handling that raised questions from me and my driving partner, another seasoned auto writer.

The cars turned heads at every stoplight from a variety of ages and from both sexes. It definitely has the "look" that people will pay for.

Pricing ranges from about $23,000 to $34,000, with plenty of option packages and accessories.

I was most impressed with the 3.6-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic with steering-wheel shift tabs. Get the 2LT with uplevel interior package of Inferno Orange (more red than orange) leather-trimmed seats with door inserts and a line of lighting, which creates a sharp-looking interior. As equipped, that car would carry a sticker of $30,000-plus.

...

I wanted to love it. But like many first dates, I'll need to get to know it better before I fall in love.
Camaro pricing

Prices include $750 destination charge. Build your own at Chevy.com/camaro.

• LS: $22,995, includes six-speed manual transmission and 18-inch wheels, CD-MP3 audio system with three-month subscription to XM satellite radio.

• 1LT: $24,630, adds fog lights and power-adjusted driver seat.

• 2LT: $27,330, adds Bluetooth phone connectivity, nine-speaker audio system, four-pack of gauges on center console, 19-inch wheels.

• 1SS: $30,995, includes six-speed manual, 20-inch wheels and Brembo brakes, front cloth sports with power adjustment (fore-aft only on passenger side).

• 2SS: $34,180, adds leather-trimmed and heated seats, Bluetooth phone connectivity, nine-speaker audio system, four-pack of gauges on center console.

• TapShift automatic six-speed transmission: $995 for SS, $1,185 for V-6.

• RS Package, $1,200, adds high-intensity-discharge headlamps, spoiler, 20-inch Midnight Silver aluminum wheels, body-colored roof moldings and darker tail lamps.

• Inferno Orange Accent Trim Package, $500. With black interior, features orange door and instrument panel inserts; orange stitching on steering wheel, shift knob, door armrest, center console and seats. Not available with Red Jewel Tintcoat, Imperial Blue Metallic, Aqua Blue Metallic or Rally Yellow exterior colors.

• Power sunroof: $900.

• Body-color painted engine cover: $285.

• Rally Stripe Package, $470.

• Bonnet Stripe Package, $510.

Mark Maynard can be reached at 1-619-293-1296.
First published on June 17, 2009 at 12:00 am

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