Built on GM’s new, global rear-wheel-drive architecture, the Camaro is offered in V6 powered LS and LT models, as well as the V8 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 exhilarating performance and good 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.”

Indeed, the 2010 Camaro exemplifies GM’s global development process. 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 colours
• 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
• Competitive/Sport modes for the stability system offered on SS models, including launch control on SS models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission
• 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

The new Camaro also has technologies that enhance performance, comfort and convenience, including:

• Bluetooth phone connectivity
• Premium Boston Acoustics audio system
• USB connectivity
• Ultrasonic rear parking assist (late introduction)
• Remote vehicle starting system
• XM Satellite Radio

Additionally, details such as frameless door windows with automatic indexing glass contribute to the overall feeling of quality, substance and technical prowess.

Design details

With a design that is very faithful to the original concept, the 2010 Camaro is a sports car that acknowledges its heritage. A long front dash-to-axle and short boot give the Camaro classic proportions, while a sleek windshield profile, wheels pushed to the corners and 'muscular' guards are modern elements that reinforce its advanced engineering – and 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 guard “shoulders.” Those elements make the new Camaro instantly recognisable, but their execution is smoothly integrated into the contemporary exterior form. A family of large, 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels also contributes to the Camaro’s modern appearance.

“The new Camaro is just that – new,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. “We acknowledge the nameplate’s strong heritage in the design, but recognise that keeping this modern sports car relevant meant more than simply honouring a classic car. The line forms, stance and overall execution are consistent with other new Chevrolets.”

A well-executed balance of heritage, modern design and attention to detail also characterises the Camaro’s interior. 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.

Details such as large, chrome-trimmed controls, low-gloss surfaces and premium fabric or acrylic appliqués convey a richness that is unprecedented in previous Camaro models – and challenge its contemporary competitors. More great detail is evidenced in the available centre-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. That means less fuel is consumed and lower emissions generated – including a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions.

The Camaro’s 3.6L engine also employs variable valve timing to optimise 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.

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. World-class build quality and attention to detail are enabled by features including one-piece body side stampings and very precise tolerances between body panels.

Front and rear independent suspensions are mounted to the rigid chassis, including a multi-link strut arrangement in the front with a direct-acting stabiliser bar and a double ball-joint configuration; and a unique, 4.5-link rear suspension that is double-isolated from the chassis for smoother, quieter driving experience.

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. Each is tuned to match the performance capabilities of their respective powertrains, as are their wheel-and-tyre combinations.

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 aluminium rear calipers. SS models have larger rotors that are acted upon by four-piston, aluminium Brembo calipers at all four corners. They are designed to stand up to the severe use encountered on road-race tracks, delivering excellent feedback and pedal feel, as well as fade-resistant performance during racing.

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

Standard OnStar service assists after a crash. With OnStar’s Advanced Crash Response System, the vehicle automatically sends a signal to OnStar for assistance, even if the air bags don’t deploy.

Availability

The new Chevrolet Camaro will be released in Canada and USA in early 2009. The Camaro is intended for left hand drive production only. On that basis, there are no plans to release the model in Australia.