Revealed: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

If you’ve been disconnected from your computer or BlackBerry all day today, you’ve certainly missed some of the biggest news this summer: General Motors FINALLY unveiled the 2009 Chevrolet Camaro in production form.

Staying true to its concept, the new Camaro keeps most of its aggressive, yet vintage-inspired looks. From the flat-chested, low-brow face to the quad-taillamps embedded in the tall rear end, the original ideas of design have thankfully made it through to the end.

What really caught my eye though was the interior, which is a monumental departure from what the rest of the Chevy line gets.

The wrap-around dash starts at the gauges, which is a mixture of old- and new-school, with big, round gauges set deep into the dash that glow in a cool indiglo shade of blue. The steering wheel is big, with the horn pushed in past the rim by three prongs.

The center console is by far the coolest, with four different gauges to measure your volts, oil temperature and pressure, and how much torque you’re using. It’s a terrific way to pay homage to the original Camaro.

But I know what you’re thinking. Yes, the 2009 Camaro has got big engines under that long hood. But there is one thing you wouldn’t expect from them: They’re frugal.

The base engine will be a 3.6 liter V6 producing a stout 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, which will be mated to a six-speed Aisin-Warner manual or the Hydra-Matic 6L50 automatic transmission. The one you enthusiasts will want roaring to life everyday in their garages will be the big 6.2 liter LS3 V8. (You’ll get 422 horses if you opt for the beefed-up TR6060 manual, 408 if you want the 6L80 Hydra-Matic slushbox.)

Of course to gain that frugality, both engines will be packed with today’s latest fuel-sipping technology. The V6 will come with direct-injection and variable-valve timing, giving it an estimated 26 MPG on long trips. The V8, which still used old pushrod technology, will get GM’s Active Fuel Management.

What else? Well, power will be routed to the rear wheels on a brand-new platform, which uses a 4.5 link independent rear suspension (beat that Mustang). ABS, Stabilitrak and traction control are all standard. Inside, you get Bluetooth connectivity, Boston Acoustics stereo, remote start, OnStar (if anyone actually uses it anymore) and XM satellite radio.

The Camaro range will start out at the base RS, then step up to the LT and finally stop at the badboy SS. Nothing on prices yet, but expect an RS to start at $20,000 while a fully-optioned SS to go for somewhere around $35,000.

For all other pertinent information that I haven’t included, click here for all stats and General Motors’ press release. They’ve done a really nice job on this reveal I must say, including a web launch. (The video will be below.)

I can’t wait to see a Camaro vs. Mustang vs. Challenger battle royale soon. It’s going to be a fight to own the right to claim who’s the baddest muscle car of the 21st century.

Update: 2010 Chevy Camaro 1LT Review

Filed Under: Chevy • GM