Chevrolet Camaro SSThe wait is over. After a seven-year hiatus, the new Chevrolet Camaro is now back in dealer showrooms.
Combining great looks, performance and advanced technology, the 2010 Camaro honors its heritage while delivering on customer expectations of a sports coupe for the 21st century.
"The new Camaro delivers a modern, advanced package of performance, comfort and technology," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager and General Motors vice president. "It's a personal car for a generation of enthusiasts, both young and old, that honors the Chevrolet Camaro's heritage with a thoroughly contemporary design.
Built on the new global rear-wheel-drive passenger car platform, Chevrolet Camaro embodies GM's global vehicle development and design process. The original design concept was conceived in the United States , with engineering shared by both Australia and U.S. teams. Validation was conducted on roads throughout the world and assembly is handled by GM's award-winning plant in Oshawa , Ontario , Canada .
Design features
With a design that is very close to the original concept, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro acknowledges its heritage from the first-generation Camaro, produced from 1967 through 1969. The two-door sports coupe features classic proportions over a 112.3-inch (2,852 mm) wheelbase. The overall length of the Chevrolet Camaro is 190.4 inches (4,836 mm); width and height are 75.5 inches (1,918 mm) and 54.2 inches (1,376 mm), respectively.
The long hood and short deck are pushed to the far corners of the muscular fender forms and a fast, 67-degree rake windshield contributes to aerodynamic performance that includes a 0.37 coefficient of drag (Cd) on V-6 models and a slightly sleeker 0.35 Cd on the V-8-powered SS model.
Wheel arch openings received special attention through the design process. Whether the Chevrolet Camaro is equipped with the standard 18-inch, or optional 19-inch or 20-inch wheels, the relationship of the top of the tire and bottom of the fender is consistent on all models. All models also feature the classic "V" design motif in the nose, along with a 2.5-inch (63.5 mm) power dome in the aluminum hood, reminiscent of high-performance Chevrolet Camaro models. On SS models, a simulated air intake is located in the upper front fascia and the lower air intake is larger.
On the top, designers took a cue from Corvette and sculpted twin cockpits across the roof, giving the vehicle a distinctive Chevrolet presence. From the outside, the B-pillar is invisible to the eye, lending the true appearance of a hardtop coupe. The B-pillar is designed to provide increased structural rigidity to the car. And to ensure quality in the manufacturing process, a one-piece body stamping provides a cleaner overall side appearance that is free of seams, gaps or plastic appliqués. "Gills" located in the front of the rear quarter panel also are familiar Chevrolet Camaro styling cues.
Ten exterior colors are available and include Black, Victory Red, Rally Yellow and Silver Ice Metallic. Red Jewel Tintcoat is also available as an option. The color palette also includes Cyber Gray Metallic, Aqua Blue Metallic, Inferno Orange Metallic, White and Imperial Blue Metallic.
An RS appearance package is available on LT and SS. It includes HID headlamps with integrated halo rings, a rear spoiler on LT, specific taillamps and 20-inch wheels with a Midnight Silver finish.
Interior details
Inside the four-passenger cabin, a well-executed balance of heritage, modern design and attention to detail conveys simplicity and refinement with contemporary details in the cluster, switches, dials and lighting. An available ambient light package, for example, offers advanced LED light pipe technology, giving the cabin a distinctive glow.
Deep, recessed gauges, located in square housings outlined in chrome, give a nod to the classic Camaro interior. The instrument panel gauges include both speedometer and engine rpm, with a driver information center located between the large gauges - its readouts and features controlled via a stalk on the steering column. An optional, console-mounted gauge package includes oil pressure, oil temperature, volts and transmission fluid temperature. The gauge package is included on 2LT and 2SS models.
Cloth upholstery is standard and leather-appointed seats are included on 2LT and 2SS models. Four-way manual adjustment including fore/aft and up/down on the driver seat and two-way adjustment on the passenger seat is standard. Heated, leather-trimmed seats with driver six-way power adjustment are optional.
Both LT and SS standard cloth and available leather interior colors are black, gray and beige. The front seat travel is a generous 8.5 inches (216 mm) from front to back. On SS models, the seats feature a distinctive SS logo on the headrest with contrasting stitching. An Inferno Orange interior trim package also will be available with leather interiors.
All models include a three-spoke steering wheel with manual tilt/telescope adjustment. Cruise control and rear defog also are standard, while a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; redundant steering wheel controls; Bluetooth and USB port are part of the available Driver Convenience and Connectivity package. Also included in the package is remote start on automatic transmission-equipped vehicles, as well as a personal device interface module for iPods.
Soon after production begins, customers will be able to order a short-throw Hurst shifter that provides quick, concise shifting.
Chevrolet Camaro's entertainment systems include a single-CD radio with six speakers that is standard on LS, LT and SS models. A premium, 245-watt Boston Acoustics nine-speaker audio system can be ordered on 1LT and SS models. XM Satellite Radio is standard on all models.
All models also include power door locks and express up and down driver and passenger window. Cargo capacity can be increased with the standard fold-down rear seat. The capacity of the trunk is 11.3 cubic feet (320 liters).
Safety
The Chevrolet 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 steels are used in key areas throughout the structure. Safety technologies also 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 pretensioners
* A front passenger detection system that senses children and small-stature adults, and suppresses air bag deployment when appropriate.
In both doors, an interlock pin is utilized to prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment and adds stiffness to the door structure by engaging with a clevis bracket set into the rocker panel.
Powertrains
When it comes to performance, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro delivers in unexpected ways. An advanced 3.6L direct-injected V-6 with variable valve timing is standard on LS and LT models. It offers power and efficiency, with 304 horsepower (227 kW) and EPA-rated 29 mpg in highway driving.
The performance-oriented Chevrolet Camaro SS offers a pair of 6.2L V-8s, including one with Active Fuel Management that helps improve fuel economy by shutting down four cylinders during certain light-load driving conditions. That model delivers 25 mpg in EPA-rated highway fuel economy.
Indeed, the surprising fuel economy of the new Chevrolet Camaro enhances the driving experience. LS and LT models are EPA-rated at 18 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway with an automatic transmission; and 17 city and 29 highway with the manual transmission. Chevrolet Camaro SS with an automatic is rated at 16 city and 25 highway; and 16 city/24 highway with the manual transmission. Notably, none of Chevrolet Camaro's models is subject to federal gas guzzler taxes.
For comparison, the more expensive 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers comparable horsepower to the Chevrolet Camaro SS with the manual transmission - 425 (317 kW) vs. 426 (318 kW) - and is EPA-rated at 14 city and 22 highway. When automatic-equipped models are compared, the Chevrolet Camaro wins again, with the Challenger SRT8 rated at 13 city and 19 highway.
All of Chevrolet Camaro's engines channel their power to a responsive chassis that features independent front and rear suspensions, large, four-wheel-disc brake systems with standard ABS and GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system.
3.6L direct injection V-6
Chevrolet Camaro's 3.6L direct injection (DI) V-6 delivers more power through increased efficiency, while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions - including a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. Direct injection optimizes fuel delivery to the combustion chamber by introducing fuel closer to the combustion chamber. The fuel injectors are located beneath the intake ports and fuel is injected directly into the cylinder. The result is better efficiency in the combustion process leading to increased fuel efficiency at part and full throttle.
The 3.6L DI engine produces 304 horsepower (227 kW) at 5,900 rpm and 273 lb.-ft. of torque (370 Nm) at 5,200 rpm. Its 60-degree cylinder block and cylinder heads are cast aluminum to help reduce mass. A forged steel crankshaft provides optimal strength in the bottom end. The cylinder heads include four valves per cylinder, with a dual overhead camshaft design incorporating infinitely variable cam phasing.
A full dual exhaust system, with dual catalytic converters, helps reduce back pressure for optimum power. It also helps the engine reach operating temperature quicker to help burn off cold-start emissions. And despite a compression ratio of 11.3:1, the 3.6L DI engine is designed to run on regular gas.
Chevrolet Camaro SS's 6.2L powertrains
Two 6.2L V-8 engines are offered in the Chevrolet Camaro SS, including the new L99 on automatic-equipped vehicles and the LS3 on manual-equipped models. Both engines are derived from the LS3 that debuted on the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette.
The 90-degree V-8 includes an aluminum block (with cast iron cylinder liners) and aluminum cylinder heads. The bottom end of the engine includes a new structural cast aluminum oil pan, with an oil capacity of 8.9 quarts (8.5 liters), while the two-valve cylinder head design is based on race-proven airflow dynamics. The intake valves measure 2.16 inches (55 mm) and exhaust valves are 1.60 inches (40.5 mm) in diameter.
The 6.2L engines also use a roller lifter-style camshaft with 5-percent greater intake-side valve lift than the Corvette's LS3. It manages airflow that is channeled through an acoustically tuned intake manifold with a composite design that reduces runner-to-runner variation. The throttle bore diameter is 90 mm.
Horsepower for the L99 is 400 (298 kW) at 5,900 rpm and torque is 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm) at 4,300 rpm. The LS3 develops 426 horsepower (318 kW) at 5,900 rpm and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm) at 4,600 rpm (all numbers are SAE certified). Output on the L99 is lower than the LS3 because of a slighter lower compression ratio (10.4:1 vs. 10.7:1) and design features of the Active Fuel Management System. The L99 is paired exclusively with an automatic transmission.
As with the 3.6L models, the SS models employ a full dual exhaust system, with two catalytic converters to reduce back pressure.
Transmissions
All Chevrolet Camaro models can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The availability of a six-speed automatic transmission is a first for Chevrolet Camaro.
Standard with the 3.6L engine is the Aisin AY6 six-speed manual. It features lower shift effort and shorter throws for easier shifting and "fun-to-drive" characteristics. A hydraulic clutch and self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for adjustments throughout the lifespan of the transmission.
The Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic is optional with 3.6L-equipped models. It has an aggressive 4.07:1 first gear ratio that delivers strong launches, but also provides tall overdrive ratios that decrease engine rpm and provide better fuel efficiency. The 6L50 also includes driver shift control, with the driver taking control via paddle shifts located on the steering wheel after selecting the "M" mode on the console-mounted shifter.
Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS) is included with the 6L50. It lets the electronic transmission controller override the automatic gear selection during high lateral acceleration maneuvers.
On SS models, the new Tremec TR 6060 six-speed manual is paired with the LS3. It is designed to handle the high torque characteristics of the engine, while providing shorter throws, smoother gear synchronization and greater overall shift feel with little or no vibration. Its specs include a solid 290 mm flywheel and single-plate clutch. The final drive ratio for LS3 vehicles is 3.45:1.
The highest-capacity automatic ever in a GM passenger car, the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic, is matched with the L99 engine. Like the 6L50 transmission, it features driver shift control and PAS. The final drive ratio on all automatic-equipped Chevrolet Camaro models is 3.27:1.
Ride & Handling
Fully independent front and rear suspensions are the underpinnings of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. The standard independent rear suspension is a first for Chevrolet Camaro and is designed to compete with the best in the world. It's a 4.5-link system that includes a unique, L-shaped upper control arm that attaches to the knuckle at one end and incorporates a ride bushing in the rear.
Based on GM's global rear-drive passenger car architecture, the Chevrolet Camaro sits on a 112.3-inch (2,852 mm) wheelbase, with an overall length of 190.4 inches (4,836 mm). The front track is a wide 63.7 inches (1,618 mm) for all models, while the rear track on LS and LT models is 64.1 inches (1,628 mm) and 63.7 inches (1,618 mm) on SS models.
Two suspension packages are offered: FE2 sport on V-6 models and FE3 performance with the V-8. The front suspension has a dual ball strut system, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar that measures 22.2 x 4 mm on FE2 and 23 x 4.2 mm on FE3. Hollow bars are used for mass savings. The front spring rates for FE2 models are 25 Nm, with wheel travel at 96 mm. FE3 models include a stiffer, 27 Nm spring rate, with wheel travel reduced at 84 mm.
Rear suspension features include high lateral stiffness for handling via three lateral ball joints per side. A sub-frame at the rear is double-isolated to minimize vehicle body motions and dampen road imperfections. The FE2 with a manual transmission includes a spring rate of 53 Nm, with wheel travel at 115 mm, and employs a limited-slip differential. The FE3 rear axle uses a limited slip differential on both manual- and automatic-equipped models; and the rear spring rate is increased to 66 Nm and wheel travel is reduced to 100 mm. Coil-over shock absorbers are used in the rear with a decoupled, hollow stabilizer bar. FE2 includes a 21.7 x 3 mm rear bar, while the FE3's large bar measures 23 x 3 mm.
The axle halfshafts on all V-8 models and manual transmission-equipped V-6 models are 30 mm in diameter on the left side and 40 mm on the right side. This design feature helps reduce the oscillation of torque from side to side and reduces axle hop.
Brakes
Front brakes for LS and LT models include single-piston calipers with 321 mm x 30 mm rotors. For long life, performance and consistent feel, organic, non-asbestos compounds are used with FE2 brakes. At the rear are vented rear discs measuring 315 mm x 30 mm, with a single-piston aluminum caliper.
The SS front brake package includes Brembo 355 mm x 32 mm vented rotors with four-piston aluminum calipers. Semi-metallic brake linings are used at all four corners on FE3 models for superior fade resistance and pedal feel. The rear brakes are vented Brembos measuring 365 mm x 28 mm, with aluminum four-piston calipers.
Steering
The 2010 Camaro's precise rack-and-pinion steering gives great driver feedback and cornering confidence. The design includes the rack mounted forward of the front axle centerline that enhances handling and provides a stiffer system, while maintaining a degree of lateral force that helps vehicle stability during turn-in. It also benefits noise and vibration characteristics. The steering ratio is 16.1:1 on all models, with 2.5 turns lock-to-lock. The turning circle diameter for all wheel-and-tire combinations is 37.7 feet (11.5 meters).
Chassis control systems
All Chevrolet Camaro models include a four-channel StabiliTrak electronic stability control system that incorporates anti-lock braking, traction control and an active braking system to control wheel slip, optimize traction and enhance stability in wet, snow-covered or icy roads.
All SS models have a competitive/sport mode that optimizes the electronic stability control system for competitive driving and track conditions. It provides a less governed level of stability control for expert driving on race tracks. The stability control system engages only in severe oversteer or extreme acceleration in this mode.
New for Chevrolet Camaro SS models with a manual transmission is Performance Launch Control that is enabled in the competitive mode. It is designed to control wheel slip to an optimal level, allowing hard accelerations at launch to achieve maximum grip and vehicle acceleration.
Hydraulic brake assist also is standard on all models. The system activates during emergency braking by detecting the speed and force the driver applies to the brakes. Under certain conditions, the hydraulic brake assist may activate the ABS more quickly and easily than vehicles without the feature.
Wheels and tires
Standard on LS models are P245/55R18 all season BFGoodrich touring tires mounted on 18 x 7.5-inch steel wheels. Optional wheels include 18 x 7.5-inch and 19 x 8-inch aluminum alloy wheels. On the optional 19-inch wheel, P245/50R19 Pirelli Pzero Nero M+S may be ordered.
For SS models, 20-inch wheels are standard, with tire sizes of 245/45R20 up front and 275/40R20 at the rear. SS models are equipped with Pirelli Pzero summer-only, Z-rated tires. Twenty-one-inch wheels and tires are available as accessories through Chevrolet dealerships.
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