2010 Chevy Camaro from Courtesy Chevy in San Diego, California

What We Know About the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
As it was then, so it is now. The Camaro born more than 40
years ago as Chevrolet's reply to the pioneering Ford Mustang
is coming out of retirement (since 2002) for a new fight with the namesake ponycar. It's set to bow for 2010 in two coupe models--V6 and V8. The V6 cars will be offered in LS or LT trim, and the V8 is dubbed SS. The LT and SS models will be available with a RS appearance package that includes HID headlamps with integrated halo rings, a rear spoiler, specific taillamps, and 20-inch wheels. Convertible versions join up about nine months later. Chevrolet recently confirmed these plans after splashy concept previews at the 2006 and '07 Detroit Auto Shows. Recalling the days when the Big Three were the big players, Dodge revived its Nixon-era Challenger (1970-74) for 2008.

General Motors decided to bring back Camaro when the redesigned 2005 Mustang fast proved a hot seller. But Mustang sales have lately cooled, despite the addition of potent pump-primers like the Shelby GT500. Blame record gas prices and renewed public concern over what thirsty vehicles do to the environment. Ford Motor Company's many well-publicized travails are another factor. All this leads some industry-watchers to think the new Camaro could end up chasing a vanishing market, especially as GM still has troubles of its own. Nevertheless, the project is a go. And though GM has reportedly hit the pause button on several other new rear-wheel-drive cars, it's unlikely to delay this one after two years of making so much noise about it.

Convertible or coupe, the reborn Camaros will be much like the concepts, only less exaggerated. Factory installed wheels, for instance, will be no larger than 20 inches max, versus the show cars' 21s and 22s. Trim and paint will be toned down a bit, but Chevy has said they are offering 10 body colors. Otherwise, styling will be the concept's blend of today's Chevy Corvette and cues from the 1969 Camaro, resulting in a more-modern look than either the current Mustang or Dodge Challenger. The new Camaros should also hew closely to concept dimensions. That means about 7.5 inches more wheelbase than the 2002 models, a similar amount trimmed from overall length, and about 5.5 inches more width. These changes should produce a roomier four-seat cockpit, though space in back (and in the trunks) will remain tight.

Courtesy Chevrolet | Save Gas | Body Shop San Diego | Car Trader San Diego | San Diego Used Cars | California Corvette King 2010 Chevy Camaro | 2008 Chevy Silverado | San Diego Smog Check | San Diego Oil Change | Brake Repair San Diego
GM Total Confidence | Chevy Military Discount | 2008 Chevy Malibu | 2009 Chevy Traverse | Courtesy Tent Sale | Chevy Dealers
Chevy Malibu 2009 | Chevy Silverado 2009 | GM Military Discount | 2009 Chevy Tahoe | 2010 Chevy Tahoe | 2010 Chevy Malibu