ATTENTION-GETTER
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Fri, Oct 23, 2009
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
A late night dinner on the Sunset Strip at the Saddle Ranch Chop House is quite
the experience. Those who aren't familiar with the restaurant and bar are
missing out on a slice of life. At the front of the western-themed eatery is a
corral with a mechanical bull at its center. After watching countless riders of
both sexes getting tossed from the artificial animal, I had a moment of clarity.
This mechanical bull riding might be childish, crazy, silly, and even stupid,
but it's about as much fun as one can have without the need to wear protection
(you know, a cowboy hat).
Leaving the Chop House in the new 2010 Camaro SS, I had the very same feelings.
Maybe this isn't the most user-friendly vehicle, or utilitarian product on the
market, or most fuel-efficient. But just try to find a car that can deliver this
much fun. However, we do suggest the protection of a seatbelt or two.
One can argue that among the neo-muscle cars, the Camaro comes off as the most
titillating to the eye. Mustang and Challenger are nice enough executions of the
original theme, given the new regulations that cars need to conform to. However,
the Chevy just looks more animated, aggressive, and dynamic. Also, while being
late to the game, the Camaro comes off like a new, fresh product whereas the
Ford and Chrysler counterpart are beginning to look all too common. The
exaggerated theme from the 'sixties Camaro is strong and this feels very close
to the concept models.
While watching the Transformers movie the first time, even the naysayers
admitted the Camaro (as Bumblebee) looks incredibly cool. But they were quick to
retort there's no way Chevy can ever make anything like that. Surprise!
It isn't all cherry pie with Chevy's long awaited entry. The exterior styling
dictates some compromises on the interior, namely annoying blind spots, minimal
rear seating and headroom, and a confining cabin feel, due to the chopped
roofline. Additionally, the height of the side glass is as short as can be,
producing a very low-slung design, and all the outward viability of a mailbox
slot.
As a matter of fact, there are a few deficiencies that can mess with a driver's
good time. The most obviously problematic is the huge blind spots both forward
and rearward due to the pillars. I could argue how could anyone not see this car
coming, so who cares about blind spots. Nevertheless, how cool can one be if
backing out of a parking spot results in jeers from onlookers.
The material quality is more on par with the Ford Mustang from five years ago,
which has since been addressed in Mustang version 2.0 for 2010. The low brow,
depressing plastic will be around long after the hip factor looses its luster.
Other measures that look out of place are exposed wiring from the rear speakers
that could be potentially snagged by loading items into the trunk, and the
single pneumatic hood strut, instead of the standard pair. I'm sure the
engineers know what they're doing, but a single lift seems both unnatural and
too easy to tweak.
The thirty five thousand dollar price tag for a SS (with the RS package) might
seem a tad high. But rest assured, one twist of the ignition key and all
concerns of pricing, or material quality become secondary thoughts very fast.
Sure, 35K can buy you a lot of car elsewhere, but how many can make you a
bona-fide rock star? So what if I only know three cords!
The motor is what muscle cars are all about and GM knows it. So, the people that
brought you Mr. Goodwrench saw fit to stuff a 6.2-liter, 426 horsepower monster
under the hood. And just to make sure the driver gets the most from this Chevy
installed one of the best shifting six-speed manuals anyone could ask for. Aside
from the unusual reverse placement (far right and forward) this snaps into gear
every time without any fuss. This is a blast to drive if for no other reason
than to play with the manual.
During idle the car is remarkably quiet, almost too much so. However, open it up
a little and the shyness routine fades quickly. This speaks up like it has a
pair. The tough part is not letting it influence a nice safe drive. This already
garners plenty of attention from most everyone out on this summer night.
Fortunately, the police didn't have an interest in anything more than the
doughnuts that accompany a hot cup of coffee.
Working our way up some of the steepest hills that Hollywood has to offer street
vehicles proved to be no challenge at all. The only difficult part is keeping to
the speed limits. In fact, it's hard to maintain any speed limit anywhere. In a
blink the car can hit highway speeds. And while the SS is well equipped, I still
needed to bring along my own Escort radar detector just have peace of mind and a
license, at least until the time we have to return this ride.
SEMA will love this car. During normal driving around town this is competent,
but for the hardcore enthusiast the SS doesn't off the slot car handling we
thought it would. Then again, this isn't a lightweight car, and it feels like
the center of gravity of this is higher than one would want. The aftermarket
will no doubt offer suitable parts that will create zero roll for those
enthusiasts.
The traction control is switchable by the driver. Translation: the pilot can
have a lot more excitement or trouble depending on the driver's skill and
discretion. I suppose it should be noted too that in the performance mode with
limited black box oversight the tires are apt to being smoked to dust much more
frequently. Thus, owners with a heavy foot need to have a fat wallet, and had
better start knowing the local tire dealer by his first name.
The Camaro SS does come with complete with the right stuff. Right out of the box
this comes with a one year subscription to OnStar (with turn-by-turn navigation,
and automatic crash response), XM satellite radio, four-wheel performance disc
brakes from Brembo with ABS, limited slip differential, performance suspension,
20 inch tires and wheels, a tire pressure monitoring system, and the lost goes
on and on.
The interior is treated to a nine-speaker Boston Audio system that's loud, but
could stand a little finishing school. Nice heated, leather sport bucket seats
(six-way power on driver's side) are part of the package, as well as leather
wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob. The knob on the shifter is a little
unconventional in a good way. It is essentially a sphere with flat facets on the
sides facing the driver and passenger. The telescoping and tilting steering
wheel are also welcomed too.
A few items that could be better executed are the Driver Information Center that
resides (hides) in the small, recessed area that lies between the tach and
speedo. No female can resist taking a jab at the sad excuse of a visor mirror.
Along those lines, the visors also feel as cheap as the plastic looks.
Offsetting some lackluster interior pieces, the RS package brings to the table
added bling with aluminum wheels with midnight silver paint, and the
eye-catching headlamps with high intensity discharge and the sensational Halo
Ring. And the unique RS tail lamps are also good for some added eyeball appeal.
What the Camaro SS comes down to is a semi-compromised car. It isn't a Vette or
any one of a number of other products with sports car handling that cost
significantly more dough. This does take into account the need for a few extra
seats, and offers most of the comfort and convenience bells and whistles today's
drivers want. It isn't a car that benefits from upscale material. In exchange
the Camaro offers lickity-split power that defines the genre, and a look that's
the definition of brute force.
I can't avoid the notion that this car is really about image as much as anything
else. As I look at the few other Camaros on the street and freeways around town
I stop for a moment and look, just like everyone else does. And call me crazy,
but as those other Camaros pass by I still can't help myself from thinking, man,
that guy's having fun. And isn't that what it's all about?
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
Not without its flaws, but still one of the best attention-getters around. No bull!
More on Facebook at: Shamelessly gratuitous photos of the Camaro by John Grafman
For more information about Chevrolet products, go to: gm.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Name of vehicle: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Price: Base $ 33,430, as tested $ 35,100 (without destination charge)
Engine type:
6.2-litre W12, OHC, 2 valves/cylinder, V8, sequential fuel injection, cast
aluminum block w/ cast-in-place iron bore liners, aluminum heads
EPA mileage estimates City/ Highway: 16/24
Horsepower: 426 @ 5900 (LS3)
400 @ 5900 (L99)
Torque: 420 / 569 @ 4600 (LS3)*,
410 / 556 @ 4300 (L99)*
Drive configuration: Front engine / rear-wheel drive
Transmission type:
Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual (SS)
Suspension:
Front: Double-ball-joint, multi-link strut; direct-acting stabilizer bar;
progressive-rate coil springs; fully adjustable camber, caster and toe
Rear: 4.5-link independent; progressive-rate coil springs over shocks;
stabilizer bar; fully adjustable camber and toe
Wheels and tires:
Front: 20" x 8" aluminum, 245/45ZR20 summer
Rear: 20" x 9" aluminum, 275/40ZR20 summer
Brakes:
Front: Vented discs 14" diameter, 1.26" thickness
Rear: Vented discs 14.4" diameter 1.1" thickness
four-wheel disc w/ ABS; ventilated front and rear rotors, four-piston fixed
Brembo aluminum front and rear calipers (SS)
Overall length: 190.4"
Overall width: 75.5"
Overall height: 54.2"
Curb weight (lbs): 3,849