Chevrolet, First Drives

First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro LT V6

June 1, 2009

With its broad hood and fairly low seating position, the Camaro feels like a big car and reminded us more of the large Chevrolets of the 70s than of the diminutive (for its time) Camaro as we cruised along the highways and secondary roads north of Toronto. The car sailed over uneven surfaces, smoothing out the road, isolating us from the sound of tire on pavement, eliminating the wind that rushed by outside, leaving the cabin a quiet place for conversation or to listen to your favourite satellite radio station on the Camaro’s optional 245-watt Boston Acoustics audio system.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro LT RS . Click image to enlarge

With speedometer, tachometer and console-mounted voltmeter, oil pressure, oil temperature and transmission fluid temperature gauges reminiscent of early models, the Camaro’s instrumentation is unique. I particularly liked the large heating and ventilation dials and audio system controls that were easy to reach and use. The acentric steering wheel is a bit unusual, but attractive. A driver information display is standard and navigated from the left steering column stalk. The leather seats in our well-optioned tester were comfortable and supportive, and six-way power adjustable. Being a coupe, the recline is manually adjustable.

In GM-speak, our test car was a “2LT”, meaning it was pretty much as loaded as a V6 model can be. Base LS models, starting at $26,995 are not under optioned by any means, with stabiliTrak electronic stability control, six air bags, traction control, dual exhaust, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and locks, cruise control and tilt and telescoping steering wheel, all being standard equipment.

The “1LT” adds 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, fog lights and six-way power driver’s seat for $27,995 with manual transmission. Move up to the 2LT and the wheels and tires grow by an inch, exterior mirrors are heated and the driver’s mirror auto dims. Steering wheel, controls for the upgraded audio system and shifter are leather wrapped. Leather also adorns the heated seats. A console mounted gauge package is also added. The price: $31,595 with manual.

Our 2LT was also equipped with an RS (Rally Sport) package, which included 20-inch aluminum wheels, P245/45R20 front and P275/40R20 rear performance summer tires, HID headlights, rear spoiler, unique tail lights and RS badging for $1,705. Automatic transmission is an additional $1,435. With a destination charge of $1,400, and an AC excise tax of $100, the as-tested price of our 2010 Camaro LT came to $36,235.

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is on sale now at dealerships across Canada.

Pages: 1 2 3