CTC Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro RS

[G0dspd]

The Camaro SS uses the Tremec 6060 six-speed gearbox – the same transmission fitted to the Dodge Viper, Mustang GT500, Corvette Z06 and other performance cars – so this is likely a manufacturing issue with a batch of gearboxes.

GM was unlucky and got a bad batch from Tremec.  What if the GT500 received these units? 

[The Mighty Duck]

I don't know who writes the article descriptions, but:

...and while it's more show than go, with its V6 engine...

Since when is 300HP more show than go?

[Jaeger]

The prices are only nosebleed-seating when you load up the car with options.  But really, how many Camaro owners are going to opt for the Boston Acoustics sound system and the 20" wheels?  Very few. 

And how many stripper base model Camaros will GM actually produce and make available for purchase as compared with more profit-laden optioned-up models?  Very few would be my guess.

This car IS a really good deal closer to its entry point.  North of $40k... not so much.  Which end of the spectrum proves to represent a greater volume of production remains to be seen.

Perhaps the most impressive is the fuel consumption rating of 11.4/6.9 L/100 (city/highway). I’ll believe it when I see it at the end of the week, though!

Hang on a minute now - it sounds like you aren't quite prepared to accept the "official" "expected" fuel economy figures and are actually going to the trouble to record and report your "anecdotal" findings of actual observed fuel economy.  Such heresy!  Keep up the good work.

Jaeger

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Think much of the pricey pricing discussion is centered around this being the V6 version (in addition to comparing to the aggressive pricing of competitors). I'd be thinking the same if this were the Challenger's or Mustang's relatively V6, but the Camaro's engine is advanced and powerful enough to justify being in the engine bay. No, it won't blow the doors off other sports cars with the weight it has to move, but the V6 in this car is also not a total embarrassment.

I guess I'll hold off till James writes his driving impressions, but would think if one was looking to drive more enthusiastically the engine would satisfy most. And for those who aren't, there's the V8, but at least here it's not a requirement.

[Greg B.]

I fail to see what the excitement is about regarding the pricing, when Toyo can get $50K for a Highlander and nearly $40 for a V-6 Camry. Same holds true for Honda with the Pilot and Accord. This hardly seems out of line.

[The Mighty Duck]

The prices are only nosebleed-seating when you load up the car with options.  But really, how many Camaro owners are going to opt for the Boston Acoustics sound system and the 20" wheels?  Very few. 

And how many stripper base model Camaros will GM actually produce and make available for purchase as compared with more profit-laden optioned-up models?  Very few would be my guess.

That's not unique to GM by any stretch, though. Most, if not all, car companies advertise a base model but don't expect it to sell well. Honda advertises the Fit DX at $14 995 or whatever, but the volume seller is the more expensive DX-A or LX model.

The point is, if you want a Camaro for $32k, you can have one. Yes, you might have to order one, but if you really, really don't want to pay a dime more, you don't have to.

[Honda Owner]

when Toyo can get $50K for a Highlander and nearly $40 for a V-6 Camry. Same holds true for Honda with the Pilot and Accord.

Excellent observation, Greg.

[rrocket]

Oh, oh.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/breaking-early-camaro-ss-manual-transmission-failures-reported/

Is on the SS, but still....?!

To be expected with a new model, probably rushed somewhat to production.

Opps, have we not heard this before:

"It seems that doing a hard launch or using the launch control system occasionally results in a broken output shaft, a serious failure that will most likely leave the car immobile and in need of repair"

Not just Nissan I guess.

For me, I do not like the looks of the Camero, insdie or out, it just does not do anything for me.  Of course, I did not like any of the pre 2010 ones either   

I'll wait and see if it's REALLY a problem before I pass judgement.  Just like when the whole Nissan GT-R thing affected a whole 15 cars or so.....

The problem is likely a few cars at this point...we'll see how GM reacts.....

[footlong58]

Oh, oh.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/breaking-early-camaro-ss-manual-transmission-failures-reported/

Is on the SS, but still....?!

To be expected with a new model, probably rushed somewhat to production.

Opps, have we not heard this before:

"It seems that doing a hard launch or using the launch control system occasionally results in a broken output shaft, a serious failure that will most likely leave the car immobile and in need of repair"

Not just Nissan I guess.

For me, I do not like the looks of the Camero, insdie or out, it just does not do anything for me.  Of course, I did not like any of the pre 2010 ones either   

I'll wait and see if it's REALLY a problem before I pass judgement.  Just like when the whole Nissan GT-R thing affected a whole 15 cars or so.....

The problem is likely a few cars at this point...we'll see how GM reacts.....

I'm sure it will go something like "the affected cars were made when we were the OLD GM... Now we are the NEW GM... Those dud cars are the OLD GM's problem.  We don't have time, too busy getting down to business..."

[Jaeger]

The prices are only nosebleed-seating when you load up the car with options.  But really, how many Camaro owners are going to opt for the Boston Acoustics sound system and the 20" wheels?  Very few. 

And how many stripper base model Camaros will GM actually produce and make available for purchase as compared with more profit-laden optioned-up models?  Very few would be my guess.

That's not unique to GM by any stretch, though. Most, if not all, car companies advertise a base model but don't expect it to sell well. Honda advertises the Fit DX at $14 995 or whatever, but the volume seller is the more expensive DX-A or LX model.

The point is, if you want a Camaro for $32k, you can have one. Yes, you might have to order one, but if you really, really don't want to pay a dime more, you don't have to.

I didn't suggest it was unique to GM.  Of course it isn't. My point was in response to the suggestion that loaded up Camaros will prove the exception to the rule.  Though I don't claim to have a crystal ball, I am doubtful that they will be, given the pofit motive to produce such cars.  Very often those attractively priced attention-grabbing base models prove to be just what you suggest - a special order only option in practice.  Something for which a great many people have neither time nor patience. IF that proves to be the reality here - with the result that the bulk of the Camaros on the road are going for a good deal more $$, the value perception of the model may shift somewhat.

Jaeger

[rrocket]

I didn't suggest it was unique to GM.  Of course it isn't. My point was in response to the suggestion that loaded up Camaros will prove the exception to the rule.  Though I don't claim to have a crystal ball, I am doubtful that they will be, given the pofit motive to produce such cars.  Very often those attractively priced attention-grabbing base models prove to be just what you suggest - a special order only option in practice.  Something for which a great many people have neither time nor patience. IF that proves to be the reality here - with the result that the bulk of the Camaros on the road are going for a good deal more $$, the value perception of the model may shift somewhat.

Jaeger

BMW is famous for that...Base model?  WHat's a base model?  LOL

[Erik]

A touch of reality with the pricing. Instead of comparing loaded Camaros to base model cars, actual prices for loaded competitors listed:

370Z - $49,082.95 (with Nav, sport package and spoiler - No car cover )
G37S - $54,925.00 (With Hi Tech and 4WS - No accessories)

Prices for both include freight but no taxes.

At the opposite extreme, if you chose to, you could order a brand new Camaro, with all the standard features that Mitlov listed, for $28,345, including freight.

As an interesting aside, recently an American manufacturer was trashed around these parts for making the better brakes optional on their performance sedan. Well, guess what, so does Nissan. Gotta add 10% to the cost of your sports car if you want the good brakes.

Not THAT bad looking!

[rrocket]

But the "base" 370Z ($40k) comes with Leather...so I'd hardly call it a stripper and think it's a fair comparison....And in base guise it's already more sporty than the Camaro could hope to be...Which is why I wouldn't get one with the Sport package personally.....


So I'd say, at minimum, you 'd need the Camaro+leather+RS package to compete with the 370Z.  What does the Camaro cost with those options??  $35K or so IIRC??

[Erik]

But the "base" 370Z ($40k) comes with Leather...so I'd hardly call it a stripper and think it's a fair comparison....And in base guise it's already more sporty than the Camaro could hope to be...Which is why I wouldn't get one with the Sport package personally.....


So I'd say, at minimum, you 'd need the Camaro+leather+RS package to compete with the 370Z.  What does the Camaro cost with those options??  $35K or so IIRC??

As always, your wish is my command.

2LT with RS = $34,720 including freight.

To be honest tho, I really doubt that the kind of person who is wanting a Camaro would want a 370Z. The 370Z is a more serious, single minded sports car (no, this is NOT a bad thing). The 370Z gives you more in terms of performance, and handling, I would bet, but you give up a back seat and a trunk. (Well, Nissan SAYS it has a trunk, but you cannot fit a set of golf clubs in it.)

The Nissan, with freight, and no sport package, is $41,498.

The fabulous, glorious, G37, which would be the more direct competitor, would be $49,525.

[rrocket]

I think the Genesis Coupe is the most direct competitor...in price and performance....A couple car mags think the same thing too...


And yea, I agree with the 370Z.  Performance is amazing...it even does the 0-60 sprint faster than the V8 SS Camaro....

[Erik]

I think the Genesis Coupe is the most direct competitor...in price and performance....A couple car mags think the same thing too...


And yea, I agree with the 370Z.  Performance is amazing...it even does the 0-60 sprint faster than the V8 SS Camaro....

The Hyundai, with a rear spoiler and floor mats is $37, 097.70

The 370Z is indeed pretty damn amazing. Probably the most single minded sports coupe from Japan since the 90's RX7 Turbos. I'm impressed that Nissan chose to go that route. Can't be an easy sell.

[rrocket]

^^Not only that....they made the redesign smaller, and lighter and more powerful.  That seems to rarely happen...

[Jaeger]

^^Not only that....they made the redesign smaller, and lighter and more powerful.  That seems to rarely happen...

Aint that the freakin' truth.  Nissan seems to be one of the VERY few manufactureres bucking the bigger / heavier trend.  Current Altima, Maxima and Z - all smaller than the cars they replaced.

Jaeger

[Jaeger]

Reading comments on the Camaro over the past few months it seemed like everyone was crucifying GM for the Camaro’s interior. I tried to keep clear, not really even looking at photos of the interior of the Camaro, so I entered this car with an open mind. I honestly hoped I would like it and tell everyone they were crazy and being too picky. But sadly, I cannot — the interior really does not look right from any angle.

Forget that it is made solely of hard plastics with no leather or soft trimming; the design is plain wrong. From the bubbly dash and the steering wheel that is weirdly-angled and does not feel comfortable at all right, down to the seat belt buckle that is on a horrible angle and creates a void between my hips and the buckle, which is not comfortable at all.

I'm not saying "I told you so!", but... well... um.....

Jaeger

[rrocket]

One review I saw called it the "Pontiac Aztec of automotive interiors".....that's a pretty good way to describe it.  Another way might be..."WTF were they thinking??"