Remarkably, wonderfully, all Camaros get limited-slip differentials in their ring-and-pinion bits.
With the arrival of the new retro-modern Camaro, the Class Reunion of 1969 Pony Cars is complete. Last year Dodge brought out its Challenger and Ford re-birthed the Mustang, with vastly improved interior and recalibrated suspension. Of these three cars, the Mustang is by far the best driving and handling car, even if it isn't the fastest (a review of the Shelby GT500 is coming soon). I'd also note that the Mustang is the only properly sized pony car of the three; the Challenger and the Camaro are retro-themed re-skins of big, gallingly heavy sedans.
Yet, in terms of styling, of capturing the ineffable cues of the classic -- in this case the 1969 Camaro SS -- Chevrolet and lead designer Sang Yup Lee absolutely knocked it out of the park. Mean and coldly futuristic, with a cannibal's smile and superhero's visor for a windshield, the Camaro SS is pitch-perfect for the class and segment.
Strange visitor from the Planet Petroleum, the Camaro will doubtless strike many as exactly the wrong kind of car that GM needs to be building. Well, it wasn't when it was green-lighted back in 2006. Nonetheless, the car has a profoundly anachronistic feel to it. The Camaro certainly can't deflect the avalanche of bad news for the parent company back in Detroit. The Camaro reminds me of the joke: What are a redneck's last words?
"Hey, y'all, watch this!"
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dan.neil@latimes.com
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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)
2010 Camaro SS
Base price: $30,995
Price as tested: $34,000 (est.)
Powertrain: Naturally aspirated overhead-valve 6.2-liter V8; six-speed manual transmission; rear wheel drive (limited-slip differential standard).
Horsepower: 426 at 4,600 rpm
Torque: 420 pound-feet at 4,600 rpm
Curb weight: 3,849 pounds
Wheelbase: 112.3 inches
Overall length: 190.4 inches
0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
EPA fuel economy: 16 miles per gallon city, 24 highway
Final thoughts: Like Hooters, delightfully tacky
Source: GM
