The V8 Camaros get all the attention and respect, but the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT V6 is a more interesting car than most of us realize, writes Mike Magrath, IL's vehicle testing assistant.
Equipped with a 304-hp version of GM's "High Feature" 3.6-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission, it's quick enough that you can call it a sport coupe and mean it. What's more, its composure on the highway is impressive enough that you start imagining what Cadillac's CTS coupe might feel like.
Perhaps, then, the V6 Camaro is the car that might talk you out of a Hyundai Genesis Coupe?
notabigdeal says:
09:15 AM, 09/23/09
Over the Genesis? seriously? its slower, worse at handling, uglier (both inside and out), you can't see out of it, and the Genesis has the better warrenty, incentives, and so on. According to your tests the only advantage this has is oh the 60-0 stopping distance.
seacaptainmike says:
09:17 AM, 09/23/09
Looks are subjective ^. I think it will sell well - the body work turns heads (like it or not) and for once even the V-6 has plenty of power for day to day driving, and even for having some fun. It blows the mustangs 210HP mill right out of the water.
notabigdeal says:
09:19 AM, 09/23/09
Actually, if you belive in buying a car made from your tax cash is supporting a dying American company and thus somehow that will save the economy sure take it over the genesis.
firstwagon says:
09:44 AM, 09/23/09
People who buy base muscle cars do it for the look and image. No matter how good the Genesis is, the average Camaro buyer is not going to cross shop it with the Camaro.
It just doesn't have the look, the presence and the name.
chavis10 says:
09:48 AM, 09/23/09
That 0-60 time is a joke. Other magazine have this well under 6 seconds. Heck, even IL's long term CTS was clocked with the same engine and more weight.
altimadude00 says:
10:26 AM, 09/23/09
Hey look! ITS BUMBLEBEE!!!
1487 says:
11:01 AM, 09/23/09
In terms of sales its a no contest. Camaro is easily outselling Genesis (including sedan) so I think the public is clear on which coupe it prefers.
The article states the car has a 3.5L engine in several places. Its a 3.6L engine- should be common knowledge.
According to IL the Aura/Malibu are faster with 252hp. I don't buy that for a second.
"Actually, if you belive in buying a car made from your tax cash is supporting a dying American company and thus somehow that will save the economy sure take it over the genesis. "
You mean money borrowed from China, not "tax cash". You better avoid a lot of government functions because half of what the government is spending is borrowed and not covered by "your" tax dollars.
fuhteng says:
11:46 AM, 09/23/09
Had I been in the market for a coupe and I could have waited a few months, the V6 with the MT would have been close to the top of my list (unless the famous steering wheel steered me away). With that kind of power, I could certainly see the advantage of the V6 versus the V8 in cost, cost of insurance, and gas etc. I've also read that it handles better.
bodyblue says:
01:04 PM, 09/23/09
A great article....the 0-60 time seems a bit slow but the comments about the style of the car are right on the money to anyone with an open mind. The interior is crazy ugly and bizarre (the dashboard and steering wheel)......the seats look nice. Just try getting in one....my head still has the crease on it from the roof. Lets hope the quality holds up...GM seems to be getting better but still is far behind Ford but still ahead of Chrysler.
lvranger says:
02:29 PM, 09/23/09
"It blows the mustangs 210HP mill right out of the water."
Maybe on paper but C&D clocked a automatic v6 mustang at 15.3 in the quarter. The camaro will still show taillights to the mustang but it doesn't seem to be using all of its 94 HP advantage.
"According to IL the Aura/Malibu are faster with 252hp. I don't buy that for a second."
Last malibu Edmunds tested did 15.1 in the quarter to the camaros 14.8. With less weight and the camaro losing 5-10% to rear drive i'd say they are about right. Malibu is making about 220 hp at the wheels and the camaro is making about 250. The malibu was .1 faster to 60 but that could easily be testing variation or more likely gearing.
I really hope there are enough people who don't care about v8 power to make this new camaro a volume seller and not a one hit wonder.
estreka says:
03:33 PM, 09/23/09
The weight is simply a buzzkill for this car. Even with 300+ hp it's a porker.
hondacura4 says:
03:53 PM, 09/23/09
Nice exhaust note.
inlinesix says:
09:19 PM, 09/23/09
IMO the new camaro isn't that appealing. It doesn't do it in the looks department. Its not ugly but I wouldn't want to get into one everyday, or once a week.
iskch says:
09:03 AM, 09/24/09
The Camaro has a nice V-6 and makes nice noises too. The shape of the car screams "attention overhere".
alukashe says:
10:27 AM, 09/24/09
I think the v6 camaro is a very nice everyday cruiser. The fact that is being compared to more sporty coupes just shows how good it is. Wish the manual was tested instead, they are usually good for low 14's
1487 says:
10:59 AM, 09/24/09
"The weight is simply a buzzkill for this car. Even with 300+ hp it's a porker."
Genesis with auto weighs 3800lbs according to C&D. VEry close to weight of this car.
hondacura4 says:
03:38 PM, 09/24/09
"That 0-60 time is a joke."
Chavis, I find that Edmunds.com performance numbers are usually a bit more on the conservative side compared to other publications.
Numbers aside, even in base trim the Camaro offers a solid drivetrain.
estreka says:
06:59 PM, 09/24/09
1487 - I'm not sure what you're referencing, but the coupe with an auto is officially 3,397.
You might be thinking of the Genesis sedan with is 3,749. I'm not sure that helps your case any given the V6 Camaro is 8 lbs lighter.
1487 says:
06:18 AM, 09/25/09
no C&D tested a V6 auto coupe and has the curb weight listed at 3800lbs, they said it was 350lbs more than the manual car they tested.