<![CDATA[Jalopnik: 2010 camaro]]> http://tags.jalopnik.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/jalopnik.com.png <![CDATA[Jalopnik: 2010 camaro]]> http://jalopnik.com/tag/2010camaro http://jalopnik.com/tag/2010camaro <![CDATA[NatGeo's Ultimate Factories Visits Camaro Plant]]> National Geographic's previous Ultimate Factories shows have been pretty interesting, showing off the Lamborghini and Rolls Royce factories. The latest episode shows us how the Chevy Camaro's built.

Frankly, it's pretty uninteresting.


This one feels more like a history lesson and a bit of a commercial for the Camaro. The entire first segment goes to great lengths to draw a line between the first generation car and the new one. The second shows the V6 production at the St. Catherine's engine plant, which shows off the very basics of modern engine manufacturing. Kinda... boring.

National Geographic]

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<![CDATA[GM Issues Service Bulletin To Repair Camaro Spoiler, Other Stuff]]> The General's issued a technical service bulletin for the Chevy Camaro's HVAC system, adding LOCTITE to the rear spoiler and inspecting/repairing the engine harness to make sure the heater hoses don't, you know, rub through over ten years of use.

We saw the rear spoiler issue first-hand — one of the nuts inside the spoiler popped out and made a whole messload of racket when lifting the trunk to the fully open position. Damn Canadian Auto Workers — always socializing our muscle cars with their shoddy workmanship and, ketchup-flavored potato chips. Full TSB above and below.[via Camaro5]

[via Camaro5]
[via Camaro5]
[via Camaro5]

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<![CDATA[Man Celebrates Camaro SS Delivery By Crashing, Going To Jail]]> According to the person who posted this pic, the driver of this Camaro SS wanted to celebrate his day-old car purchase by doing a burnout. Quickly followed by losing control, crashing, and getting arrested. UPDATE!

We can't verify the story, but the photo of the vehicle in what's supposed to be Riley's Bakery seems legit. Seriously, stop destroying these. (H/T to Adam)

UPDATE: It turns out the driver was drunk, blowing three times the limit into a breathalyzer. Full details at BG Daily News.

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<![CDATA["Traditional" Camaro Demographic Upset Over GM's Gay Marketing Efforts]]> The General, hoping to ring up a few extra sales, tacitly supports some gay Camaro fan-boys who make videos featuring their favorite car. The result: collapse of civilization!

The story itself, which showed up on MSN's MoneyBlog last week, is kind of a snore (and the videos that started all the hooraw have since been axed), but some of the comments are pure, stereotype-reinforcing gold. It all reminds me of the days when I wrote Camaro catalog copy for a certain musclecar parts supplier and we'd get enraged letters from customers claiming that we were spelling "Camero" (sic) incorrectly on their new emblems, horn buttons, and door panels. Let's read some of the highlights and reflect on the price that owners of all stereotype-weighted vehicles- be they Camaros, Miatas, Priuses, or Porsches- must pay for the love of their machines. Thanks to Craig for the tip!
Note: the original newspaper story that produced the great mugshots of the Muncie Samurai Sword Slashees is gone, but a reader found it copied here.

"not to mention....any and every camaro out there will be targeted to be vandalized! What a bunch of idiots! Head the warning camaro owners....if you already bought one and you don't fit in with this "profile" of buyers....I'd be afraid! I would be absolutely over the edge "mad" if I purchased this and my new car was vandalized!"

"Can I sue? I just bought a Camaro last week, now I am labeled a homo because of a stupid GM marketing campaign? This car is awesome and they just destroyed every straight guy in the world wanting one. I guess I need to list it for sale in the gay newspapers. GM - you are a bunch of idiots. You are destroying the value of the only car that was saving your company. Go F yourselves, you bastards!"

"I WAS VERY INTERESTED IN ONE OF THESE TILL THEY CALLED THE POOP PACKERS. LOOKS LIKE I'M JAPANESE ALL THE WAY NOW!!!"

"california has a state car, and it's the called the camaro!"

"THE FIREBIRD IS THE SISTER CAR TO THE CAMARO. ROCKFORD DROVE A FIREBIRD. HE WASNT GAY. GM SCREWED EVERYTHING UP WITH THIS MISGUIDED INSPIRATION. IF I WAS A MECHANIC AT A GM DEALERSHIP, I WOULD QUIT... WOULDNT WANT TO CATCH ANYTHING FROM THE CARS."

"I hope GM looses their ass on this car. I have owned 3 camaros in the past. Ill be dam if I purchase anoher and be tagged as a ***. What a shame. I hah planned on buying a new 2010. Not now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"FAGOTRON the Decepticon Transform into a Gaymaro!"

[MSN Money, image source: The Star Press]

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<![CDATA[Cage Match: 562 HP Camaro HPE550 Vs 540 HP Shelby GT500]]> Hennessey's supercharged, 562 HP Camaro HPE550 was built as a high-performance substitute for the now-defunct Camaro Z28, but how's it compare to the mean, factory-tuned 540 HP supercharged 2010 Shelby Mustang GT500? Let's find out. [Inside Line]

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<![CDATA[New Camaro Gets World's Worst Nose Job]]> We've seen a 2010 Camaro post rear-ending. Now we may have found the Camaro that did it.

There are no details on how this accident happened, but it looks the Camaro either drove face first into a blender or was in the middle of turning into a Transformer when it ran out of gas. Hey, at least the airbags worked. (Hat tip to Cesler!) [GM High-Tech Performance]

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<![CDATA[Chevy Camaro To Beat Ford Mustang In June Sales?]]> As the Muscle Car Wars continue, GM's struggling to meet demand for the new Chevy Camaro, with some buyers paying heavy premiums on sticker prices. Now GM even thinks it may catch Ford's new 2010 Mustang in monthly sales.

According to the General, the new Camaro is creating enough buzz to play a key role in GM's turnaround. It's obviously drawing showroom traffic with the new Transformers movie — no matter how awful it was. But GM thinks it's so hot it may even catch the Ford Mustang in monthly sales when it has enough available — no small feat given the 'stang sells with a drop-top model alongside the coupe and the Camaro's only got the coupe (not to mention there's not even a t-top version!).


Read our Camaro vs. Challenger vs. Mustang comparison!


GM sold 5,463 Camaros in May, the first month of the sporty car's revival, compared with 8,812 Mustangs sold by Ford. GM spokesman Terry Rhadigan says Camaro will be "right with Mustang on sales" by the end of June. Of course there's a lot of pent-up demand for the Camaro, so the question will be — even if Chevy does come out on top in the month of June, will that translate into long-term sales? If the Dodge Challenger and its steady burn of sales are any indication — Chrysler's sold 2,695 of the Dodge Challenger last month, and approximately 2,000 - 3,000 per month for the past 11 months — it may have at least some lasting volume.

We'll have to see who comes out on top in the long-run, but at the very least, pent-up demand will likely give the Mustang a run for the money this month and maybe the 'maro will even pick up the win. We'll have to wait until Thursday to find out. [via USA Today, ChallengerBlog, GM]]]>
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<![CDATA[Buy Second Crashed Camaro For Only $16K]]> Want a cheap deal on a 300 HP V6-engined 2010 Camaro? Here's the second one to meet with some serious damage for only $16K. What a deal to let your mullet meet the open-windowed wind! One more pic below.

[RideSafely]

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<![CDATA[Hennessey's 705 HP LS9-Powered 2010 Camaro Is ALIVE!]]> Crank your speakers up to hear the angry, snarling sounds pumping out of the world's first LS9-powered 2010 Camaro — the HPE700 . Some say it eats babies for fuel. We wouldn't doubt it.

Hennessey's only producing 24 HPE700 Camaros for $109,000, but with 705 HP and 717 lb-ft of tire melting torque on tap, we could let go of some of the kiddies college fund. Don't judge. You're thinking the same thing.

Here's the specs on this Corvette ZR1-powered monster:

# Power: 705 bhp @ 6,400 rpm
# 717 lb-ft Torque @ 4,400 rpm

Performance (Estimated):
# 0 - 60 mph: 3.7 sec.
# 1/4 mile: 11.3 @ 125 mph
# Top Speed: 201 mph
# Skidpad: 0.96 g
# 60 - 0 mph braking: 105 ft.

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<![CDATA[Muscle Car Wars: Camaro vs. Challenger vs. Mustang]]> Here's what you've been waiting for — the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS, 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T and the 2010 Ford Mustang GT — reviewed by us, together at the same time and place. Time for the Muscle Car Wars!


Here's what we're going to do — since there's outlets out there better suited to walking through reams of meaningless testing data, we've left that to them. Instead, we're more interested in how these babies perform as, well, as muscle cars. That's something as much about feeling as about numbers. So we've assigned two Jalopnik staff people to each of the three marvelous modern muscle cars, rating them on a five-star scale for the categories of Exterior Design, Interior Design, Acceleration, Braking, Ride, Handling, Gearbox, Audio, Toys, Value and an Overall score. We'll add up each writers scores for each car and the pony with the most stars at the end wins! Let's begin.


Exterior Design


2010 Chevy Camaro SS

Krewson: *****
Yes, it's a retro-inspired reimagining, and you might want to dock it points for that, and yes, its sheer size is astounding- at one point Wert was driving the Camaro (imagine that) just a couple car-lengths in front of me on the expressway when a Civic pulled between us, and the Camaro's shapely flared fenders were clearly visible on either side of the Honda. But come on, folks, get into the spirit of the thing and admit that from the scowling grille to those muscular flares, it looks exactly the way a 21st-century Camaro should, all hunkered-down heroism and larger-than-life muscularity. A stunning car.

Siler: *****
Ditches the shamelessly retro nature of the other two for something that's more retro futuristic. Pushes all the right muscle car buttons, promising a powerful, wild car underneath.

Dodge Challenger R/T

Siler: ****
The only retro car that actually looks better than the original, the Dodge Challenger resolves the 1970 car's awkward proportions into something that's completely distinctive and seriously attractive. A master class in car as toy for man-children, the Challenger would be perfect if it wasn't so big that it makes all its drivers look like the 12-year olds that they are inside. This car has the "Classic" package, which brings chrome Crager replicas and swoopy black stripes.

Wert: ***
As I've said before, the Challenger's the perfectly-styled retro muscle car...for 2008. Back then it was the only newly-styled pony on the road. Now, with the Camaro and Mustang available, it just kinda looks quaint — not exciting. Still I love the children's coloring book R/T stripe package.

Ford Mustang GT

Wert: ****
I can't tell you how many times I've heard "It's not a revolutionary design change, it's evolutionary." Still, we should all be this evolved. The new design freshens up the packaging of what is, essentially, the same Mustang powertrain lineup as before. Also, love the trick turn signals lighting up in sequence.

Krewson: ****
The Mustang looked, well, pretty okay when it debuted a few years ago, and while it was never exactly revolutionary, they've done a pretty good job of sharpening this crease here and redrawing that curve there to keep the design pleasant enough. Our GT had the extra fog lights, the blacked-out pony on the grille, the nifty sequential turn signals, and the tasteful spoiler delete option, so even in frankly putrid Harvest Gold Metallic (remember the great kitchen stoves of the '70s?) the GT is a nice, handsome car. Not striking or daring or even particularly head-turning, mind you, but certainly a car that'll give the owner satisfied grins for a good long time.


Interior Design

Chevy Camaro SS

Krewson: ****
The strong styling continues inside to pretty good effect, with those distinctive round gauges in rectilinear pods looking out at you through a chunky steering wheel and ancillary gauges peeking up at you past the shifter, materials that are perfectly fine, and two rather firm deep-dish bucket seats (let's just ignore the back seats the way God intended). You are way, way down in those seats, though; again there's no escaping the size of this car, which means visibility isn't great in any direction except straight ahead. And even in the age of chin-level beltlines the Camaro is in a league of its own-I tried to hang my elbow out the window just like any decent American would and damn near dislocated my shoulder. Just the same, it's aggressive, well-executed, and muscle-car appropriate.

Siler: ***
A reasonable amount of space, even in the rear seats, but vision is terrible, materials are cheap and the supplementary instruments down by the gear stick feel contrived.

Dodge Challenger R/T

Siler: **
Well, it covers all the unsightly wires and whatnot, so I suppose that's something. Sit in the Challenger and you could be in a Neon, PT Cruiser or any other crappy Chrysler/Dodge. It does not make you feel special.

Wert: **
Dear federal government, please never let the current LX platform spawn another model with the exact same blank, flat, plastic interior design we've seen since the 300C first rolled off the Brampton assembly line in 2004. The seats however, and rear room, are divine. Your taxpaying friend, Ray.

Ford Mustang GT

Wert: *****
I can't believe I'm saying a Ford Mustang looks good on the inside, but it really does — with lots of room in the front cockpit and good use of more expensive-feeling plastics than the other two muscle cars. Also, bonus point for having a windowsill low enough to rest your elbow on without getting an ulnar nerve displacement.

Krewson: ****
Less pretty, more practical: More retro here, this time Ford flavored, featuring one of the great automotive typefaces of all time on the tach and speedo (Dad was a Ford guy, and seeing that dash on Father's Day weekend gave me a real pang, I don't mind telling you), controls with pleasant heft and feel, and simple, well-bolstered seats. It's a touch slabby, in the way your passenger gets a nice aluminum panel staring them in the face and the door panels kind of resemble collections of vacuum cleaner attachments, but it's all built out of pretty good stuff and you're soon right at home. Except for the rear quarters, outward visibility is quite excellent as well, though Ford will let you cover up those rear-quarter windows with optional louvers if you just want to throw your hands up and say to hell with everything.


Acceleration

Chevy Camaro SS

Krewson: ****
I know, I know, the numbers say one thing, but my inner ear and butt say quite another. You may argue that my butt's doing all the talking as usual, but hear me out: there may be a big ol' version of one of the great engines of all time in this thing, but it's deep down under lots and lots of automotive lard, and the car never felt all that comfortable to launch or happy to hook up. Yes, the Camaro is the quickest car here, and my forebrain knows that. But my, uh, hindbrain keeps telling me all that quick should be a lot more fun, and it's right.

Siler: *****
With a 426 HP, 420 Lb-Ft 6.2-liter V8, straight line acceleration is the Camaro's reason for being. The official 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds means you'd have to bring a Cadillac CTS-V or Corvette to be assured of beating the Camaro.

Dodge Challenger R/T

Siler: ***
376 HP and 410 Lb-Ft of torque do an admirable job of propelling the 4,140 Lb Challenger, but the engine needs more revs than we'd like in a muscle car and that weight does make it noticeably slower than the other two. Expect 0-60 MPH in 5.5 seconds.

Wert: ***
There's always power to be had with a HEMI, even if the R/T only comes equipped with the smaller of the two shoehorned between the rails of this platform. Given how heavy this car is, it needs the 6.1-liter.

Ford Mustang GT

Wert: ***
Meh. Same Mustang powertrain, different Mustang model year. Wake me up when I can get an EcoBoosted-six under the hood with more HP. Or something Boss-ier. Still, the Mustang GT holds its own against the Challenger R/T. Then, of course, they both realize they were just left in a cloud of smoke by the Camaro SS.

Krewson: ****
Same rating as the Camaro, because in the real world, the Mustang is easier to hook up, feels more eager, and unlike the other cars here it wasn't so bloated that it struggled to get out of its own way. Nice loud toppling-woodpile clunks from that live axle, though, and when all's been said and you need to get things done, the Camaro will run a tick or two faster. It just won't be as much fun.

Braking

Chevy Camaro SS

Krewson: ****
Now here's a very pleasant surprise; these brakes are pretty good. Sure, they're giant discs working on huge tires, but it's still a wonder the way they progressively and repeatedly slowed a sizable coupe without being grabby in the least. Impressive.

Siler: ****
Like the engine, biggest is best. 14" discs are reassuringly powerful and easy to modulate.

Dodge Challenger R/T

Wes: ***
You can feel the Challenger's weight here too, even if you can't feel much in general. The 13.6" front discs will bring you to a stop, but we wouldn't want to rely on them to repeatedly haul us up on track.

Ray: **
Could have used a set of Brembos like the SRT8. Just sayin'...

Ford Mustang GT

Wert: ***
Not Brembo-class, but capable with little of the brake fade I felt on the Challenger.

Krewson: ****
Communicative, unflappable, and very good indeed, if not world-beating. Again, size and weight played a subjective part as I was more comfortable braking harder and more confidently in the Mustang than the others.


Ride

Chevy Camaro SS

Krewson: ****
It's firmly sprung and damped, but even on some of the astoundingly excruciating roads we put up with in NYC, the Camaro did an okay job of keeping the fillings in the teeth. It soaks up freeway bumps particularly well, although strangely, expansion joints seem to only hit through the rear wheels. My theory: the supermassive Chevy's front wheels smoothly pound bumps through the Earth's crust on contact, but then the rear wheels jounce over the resulting impact craters.

Siler: ***
Where you want and expect a visceral muscle car, The Camaro rides like a luxury sedan thanks to struts and coil springs up front and multilink rear suspension.

Dodge Challenger R/T

Siler: ***
Pretty decent for a performance car, the Challenger rides like all the LX platform sedans. Large ruts and long sequences of bumps still upset the chassis, meaning more composure would be welcome, that's surprising for a car with independent rear suspension.

Wert: *
Wait, the Mustang's the one with the truck axle, right? In all seriousness, the cut in size from the standard LX platform does nothing to help smooth out the jarring feeling of the West Side highway underneath you.

Ford Mustang GT

Wert: ***
While you can tell it's a live axle, you can also tell Ford's spent the past, umm, 45 years, fine-tuning the suspension for this tree-trunk-like truck axle to soften up what would otherwise be bone-shattering rough roads. It actually performed better than the Challenger's IRS. Who knew?

Krewson: ****
It's good and supple and comfortable, right up the the point it isn't. That live axle does a surprisingly good job of soaking up most trouble, but again, we're in New York City, and on the bad stuff the live axle turns undead on you. As a result, this is is the muscle car I sheepishly drove around the potholes.


Handling

Chevy Camaro SS

Krewson: ***
Frankly, I didn't like driving the Camaro all that much. I didn't hate it-It grips pretty well, and its considerable mass is tautly strung together and evidently well-centralized, because it handles predictably and turns without yawing like a lifeboat and never seemed to want to plow the front under or spin the rear out. But it wasn't the happiest car I've ever driven, and when you took it through the tight stuff or changed direction quickly, it seemed to double in weight. Conversely, the steering was far too light and isolated from the wheels, making the car feel even less integrated.

Siler: ***
Imminently capable yet utterly boring. We want muscle cars to be wild, dangerous beasts that require big balls and bigger skills to exploit, yet your mom could take it down a back road as fast as you could. Push it and the staggered tires will see the narrower fronts push unless you're silly with the throttle, then you get uncontrollable oversteer.

Dodge Challenger R/T

Siler: **
Ties itself in knots in corners, initially it's all understeer before snapping into oversteer unpredictably. You can't fully defeat the stability control (only the traction), which is a good thing because the good ship Challenger feels just like the LX sedan it is underneath.

Wert: **
Frankly, cornering the Challenger's like trying to wrassle a warthog. I mean, if I knew what wrasslin' a warthog was like. But my assumption is it'd operate just like one of them thar rear-wheel-driven animals, moving that rump from side to side with nothing close to resembling grace and ease.

Ford Mustang GT

Wert: ***
Yes, the Mustang GT handles well, but not world-beater well. I'm sorry but the live-axle becomes apparent if you accelerate over even a medium-sized pothole or highway spacer while turning. It's good, but it could be better.

Krewson: *****
Better men than I am, and also Wes, have striven to tell us the Mustang GT is a brilliant handler despite being a bone-stick-stone primitive struts-and-live-axle car. Well, those men and Wes are absolutely right. It moves so much better than every other car in this group that it's hardly even a fair comparison. The steering is well-coupled and well-weighted and perfectly matches the Mustang's aptitude for cornering without drama, complaint, or anything to spoil your fun-your loads and loads of fun. Chalk it up to American ingenuity, I guess, because it flat-out works.

Gearbox

Chevy Camaro SS

Krewson: ****
A muscle car, or as I'm starting to think of this Camaro, "muscle-lux" car, with a six-speed transmission is surely one of the signs we're living in The Future, and this six-speed is a nice one. The clutch engages through a surprisingly narrow band, though, strange when you consider the very similar G8 GXP had such great feel and usability.

Siler: ****
It's a Tremec TR6060, as used in every other V8 GM performance car ever made. That's a good thing because it has short, positive throws and precise selection.

Dodge Challenger R/T

Siler: **
Whoever thought a pistol grip was a good idea for this long-throw, sloppy version of the TR6060 is a moron. It's pretty hard to find the right gear, made harder because you have to grab the shifter like a cartoon superhero.

Wert: ****
I loved the Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission in the Dodge Viper and I love it here in the Challenger. The pistol grip shifter's a nice touch and makes me think, for just a moment that I'm in a ‘60s muscle car. I like that feeling.

Ford Mustang GT

Wert: ****
I simply adore the Mustang's gearbox. It's easy to shift, even with the rock-hard clutch. I'd have given them an extra star if they'd offered a six rather than the five. Ah well, still love it.

Krewson: ****
Just a five-speed here, though, somewhat disappointing as the GT500 can be had with six. Still, it's a good five-speed, the best-shifting gearbox of the group by a couple hairs, with much better, if stiffer clutch feel.


Audio

Chevy Camaro SS

Krewson: ****
The stereo is just fine, I guess (although the exposed rear-speaker magnets and wires in the trunk are a little too retro). I really have to say that the engine note rarely got as growly or raspy as I'd like, and should be more prominent; if it can't be as glorious as the Mustang's, it should at least be as good as the G8 GXP's muted roar.

Siler: ***
The LS3 sounds awesome under full throttle, you can't hear it otherwise. I never turned the stereo on.

Dodge Challenger R/T

Siler: **
The V8 only wakes up at 4,000 RPM and higher, meaning you'll need to use the crappy stereo if you're driving in traffic. It looks like Chrysler bought it at Pep Boys.

Wert: *
Blech. The entire Chrysler audio faceplate lineup needs a redesign. I feel like I'm looking at the same stereos I've seen since 2004. Oh wait, I am.

Ford Mustang GT

Wert: ***
Best of the group — although that's not saying much. But seriously, who's blasting music when you could be listening to the music coming from the pipes out back?

Krewson: ****
The stereo is just fine, I guess. But the important thing is, well, perhaps you've heard that Ford does this great trick where they run some sort of resonator pipe past or through the passenger compartment-I'm not sure which and I don't care, but it is absolutely majestic. It's a sound you hear with your pelvis.

Toys

Chevy Camaro SS

Krewson: ***
I continue to be a fan of GM's OnStar, the navigation system that is made of real live people. Also, if I understand Ray correctly, this car unfolds into a five-story tall robot, which is not to be sneezed at.

Siler: **
No Sat/Nav? OnStar will give you directions and call an ambulance when you hit a telephone pole, but I'd hardly call either fun. The extra gauge pack is somewhat pointless as all the needles do is sit still right in the middle. I'm convinced they're glued on.

Dodge Challenger R/T

Siler: *
If you love caressing sweaty black plastic you'll love playing inside the Challenger, otherwise that cheapo stereo/nav screen is all you get. Still, the Challenger is essentially a full scale Hot Wheels toy so people will always think you're playing with something.

Wert: *
What toys? The craptastic nav system that always sends me through the Brooklyn Battery tunnel rather than the Midtown or Brooklyn Bridge? That one?

Ford Mustang GT

Wert: *
This car is a toy. It's toy-sized and it looks like a toy. Unfortunately, it has no toys in your toy so you can play while you play.

Krewson: ****
Our GT was a little basic, without either of the available nav units, but it did have Ford's excellent SYNC system, which is worth noting for its transparency and because, as far as I know, it's the only voice-recognition system in the world that works really well. It also has that Mustang interior accent-lighting color-change gadget, which is kind of neat, I guess, but spare me.


Value

Chevy Camaro SS

Krewson: ***
Of course the person who absolutely has to have it will get it, and they'll be able to overlook its considerable flaws because none of them are really deal-breakers. But the average person looking for a fun second car just has too many other alternatives, whether they're looking for an all-American-type experience or not; this Camaro is a strange 'tweener, neither a luxury coupe nor a true go-to-hell muscle car, and that's an awkward no-man's land. That said, it was the car that dropped the most jaws, got the most thumbs-up, and made kids yell "Bumblebee! Bumblebee!" Can you really put a price on that?

Siler: ****
A 426 HP Corvette engine with four seats and good looks for just $31,040? That's amazingly good value even if it is boring to drive.

Dodge Challenger R/T

Siler: ***
$30,995 isn't bad for a fast-ish muscle car that looks this good, but the other two offer so much more for a similar price that it'd be hard to pick the Challenger.

Wert: **
It's $1000 cheaper than a base SS but still a world apart.

Ford Mustang GT

Wert: **
At $32,835 it's too rich for my blood. Especially when you can get a Camaro SS with so much more HP, brakes and panache for just a grand more.

Krewson: ****
It wouldn't be perfect, but unlike the other cars here, the Mustang could in fact be your only car. It's the easiest car to drive in everyday traffic as well as the easiest to drive fast, the most comfortable, and probably the cheapest to buy and operate. It's also a 'tweener, but it occupies a more comfortable area between muscle car, sports car, and daily-driver.

Overall

Third: Dodge Challenger R/T
Average score: 2.5
Equipped with all the characteristics of a classic muscle car — big engine, not much else — the Challenger R/T just doesn't stack up in the modern world. Krewson and I spent and entire weekend fighting about who's turn it was to drive it. Not because we wanted to, but because we were so embarrassed by the bright orange paint, Hot Wheels stripes and the huge size that we really didn't.

Second: Ford Mustang GT
Average score: 3.6
The lightest, least powerful and most involving to drive car here, it's nevertheless 111 HP down on the Camaro SS. If muscle cars are about muscle, that matters. Even though it's the cheapest base model, you have to spec it up to the base Camaro SS price if you want equivalent spec. Had we had the optional track pack, with its GT500-derived suspension, we suspect this result could have been even pricier, but the outcome may have been very different.

First: Chevy Camaro SS
Average score: 3.7
The Camaro has a great engine, looks really cool and does pretty well everywhere else. Since none of these cars are out-and-out handlers, that puts it over the top. Grow a mullet, switch to cheap domestic beer and embrace your inner hoon.

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<![CDATA[Robogasm 2 Begins In 24 Hours...]]> In honor of the Transformers 2: Revenge Of The Fallen robogasm, we'll have special coverage starting midnight-plus-one tomorrow night at the Transformers 2 tag. You won't want to miss it. Unless of course you hate giant freakin' robots. And America.

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<![CDATA[Transformers 2: When Gremlins Attack?]]> Want to know what it's like to see a Camaro destroy a bunch of household appliances that've turned into little assassin-bots? Yeah, us neither — but this newly-released clip from Transformers 2 will help sate that never-known desire anyway. [Gizmodo]

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<![CDATA[Muscle Car Wars Hit New York!]]> Not yet following our fearless leader's week-long Camarogasm? You may want to now! [Twitter]

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<![CDATA[2010 Camaro Begins Transmogrification To KITT]]> F-body Pontiac Trans Am or Shelby GT500KR it's not, but someone's started the process of turning their brand spankin' new Chevy Camaro into Knight Rider's KITT with a blue flashing light bar in its nostril-like hood scoop. [via Camaro5]

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<![CDATA[Hennessey HPE550 Camaro Looks Ready To Ram 562 HP Down Your Gullet]]> Last week brought the first test of Hennessey's newest powerhouse, the HPE550 Camaro. This week brings enough new pics and details to make even the most gentlemanly of men hoot and holler.

Hennessey's first order of business was to take a 2010 Camaro SS and massage its 6.2-liter LS3 V8 to help it pump out mo' powa. They do this by first giving the pony car a little belt-driven boost to the tune of 6 psi, helping it achieve a 2010 Shelby GT500-besting 562 horsepower and 557 lb-ft of rotational fortitude. These numbers will reward owners with a 4.1 second 0-to-60 MPH time and a run down the 1320 in just 12.1 seconds at 119 mph.

Rounding out the package is a Hennessey-designed appearance package with 20-inch rollers and Hennessey badging throughout the interior. Expect to fork over roughly $59,500 for one of the 500 Texas-tuned ponies.

HENNESSEY UNLEASHES THE 2010 HPE550 CAMARO

With 562 Reasons Why Every Muscle Car Enthusiast Will Want One!

SEALY, TX – Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE), well known for their extreme performance sports cars and muscle cars, has begun production of its 562 hp 2010 HPE550 Camaro.

At the heart of the beast is a supercharger system making 6 psi of boost added atop the 6.2L V8. Combined with a Corsa stainless steel exhaust system and custom engine management calibration from HPE, the result is a total output of 562 bhp and 557 lb-ft torque. Rounding out the package, HPE adds a set of light weight 20-inch wheels, an adjustable coilover suspension system, HPE550 embroidered seat headrests, a Hennessey graphics package and premium floor mats.

Camaro enthusiasts will not have to worry whether the new General Motors will build the top-level Z/28 or not. Hennessey plans to build up to 500 HPE550 Camaro's for the 2010 model year. Each HPE550 will come with its own unique serial-numbered plaque located on the dash and under the hood. Other options available from HPE include: Larger brakes, suspension upgrades, an upgraded interior and larger wheels and tires.

Recent track testing of the HPE550 Camaro has shown it has the muscle to back up its aggressive looks. Mustang GT500 owners beware: 0-60 happens in just 4.1 seconds and the quarter mile flies by at an impressive 12.1 seconds @ 119 mph.

"The HPE550 upgrade package gives 2010 Camaro owners the kind of power and performance they want to match the true muscle car look and spirit of the new Camaro," said John Hennessey, President and CEO of Hennessey Performance Engineering. "We will also be offering an extensive list of aftermarket performance parts and accessories for the 2010 Camaro. From mild to wild, new Camaro owners will be able to order air induction systems, exhaust and header systems, as well as complete supercharger systems, suspension kits and more."

HPE550 customers will also receive a half-day performance driving course at Lonestar Motorsports Park – a 1/4 mile dragstrip facility located adjacent to Hennessey's 30,000 square foot production facility and showroom. The HPE550 Camaro is available from select Chevrolet dealers as well as directly from Hennessey Performance Engineering. Production is currently underway, with 16 HPE550's already on order from customers and dealers.

In addition to the HPE550, Hennessey Performance will also be offering even more powerful engine upgrades for the 2010 Camaro, including a twin turbo system producing up to 1000 hp.

Located just west of Houston, Texas at the Lonestar Motorsports Park complex, HPE has been building American super cars for nearly two decades with its Veyron-beating Venom Vipers, Twin Turbo Ford GT's, 650 hp Nissan GTR's and recently released 700 hp Cadillac CTS-V's.

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<![CDATA[First 705 HP LS9-Powered Hennessey Camaro]]> The power hungry folks at Hennessey Motorsport in Houston just completed their first swap of a ZR1-sourced LS9 into a 2010 Camaro, creating the HPE700 or what Chevy should call the Camaro Z28.

Out of 24 of these ultra-Camaros, only 13 are currently left which means you had better start making decisions on parting ways with your hard earned $109,000 or else you'll never get to feel the adrenaline rush of 705 ponies running through your long, luscious mulletard hair. What you're looking at here is just the first step in the process of turning the meager-Camaro SS into a supercharged and carbon-fibered UFC fighter. If the Corvette ZR1 is anything to go by, this swapped ride will come with a swift kick in the pants standard. We can't wait.

Hennessey Press Release:

Power:
#705 bhp @ 6,400 rpm
# 717 lb-ft Torque @ 4,400 rpm

Performance (Estimated):
# 0 - 60 mph: 3.7 sec.
# 1/4 mile: 11.3 @ 125 mph
# Top Speed: 201 mph
# Skidpad: 0.96 g
# 60 - 0 mph braking: 105 ft.

2010 HPE700 Camaro Includes:
# Base 2010 Camaro SS with 6-speed transmission
# Factory Colors: Cyber Gray Metallic, Aqua Blue Metallic, Inferno Orange Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic and Red Jewel Tint Coat
# LS9 6.2 Litre Supercharged Engine w/ Built-In Intercooler
# Cam-AeroTM Hood with See-Through Blower Window
# Cam-AeroTM Carbon Body Components: Rear Lip Spoiler, Rear Diffuser, Front Splitter, Side Rocker Panels
# Light Weight 19 Inch Wheels
# Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Tires
# Front Brakes: 6-Piston Calipers with 14 inch Rotors
# Rear Brakes: 4-Piston Calipers with 14 inch Rotors
# Coil-Over Suspension Upgrade
# Front & Rear Sway Bar Upgrades

Options:
# 15 inch Brakes with Carbon Rotors
# 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
# Differential Cooler
# Connolly Leather Interior with Custom Colors
# 850 hp Twin Turbo Upgrade
# 1000 hp Twin Turbo Upgrade

Press Release: January 8, 2009

Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE), well known for their extreme performance sports cars and muscle cars, announces their Limited Edition 2010 HPE700 Camaro.

At the heart of the beast is GM's new LS9 supercharged V8 tweaked as only HPE could to 705 horsepower and 717 lb-ft torque. To qualify as a supercar under the HPE banner it can't just go, it has to whoa. With optional 15 inch carbon brakes from the stunning new Corvette ZR1, light weight HRE wheels with Michelin PS2 tires and full suspension upgrades the HPE700 Camaro will be able to make full use of its new found power.

In addition to the power and handling upgrades., Hennessey will also be offering an exterior aerodynamics package to improve downforce at high speed. Penned by British designer, Steve Everitt, Hennessey's Cam-Aero ™ body upgrades include: Carbon fiber rear lip spoiler, carbon fiber side rocker panels, carbon fiber front splitter, front fascia with hideaway-look headlights and front billet grille. Completing the look of the HPE700 is a ZR1 inspired hood design with window showing off the Hennessey's tweaked LS9 powerplant.

"The HPE700 Camaro allows our customers to combine supercar power and performance with classic American muscle car looks in a modern, daily-driver usable sportscar with a backseat and a trunk!," says John Hennessey, President and CEO of Hennessey Performance Engineering. "We will be announcing other Hennessey turnkey vehicle packages for the 2010 Camaro in the near future along with an extensive list of aftermarket performance parts and accessories." But for now, the LS9-powered HPE700 Camaro, replete with ZR1 inspired looks and performance promises to be at the top of the American muscle car food chain later in 2009.

HPE700 buyers will also receive a 1-day performance driving course at Lonestar Motorsports Park – a 1/4 mile dragstrip facility located adjacent to Hennessey's 24,000 square foot production facility and showroom.

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<![CDATA[562 HP Hennessey HPE550 Camaro: First Test]]> Houston-based Hennessey Motorsport's new supercharged, 562 HP 2010 HPE550 Camaro gets wrung out in this first test proving that the Camaro is no longer just a redneck's play thing and more a precisely-guided patriot missile.

Hennessey Motorsport makes claim that the 2010 HPE550 will lay waste to its 20-inch drag radials via a 562 HP (at the crank), 557 lb-ft of torque blown LS3 and is capable of hitting 3.6 second 0-60 times with a stellar 11.7 @ 121 mph jaunt down the 1320, but this clip claims a 4.3 second 0-60 and a 12.1 @ 120 mph quarter-mile. Either way, this baby's quick. Only 500 HPE550 Camaros will be built and sold via your friendly local Chevy dealer, so get a move on before someone else swipes them all up first. Color us impressed.

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<![CDATA[Rental Car Reach-Around: First Avis Camaro Wreck!]]> This crunched Bumblebee-yellow Avis-rental Chevy Camaro was supposedly spotted by Jalopnik reader Nicholas outside the Avis at DFW airport. It only had 1,100 miles on the odometer. What a sad, early end to a 300 HP V6-engined muscle car.

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<![CDATA[New Chevy Camaro Left On Ground After Wheels Stolen]]> This could be the first 2010 Chevy Camaro to be the victim of wheel theft. Even worse, the bad guys weren't even nice enough to leave it on blocks. All this for 18s?

Police investigating the crime found the jack from a Range Rover under the car and a brief recce turned up a wheel-less Rover nearby. The thieves apparently used the jack, in addition to two others, possibly resulting in the unintentional collapse as the wheels were removed.

The driver, an engineer driving the car for evaluation, fears he left the car unlocked in his driveway over night. It looks like he actually lives in a nice neighborhood. Is this what greater Detroit is like now? [via Camaro5]

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<![CDATA[2010 Mustang Gets Some Serious Wheel Weights, Too]]> We're familiar with the Camaro brake weights issue, so when we saw tons of wheel-balancing weights on the Camaro Indy pace car, we thought it strange. Turns out the 2010 Mustang is just as bad.

Seems we stirred up the pot with our little observation and the guys over at Super Chevy got curious about the competition's car, so they went poking around some 2010 Mustangs and found an almost identical length of balancing weights. The conventional wisdom says if this much weight was needed, either someone doesn't know what they're doing or there's something wrong with the wheel or tire. We're starting to think these kinds of long strips will be getting more common as large wheels remain popular and lead wheel weights get phased out of usage after the California ban. (Hat Tip to Pres) [Super Chevy]

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