2011 Chevrolet Camaro Review and Prices
by Chris Poole
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2011 Chevrolet Camaro Review and Prices
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The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro lineup may include a convertible model. The 2007 Camaro Convertible Concept is shown here.
It's been a long time coming, but Chevrolet's reborn ponycar coupe debuted as a 2010 model. Convertibles were set to quickly follow, but the latest word is they won't hit the market until the first quarter of 2011. Plus buzz was starting to build for an ultra-performance Z28 version, but the late word is it has been canceled. It would have been a great nostalgia trip, but $4 gas and financial problems at General Motors likely conspired against it.
What We Know About the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
Best-laid plans often run into trouble, as Robert Burns implied. Take the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. Falling home values, tight credit, new inflation worries, and record gas prices were not on anyone's radar nearly three years ago, when General Motors hinted at the return of its sporty rear-wheel-drive Ford Mustang-fighter. Now that perfect economic storm is still evolving and battering new-vehicle sales, yet GM couldn't afford to stop the car at this late stage. That's why the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro remained on track to a early-2009 debut.
The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro arrived in three coupe models patterned on the big-buzz 2006 Detroit Auto Show concept. Convertible versions (previewed by a 2007 Detroit concept) were to be added during the 2010 model run, but now they'll appear in early 2011. A new high-performance Z28 edition was forecast for model-year 2011, but it reportedly has been shelved. Chevrolet thus renews the "ponycar" battle it last waged with Ford in 2002. It also takes on a reincarnated Dodge Challenger that bowed back in 2008 in hot SRT8 guise and added lower-cost mainstream V6 and V8 models for 2009.
The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro lineup starts with coupes in base LS and uplevel LT trim that carry the 3.6-liter twincam V6 with direct injection that is used in Cadillac's entry-level CTS premium midsize sedan. In Camaro tune, the V6 is rated at 304 horsepower. The top of the line is a traditional performance-oriented SS model with a 6.2-liter V8 borrowed from base Chevrolet Corvettes. In Camaros, the V8 comes in two flavors. Cars with the 6-speed manual get a LS3 rated at 426 horses. In another nod to unstable petrol prices, cars with the automatic are equipped with a L99 that will have GM's gas-saving Active Fuel Management cylinder-deactivation system and around 400 ponies. All these models should list 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic transmissions.
The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro coupes will be slightly toned-down versions of their concept previews. Styling pays heavy homage to 1969 Camaros, though a subtle "double bubble" roof contour is a new element for coupes. So, too, their fixed center roof posts; early Camaro coupes (1967-69) were pillar-less "hardtops," and later versions had no rear side windows at all. V6 models will roll on 18-, 19-, or 20-inch wheels depending on equipment level, while the SS will have standard 20s.
The interior is also very '69, starting with a pair of large nacelles putting speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature gauges directly ahead of the driver. Squarish dials for oil pressure, oil temperature, voltage, and engine torque sit ahead of the gear lever on the console. Above them are climate and audio controls surmounted by a display screen that would doubtless serve as an optional navigation system. Per ponycar tradition, the new Camaros will furnish comfortable seating for two in front and somewhat less comfortable seating for two in back.
Sharing GM's new rear-drive Zeta architecture with Pontiac G8, albeit considerably modified, means the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro boasts four-wheel independent suspension with front struts and multilink rear geometry, plus standard traction control, stability control, and four-wheel ABS disc brakes. SS models get larger Brembo-brand brakes.
Some analysts think the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro will be chasing a vanishing market, but that's what can happen when you have to plan three or four years ahead. GM recognizes the difficulties and has tellingly scaled back projected yearly sales from 100,000 to 75,000 units, according to one reliable source.
But the Camaro is a Chevrolet icon, second only to Corvette. And as bad as the economy seems now, GM knows it must contest the new battle of the ponycars to maintain credibility with loyal, influential enthusiasts. So it's into the fray and may the best automaker win. One thing is sure: In today's topsy-turvy world, Camaro, Challenger, and Mustang will all need lots of luck.
The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro should be available in three trim levels: LS, LT, and SS. A pre-production model is shown here.
The new Camaros are built at GM's plant in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, which has long ranked high in independent audits of vehicle quality, among the best in North America. On the minus side, it seems the automatic transmission has no provision for manual shifting, a curious omission for a modern "driver's car." Perhaps GM is saving that for 2011 models. On the other hand, our experience with Pontiac G8 suggests the new Camaros will score well for handling, steering, and braking. Ride comfort and mechanical refinement may get good marks, too. But speaking of Pontiac, GM has no plans to revive the Camaro's one-time siblings, the Firebird and Trans Am. There just aren't enough buyers now to make them financially feasible.
Buying Advice for the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
GM's Bob Lutz says the new Camaros will cost more than comparable Mustangs, but will be better equipped. Regardless, the LT and LS models stand to be the best new-Camaro buys for several reasons. For example, the EPA estimates fuel economy at around 29 mpg highway--not Honda frugal perhaps, but more than credible for large, affordable sporty/performance cars. Lutz also implies that lesser Camaros will have better front/rear weight balance than the macho V8s, plus enough horsepower to make for a "very fast, very legitimate car." If this sounds like Lutz is pushing the low-end models, he is. With the government's new fast-track fuel-economy mandates, no automaker can sell too many thirsty, high-power vehicles without paying stiff fines.
Camaro fans will naturally welcome the return of their favorite, but everyone else has plenty of alternatives in the highly varied realm of affordable sporty/performance cars. The most direct rivals, of course, are the reborn Dodge Challengers and equivalent Ford Mustangs. The latter are being refreshed as early 2010 entries and reportedly get a full redesign for 2013. Other Camaro-like candidates include Mitsubishi's front-drive Eclipse coupes and Spyder convertibles and Hyundai's new rear-drive Genesis coupe, all of which offer 4-cylinder and V6 power. Those who can do with only two seats may be drawn to the Nissan 350Z coupe and convertible, which will likely become updated 370Zs for 2010.
So a lot of new product is set to pile in within months or weeks of one another. Which is best for you? Consumer Guide can help you decide. Whatever your choice, cars like this are proving harder to sell in the face of "pump shock" and other economic negatives, so some kind of deal-sweetener should be available, even on the brand-new Camaros.
2011 Chevrolet Camaro Release Date: GM hasn't yet announced one, but it will probably be in fall of 2010
2011 Chevrolet Camaro First Test Drive: Ride-and-drive sessions for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro took place early in 2009. If the convertible materializes in early 2011, the media will probably sample it just before it goes on sale.
2011 Chevrolet Camaro Prices: As noted, Mr. Lutz says that Camaros will cost somewhat more than comparable Ford Mustangs and Dodge Challengers, which currently go for between about $20,000 and $40,000. Keep in mind, though, that stickers on all these ponycars may well be going up due to inflationary pressures and fast-rising materials costs, especially for steel.
Updated by Don Sikora II 06.04.2009
The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro will go head-to-head with the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang. The 2007 Camaro Concept is shown here.
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