http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...8/newsletter01




Camaro cure

V6 model is fun and fuel-efficient

By GREG MIGLIORE

2010 Camaro RS



SPECS

ON SALE: Spring 2009
BASE PRICE: $22,000 (est.)
DRIVETRAIN: 3.6-liter, 300-hp, 273-lb-ft V6; RWD, six-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT: 3,751 lb
0-60 MPH: 6.1 sec (mfr)
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA): 21 mpg (est)



Sick of high gas prices? One remedy may be the V6 version of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. With 300 horses and sports-car handling--and a sticker likely to start at about $22,000--the V6 remake of Chevy's 1960s muscle car may be just what the doctor ordered.

The V6 is also the car that will determine the long-term health of the Camaro. Ultimately, the V6 is expected to make up 70 percent of the car's 100,000 annual sales, and General Motors says that fuel efficiency--just as much as raw power--will be a key selling point. The V6 Camaro is expected to deliver 26 mpg on the highway.

In a recent test of the 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 Camaro prototypes, we found that acceleration was smooth, with a sultry but not overpowering growl from the 300-hp engine. The 273 lb-ft of torque provides plenty of giddy-up when you step on the throttle. GM says the base Camaro goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, though chief engineer Douglas Houlihan wants to cut that to 5.9 seconds.



Steering is crisp, and overall the car feels spry and more nimble than Dodge Challengers we've driven. The V6 gets a sport suspension that is softer and rides 10 millimeters higher than the performance setup on the V8-powered Camaro SS.

"It's not going to beat you up," Houlihan said. "The last thing you want is an unrefined ride."

The 18- and 19-inch wheels both grip the pavement with tenacity. Enthusiasts can opt for the six-speed manual gearbox, though the paddle shifters on the automatic allow plenty of redline fun.

While the V8 Camaros will provide the halo and a four-cylinder turbocharged Camaro is still in development, the bread-and-butter V6 is truly the make-or-break car for the Camaro's rebirth.

 

I'll be blown away if the base price is lower than $24,999. If it's 22k, there will be dancing in the streets.

Interesting they say "four cylinder turbocharged still in development." Wonder if they know something we don't know, or if they actually mean "under consideration."

 

All these reports are talking about 22k base price. I will poop myself.

 

If they want to compete with the V6 Mustang but at a slightly more premium cost GM will need to get the LS/LT Camaro in under $25k. But yes $22k would be very nice.

 

Those headlights and hood look good.