Jun 05, 2008 - The 2010 Camaro: Fast, Affordable, and... Ugly?

Behold the new concept for the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro, slated for the 2010 model-year assembly line. I invite you to comment at the bottom of the page after reading this article!

Plenty of Power

Will it be fast? Absolutely. While the base-model engine has yet to be confirmed, it appears that Chevy will have two to choose from. With fuel-efficiency in mind, Chevy may very well load the base-model Camaro with a turbo-charged, 2.0-liter engine similar to the one currently used in the Cobalt SS. This forced-induction, four-cylinder engine currently produces 260bhp and propels the agile Cobalt SS from 0-60mph in the mid-five second range. Chevy’s second possible choice for a base-model engine in the 2010 Camaro is a 3.6-liter dual-overhead-cam V6, similar to the one currently used in the 2008 Cadillac CTS. This 304bhp engine is capable of pushing the bulky Cadillac from 0-60mph in just over six seconds. Want more power? The SS model will probably be powered by a 6.2-liter V8. This naturally aspirated V8 engine would be capable of packing over 400bhp into the engine compartment of the SS Camaro. A high-performance Z-28 model is expected to contain the same supercharged 6.2-liter V8 contained in the ZR1 Corvette. With this engine, the Z-28 Camaro would be capable of placing 500bhp on the pavement.

Priced to Sell

How about the 2010 Camaro’s affordability? With base-models projected to cost in the mid-$20,000s, the new Camaro is sure to be a hit among lower-budget performance enthusiasts. 260 to 300 horsepower not enough? The 400-plus horsepower models are projected to cost the consumer between $30,000 and $40,000. If this isn’t considered power-on-a-budget, please teleport me to whatever planet you’re from.

...But It's Hideous?

As for the styling of the 2010 Chevy Camaro? I’m not impressed – and I’ve been a Camaro and Firebird fan since the late 1980s. My main quarrel with the exterior of the vehicle is the rear-end design. In my opinion, it’s too tall and has the wrong angles. The rest of the vehicle has nice curves, but the rear looks boxy, much like the 80s and early 90s Camaros. The combination of curvy and boxy does not blend well. How about the interior? No doubt the seats are comfortable and the ergonomics are well thought out, much like the 1993 to 2002 models, but that cockpit? Sure it’s bright and flashy -- with the atmosphere of a 1950s malt shop. And when viewed head on, the over-extended vertical gauge pods and steering wheel resemble a poorly-drawn smiley face.

The 2010 Camaro will be an affordable alternative to higher-priced powerful vehicles such as the BMW 335i. And when I heard about it, I thought I might like to buy one – but after viewing more photos of the concept, I quickly decided against it. I’m sure many would disagree, and I’m sure GM will make a fortune off this new Camaro – but in the meantime, I’ll simply be glad that looks really can’t kill. Please discuss below :)