Our sources around the world photograph and film prototype vehicles on a daily basis, but it’s pretty rare to get engineers working on the projects to talk about it on camera. With a bit of luck, our videographer did just that, in addition to getting some up-close shots of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. Add that to our recent action stills of the car, and we’d say we’ve got a pretty good repository of Camaro info right here.
As previously reported, the Camaro will make its debut at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in September.
Also recently, spy photographers captured some of the best images of the upcoming muscle car to date — including a sneak peek at the car’s interior. The Camaro’s cabin closely mirrors the concept’s — as expected — and its fit and finish and quality of materials looks to be much better than in previous prototypes, indicating the car is ready for its September reveal.
Aside from the car’s headlights and a few other finishing touches, the Camaro looks like it is ready for production. The test car’s exhaust appears to be diverging from the show car’s setup and looks more inline with what we can expect from the road-going version. A close up of the Camaro’s wheel also reveals the car’s tire size — 275 40 R 20.
GM officials have yet to say exactly what engines the Camaro will be offered with. However, GM chairman Bob Lutz referred to the V8 as “big,” lending possible credence to the earlier report of an all-new 6.2L V8 would be the top-end motor. GM has already confirmed a V6 model will be offered to do battle with low-end Mustangs and Challengers, but a turbocharged four-cylinder is still not out of the question. The automaker hopes to sell as many as 100,000 units annually, Lutz said last year.
Overall, the body shape looks very similar to the Camaro Concept. Apparently, GM has added a B-pillar to the Camaro’s body structure for added strength. Otherwise, the car is virtually unchanged from the concept, as GM has promised.
Availability
Circle Monday, February 16, 2009 on your calendar as the date the new 2010 Camaros will start heading down the production line at the Oshawa plant in Ontario.
In actuality, this means it will more than likely be mid-March before you’ll be able to put your hands on one at a dealership. That puts Camaro availability about a year behind that of its nearest rival, the Dodge Challenger.
A few GM higher ups have stated that the General will start making Camaros in late 2008. That’s true, but, a little misleading. Salable, pilot build, Camaros will be the cars rolling down the line in late 2008. This run of cars will be given to engineers, execs and managers.
For those seeking a convertible Camaro, you’ll have to wait until Monday, December 7, 2009 — a little bit late for the 2009 convertible season in northern climates. Look for them to start showing up at dealers in late December or early January depending on where you are in the United States.
GM executives have publicly said Chevy expects to sell over 100,000 Camaros per year with pricing for the V6 model starting in the $20,000 range.
~ Left Lane News