Video: Fifth Gear drives a Camaro SS

Believe it or not, but the new Chevrolet Camaro has been in dealership showrooms for a year now. Sales of the reborn pony car have been very strong, besting its rival Mustang in sales for several months out of the year. Pretty much every automotive journalist has wrung one out, and now Fifth Gear host Jason Plato has gotten his chance. You can expect smoky burnouts and typical Englishman-reviews-American-car fare in the video above.

2011 Ford Mustang configurator hits Ford's website

Well, the moment you've all been waiting for is here. Not the actual availability of the 2011 Ford Mustang, but at least the ability to configure one online. Ford has rolled out it's 2011 Mustang configurator, which will give you a head start on figuring out what options you want on yours. Head on over to the Ford vehicle site to check it out.

2011 Ford Mustang wins first comparison test with Camaro, Challenger

The pony car wars have been fully rejuvenated, despite many obstacles such as high gas prices and a declining economy. The Mustang has been going strong for many years, while the Camaro and Challenger are reborn. Both have surpassed the Mustang in power and straight numbers.

When we found out that Ford was coming back strong for 2011 with the rejuvenated 5.0L moniker backed up by a serious boost in power, up to 412 from a paltry 315. Naturally, we expected there to be many comparison tests to follow.

The first comes to us thanks to Motor Trend. And as expected, the new Mustang claimed victory against a Camaro SS and Challenger SRT-8. Not surprisingly, thanks to it's better power to weight ratio. But the Mustang also claimed victory in quality and fit and finish. Head on over to MT to see the full comparo.

Yenko to make a comeback?

It's been 45 years since Don Yenko used GM's COPO (Central Office Production Order) program to build his first hot rod, the Yenko Stinger Corvair. But it's not the Corvair that Yenko is famous for, rather the Nova's and Camaro's he built with the sole purpose of dragstrip (and street light) domination.

And now General Marketing Capital Incorporated (GMCI) owner Jeff Leonard has just taken control of the Yenko name and brand with the promise of new product. Now seems as good a time as any, with American muscle cars alive and kicking.

PRESS RELEASE

ON IT'S 45th ANNIVERSARY - THE YENKO NAME IS ALIVE AND WELL

Avid Car Collector and Yenko Enthusiast Recaptures Yenko Magic with Possible New Yenko Models, Fresh Product Lines

Westminster, Calif. – (October 14, 2009) As the 45th Anniversary of the Yenko legacy draws near, General Marketing Capital Incorporated (GMCI) announced today its ownership of the classic trademark and its plans to revitalize the brand.

To jump start this effort, Yenko owner, enthusiast and GMCI CEO Jeff Leonard, is consulting with several notable limited production vehicle companies in the automotive industry on possible new Yenko project cars as well as upcoming Yenko product lines.

GMCI will also launch a brand-new online home for the Yenko brand in the upcoming weeks, where owners and enthusiasts can find information about upcoming cars and products, access historical information about the brand, register to be a part of the site's forums and much more.

"The muscle car era has made a huge comeback this year and we expect this trend to grow," said Leonard. "The Yenko name is very much a part of that magnificent history and we plan to resurge its magic and its historical significance. Through GMCI's efforts, Don Yenko's name will be kept alive with the highest degree of integrity and respect."

Growing up in Detroit in the shadow of the famous Woodward Avenue during the muscle era heyday, Leonard always had a keen interest in Detroit muscle culture. As a muscle car enthusiast and owner of an original 1968 Yenko Camaro, Leonard shares the enthusiasm and excitement of many towards owning a unique piece of Yenko history.

Originally, the 60s era Yenko car was a special order vehicle, available only through Don Yenko Chevrolet in Canonsburg, PA. Don Yenko used the Central Office Production Order (COPO) program, a program GM used for fleet vehicles like police cars, taxi cabs, etc. to special order the most powerful vehicles available.

Yenko modified his first vehicle, the Chevrolet Corvair, in 1965 for the Sports Car Club of America racing team. Yenko later went on to build the Yenko Super Camaro, Yenko Deuce, Yenko Chevelle, Yenko Super Nova, Yenko Vega Stinger and the Yenko Camaro Turbo Z among the fastest SCCA racing cars ever produced.

Ford releases 2010 Mustang customizer

Ford has released an online customizer for it's 2010 Mustang. You can customize your Mustang in virtually any way possible, including trying out different hoods, louvers, scoops, spoilers, grilles, wheels, and stripes. You can even decide the size of your car's burnout. Check it out here.

GM confirms Camaro Z28, meanwhile the Camaro outsells Mustang in June

It was feared that the powerhouse Z28 would die a premature death thanks in large part to the ailing economy, GM's bankruptcy, and rising oil prices. But the well connected folks at Camaro5, the Z28 will appear after the Camaro convertible, which is expected in the spring of 2011.

The Z will reportedly offer more power (duh), a hood similar to the Bumblebee edition, a unique grill, and other assorted bits and pieces that make it unique.

In other news, the long drought of the Camaro has obviously gotten fans of the car excited as their beloved pony car has taken out the Mustang in sales for the month of June. GM says it sold a total of 9,320 Camaros, while Ford sold 7,632 Mustangs.

For those who are curious, Dodge sold a meager 1,369 Challengers.