2010 Chevrolet Camaro prices surface

GM has finally unveiled pricing for it's shiny new Camaro. The V6 equipped LS will base at $22,995, and the V8 equipped SS will start out at $30,995. Both prices include the destination fee of $750 and orders are being taken as of today, October 13th.

Production begins mid-February at GM's Oshawa, Ontario facility and dealerships should begin taking deliveries soon afterwards.

Both LS and LT models will come equipped with the 3.6-liter V6, putting out 300 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque and sending power to a Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic gearbox equipped with TAPshift control.

Buyers who opt for the big-boy SS equipped with the six-speed TR6060 manual transmission get to play with 422 hp and 408 lb.-ft. of torque courtesy of the 6.2-liter LS3 V8, while six-speed automatic buyers will have to make do the 400 hp and 395 lb.-ft. of twist culled from the L99 V8.

All models benefit from a 4.5-link independent rear suspension, four wheel disc brakes (Brembos on the SS), StabiliTrak traction control, 18-, 19- or 20-inch wheels, RS appearance package (available on the LT and SS), which includes HID headlamps with "halo" rings, spoiler, restyled taillamps and 20-inch wheels. Bluetooth, remote start, USB connectivity, OnStar and XM Satellite Radio are all available, and ten colors are available on all models.

See the press release below for more detailed options and pricing.

PRESS RELEASE

Chevrolet Announces Pricing for the 2010 Camaro

Lineup Includes Fun and Efficient V-6 models rated at 27 mpg and High-Performance Camaro SS

DETROIT – Chevrolet today announced pricing for the all-new, 2010 Camaro. It starts at $22,995 MSRP for the V-6-powered LS model, and $30,995 for the V-8-powered Camaro SS (all prices include $750 destination charge). Customer ordering opened on Oct. 13, with production scheduled to start in first quarter of 2009.

"The wait is almost over," said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. "The return of the Camaro gives sports car enthusiasts a reason to rejoice. It's a 21 st century sports car with a distinctly American legacy.

More than 600,000 enthusiasts have requested information on the Camaro since its production was announced. Chevrolet is reaching out to give them the opportunity to be the first to order one.

The Chevy.com/Camaro Web site carries information regarding early ordering, along with vehicle packaging information, a specification sheet and anticipated frequently asked questions about the ordering process.

Production is scheduled to begin in mid-February at GM's Oshawa, Ontario production facility, with dealership deliveries shortly thereafter. Complementing the Camaro's introduction is a range of performance, appearance and convenience accessories – including 21-inch wheels and tires; ground effects and stripe kits; and even a classic-styled Hurst shifter – that customers can order and have installed at their dealership. In some cases, the cost of the accessories and their installation can be rolled into the monthly payments.

"My Own Worst Enemy"

Enthusiasts will see the new Camaro this fall as part of NBC's new drama, "My Own Worst Enemy." It stars Christian Slater as a man with two personalities – a suburban dad and covert spy – with the Camaro featured prominently, along with the new Chevy Traverse crossover. The show premiers Oct. 13, the same day ordering opens for the Camaro.

Camaro's supporting role on "My Own Worst Enemy" follows its big-screen debut as the Autobot named Bumblebee in the blockbuster 2007 movie, "Transformers."

World-class performance, American heritage

Built on GM's new, global rear-wheel-drive architecture, the Camaro is offered in V-6-powered LS and LT models, as well as the V-8-powered SS. All models and powertrain combinations are matched with fuel-saving six-speed transmissions. Advanced technologies, including engines with direct injection and Active Fuel Management, enable a satisfying balance of exhilarating performance and good fuel economy.

Camaro product highlights also include:

* Sleek styling with heritage cues and 10 available exterior colors
* Four-wheel independent suspension system, including a 4.5-link rear suspension
* Four-wheel disc brake systems standard on all models, including four-piston Brembo calipers on SS models
* StabiliTrak stability control system and traction control standard on all models
* Family of 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels
* Six standard air bags, including head curtain side-impact air bags and front seat-mounted thorax side air bags
* RS appearance package available on LT and SS, including HID headlamps with integrated halo rings, spoiler, specific taillamps and 20-inch wheels
* Bluetooth phone connectivity
* USB connectivity
* Remote vehicle starting system
* OnStar
* XM Satellite Radio

Under the hood, Camaro LS and LT use a 3.6L engine with variable valve timing to optimize performance and fuel economy. It is rated at an estimated 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 273 lb.-ft. of torque (370 Nm). A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the 3.6L engine; a Hydra-Matic 6L50 electronically controlled six-speed automatic, with TAPshift control, is available. LS and LT models are estimated at 27 mpg in highway driving, for great fuel economy to complement their fun driving experience.

The high-performance Camaro SS is equipped with a powerful 6.2L V-8, with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Manual transmission-equipped models receive the LS3 engine, estimated at 422 horsepower (315 kW) and 408 lb.-ft. of torque (553 Nm). It is paired with a TR6060 six-speed transmission.

A new, L99 V-8 engine is used on automatic transmission-equipped SS models. It is based on the LS3, but also includes GM's fuel-saving Active Fuel Management feature. It is estimated at 400 horsepower (299 kW) and 395 lb.-ft. of torque (535 Nm). It is matched with a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed transmission that helps delivers an estimated 23 mpg on the highway.

Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $12,120 to $103,300. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

UPDATED Pricing and Packages:

OFFICIAL 2010 Camaro Pricing

Model:
Camaro LS -- $22,995 (MSRP)
Camaro 1LT -- $24,630 (MSRP)
Camaro 2LT -- $27,330 (MSRP)
Camaro 1SS -- $30,992 (MSRP)
Camaro 2SS -- $34,180 (MSRP)

Options:
Convenience and Connectivity w/ Automatic Transmission -- $665
Concenience and Connectivity w/ Manual Transmission -- $465
Interior Trim Package -- $500
RS Package w/ 1LT -- $1,750
RS Package w/ 2LT -- $1,450
RS Package w/ 1SS or 2SS -- $1,200
Carpeted Front -- $60
Engine Block Heater -- $75
Red Jewel Tint Premium Paint -- $295
Boston Acoustics System -- $495
Compact Spare Tire and Wheel -- $150
Cyber Gray Metallic Stripes -- $395
White Stripes -- $395
Power Sunroof -- $900
Transmission, Automatic 6-speed -- $995
19" Polished Aluminum Wheel w/ 1LT -- $720
19" Polished Aluminum Wheel w/ 2LT -- $470
20" Polished Aluminum Wheel -- $470

C&D performs first instrumented tests of Corvette ZR1

Car and Driver recently strapped it's test gear to the new Corvette ZR1, and not surprisingly, recorded some impressive numbers. All eyes have been on the new super Vette as it prepares to duke it out with the likes of the Dodge Viper ASC, Nissan GT-R, and Porsche GT2. And the ZR1 appears to be equipped to more than hold it's own against the competition.

According to C&D's trusty electronic gear, the supercharged 638-hp beast knocked off a 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds as it continued towards a blistering 7.6 second 0-100 mph run. The quarter mile was cracked in 11.5 seconds @ 128 mph (Chevrolet claims 11.3 seconds, but the guys at C&D didn't believe in "...that sort of drivetrain abuse" to get lower numbers).

The top speed also remains unverified as the team "ran out of room" before they could hit the claimed 205 mph. Under braking, the ZR1 set a new C&D record as it hauled itself down from 70 mph in just 142 feet. Of course, we must mention the obligatory claimed Nürburgring lap time of 7:26 (at the hands of Chevrolet). So you don't have to Google the competition's best-claimed Ring times yourself, here they are: Porsche GT2 - 7:32, Nissan GT-R - 7:29, and the Dodge Viper ACR - 7:22.

Ford Performance Vehicles debuts 5th anniversary FPV Falcon

Ford is celebrating the 5th anniversary of it's FPV division (Ford Performance Vehicles) in Australia, and they're doing it in grand fashion. Ford Australia is rolling out a limited edition Falcon, with the car making it's debut at the Australian Motor Show.

"In only five short years, FPV has grown to become an icon in Australian performance motoring," said FPV General Manager Rod Barrett. "In recognition of this milestone we are launching a vehicle which will ensure this tradition continues."

Only 200 copies of the FPV Falcon will be available and Ford began taking orders at the show. The cars are powered by Ford's Boss 315 5.4L DOHC V-8, churning out 422 hp and 406 lb-ft through either a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual or a ZF six-speed automatic with Sequential Sport Shift.

Bringing it to a stop are six-piston Brembo calipers, lurking behind new 19-in wheels in Alpine Silver. The car itself only comes in Lightening Strike (silver) and silhouette (black). Inside, the sport seats are finished in Nudo Leather with the 5th Anniversary logo embossed in the headrests, as well as the floor mats.

Each car is individually numbered and features a dash plaque with its build number. The car also gets the full options treatment with dual-zone climate control, a sport steering wheel, power windows, alloy pedal covers and a premium audio system with a six-disc in-dash CD player and iPod connectivity. Interested Aussies can pick one up now for just $71,890 ($46,713 U.S.) before they're gone.