2010 Chevrolet Camaro news galore

With the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro set to hit the streets soon, there have been numerous news items surfacing regarding the new pony car, some good and some not so good. We decided to include all of them in one convenient post for your general consumption.

First up is the reveal of the order guide. GM officially started taking orders for the Camaro on October 13th of last year, but not all of the available options were finalized at the time. Some 40 pages long, the guide reveals every standard feature and available option for the Camaro.

After you're done chewing on the order guide for a while, you can head over to Chevy's website and use the Camaro configurator.

Next in Camaro news is word that the V6 model is rated at a miserly 29mpg highway. The direct injected 3.6L is also rated at an official 304 horsepower and is standard in the LS and LT models. City mileage is 18mpg, and both figures come from a six speed automatic equipped model (17mpg with a stick). V8 models are rated at 16mpg city and 25 highway (24 with the stick). For those interested (i.e. everyone), the SS has run an unofficial 4.7 second 0-60 time.

And finally, the bad news. The crew at the freshly-minted Detroit Bureau is reporting that while the Chevrolet Camaro has started rolling off off production lines, there are some serious hitches with future model plans that could result in a substantial delay – or outright cancellation – of two hotly-anticipated models.

According to Paul Eisenstein (veteran auto journalist and founder of TheCarConnection), the Camaro convertible and Z28 are both in jeopardy. As the story goes, budget crunches for both General Motors and its suppliers could grenade products that were seen as foregone conclusions.

For those waiting on a 'vert or a Z, you might want to plan on ponying up for a RS or SS and taking a look to the aftermarket for some upgrades.

Pontiac SLP Firehawk G8 GT details and pricing released

As controversy swirls around it, SLP (Street Legal Performance) is going ahead and launching it's newest Firehawk, based on the Pontiac G8 GT. All previous Firehawk models were based on the Firebird, a fact that has some SLP purists upset.

The car itself is a nice piece of work. To the stock V8 engine, SLP adds a supercharger that's similar to the one featured on the Corvette ZR1, a stainless exhaust system and a cold air induction system. All that's good for 500 horsepower. Other mods include new 19-inch alloys painted gun metal gray and a sport suspension package. The car's most striking design element will surely be the flat black-painted hood, grille surrounds and rear spoiler – an obvious nod to the factory muscle cars from the late '60s and early '70s.

All in all the package will add $18,995 (plus $4,995 for an upgraded brake kit) to the base price of $32,440. The package will be available through your local Pontiac dealer on April 1st.

PRESS RELEASE:

Toms River, NJ - Firehawk, arguably one of the most legendary names in the history of Pontiac Muscle Cars is again united with a vehicle worthy of that unique badge: the 2009 G8-GT based Firehawk. Produced and available at SLP Performance Parts, Inc. (SLP), and select Pontiac dealerships nationwide, Firehawk offers the all-around powertrain performance, superior handling and braking, with headturning styling and value, true to its distinctive nameplate.

Following in the footsteps of SLP's famed Firebird Firehawk is a daunting challenge. But one test drive will convince skeptics that the 2009 Supercharged Firehawk has recaptured and refined the special magic of the first generation Firehawk.

Available only on the 2009 G8 GT in any factory color, the Supercharged Firehawk's performance and curb appeal are enhanced by a positive displacement supercharger, using the same technology as the supercharger GM supplies on the new ZR-1 Corvette, and highlighted by an aggressively styled flat-black painted hood treatment, reminiscent of early Muscle Cars.

To compliment Firehawk's front-end appearance, the rear deck lid spoiler benefits from subtle but effective styling revisions, including a flat black paint finish. Helping transfer Firehawk's power-to-thepavement are Bridestone's P245/40R19 Potenza RE050A Pole Position tires* and the lightweight Firehawk 19"x8" 5-spoke alloy wheels.

*Note: These tires are required for the Firehawk alteration and are included with Pontiac's RPO Code PDX – Sport Package.

Throughout Firehawk's development process, our objective was to engineer the very highest quality performance, handling and braking improvements that would provide the performance enthusiast with a well-balanced package. Not only will Firehawk outperform its competition, it's built to ensure long-term customer satisfaction.

Depending on the driver, road surface conditions and outside air temperature, the Supercharged Firehawk will generate 0-60 mph times of 4.3 seconds and 1/4 mile times of 12.6 seconds @ 115 mph, based on preliminary testing.

Every Firehawk begins life as a Pontiac G8 GT. When Firehawk production begins on April 1, 2009, G8 GTs are shipped to SLP's Toms River, NJ facility where they will be converted into Supercharged Firehawks, dyno-tested, and available for pick up or delivery.

Firehawk Standard Content Includes:

• SLP TVS 1900 500 HP Series Supercharger Package
• SLP PowerFlo® Stainless Steel Exhaust System
• SLP Blackwing® Cold Air Induction System
• SLP Sport Suspension Package
• Flat Black Painted Hood and Grille Surrounds
• Painted Lower Fascia Grille Inserts (Body Color)
• SLP Rear Spoiler Painted Flat Black
• Firehawk 19" 5-spoke, Gun Metal Painted Alloy Wheels w/Machined Spoke Face and Firehawk Logo Center Caps
• Firehawk Badges
• Firehawk Car Cover
• Firehawk Leather (faux) Portfolio
• Firehawk Birth Certificate
• Firehawk Numbered Dash Plaque and Key Fobs (2)
• Firehawk Floor Mats
• Firehawk Embroidered Headrests

Optional Firehawk Content:

• Competition Brake Package

For more information on how to order a Firehawk, contact SLP at (810) 724-8703 or email info@slp-firehawk.com

2010 Ford Mustang Roush 427R

We didn't anticipate that it would take too long for the first special edition version of the new Mustang to see the light of day, and here is the first example. Roush is the first to unveil it's own version of the new Mustang, the 427R.

The meat and potatoes of the new Mustang is still intact, but the standard V8 receives a supercharger to bump power up to 435hp and 400lbft of torque. Other power enhancers include a more efficient intake and better cooling.

The appearance package is rather subtle, with some stripes, front fascia, front splitter, rear fascia, side sills, a three piece rear wing, and 18 inch wheels (20 inchers are optional). A lot of time has been spent tuning the suspension, which features new springs, shocks, and sway bars.

The details that make a special edition special are also present, including fender badges, rear decklid emblem, aluminum pedals, embroidered floor mats and a serialized engine bay plaque. In addition to the standard features, customers can also choose from numerous upgrades including reupholstered leather seats, short-throw shifter, performance exhaust, and more.

PRESS RELEASE

The ROUSH 2010 427R™ Mustang will be the first in the lineup of new ROUSH® 2010 Mustangs to have a ROUSHcharger® installed which boosts the horsepower to 435 and offers 400 lb.-ft. of torque. This is the first time that ROUSH has been able to offer a supercharged vehicle at the launch of a new body style.

Under the hood customers will see many differences in the ROUSH 2010 427R Mustang compared to previous years. One of the biggest changes is that the long air induction tube that wrapped around the engine was eliminated making a much cleaner appearance under the hood. The intercooler reservoir has more than twice the volume of previous generations, and the intercooler itself is a single core cross-flow radiator which means more efficient cooling. It is substantially larger than on prior model years, and is now raised higher off the ground which should offer much less potential for road debris damage. Even the hoses on the ROUSH 2010 427R have seen an upgrade; they are all now 100 percent molded rubber with abrasion resistance and have imprinted markings for things like the clamp locations. This makes for even more of a true OEM appearance under the hood, and ROUSH has taken this factory appearance to the degree of matching the Ford grain on the OEM radiator reservoir and duplicated it on the one used by the intercooler. Although much of the 4.6L, 3V powertrain components are a carryover from that used on the 2005-2009 ROUSH Mustangs, customers will notice much more refinement and OEM-level quality materials and appearance on the new ROUSHcharged™ engines. This new 427R™ is be covered by a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty.

The 2010 427R™ includes an appearance package which is comprised of several components such as a new front fascia and front splitter, rear fascia, side splitters, and a three-piece rear wing. The new rear fascia is a one-piece design which improves the fit and finish; the part is injection-molded by ROUSH Manufacturing in an OEM-level TPO plastic which, in the black color with decorative grain, will help reduce rock chips. The vehicle rides on 18-inch cast chrome wheels with high-performance Cooper Zeon tires, with a new 20-inch cast chrome wheel as an available option.

This package also includes an all-new suspension package to greatly enhance the handling of the vehicle and turn that daily commute into a slalom course. The ROUSH chassis engineering team has driven tens of thousands of miles on the streets and tracks to create the best blend of comfort and handling, and claim that this is the best suspension package they have come up with yet for the Mustang. A ROUSH wheel hop reduction kit will be included with all vehicles that have the upgraded ROUSH suspension package installed at the factory.

"I've driven every generation of ROUSH Mustangs and there is no question that these cars keep improving over the years. Our engineering teams never sit back and say,'That's it. We are done working on this now.' They continually refine the components, whether it is in the engine, suspension, or any other part of the car. They are always thinking and testing and improving and creating the ultimate Mustang for the muscle car enthusiast. I think that there is no doubt that the ROUSH 2010 Mustang is our finest effort yet," Roush stated, adding that he will shortly be using one as his personal vehicles while traveling the NASCAR circuit.

Core Components - $14,156 + S&H
ROUSHcharged 4.6L powertrain system
ROUSH Front Fascia with Driving Lamps
ROUSH Front Chin Spoiler
ROUSH Side Rocker Splitters
ROUSH Rear Valance
ROUSH Rear Decklid Spoiler
ROUSH Fender Badges and Rear Decklid Emblem
ROUSH Front Windshield Banner
ROUSH 427-R Striping Kit
ROUSH Four-Piece Performance Pedals
ROUSH Embroidered Floor Mats
ROUSH Center Console Badge/Button
ROUSH Billet Aluminum Shifter Handle with Grips (Manual Transmission Only)
ROUSH 18-Inch Cast Chrome Wheel With High Performance Tires
ROUSH Suspension System
ROUSH Engine Build Plaque
ROUSH 427R Serialized Engine Bay Plaque

Optional Components
ROUSH White Face Gauges - $320
ROUSH Exhaust - $710
ROUSH Rear Quarter Window Louvers - $370
ROUSH Convertible Light Bar - $910
ROUSH Sport Leather Seating - $1,725
ROUSH Vent Pod With Boost Gauge - $435
ROUSH 20-Inch Cast Chrome Wheel & Tire Upgrade - $1,115
Locking Lug Nuts - $60
ROUSH Short Throw Shifter - $310
ROUSH Short Throw Shifter With Chrome Shifter Arm And White Ball Knob - $410
ROUSH Short Throw Shifter With Chrome Shifter Arm And Black Ball Knob - $410
ROUSH Trunk Mounted Tool Kit - $355
ROUSH Illuminated Door Sill Plates - $220
ROUSH Door Sill Plates (Non-Illuminated) - $57
ROUSH Big Brake Upgrade - $2,877
ROUSH Sport Brake Kit - $1,450
ESCORT Passport 9500ci Radar/Laser Defense System - $2,200