The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

Unveiled to the public yesterday in press conferences (video of which is available here) in Warren, Michigan and North Hollywood, California, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has finally made its long-awaited debut.

Careful not to stray too far from its historically-recognizable exterior styling, the 2010 Camaro is the 21st century update of an old favorite. Officially available in coupe form beginning Summer 2009, the 2010 Camaro is to be offered in 3 trim levels; LS, LT & SS – SS being the Camaro powerhouse everyone has been talking about.

Living up to its “pony car” tag, the Camaro SS gallops (sorry) into the 2010 arena with a 6.2L V8 engine, a bore/stroke formula of 4.06 x 3.62 and engine displacement measuring 6,162 cc. With 422 horsepower (@ 5,000 rpm), 408 lb-ft torque (@ 4,500 rpm), and current right-to-buy price tags sitting somewhere between $20,000 and $25,000, Chevrolet expects its key competitors to be the Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang, and Nissan 350Z.

Later this week, we’ll compare the 2010 Camaro to those 3 models and determine whether the Camaro 2010 can give those cars a real run for the money, or if Chevrolet is going to have to play a little bit of catch-up first.

Below, full text from the Chevrolet’s official press release:

July 21, 2008

It’s been one of the most talked about concept vehicles in automotive history. Now it’s more than just a concept.

Today, at simultaneous events at the GM Tech Center in Warren, Michigan, and GM West Coast Advanced Design Studio North Hollywood, California, GM unveiled the 2010 Chevy Camaro. Sales begin in early 2009.

“The new Camaro delivers the best of both worlds – great heritage and a thoroughly modern, advanced package of performance, comfort and technology,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “It’s a sports car for a new generation of enthusiasts that doesn’t forget the heritage that helped make the original a cultural icon.”

2009 Chevrolet Corvette

Question: It seems like there are a lot of conflicting opinions on when to change the oil in a Corvette. I've been changing the oil in my '09 convertible every 3,000 miles; is this too often? Should I just follow the car computer? Do I need to change the filter on every oil change?
David
Via the Internet

Answer: This seems like it should be a simple question to answer, but sometimes things aren't as simple as they seem. Let's start by covering the basics. You need to change your oil on a regular basis, because all motor oils break down over time. Once that breakdown has occurred, the oil loses its ability to protect your engine.

Besides lubricating an engine's moving parts, motor oils are designed to carry combustion byproducts away from the pistons and cylinders. Oil is also formulated to collect dirt and dust that enter the engine through the intake and condensation that forms due to heat cycling. Engine oil must also contend with any coolant or fuel that gets in the crankcase, as well as any acids that may form from the reaction between water and other contaminants.

This all means that the more you drive your car, the more the oil will become contaminated. Oil additives are used up over time, and the oil itself can oxidize or thicken, preventing it from doing its job. While knowing this may make you want to change your oil every time you start your engine, today's oils are remarkably resilient and long-lasting. That said, how often you change your oil should depend on several factors.

To determine the rate at which contamination and additive depletion occurs, we need to consider climate, driving conditions, fuel-injection or carburetion adjustments, and the general mechanical condition of the engine. In a perfect, climate-controlled world, with ideal driving conditions and an optimally tuned car, you could easily go 7,000 to 10,000 miles between oil changes. But since none of our vehicles operate under such conditions, I think you're doing the right thing by changing your oil every 3,000 to 3,500 miles.

In some circumstances you'll need to change your oil more frequently than you normally would. These include a misfiring engine or extremely cold operating conditions, which can cause raw fuel to be introduced into the crankcase. Driving the vehicle hard-as you would at a road-course event or during a night at the dragstrip-will also require more-frequent oil changes. It's also a good idea to change the oil if you're getting ready to store your Corvette for the winter. This will remove any contamination and acids from the crankcase, so no bearing damage can occur during storage.

Every time you change your oil, you should change the oil filter as well. Most areas have oil-recycling centers that will take your used oil and filters. You can also check with your local parts store to see if they have a similar disposal program. Finally, always check your owner's manual for the type of oil you should use and the frequency with which you change it.

chevrolet Spark Electra could arrive next year

Market sources say that GM India could launch the electric version of their Chevrolet Spark car in the next 12 months.

GM is collaborating with Reva Electric Car Company to develop this electric version of Spark.

Reva Electric Car Company is the only automaker in India to manufacture and sell electric cars.

The company has just launched their latest model Chevrolet Cruze in the Indian market.

They are also scheduled to launch another small car in India in the coming months.

GM India unveils new Chevrolet Cruze

General Motors unveiled the all new Chevrolet Cruze diesel model in the capital with an aggressive introductory price ranging from INR 1099000 to INR 1245000 (ex showroom, Delhi).

This is the second offering in the D or the executive, segment from GM India. Its first car model in this segment was the Chevrolet Optra Magnum.

The new car is cheaper than its competitor Honda Civic, the Skoda Laura diesel and the Volkswagen Jetta diesel. However it is priced in the same bracket as the Toyota Altis which is also available for INR 1100000 but is a petrol driven car.

Mr Karl Slym president & MD of GM India said that “Three months ago the new General Motors company was born. Cruze is the first offering from the new company. The new car has been built on a brand new global platform called the 300 series.”

According to him, the third small car scheduled for launch next year is also modeled on the mini 300 series platform. The 2 litre diesel engine-fired Chevrolet Cruze is the biggest car in the executive passenger vehicle segment in terms of dimensions and is available in two variants: LT and LTZ.

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Concept

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept

This week's informative GM Fastlane chat session with General Motors VP of Chevrolet Brand Brent Dewar tells us the Camaro Z28 isn't guaranteed for production--contrary to earlier reports--and the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible was shown off to dealers this week, and "will come out soon."

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has been a hot seller for GM, and rightfully so--our own Bengt Halvorson drove one just this week and found it a lot of fun, "bitchin'," even, despite its minor downsides.

Drop Top Customs will make your Camaro a convertible

(Credit: Drop Top Customs

Suppose you wanted to pick up a convertible Chevrolet Camaro. You could wait patiently until the rumored 2012 release date. You could hope against hope that GM actually decides to release the darn thing. However, if you've got an extra 18 grand burning a hole in your pocket, you could see the folks at Drop Top Customs about making one for yourself, right now.

Ripping back the top will give rear passengers more headroom, but not legroom.

(Credit: Drop Top Customs

Custom convertibles usually look odd with the top up. Drop Top's Camaro avoids this pitfall.

(Credit: Drop Top Customs

That $18,000 dollar price tag doesn't include the cost of the donor car, so expect to add between $22K and $33K, depending on how much topless muscle you're looking for.

Florida-based Drop Top Customs is currently accepting orders and will display its custom convertible Camaro at the 2009 SEMA Show.

Chevrolet pricing for the all-new, 2010 Camaro

Chevrolet 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.