2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe

Can Chevrolet’s powerful new two-plus-two dominate the pony car wars?

By Nina Russin

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

This year, Chevrolet introduces an all-new Camaro for the 2010 model year, with a powerful SS grade that promises to give the Mustang GT a run for the money. There are two available V8 engines: the L99 on automatic transmission models, and the LS3 on cars equipped with the six-speed manual transmission.

The L99 engine has a cylinder cut-off feature that enhances fuel economy when engine load is low. The LS3 engine on the manual transmission model is also the base engine in the Chevrolet Corvette.

The Camaro LS3 engine is slightly detuned, producing four less horsepower than the block in the Corvette. As someone who’s spent lots of time around both cars, I would guess that a cold air package would quickly bring the Camaro engine up to Corvette speed.

Both of the Camaro V8 engines are significantly more powerful than the 315- horsepower block in the Mustang GT. Since the Camaro SS and Mustang GT have similar EPA fuel economy ratings, one might wonder why anybody would choose the Ford over the Chevy.

One deal breaker is the price: base on the Camaro SS with the manual transmission is $33,430, as compared to $27,995 for the Mustang. The test car, which comes equipped the RS package and twenty-inch alloy wheels costs $35,850.

The other deciding factor could be Chevrolet’s loss of owner loyalty. When the automaker stopped building the Camaro eight years ago, enthusiasts were left with the choice of upgrading to the pricier Corvette, or changing brands. In the meantime, Ford continued to build Mustang equity with new models and features. Read the rest of this entry »