It’s Alive! It’s Alive! The Yenko Camaro returns again!
I was fairly certain that the unquestionably legendary Yenko Camaro nameplate would never return. Then, Chevrolet said they would begin production on the Camaro again, and my hopes for such a day came back (albeit, I was extremely cautious in my optimism). Even with the Yenko nameplate existing under another company's moniker, I thought maybe, just maybe, we'd see a new one. Then I saw how incredible the new Camaro was, and my optimism grew some more. Now, today, I've found news that says my dreams will come true! That is right, the Yenko Camaro will be produced once again!
Now owned by some company known in the acronym world as GMCI (General Marketing Capital Inc.), the Yenko name is being returned where it belongs, upon a Camaro. Using the 2010 SS as their base, the engineers are premiering a 600 HP super-charged V8 Camaro at SEMA this year with a Tremec 6-Speed gear box. On that stout and powerful Camaro frame, this sounds like a truly winning combination! Once we get more pictures and info from SEMA, I will be sure to share them with you. Of course, I'm fairly certain that the massive tuner auto show will provide many more Camaro surprises for us die-hard Camaro fans out here. Anything more I learn will be passed on to you!
AutoSpies artist rendition of the Phase I Yenko Camaro, to be shown at SEMA this year!
American cars are so much better in America! Crazy price for the Camaro in Australia.
Right-hand drive Camaro available in Australia for a measly $128,500 USD
by Jonny Lieberman on Oct 27th 2009 at 7:00PM
For years and years, avid American car enthusiasts thought of a certain Holden as the Holy Grail. In hushed tones and with furtive looks, we let each other know that, yeah, the BMW E39 M5 is pretty dang sweet, but there's this Australian car... a four-door with a six-speed and a Corvette motor... and it's... dare we say it... better? However, it remained a piece of Automotive apocrypha not only because we couldn't have it, but because no one could remember the name (HSV GTS, of all the nonsensical, alphabet soup letter combos Holden could have selected).
We mention the legendary HSV GTS because Australian Camaro fans might now be experiencing what us muscle car-starved Yanks went through at the beginning of the decade -- withdrawal! Because not only are there are no right-hand drive Camaros (Aussies still insist on pretending they're British/Japanese), but the 2010 update to the original Mustang competitor is based almost totally on native Holden underpinnings. Ouch!
But fear not, Performax International has figured out how to move the steering wheel to the opposite side of the transmission tunnel and will sell those of you living in the Land Down Unda a right-hand drive Camaro SS for just $139,000 AUD. That's $128,500 U.S. American dollars to you and me. Which is... psychotic, says us. Especially considering that in America, a Camaro SS costs $33,745. But despite what we think, half a dozen customers have already placed orders with Performax International for a Aussie-spec'd Camaro.
Man, I am glad to be living in America. My price for the Camaro SS is much easier to stomach than theirs. Of course, the fact that Australians are paying that price says a lot about how fantastic the Camaro really is.
Source: AutoBlog
GM is Doing Well These Days
By DAN STRUMPF (AP) – 17 hours ago
NEW YORK — Just a tiny fraction of General Motors customers have returned their cars for refunds under the automaker's heavily advertised money-back guarantee program — and most buyers aren't even choosing to participate in the plan, opting for a rebate instead.
About 400 vehicle buyers, or "less than 1 percent" of sales since the program launched, have signed up for GM's 60-day money-back guarantee program, spokesman Tom Henderson said Tuesday. The rest took a $500 rebate, he said.
Of those 400 vehicles, just 15 have been returned in the four days since customers could begin doing so, Henderson said.
GM launched the money-back guarantee program on Sept. 14 with an advertising blitz, including TV spots starring GM Chairman Ed Whitacre, in a bid to get on-the-fence vehicle buyers to consider GM products after its stint in bankruptcy court this summer.
The program runs through Nov. 30 and allows customers to return any new 2009 and 2010 Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC or Buick vehicle for a refund of the purchase price and sales tax if they are unsatisfied with their vehicle.
The policy allows buyers to return their vehicle between day 31 and day 60 of ownership, meaning the first refund requests started coming in on Thursday. Reasons for the returns have been "across the board," Henderson said.
One returnee was the buyer of a Chevrolet Corvette, who bought the sports car with a manual transmission and found it "painful to shift," GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz told reporters during a briefing last week. Once the buyer returned the Corvette, he wound up exchanging it for the same model — but with an automatic gear box, instead.
The return had nothing to do with dissatisfaction with the car other than the choice of transmissions, Lutz said.
"He brought it back because he made a mistake," he said.
A report Monday by CNW Research said the program has been successful in getting consumers to consider buying GM products. The program has "spiked interest in the company's products far beyond any recent previous effort," the research firm said.
AP Auto Writer Tom Krisher contributed to this report from Detroit.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
The Camaro Truly is Classic!
CLASSIC CHEVROLET CARS-
There are few material things in life that are as priceless as an American classic car, specifically, the Chevrolet.
Invented in the early 1900s, the original Chevrolets — whose namesake, Louis Chevrolet was actually a race car driver for the Buick brand — were envisioned as being manufactured for the wealthy, this is evidenced by the introduction of the “Classic Six”, one of Chevrolet’s earliest models that also had a whopping price tag of over $2000 — a significant price for that day and age, and one very few people could actually afford.
It was also because of this difference in the idea for the vision of the company that the partnership of Louis Chevrolet and William Durant — the founder of General Motors and the one who hired Mr. Chevrolet to drive the Buick vehicles in promotional races — went their separate ways. This bit of history is often included in the story told by those selling classic cars, as it helps illustrate the richness and uniqueness of the Chevrolet brand.
As the years progressed, Mr. Durant continued to compete with Ford and Dodge by introducing automobiles with advancements in engine and body innovation and creativity that ultimately laid the groundwork for the Chevrolet models to surge in popularity.
For instance, the Chevrolet Corvette; arguably one of the most sought after for those buying and selling classic cars. Introduced in 1953, this car has been a mainstay in the antique automobile industry — and is also still in production today — and with such inventive ideas as using fiberglass for the body to make the car faster and more aerodynamic, it is the end all, be all in the classic car market. Few cars hold this distinction: the Ford Mustang is one, and the Chevrolet Camaro is also one.
Source:AllCarz
Motorweek’s recent review of the 2010 Camaro
Also, a look back by Motorweek at the '67 Camaro!
The 2010 Chevy Camaro – An American Legend Reborn!
The 2010 Chevy Camaro looks to be like a breath of fresh air in the US automobile industry. With a hurricane of publicity around this model, not the least of which was a staring role in the blockbuster movie "Transformers," the excitement level is sky high.
Following the trend of car makers looking back to revive popular past models the 2010 Camaro could prove to be the very best of the "Reborn Muscle Car Movement." Looking at the newest Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger we can see that the public's appetite for nostalgia is strong. Take that nostalgia and mix in modern technology, higher horsepower, better suspension and vastly improved fuel economy and you've got a hit!
A quick look at the initial offering of the new 2010 Camaro model shows that along with the traditional look Chevy is following the classic offering model of a muscle car launch. The 2010 is available in several different variations that differ in appearance, power and price. Chevy has kept its word and kept the production 2010 Camaro very, very close to the concept car that caused such a stir at the 2006 Auto Show. This has kept the Camaro loving public quite happy.
Initially there will be three trim packages, SS, LT and LS, all in a hardtop coupe. Starting out at the base level the LS will be the most affordable version featuring a V-6 producing around 220 horsepower. The LT is the next step up the ladder and will have a beefier 3.5 literV-6 producing a bit more than 300 hp. The monster version is the SS model, with a 6.2 literV-8 pumping out over 400hp. Price ranges are from the low 20's to the mid 30's.
A convertible version of the new Fifth Generation Camaro is planned for the early 2010's as well as a Z28 package. The gear heads out there are drooling on the Z28 as reports show it will have a super-charged 6.2 liter V-8 producing somewhere in the neighborhood of 500hp!
Chevy has packed a few more goodies in the new model as well. As for transmission choices you'll have an option of a six speed manual or a six speed "TAPshift" automatic tranny. Underneath you'll see a 4.5 link independent rear suspension to help get that power to the street. Four wheel disc brakes, a choice of 18, 19, or 20 inch wheels, a choice of ten different colors and a lot more.
He gets the driving experience right, but I have few if any of his little gripes
Through this year's upheaval at General Motors, the buzz around the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has stayed strong. Many months now since Camaros first started arriving, they're still driving traffic around Chevy dealerships. And on the road, as we recently experienced, it still makes people turn and look—with a grin.
It's easy to see why. From the outside, the Camaro isn't just another pretty retro pony car; it has a certain urgency and aggressiveness about it, with the assertive stance and proportions that just 'pop.'
In recent weeks, this editor has driven V-6 versions of the 2010 Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, and Chevrolet Camaro—along with a host of V-8 and V-6 versions TheCarConnection.com had driven previously—and reports that although the Camaro is the clear performance winner and reigning crowd-drawing champ, it's perhaps the toughest to live with of the three when you take a closer look inside.
First off, visibility out of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is about the worst we've seen in any production vehicle as of late. Rearward vision is slim, with the steep rear window only offering a short view outward over the tall deck, while the rising beltline and thick rear pillars create a huge convertible-like blind spot. You'll soon learn the drill, of leaning forward and craning one's neck around to help improve the field of vision. But every time I leaned forward, the little magnetic snap that holds the seatbelt loop in place would come undone, leaving me to fidget with it and snap it back into position.
Many drivers will find headroom tight in the Camaro, though there's plenty of legroom. Even in a slightly reclined driving position, I was brushing the sunroof surround. If you're tall, you probably shouldn't go for the sunroof, a $900 option.
Overall, the feeling is that you're driving a relatively large car with a relatively small cabin. Don't think you're going to bring along back-seat passengers in the 2010 Camaro. This tall editor found extreme contortion necessary to get in back, and once in place there was a severe lack of headroom for all but smaller kids. What's also concerning is that there are no headrests for the two rear positions. Riding back there is not for the claustrophobic or those who tend toward motion sickness. With the shoulder-high beltline and small recessed windows it's cave-like.
How do the other pony cars compare? The Mustang doesn't have as much legroom but is clearly better for headroom; as for the 2010 Dodge Challenger, it's the biggest overall and that translates to the roomiest cabin. Although the Challenger's back seat is also tough to get into, it's almost adult-sized.
The Camaro's instrument panel looks intriguing from outside the car, but up close it's a mixed bag. The chunky climate controls are straightforward as well as stylish. But it took us a lot of time to get used to the idiosyncrasies of the sound system controls, which include a row of almost identical, smooth-surfaced buttons. For instance, to seek between stations on FM requires pressing the bottom portion of the third or fourth preset; it seems a step backwards from the more intuitive audio controls GM has used for many years. On the upside, the display was very clear.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro
Having the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro over a few days that involved heavy errands, we found a few other gripes. For instance, the test Camaro had the pricey ($4,680) 21-inch polished-rim flange-and-spokes wheels some expensive wheel options, but its power side mirrors don't include a tilt-down feature when engaging reverse. Instead, we adjusted the mirror downward for parallel parking. And the long, very wide-opening doors don't even have any lights or reflectors at their edges. The auxiliary gauge pack—in keeping with an aftermarket look, perhaps—was full of reflections during daytime and had lighting that wasn't quite consistent with the main gauges at night; it was also far from the line of sight.
In our production 2010 Chevrolet Camaro test car, some of the trims didn't meet quite perfectly, center-console trim around the shifter looks (and was, on our test car) easily scratched, and it was awash with a close-but-not-quite-matching palette of matte-matallic, gray, and pearlescent gray bezels, trims, and finishes that could have been better coordinated. On the other hand, the ventilated leather upholstery was soft and comfortable, and the contrast stitching for the seats and soft-touch elbow areas looked upscale.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro Interior Gauges
All these minor gripes did add up to a more significant impression that the 2010 Camaro doesn't quite strike the right balance inside; but it wasn't enough to damp our enthusiasm about the driving experience. Even in V-6 form, the Camaro was a joy to drive. The suspension is just forgiving enough to isolate jarring bumps yet enforces tenacious grip. Even with our ridiculously large wheels the Camaro stayed composed in tight, rough-surfaced corners that would have had the Mustang's tail stepping out. There's surprisingly little road noise on a wide range of surface types, and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) overall are astonishingly under control for a pony car. Yet the 304-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 makes all the right engine sounds. There's clearly no substitute for a V-8 under the hood, but it has enough power to rip off six-second times to 60 mph and get the tires loose for just a little bit of wheelspin at launch with the six-speed automatic.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro
Be sure to visit TheCarConnection.com's overview page on the 2010 Chevy Camaro for specs, prices, multiple Camaro reviews, news on what might be in the works, and galleries of Camaro images. And if you're considering the Camaro, take a look—a long look—around inside. To some, imperfection is part of the appeal here; don't be surprised if, even though you see some flaws, the driving experience is more than enough to maintain the seduction.
Source: The Car Connection
Drop-top Camaro, looks hot!
HIGH SPRINGS, Florida — Just as the Dodge Challenger swept last year's show, you can expect the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro will be the focal point of many a tuner's stand this year at the 2009 SEMA Auto Show . In the forefront, as usual, will be Drop Top Customs by Convertible Builders with a — you guessed it — Camaro convertible.
2010 Camaro Drop-Top looks nice
With a factory-built Chevrolet Camaro convertible at least 18 months away (the program is still officially on hold at General Motors), Convertible Builders owner Jeff Moran says, "I do not believe it would be a sound business move for GM to take on a project that has greater potential to lose money than to be profitable."
On the other hand, the low-volume soft-top business has been good for the Florida-based conversion company, which was established in 1976 as Coachbuilders Limited.
Looks great top up or down!
The shop currently offers convertible conversions of the Challenger , which was displayed at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show, as well as the Cadillac CTS and the Chrysler 300C.
Moran says his company is already taking orders for the Camaro convertible, which will cost an additional $18,000 over the price of the stock hardtop.
Man, this Camaro is gorgeous. Of course, that being said, all Camaros are gorgeous!
You can follow the car's development progress on Drop Top Customs' Facebook page or at its Web site.
Inside Line says: If money is burning a hole in your pocket, Moran and his crew also do Ferraris and BMWs. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Source: Edmunds:InsideLine
Camaro is an obvious contender in the car of the year race!
2010 Camaro, lets cheer it on for car of the year!
DETROIT — The contenders for the 2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year were announced on Thursday, with a strong showing from Ford and General Motors. Notably absent from the short-list ballot: Chrysler.
The jury of 50 automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada whittled a list of 27 cars down to 15 and a list of 17 trucks down to 10.
The 2010 car contenders are the BMW 335d, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Fusion/Fusion Hybrid, Ford Taurus, Honda Insight, Kia Soul, Mazda 3, Mazdaspeed 3, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Porsche Panamera, Subaru Legacy, Suzuki Kizashi, Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Golf/GTI.
The 2010 truck contenders are the Acura ZDX, Audi Q5, Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Transit Connect, Honda Crosstour, Land Rover LR4, Lincoln MKT, Subaru Outback and Volvo XC60.
Winners will be announced in January at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Last year's winners were the 2009 Hyundai Genesis and the 2009 Ford F-150.
Inside Line says: Should be an interesting horse race as jurors have everything from a muscle car to hybrids to an unusual Porsche to consider. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Source: Edmunds:Inside Line
GM Vice Chairman talks about the company’s future
MIDLAND (WJRT) -- (10/02/09)--General Motors Corp. Vice Chairman Bob Lutz made a stop in Mid-Michigan Friday.
By Matt Franklin
He talked about the New GM post bankruptcy. Lutz was in Midland to open the Northwood University International Auto Show.
Lutz says GM is getting down to business. That means producing and selling cars that people want -- cars some dealers can't even keep on dealer lots.
Also, it means making the tough decisions, but he says it's the only way for GM to survive.
The rain may have dampened the opening of the Northwood University International Auto Show in Midland, but that didn't stop Lutz from beaming as he talked about the progress GM has been since coming out of bankruptcy.
"Our new vehicles like the Camaro are sold out. The new Chevy Equinox is sold out. The GMC Terrain is sold out," he said.
As GM travels down the road to recovery, it has been operating on billions of dollars in government loans. It has shed four of its brands and cut thousands of workers.
Lutz is optimistic those drastic changes are now in the rear view mirror.
"I think we are through the most of it," he said. "With the last round of cuts and capacity reductions, brand elimination and everything, I think we have practically all of it behind us."
Lutz says it's a new day for GM, one that is focused on high-quality products and a high-performance culture.
"If you don't produce, we aren't going to keep you very long. This is the way successful companies operate," he said. "We love our employees, but we don't love them if they don't produce."
Going forward is the primary goal for the automaker now.
"Financial results. The sooner we make money, the sooner people will believe we're back on the road to recovery," Lutz said.
Source: ABC