Autoblog

VIDEO: 2010 Camaro UNC Tarheels Edition is for diehards only

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Videos, Chevrolet

UNC Tarheels Edition 2010 Chevrolet Camaro - Click above to watch the video

Many of us Autobloggers went to colleges that cultivated rabid alumni, but having seen this 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, our graduates were amateurs. In fact, we didn't realize you could love college, or its title-winning basketball team, so much. But a CarDomain forum member called "QuMongous" loves him some University of North Carolina Tarheels, and put his car in the game to prove it. Argyle pinstripes, his school's logo on the door, a hand-painted mascot on the rear quarters, and massive blue Dubs with UNC center caps have made this muscle car a tailgating hero. And wait until you see the back window.

Day-um. That's all we have to say. Follow the jump to see a walkaround of the car. And to you Tarheels players, you owe this guy another championship.

[Source: Tampa Sports Car Examiner]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Camaro UNC Tarheels Edition is for diehards only

VIDEO: 2010 Camaro UNC Tarheels Edition is for diehards only originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM responds to more Camaro transmission failure talk on enthusiast forum

Chris Paukert — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Back in July, we first told you about a serious driveline issue that was cropping up in Chevrolet's new-for-2010 Camaro. In specific, output shafts were failing on V8 manual transmission SS models, a malady that was generally tied to hard launches or use of the car's launch control system. The problem eventually resulted in General Motors conducting some warranty repairs and briefly issuing a factory hold of the SS while it fixed the problem, and as far as we knew, that was that.

That was the last we heard of the issue until AB reader Billie informed us that talks regarding output shaft failure were once again heating up over at the owner discussion forums of Camaro5.com - so much so that GM's own John Fitzpatrick, the marketing manager of Chevrolet's performance cars, chimed in with a statement on behalf of the automaker, the text of which you can read after the break.

Basically, Fitzpatrick says that after a review of the issue, GM is confident that failure rates "under normal driving conditions are very low... even in the most extreme driving condition, the probability of failure does not significantly change." In any case, Fitzpatrick assures that GM will continue to stand behind their five-year/100,000 mile warranty coverage.

For the most part, it seems like Fitzpatrick's comments have assuaged the concerned parties on Camaro5 (there are definitely still a few disgruntled folks), but if nothing else, it's nice to see another example of an automaker wading into the internet fray to directly address customer issues.

Gallery: One Night Stand: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source, Camaro5.com]

Continue reading GM responds to more Camaro transmission failure talk on enthusiast forum

GM responds to more Camaro transmission failure talk on enthusiast forum originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: The coolest CG car vid you'll see today

Chris Shunk — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Design/Style

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We've seen plenty of car-related videos of our time, and we've posted on quite a few of them on Autoblog. The clips are usually informative, offer a sneak peak of a future product, or they're just plain funny, but one thing we've never done is showcase a reader's demo reel, until today. Why? Because after the jump is one of the sweetest home-grown car videos in the history of geeks playing with CGI software.

The video features a Chevrolet Camaro, a Ford Shelby Mustang, a Jeep Grand Cherokee and - wait for it - a Vaz 2107. The supposed theme of the video is that some spiked orb thing ascends down from above, shooting pure, Spider Man 3-like evil upon the four unsuspecting vehicles. Once the vehicles become infected with this black plague, they get all bad and dark and stuff. Then a Black Hawk flies into the picture just for the added cool and hangs out with the souped up, shiny black cars. It's all kind of Mad Hatter if you ask us, but it's also completely freaking cool. Hollywood production quality cool. Music and sound effects are outstanding as well. Nicely done, Pantural, whoever you are. Thanks to all who sent in tips!

[Source: Pantural via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: The coolest CG car vid you'll see today

VIDEO: The coolest CG car vid you'll see today originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: We expected a Camaro Convertible, but got two

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Convertible, Performance, Chevrolet

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible by Drop Top Customs - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we received the press release from Drop Top Customs saying that they would be bringing a Camaro convertible to SEMA, we could hardly contain ourselves. Ever since the Camaro Concept was first shown some way too many years ago, we've been expecting a droptop version as well. General Motors has had a lot on their plate lately and we consider ourselves lucky that we've even got the coupe now. With things starting to change at the top within the GM brass though, we fully expect things to change at the top of this classic bit of American iron as well.

Right now, unfortunately, a genuine factory convertible isn't available, so it's up to the aftermarket to fill that need. Drop Top's droptop looked like a decent attempt from the early pics but we wanted to see it in person before we really signed off on it. We knew it would be here at SEMA but it took us a while to find it. The odd thing is that we found another Camaro convertible first. We eventually found the Drop Top, which you see above, though too.

The yellow car looked pretty much like the photos we had seen earlier, except that it was real and sitting in front of us finally. The conversion seems really well done. We know it's hard for any aftermarket firm to match the level of development that the automaker itself can do, but these guys are experts at building chop-top vehicles. If you have to have a Camaro convertible and you simply cannot wait for Chevy to produce one of their own, then this might be a good option. Of course there is at least one other option as well, as we found out when we canvassed the show's North Hall.

A black Camaro convertible was also on display, featuring a large chrome grille and Forgiato wheels. This conversion was done by Newport Convertible and seems roughly as good as the Drop Top job. The top mechanism looks like it fits pretty low in the rear deck and the materials seem top notch, just like on the yellow car. Newport didn't have a full boot fitted, but it looked professional, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. We didn't get a chance to see either with their tops up (or in motion), however, so we still need to reserve final judgment. In the meantime, just know that there are now two convertible Camaro options for those who absolutely, positively need a Camaro convertible today. Check out our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Camaro convertible conversions

SEMA 2009: We expected a Camaro Convertible, but got two originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chevrolet Camaro attracts all types, including 101-year-old Virgil Coffman

Chris Shunk — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Chevrolet, GM

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Close your eyes and try to envision the typical 2010 Chevrolet Camaro owner. We're guessing there weren't many of you imagined a cane-touting Centenarian, but that didn't stop Virgil Coffman from picking up a 400 horsepower Transformers Edition Camaro SS as his new joy ride. Coffman purchased his bright yellow pony car from Miles Chevrolet in Decatur, Illinois, but only after talking to dealer management. The dealership wanted to make sure Coffman was sharp enough to operate the modern muscle car, and management went away feeling that their elder was still "bright eyed and bushy tailed."

We're thinking that it would be pretty unlikely that any dealership is going to pass up on a $35,000 sale given the state of the industry, but after watching the video recreating his trip to the dealership, Virgil sure seems to be on top of things. Hit the jump to hear why Coffman purchased his hot new Camaro. We're thinking we need to eat what this guy is eating.

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Special Edition

[Source: General Motors via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevrolet Camaro attracts all types, including 101-year-old Virgil Coffman

VIDEO: Chevrolet Camaro attracts all types, including 101-year-old Virgil Coffman originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Yenko Camaro cuts through the aftermarket fog

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance

Yenko Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

There a lot of new Camaros here at SEMA. In fact, depending upon your depth of exhaustion, residual blood-alcohol level from last night and general brain-deadedness, you might be forgiven for thinking that every other car here is a Camaro. And some of them, well, ain't so great. Useless ground effects packages, 24-inch wheels, shoddy workmanship and terrible eye-searing colors are your bag, man. That said, some Camaros do manage to cut through the crap using simple tools like quality and understatement. May we present to you the new Yenko Camaro, a quiet, big stick-carrying badass in a sea of noise.

Now, as we previously pointed out, this is the Phase I Yenko - meaning that instead of sporting a 427 cid like Yenko 'Maros of yore, the new one has a supercharged version of GM's LS3, the 6.2-liter V8 that comes standard with the Camaro SS. Purists (can Yenko fans be considered purists?) might grouse and claim a non-427 is lame, but we'll say two things on the matter. First, the supercharged LS3 will make at least 600 horsepower. Nothing lame about that. Second, Phase II and Phase III Yenkos are coming and you can bet they'll have Z06-sourced LS7 427, tuned to who knows how high. And, judging by the competition, an LS9 Yenko isn't out of the question.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: 2010 Yenko Camaro

SEMA 2009: Yenko Camaro cuts through the aftermarket fog originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Jay Leno Camaro a pre-emptive strike against EcoBoost 'Stang

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Ford, Celebrities

2010 Chevrolet Jay Leno Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

What do you get the guy who has everything? For SEMA 2009, GM decided to go with the less-is-more approach and built Jay Leno his own special Camaro... with less. Less cylinders at any rate, as this V6 special more than makes up for its lack of firing pots by adding a pair of turbochargers.

The 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 is otherwise similar to the unit that resides in run-of-the-mill Camaro LS and LT models, but with the dual huffers helping it, it produces the same 425 horsepower as its V8-propelled SS brother. And in a playful EcoBoasting slap, Chevy points out that they get the extra performance with virtually no penalty in fuel economy. Take that, rumored EcoBoost Mustang!

Besides the power upgrades, the Leno Camaro also gets a beefed up clutch for its six-speed transmission, an upgraded radiator, Brembo brakes, a Pedders coil-over kit, and a bodykit that includes a new rear diffuser as well as a revised front fascia and hood with additional venting for brakes and engine. It's one of a handful of Camaros in the GM booth, but it's the only one sticking its chin out, egging on the Ford boys. Press release after the jump and full gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Jay Leno Camaro

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Jay Leno Camaro a pre-emptive strike against EcoBoost 'Stang

SEMA 2009: Jay Leno Camaro a pre-emptive strike against EcoBoost 'Stang originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Canadian chicks dig Chevrolet's new Camaro

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Canada

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - click above image for hi-res gallery

Years and years and years ago (like back in the Eighties), we read a study that broke down car ownership by gender. The car most purchased by men? The Porsche 928, with a score of 97% male. Most by women? 69% of the time the ladies bought Nissan Pulsars - you know, those oddball notchback/shooting brake/targa-top modular things that usually came in pink. We mention this because traditionally, muscle cars have aimed at and appreciated by men. In fact, the gender breakdown for the 4th-generation Camaro is 80% male to 20% female. Not anymore.

Despite 'Vettes getting 'em wet as the sleeveless t-shirt proclaims, it seems that what women actually want is a brand new Chevrolet Camaro. At least, that appears to be the case with America's neighbors up in the True North Strong and Free. According to Autos Canada, it's looking like new 2010 Camaro sales in Canada are splitting the gender divide right down the middle, as in 50-50 in some locations. "Unlike the older versions of the Camaro where you probably had the typical motorhead, male, buyer, this is totally the opposite," says one Canadian Chevy dealer.

Why is this? Says General Motors spokesman George Saratlic, "One of our biggest challenges was the muscle car association to the car. We knew we couldn't do a replica of a '69 Camaro - It limits your audience." What does that say about fans of the 2010 Camaro? Probably not much, as the 426 horsepower LS3 version still skews heavily male. Also, the heavy dose of marketing via Michael Bay's Transformers movie series ensures that eight-year-olds and their ilk are way into GM's latest pony car as well. Still, women are clearly seeing something exciting in the Camaro. Thanks for the tip, Lawrence!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

[Source: Autos Canada]

PSA: Canadian chicks dig Chevrolet's new Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Hotchkis to reveal 750-hp LS7-powered Lingenfelter Camaro

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

2010 Lingenfelter Camaro by Hotchkis - Click above for high-res image gallery

Oh my. A stock 2010 Chevy Camaro SS produces 426 horsepower from its 6.2-liter LS3 V8. A Corvette Z06 turns out 505 hp from its 7.0-liter LS7. The Blue Devil, aka Corvette ZR1, is the most powerful car ever produced by General Motors and churns out a ridiculous 638 hp from its supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 guts. Impressive, but what if you were to strap a supercharger onto the bigger displacement LS7 from the Z06? Why, you'd get more power than you do from the LS9, that's for sure.

Obviously, that's exactly what Lingenfelter has done with its new Camaro. Co-engineered with suspension experts Hotchkis, the 2010 Lingenfelter Camaro features a 750-hp supercharged 427 cubic inch (though really 428) V8. No official word on torque, but let's just assume bat guano levels of twist. For one thing, this Camaro motor is a bit more than simply a blower bolted to a big block. For one thing it has forged JE pistons. For another it has titanium intake valves and Iconel exhaust valves - we don't even know what Iconel is! Oh wait, thanks to the magic of the internet we learn that Iconel is an "austenitic nickel-chromium-based superalloy" that is "oxidation and corrosion resistant materials well suited for service in extreme environments." What on earth is austenitic?

And that's just part of what makes the engine so mighty. But Hotchkis and Lingenfelter didn't stop with a stonkin' motor. As you might expect, the suspension is pretty incredible, too. Underneath the Camaro you'll find a Hotchkis Total Vehicle System that consists of sport springs, adjustable sway bars and a ChassisMax subframe brace. The dampers come from Lingenfelter/Sachs and are fully adjustable. And of course there's the requisite Brembo calipers and rotors. The fairly massive 20-inch wheels are slathered in Pirelli 275/40ZR20 rubber up front and Pirelli 305/35ZR20s in the rear.

Then there's the body kit, which consists of all sorts of bits and baubles like a front splitter, rocker extensions, a carbon fiber grille, functional air extractors on the hood, trunk spoiler, rear fascia and LPE exhaust tips. All in all, this looks to be one mother of a Camaro. We'll be there live at the SEMA Show to cover the reveal in a couple of weeks. Until then, make the jump to check out the full press release and stats.

Gallery: 2010 Lingenfelter Camaro by Hotchkis

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Hotchkis to reveal 750-hp LS7-powered Lingenfelter Camaro

SEMA Preview: Hotchkis to reveal 750-hp LS7-powered Lingenfelter Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Camaro returns to racing this weekend against Mustang, Challenger

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Specialty

Sunoco Grand-Am Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

This Sunday, October, the classic dark blue Sunoco Chevy Camaro will race once again. What's more, the car will be piloted by drivers with rather appropriate last names: Donohue and Bucknum. Suddenly, it's 1969 all over again. Perhaps coolest of all, though, is that Chevrolet's revived pony will be lining up against its most classic nemeses, Ford's Mustang and Dodge's Challenger (yes, we know the original Mopar didn't hit the scene until 1970).

The retro racing action will take place during final round of the 2009 Grand-Am KONI Sports Car Challenge season at Virginia International Raceway. Though the Bill Riley-built Camaro will be completed with barely enough time for a few shakedown runs ahead of the actual competition, David Donohue and Jeff Bucknum are both satisfied that it will be competitive. We look forward to watching the battle lines play out during the 2010 season. Hit the jump for the official press release, which includes plenty of commentary from the two drivers.

Gallery: Sunoco Grand-Am Camaro

[Sources: Grand-Am Road Racing, Camaro5.com]

Continue reading Camaro returns to racing this weekend against Mustang, Challenger

Camaro returns to racing this weekend against Mustang, Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS demands to be loved

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Reviews

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has taken so long to get to here we wouldn't be surprised if Caravaggio did the original sketches. We wanted the car when we first saw it back in 6 B.C. We drove prototypes sometime around the Norman Conquest. And now it's finally on the streets. It seems like a mighty long time, but a Camaro SS finally found its way into our hands and it was like being delivered a mail-order bride we'd been corresponding with for ages, begging, "Please, just get here." But how long would our honeymoon last? Or would there be one at all? We hit the road to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

Continue reading Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS demands to be loved

Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS demands to be loved originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM considering boosting production of four hot sellers: Camaro, Equinox, Lacrosse and SRX

Chris Shunk — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Crossover, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevy Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

Good news has been in short supply for General Motors so far this year, but increased demand for its new products shows that the worst of times may be in the rear view mirror. Automotive News is reporting that GM may increase production of four new vehicles due to heavy demand. The new-for-2010 Chevy Equinox and Camaro, Cadillac SRX and Buick LaCrosse are reportedly under consideration. Equinox sales are so brisk (13,157 sales in August) that GM is considering adding production of the efficient crossover at a second plant. Expanding Equinox production could also happen if GM adds a third shift to its CAMI facility in Ontario.

One reason for the potential production increases stems from this summer's Cash for Clunkers bonanza. Inventory is now so low for many vehicles that a bump in production is inevitable. GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson reportedly told AN that the company knew it would have to eventually bump production and that its new products have done the best job of outstripping demand. GM is likely hoping that these fresh faces are hot enough that a sustained production bump is necessary, which may mean that some laid off employees could be called back to work.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Chevy Camaro

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: GM considering boosting production of four hot sellers: Camaro, Equinox, Lacrosse and SRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big in Japan: Chevrolet Camaro reportedly already sold out in Nippon

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:39:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Chevrolet

2010 Chevrolet Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sales of the born-again Chevrolet Camaro have been notably strong in its first few months on the market here in the United States, even beating its longtime crosstown rival from Ford in June and July.

Now, word comes from General Motors Asia Pacific that the Bowtie's latest muscle car is a hit (of sorts) in Japan as well. We must qualify the term "hit," as the car's total number of takers in Japan is very small, at "over 120 orders" - we could see at least that many within eyesight at any given time last weekend at the Woodward Dream Cruise. However, that's reportedly the American automaker's quota for Japan, although it isn't clear if the tiny allotment is part of General Motors' brand strategy or if the volume is limited by local government regulations. Either way, if you live in Japan and you want a new Camaro, you'd better put your name on Chevy's list for next year.

According to Inside Line, the new Camaro is expected to sell in Japan for the equivalent of $45,325 to $56,390, depending on the buyer's choice of either the six-cylinder or muscular V8 powerplant.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Camaro

[Source: Inside Line]

Big in Japan: Chevrolet Camaro reportedly already sold out in Nippon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Proud Oshawa mayor and his Camaro SS ruffle some feathers

Chris Shunk — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Government/Legal, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevrolet Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

The hot-selling 2010 Chevy Camaro is made in Oshawa, Canada. The mayor of Oshawa, John Gray, drives a spanking new red Camaro SS with a white racing stripe, just like the one that introduced the bowtie muscle car to the Middle East back in June. Supporting locally made products sounds like a shrewd move for any politician, especially when the city is footing the bill for your ride. A free Camaro is a great job perk, but one Oshawa resident - Bill Steele - doesn't agree.

Steele says the mayor is "flaunting this gas-guzzling vehicle all around town... and I don't like that I'm paying for part of a sports car that gets 17 miles to the gallon." Steele serves up the city's high tax rates as a reason why the mayor shouldn't be driving a Camaro. Of course, without over 400 Camaros being built in Oshawa per day, there would likely be thousands fewer tax payers to help pay those already high taxes. Mayor Gray knows there are a few citizens who don't like his pricey, thirsty pony car, but that thankfully isn't stopping him from driving it. Thanks for the tip, Alan!

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Camaro launches in the Middle East

[Source: MSN Autos]

Proud Oshawa mayor and his Camaro SS ruffle some feathers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: "Phoenix" Trans Am conversion kit coming for Camaro

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Pontiac

Kevin Morgan Pontiac Trans Am Renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery

So... as of January 1, 2010, Pontiac is dead. Buried. Gone forever. No more. Obviously, something as pesky as death ain't going to stop hard core Trans Am fanatics from driving an (almost) honest to goodness 2010 Pontiac Trans Am and/or Firebird. Why? If you have to ask... you bring up a good point. Especially because when you get right down to it, the Trans Am was rarely anything other than a Chevy Camaro with different sheet metal.

Keeping that in mind, Trans Am Depot will be offering body kits that will transform (lowly) Camaros into full-on screamin' chicken Trans Ams! Based off Kevin Morgan's original design(s), the Phoenix Trans Am kits will be unveiled at the 2009 Trans Am Nationals. And then you'll have the chance to own a Trans Am that costs more than a Camaro but is just as fast. Hey - just sayin'. Fully detailed press release after the jump.

Gallery: Phoenix Trans Am

[Source: Trans Am Depot | Kevin Morgan Designs via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Confirmed: "Phoenix" Trans Am conversion kit coming for Camaro

Confirmed: "Phoenix" Trans Am conversion kit coming for Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hello? Chevy reportedly vows to call Camaro owners who may have bad transmissions

Chris Shunk — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Safety, Chevrolet

2010 Chevrolet Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last week, we told you about a problem some members of the Camaro5 forums who own V8-powered SS models equipped with the Tremec six-speed manual transmission were reporting. The owners were experiencing a broken output shaft on hard launch; a serious problem that will likely render their brand new Bowtie pony car immobile. General Motors responded by putting a hold on V8 Camaros with manual trannies at its Oshawa assembly plant, but until now, there hasn't been a definitive plan for replacing the affected transmissions.

Camaro5 is now reporting that GM will pick up the phone and call all owners who may have the defective gearbox, presumably to schedule time at the dealership to fix the problem parts. GM told Camaro5 that the calls will take place in a couple weeks, after an internal investigation regarding the issue is complete.

At this point, we don't know what happened to cause the problem with the Tremec 6060 transmission, nor do we know exactly what parts GM will need to repair. What we do know, however, is that we'll update you as soon as we have more information.

Gallery: One Night Stand: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

[Source: Camaro5]

Hello? Chevy reportedly vows to call Camaro owners who may have bad transmissions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Early Camaro SS manual transmission failures reported, factory hold issued

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Coupe, Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet

2010 Chevrolet Camaro - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Sporadic reports have begun popping up in the Camaro5 forums about issues with V8-powered SS models equipped with the manual transmission. It seems that doing a hard launch or using the launch control system occasionally results in a broken output shaft, a serious failure that will most likely leave the car immobile and in need of repair. We spoke with General Motors spokesman Adam Dennison about the problem and, as this is being written, a factory hold has been put on deliveries of manual transmission V8 Camaros while Chevrolet engineering teams investigate the problem.

Based on the reports, the transmission issues may not be related to the launch control system as the failures seem to happen whether or not launch control is engaged. The Camaro SS uses the Tremec 6060 six-speed gearbox - the same transmission fitted to the Dodge Viper, Mustang GT500, Corvette Z06 and other performance cars - so this is likely a manufacturing issue with a batch of gearboxes.

Dennison told Autoblog that an engineering meeting is being held this evening to identify the cause and establish a timing for the fix - and a recall seems likely. In the meantime, if you have a manual model Camaro SS, you might want to go easy on the launches for now - and if you have one ordered, you'll have to wait a bit longer. Thanks to Bailey and Derrick for the tips!

Gallery: One Night Stand: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

BREAKING: Early Camaro SS manual transmission failures reported, factory hold issued originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Chevrolet Camaro outsells Ford Mustang in June

Chris Paukert — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:42:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Ford, GM

Despite having fewer model variations on the market, pent up demand for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro appears to have been enough to send the bad Bowtie past Ford's redone Mustang in June. Sales figures for the month are beginning to trickle in today, and General Motors says it shifted 9,320 Camaro units last month, as compared to the Blue Oval's 7,632 Mustangs.

Whether Chevrolet's victory will be sustainable over the long haul remains to be seen, but as The General has a backlog of 10,000 sold orders to fill (equating to less than a seven day supply), the streak is likely to continue for at least the next few months. Presently, GM offers just two main Camaro models, the V6 RS and the V8-powered SS, while the Ford Mustang has more bodystyles and trims than you can shake a stick at (arguably making the Camaro's achievement seemingly that much more impressive).

Sales of the third leg of 2009's pony car table, the Dodge Challenger, trail far behind, with just 1,369 units cleared last month.

As the industry heads into the dog days of summer, it looks like America's renewed pony car war is just heating up. Who will take the crown for the whole year? Sit tight, muscle fans.

Gallery: One Night Stand: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

BREAKING: Chevrolet Camaro outsells Ford Mustang in June originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Commencing countdown, engine on for LS9-powered Hennessey HPE700

Drew Phillips — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Videos, Chevrolet

Click above to view the video after the jump

Normally the twisting of an ignition key doesn't constitute news here at Autoblog, but this is one of the few exceptions. Back in January, Hennessey Performance announced the HPE700, a concoction born from the combination of an LS9 supercharged V8 from a ZR1 and a 2010 Camaro. The Texas-based company only recently shoe-horned the engine into the engine bay. A video camera was on when it was finally time to start the newly created monster, and the sound is nothing short of amazing. The result of open headers plus what appears to be a fairly aggressive cam makes for a sound that has the hairs on the backs of our necks standing on end. Have a listen for yourself by watching the video after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Brian!

Gallery: Hennessey Camaro HPE700

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Commencing countdown, engine on for LS9-powered Hennessey HPE700

VIDEO: Commencing countdown, engine on for LS9-powered Hennessey HPE700 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: K.I.T.T. - Is that really you? Camaro owner gets all Hasselhoff on his new ride

Chris Shunk — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Chevrolet

Click above to watch the video after the jump

When the new Knight Rider hit the airwaves, some were ~~a bit disappointed~~ thoroughly livid that Michael's new ride was a Mustang. Since the original KITT was a Trans Am, purists cried foul and said a more natural replacement would be the all-new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. Fortunately or unfortunately, one enterprising Camaro owner decided to take up the task and right the show's perceived wrongs. Camaro5 poster Spaceballone picked up a $135 Scanner Light equipped with 64 ice blue LEDs and three built-in patterns. The hood slot in the Camaro fit the kit perfectly, with juice provided by the car's battery.

Hit the jump to view the video for yourself. It's not NBC quality (that could be a good thing), but we think you'll agree that KITT lighting looks good in blue.

Continue reading VIDEO: K.I.T.T. - Is that really you? Camaro owner gets all Hasselhoff on his new ride

VIDEO: K.I.T.T. - Is that really you? Camaro owner gets all Hasselhoff on his new ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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