Autoblog

Click above for high-res gallery of the Camaro SS on the 'Ring

More spy shots from the Nurburgring today, this time of the Camaro SS prototype that was spotted arriving at the track yesterday. We already pointed out the bright red Brembo calipers on this Camaro, which suggest it's a high-performance SS version of the car, though that hasn't been confirmed. What is special about these photos is that they're the first time we've seen the Camaro really being driven hard on the track. Though we've seen plenty of Camaro spy shots in the past, most have been of the car caught in a parking lot, on a transport trailer or just meandering around town. Seeing the suspension under load is a thing of beauty that we've been waiting for, and KGP spy photogs tell us that it "looks impressive in action, and that its suspension looks well buttoned down on some of the 'Ring's challenging stretches." Hopefully they have their stop watches ready when Chevy engineers run the car hard for a full lap.


[Source: KGP Photography]

Click above for high-res gallery of Chevy Camaro spy shots from Germany

We've been seeing Camaro prototypes everywhere since Bob Lutz declared that they will be tested out in public without any camouflage to cover their flanks. Camaro prototypes now hold as much of our interest as spy shots of the next Aveo (not really, but hyperbolic statements like that help make the point). But here we have a new batch of spy shots from a place where the Camaro has yet to set rubber to road: Germany. There's only one reason for a U.S.-spec car to be in Germany, and that's to undergo testing at the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife. GM has made the 'Ring a second home for many of its performance vehicles, and the Camaro will benefit from being thrashed on one of the world's most famous tracks while spy photographers watch with their lenses focused and stop watches in hand. This particular Camaro arrived wearing new shoes, as well. The car is sporting a set of conspicuously bright red Brembo calipers, which perhaps suggests that these stoppers will be an option on the car or standard equipment on the Camaro SS.


[Source: KGP Photography]

Click above for higher-res shots of the Camaro Convertible

According to the person who posted these on Camaro5.com, what you're seeing is the production base Camaro convertible. Or, at least a prototype of it. Assuming that these shots are the real deal, the car depicted appears to be a study of sorts, as it shows how it looks with two different sets of wheels -- base and an upgrade -- one style fitted to each side of the car. As commenters on the Camaro5 thread have pointed out, this particular prototype doesn't have the placeholder headlamps used on the mules, and there's no faux scoop on its front fascia, either. That, we like. Hell, we like the whole thing. As was the case with the concept that set the stage for it last year, this droptop Camaro looks very slick. If these are legit, many thanks to the leaker, as we've all gotten a little bored with the coupe spy shots. "Look, a black one. And a white one. Again."

Let us know what you think in the comments. Are these real or a ruse? Thanks, Rod!


[Source: Camaro5]

Click above for a gallery of black Camaro goodness.

Maximum Bob's edict that no Camaro prototype will be spotted with camouflage held true again today, when Corey R. over at Camaro5.com snapped off almost a dozen shots of a black mule headed out for testing. The dark horse pony isn't sporting anything we haven't seen before, but the chrome surrounds on the tail lamps are more obvious with the contrasting black paint.

According to Corey, the driver and passenger other drivers gave him the traditional one-fingered salute as he attempted to track down the black Camaro. The engineers driving the car, however, were reportedly very nice, and they allowed him to shoot the outside of the Camaro as long as his prying lens didn't get any images of the interior.

We've assembled all the pics in a gallery below for you viewing enjoyment.

Thanks to all who tipped in.




[Source: Camaro5.com]