Chevrolet Camaro launches in the Middle East, stops to pose for photos

Despite being unusually thrifty for a muscle car, we can't help but think that Chevrolet's new Camaro is secretly happy at the prospect of being released into the Middle East, land of wide-open roads and discount crude. General Motors has just announced that the Camaro will pack its bags and head to the Middle East later this summer, where it already has a wait list at some dealers.

The market will receive two models to start – the 3.6-liter V6 model (in LT trim) and the fire-breathing 6.2-liter V8 SS, the latter of which will be available with the buyer's choice of a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

For our Autoblog Middle East friends, you can configure your new Bowtie at www.camaroarabia.com, and for the rest of us, there's a gigantic new high-res gallery of the Camaro checking out the local sights and the obligatory press release after the jump.

Let the countdown to the first sighting of a reflective gold painted Camaro SS begin!

PRESS RELEASE:

Chevrolet Launches All-New Camaro in Middle East

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - The all-new Chevrolet Camaro has taken North America by storm and is set to expand Chevy's global appeal with its launch in the Middle East later this summer.

Michael Devereux, President of GM Middle East, said, "The all-new Camaro delivers the great looks, performance and technology that Middle East buyers expect in a modern sports car. Enthusiasts in the region started booking their cars months ago, and we expect our allocation of this iconic vehicle to sell out very quickly."

Built on GM's new, global rear-wheel-drive architecture, the Middle East version of the Camaro is offered in a V-6-powered LT model and a V-8-powered SS version.

All models and powertrain combinations are matched with fuel-saving six-speed transmissions. Advanced technologies, including engines with direct injection and Active Fuel Management, enable a satisfying balance of exhilarating performance and good fuel economy.

Under the hood, Camaro LT uses a 3.6L engine with variable valve timing to optimize performance and fuel economy. LT models are estimated at 29 mpg in highway driving, for great fuel economy to complement their fun driving experience. The high-performance Camaro SS is equipped with a powerful 6.2L V-8, with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Inside the four-passenger cabin, a well-executed balance of heritage, modern design and attention to detail conveys simplicity and refinement with contemporary details in the cluster, switches, dials and lighting.

The Camaro is set to go on sale in the Middle East later this summer but buyers across the region can configure and pre-order their 2010 Camaro now by visiting Chevrolet's exclusive regional website at www.camaroarabia.com.

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General Motors Corp., one of the world's largest automakers, was founded in 1908, and today manufactures cars and trucks in 34 countries. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 235,000 people in every major region of the world, and sells and services vehicles in some 140 countries. In 2008, GM sold 8.35 million cars and trucks globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

In the Middle East since the 1920s, GM's brands sold in the region are Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, HUMMER and Saab. GM parts and accessories are sold under the GM Parts and ACDelco brands. GM's regional office in Dubai supports the company's operations in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE and Yemen. In 2008, GM sold 144, 485 vehicles in the Middle East, a 6% increase over 2007. For more media material on GM in the Middle East, please visit http://media.gm.com/me/gm/en/. More information about GM products in the region can be found at www.gmarabia.com.