2010 Chevrolet Camaro weds past and present

According to tradition, the bride is supposed to receive something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue on her big day.

Saving the other guests any bother, I covered all the bases at my niece's wedding in the form of a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro LT RS.

Huh?

Well, it's a brand new take on the old 1967-1969 Camaro, I borrowed it from GM (and GM "borrowed" some money from me to stay in business), and it was painted a striking Aqua Blue Metallic.

Bingo!

There's no question Chevy has knocked one out of the park with this resurrected pony car. Next to the betrothed, it was the second-most fawned-over entity at the wedding.

While the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger remain truer in the metal to their forebears, the 2010 Camaro is a more modern, edgy interpretation of the original.

Yes, it's immediately identifiable as a Camaro, but with its chopped top, big power bulge, sharply creased haunches and sharklike snout, it comes across as beautifully sinister.

Furthering this car's appeal was the $1,705 RS (Rally Sport) package that added 20-inch aluminum wheels, P245/45R20 front and P275/40R20 rear performance summer tires, HID headlights, rear spoiler, unique tail lights and RS badging. Big as they are, the "dubs" look well proportioned here.

Many guests were surprised – okay, disappointed – that my snarky blue Camaro was equipped with the V6 engine.

In GM-speak, this was a 2LT model that, at $31,595 with six-speed manual, is the fully loaded six-banger.

Along with standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control, six air bags, traction control, dual exhaust, remote keyless entry, air, cruise and tilt and telescoping steering wheel of the 1LT trim line, the 2LT adds 19-inch wheels, heated leather seats, upgraded audio, a console-mounted gauge package, leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel and heated mirrors.

V6 pony cars are like bridesmaids – never basking in the true glory, even though they traditionally outsell their V8-powered counterparts two to one.

With the V6-powered Camaro LT, which bows at $26,995, Chevy doesn't want to make any apologies. The 3.6 L direct-injection V6, also found in the Cadillac CTS and Lambda-platform SUVs (Traverse, Enclave and Acadia) among others, makes 304 horsepower and a fairly stout 270 lb.-ft. at 5200 rpm.

It feels strong, makes a nice Euro-esque snarl and puts the 210 hp V6 Mustang ($24,499) and 250 hp V6 Challenger SE ($25,995) on the trailer.

Don't call the Camaro LT a chick car. It might take a swipe at you.

Looking at its low roofline, it's no surprise when sitting behind the wheel that outward visibility is not the Camaro's strong suit.

You could hide a yak in the rear 3/4 blind spots, and the thick A-pillars, in conjunction with the gun-slit windows, make negotiating busy city streets challenging.

I found myself having to lean forward and peer up to see traffic lights. And my teenage son was less than thrilled to spend time in the claustrophobic rear seat on the way to the wedding. I told him to pretend he was in a jet plane.

"But airplane windows are bigger. And you can see stuff out of them. And airplanes are fun." Hmmm, time to turn up the Boston Acoustics stereo.

The Camaro's interior incorporates some interesting retro touches, such as the twin rectangular instrument pods that stare back at you in surprise, and the optional gauge cluster in front of the shifter.

I like the arc of blue light that sweeps across the door panels at night.

But unlike many GM cabins of late, this one seems to be built to a low price. The faux-metal plastic trim looks cheap. Tap the acre of hard plastic that faces the passenger and it responds with a hollow rattle. Same with the plastic panels on the doors.

The deep-dish steering wheel with its super-broad spokes looks cool but is not at all friendly to those who like to drive with their hands at 3 and 9 o'clock.

In the plus ledger, it is connected to a pretty decent steering rack that offers good feedback, although it leans toward being overassisted. It's better than the Dodge Challenger's helm, but not quite as good as the Mustang.

Dimensionally, the Camaro slots in between the XXL Challenger and Ford's pony car.

Clutch effort is moderate with smooth take up and the six-speed shifter, connected to an Aisin Warner gearbox, slots with a firm mechanical precision that feels every bit the pony car.

General Motors has tuned this chassis well, arriving at a fine compromise that offers good body control and a compliant ride, even with these 20-inch clodhoppers.

You couldn't call the Camaro tossable – it always feels like a big car – but it shows real poise and fluidity when pressing along the back roads.

Decent highway cruiser, too, although there is quite a bit of tire noise.

Since my financial situation is best described by the f-word (that would be "freelance"), I was unable to offer this Oshawa-built Camaro LT to Erin and Joe as a wedding gift. Even if that weren't the case, I couldn't have procured one anyway, as most of them are heading Stateside and dealers up here are starved for product.

My local Chevy store couldn't promise me a Camaro before next spring.

Oh, the irony. A hot GM vehicle built in Ontario and our dealers can't get them.

pebleakney@sympatico.caShare your comments with other Wheels readers at wheels@thestar.ca

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