2010 Chevrolet Camaro - Engines and Suspension - First Look

As for headline-maker, SS-designated Camaros will get not one, but two nearly identical, aluminum-intensive 6.2-liter V-8 engines derived from the Corvette's small-block. For the automatics, the L99 V-8 should make about 395 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. Manual transmission SS models will receive an LS3 V-8 with an estimated output of 420 horsepower and 408 pound-feet of torque on premium.

What about the rumors of a turbo four-cylinder? Oppenheiser says GM would like to sell Camaros globally, and since much of the world taxes engine displacement, a powerful ECOTEC four-cylinder -- already seen in cars like the Pontiac Solstice GXP -- makes a lot of sense. But other than saying they've been studying it, he won't confirm its arrival.

The other big news is that unlike the current Mustang, the fifth-gen Camaro will use independent rear suspension for the first time in the marque's history. Up front are traditional struts, but at the rear is a high-performance (and costly) multilink arrangement -- another benefit of using the rear-drive Zeta architecture that underpins GM's Australian market Holden Monaro and our Pontiac G8.

Two chassis packages are offered -- FE2 for the V-6 and FE3 for V-8. Major differences between these packages include the brakes: 12.6-inch cast-iron front and 12.4-inch aluminum rear discs, with single-piston caliper for FE2, 14- and 14.4-inch aluminum discs (front and rear) with four-pot calipers for FE3. Suspension tweaks account for the roughly 200-pound weight difference between the base and SS models. Oppenheiser says they've targeted 3700 pounds for the V-6, so the roughly 3900-pound SS gets higher spring rates and larger anti-roll bars. With suspension bits and engineering expertise borrowed from the CTS team, the Camaro should have noteworthy handling. Oppenheiser wouldn't provide any hard numbers or lap times around GM's Lutz-ring (or any other 'Ring, for that matter), so you'll just have to reread paragraph one for assurances as to what the Camaro can run with -- and away from.

With a 112.3-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 189.6 inches, the Oshawa, Canada-built Camaro is nearly four inches shorter between the wheels and just over eight inches shorter overall when compared with the Challenger. Though only about an inch and a half longer than the Mustang, the Camaro's wheelbase is over five inches longer. The Chevy is also wider and lower than both -- more than two inches wider than the Ford and over three inches lower than the Dodge.

Given this lower/wider formula, it's no surprise that, visually, the Camaro remains true to its 1960s-era forebear and to the 2006 concept. In fact, the 2010 Camaro retains so much of the original concept -- including the Coke-bottle curves and deeply offset hips -- it takes a practiced eye to point out the differences, like the hidden B-pillar, non-perforating rear-fender vents, and "reverse Mohawk" roof. The absence of staggered wheels is another tell; V-6 Camaros get standard 18x7.5-inch wheels, with available 19s and 20s. SS models will have Dubs; 20x8.0 inch up front, 20x9.0-inch wheels in back.