I'll avoid admitting how old I am, but I recall seeing the very first Camaros driving down the streets of my hometown. Of course, I'm not old enough to have driven one back then, which is why I was so excited at the prospect of finally sitting behind the wheel of this American icon.
However, I have to admit that it all felt a bit awkward. While top rivals like the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang are both banking on retro looks and nostalgia (the former could easily be mistaken for the original), the all-new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro uses a much more modern and forward-thinking approach... to the detriment of a glorious heritage.
What a mug!
Still, I can't help but marvel at the facial expression of the resurrected Camaro. I find it more distinctive and more inspiring than any other muscle car right now. Up front, the slim, widely-stretched grille gives the machine uncommon presence and a real bad-ass attitude.
With full-figured styling, broad shoulders and extremely-chiseled lines, the Camaro somewhat looks like a well-trained Mr. Universe. The aerodynamic roofline, sharp tail and unique cues all add to its character... and make rock stars out of their drivers. Never have I received as much attention while cruising downtown. Folks of all ages, mostly males, were looking in my direction (well, actually, the car's).
Chevy sure did their best to convey the same sense of distinctiveness inside, but they didn't have as much success as they tried to blend classic bits and pieces into the mix. The sundry layout likely won't get unanimous approval. The square pods on the instrument panel and the center stack may be reminiscent of the original Camaros, but they appear oddly out of place in such a modern cockpit.
Fortunately, there are a few interesting albeit borderline-kitsch elements. For instance, the door-integrated ambient lights add a cool touch at night.
The main concern inside is obviously the lack of room. Normal-sized drivers will have no problem here, but taller individuals will feel squeezed (like this colleague of mine who literally had his head against the ceiling during our entire drive). I know sports coupes shouldn't be judged on passenger room, but if you can't provide even a decent amount, then you're best left driving alone.
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| Still, I can't help but marvel at the facial expression of the resurrected Camaro. |
However, I have to admit that it all felt a bit awkward. While top rivals like the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang are both banking on retro looks and nostalgia (the former could easily be mistaken for the original), the all-new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro uses a much more modern and forward-thinking approach... to the detriment of a glorious heritage.
What a mug!
Still, I can't help but marvel at the facial expression of the resurrected Camaro. I find it more distinctive and more inspiring than any other muscle car right now. Up front, the slim, widely-stretched grille gives the machine uncommon presence and a real bad-ass attitude.
With full-figured styling, broad shoulders and extremely-chiseled lines, the Camaro somewhat looks like a well-trained Mr. Universe. The aerodynamic roofline, sharp tail and unique cues all add to its character... and make rock stars out of their drivers. Never have I received as much attention while cruising downtown. Folks of all ages, mostly males, were looking in my direction (well, actually, the car's).
Chevy sure did their best to convey the same sense of distinctiveness inside, but they didn't have as much success as they tried to blend classic bits and pieces into the mix. The sundry layout likely won't get unanimous approval. The square pods on the instrument panel and the center stack may be reminiscent of the original Camaros, but they appear oddly out of place in such a modern cockpit.
Fortunately, there are a few interesting albeit borderline-kitsch elements. For instance, the door-integrated ambient lights add a cool touch at night.
The main concern inside is obviously the lack of room. Normal-sized drivers will have no problem here, but taller individuals will feel squeezed (like this colleague of mine who literally had his head against the ceiling during our entire drive). I know sports coupes shouldn't be judged on passenger room, but if you can't provide even a decent amount, then you're best left driving alone.
 |
| The square pods on the instrument panel may be reminiscent of the original Camaros, but they appear oddly out of place in such a modern cockpit. |