If you're a youngster like me, you probably weren't around for the heyday of the Camaro back in the sixties. Gas, tires and insurance were cheap, times were good, and light-to-light drag racing on a Sunday evening was little more than an innocent pastime.
Child of the early eighties? If so, the Camaro probably came onto your radar in the era where acid-washed jeans, mullets, and public displays of the male midriff were considered acceptable. Perhaps thankfully, times have changed.
Nowadays, it's a whole different ballgame for the Camaro. Technology is on the fast track, efficiency is king, and the typical performance-coupe compromises to safety are nowhere to be seen. Incidentally, the wallet-swallowing panel gaps, leaky T-roofs and interior rattles have been dispensed with, too.
The 2010 Camaro feels leaps and bounds ahead of the last generation where build quality is concerned. The interior is nicely assembled, switches and controls are all solid, and there's a heavy, tight feel throughout. Camaro isn't trying to break any records with materials selection though, and if brand-loyalty isn't a concern, you'll likely find the Challenger has a more upscale look and feel.
Designers have even specified some euro-inspired cues-- like signal-stalk mounted controls for the driver computer, and a central-mounted switch to control the door locks. A slick stereo head-unit, ambient LED lighting and retro-styled gauges work towards a uniquely-interpreted look of modernity with just a smidge of retro.
The cabin offers up plenty of room for 2 up front, adequate storage and plenty of goodies. These included Bluetooth, a sunroof, heated leather seats and a butt-pummeling Boston stereo system.
Complaints? Mainly, the visibility. The slim windows, big pillars and tall rear end mean you'll have to trust the small side-mirrors in a big way to change lanes or reverse without swapping paint. Some will find the cabin feels a touch too dark as well. A bit more color and contrast would go a long way in here.
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| Keep your eyes on your local Chevrolet dealer for the first 2010 Camaros. |
Child of the early eighties? If so, the Camaro probably came onto your radar in the era where acid-washed jeans, mullets, and public displays of the male midriff were considered acceptable. Perhaps thankfully, times have changed.
Nowadays, it's a whole different ballgame for the Camaro. Technology is on the fast track, efficiency is king, and the typical performance-coupe compromises to safety are nowhere to be seen. Incidentally, the wallet-swallowing panel gaps, leaky T-roofs and interior rattles have been dispensed with, too.
The 2010 Camaro feels leaps and bounds ahead of the last generation where build quality is concerned. The interior is nicely assembled, switches and controls are all solid, and there's a heavy, tight feel throughout. Camaro isn't trying to break any records with materials selection though, and if brand-loyalty isn't a concern, you'll likely find the Challenger has a more upscale look and feel.
Designers have even specified some euro-inspired cues-- like signal-stalk mounted controls for the driver computer, and a central-mounted switch to control the door locks. A slick stereo head-unit, ambient LED lighting and retro-styled gauges work towards a uniquely-interpreted look of modernity with just a smidge of retro.
The cabin offers up plenty of room for 2 up front, adequate storage and plenty of goodies. These included Bluetooth, a sunroof, heated leather seats and a butt-pummeling Boston stereo system.
Complaints? Mainly, the visibility. The slim windows, big pillars and tall rear end mean you'll have to trust the small side-mirrors in a big way to change lanes or reverse without swapping paint. Some will find the cabin feels a touch too dark as well. A bit more color and contrast would go a long way in here.
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| The cabin included Bluetooth, a sunroof, heated leather seats and a butt-pummeling Boston stereo system. |