6th place: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT RS
There has to be a last-place finisher in any competition. Here, that sad distinction goes to the most highly-anticipated car of 2010, the Camaro. However, it’s not performance that doomed our V6-powered tester (a V8 is optionally available). On the contrary, the newly-reborn icon placed 3rd in terms of accelerations and braking distances.
Where the Camaro lost precious points is on the visibility front. In fact, some of our drivers found it literally intimidating in the city, where the small side windows and massive front and rear pillars make parking or threading through traffic quite hazardous.
On the plus side, the Camaro earned points for its wild exterior design which is nearly identical to the concept introduced a couple of years ago. Many journalists put it at the top even though the partly-retro interior with classic instruments looks a bit out of place in this otherwise futuristic package.
On the road, the Camaro proves docile and relatively agile. The heavy weight and bulk are obvious handicaps, here. The comfortable seats and smooth suspension make up for it, turning this Chevy into a respectable grand tourer.
Another element that dropped the Camaro all the way to 6th place was rear-seat access and liveability. With no headroom whatsoever, even small passengers struggle to fit in the back.
Bottom line: while the Camaro finished last, it still managed to draw the most stares among the group of six.
"The retro theme is well executed in my opinion, but the interior feels nothing but cramped."
Mathieu Lambert
5th place: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Korea’s little newcomer faced an enormous task as it took on legendary nameplates and longstanding big guns from the sports coupe segment. While considerably less powerful and less radically-styled, the Genesis Coupe still fared pretty well.
The car won over the team of drivers thanks to a silhouette that’s sleeker and more graceful than rivals. They liked the taut, athletic lines of this small coupe, not to mention its more prominent aerodynamics.
The dynamic, lively feel of the Genesis Coupe on the road was also appreciated. The steering is pretty sharp and responsive, too. However, the suspension is not on the same par; on bumpy surfaces, the shocks bottomed out way too often, much to the displeasure of occupants.
The new Hyundai was the slowest car in straight-line accelerations. That’s understandable given its modestly-powerful, 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and significant turbo lag. The gearbox didn’t receive much praise, either; the throws are hardly appropriate and the shifting lacks precision.
The drivers also didn’t like the extremely-intrusive electronic stability control system that cuts all power to the driving wheels anytime some form of slippage or skidding is detected. As a result, you can’t effectively regain control of the machine.
Beyond these various little shortcomings, the reality is that the Genesis Coupe got unanimous approval for its overall balance and outstanding value as an everyday performer.
"Day in, day out, it offers the best combination of value, equipment, power, comfort and styling."
Michel Deslauriers
There has to be a last-place finisher in any competition. Here, that sad distinction goes to the most highly-anticipated car of 2010, the Camaro. However, it’s not performance that doomed our V6-powered tester (a V8 is optionally available). On the contrary, the newly-reborn icon placed 3rd in terms of accelerations and braking distances.
 |
| The Camaro earned points for its wild exterior design. |
Where the Camaro lost precious points is on the visibility front. In fact, some of our drivers found it literally intimidating in the city, where the small side windows and massive front and rear pillars make parking or threading through traffic quite hazardous.
On the plus side, the Camaro earned points for its wild exterior design which is nearly identical to the concept introduced a couple of years ago. Many journalists put it at the top even though the partly-retro interior with classic instruments looks a bit out of place in this otherwise futuristic package.
On the road, the Camaro proves docile and relatively agile. The heavy weight and bulk are obvious handicaps, here. The comfortable seats and smooth suspension make up for it, turning this Chevy into a respectable grand tourer.
Another element that dropped the Camaro all the way to 6th place was rear-seat access and liveability. With no headroom whatsoever, even small passengers struggle to fit in the back.
Bottom line: while the Camaro finished last, it still managed to draw the most stares among the group of six.
"The retro theme is well executed in my opinion, but the interior feels nothing but cramped."
Mathieu Lambert
5th place: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Korea’s little newcomer faced an enormous task as it took on legendary nameplates and longstanding big guns from the sports coupe segment. While considerably less powerful and less radically-styled, the Genesis Coupe still fared pretty well.
 |
| The car won over the team of drivers thanks to a silhouette that’s sleeker and more graceful than rivals. |
The car won over the team of drivers thanks to a silhouette that’s sleeker and more graceful than rivals. They liked the taut, athletic lines of this small coupe, not to mention its more prominent aerodynamics.
The dynamic, lively feel of the Genesis Coupe on the road was also appreciated. The steering is pretty sharp and responsive, too. However, the suspension is not on the same par; on bumpy surfaces, the shocks bottomed out way too often, much to the displeasure of occupants.
The new Hyundai was the slowest car in straight-line accelerations. That’s understandable given its modestly-powerful, 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and significant turbo lag. The gearbox didn’t receive much praise, either; the throws are hardly appropriate and the shifting lacks precision.
The drivers also didn’t like the extremely-intrusive electronic stability control system that cuts all power to the driving wheels anytime some form of slippage or skidding is detected. As a result, you can’t effectively regain control of the machine.
Beyond these various little shortcomings, the reality is that the Genesis Coupe got unanimous approval for its overall balance and outstanding value as an everyday performer.
"Day in, day out, it offers the best combination of value, equipment, power, comfort and styling."
Michel Deslauriers
| RX-8 | 370Z | Challenger | Camaro | Genesis | Mustang | |
| Engine | 1.3L Bi-rotor | 3.7L V6 | 6.1L V8 | 3.6L V6 | Turbo 2.0L L4 | 4.6L V8 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Power (hp) | 232 @ 8,500 | 332 @ 7,000 | 425 @ 6,200 | 300 @ 6,400 | 210 @ 6,000 | 315 @ 6,000 |
| Torque (ft-lb) | 159 @ 5,500 | 270 @ 5,200 | 420 @ 4,800 | 273 @ 5,200 | 223 @ 2,000 | 320 @ 4,250 |