First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

Nav Deprived While the square-cornered tach and speedometer and the console-mounted secondary instruments are strictly old-school, there are a few electronic goodies to placate today's gadget fans. Chevy did not feel the urge to offer a full navigation system in the cost-conscious Camaro, because the OnStar-based alternative works surprisingly well. The top Camaro comes with a one-year Directions and Connections plan that provides turn-by-turn route instructions - both verbal and visual - on demand. All Camaros are equipped with a sound system with CD-ROM and MP3 play capability, XM satellite reception, and an auxiliary input jack. The deluxe version of the SS adds Bluetooth wireless mobile phone connectivity, a USB port, a 245 watt amplifier, and nine loudspeakers. Also included is a wireless interface module that facilitates routing portable media material through the car's sound system. Corvette as Organ Donor The Camaro's V-8s are kissing cousins to the Corvette's 6.2-liter engine, so rumble and reverb come standard. Except for a slightly lazy electronic throttle, there's nothing to complain about in the power department, as the manual transmission Camaro SS easily thumps both the Challenger SRT8 and the latest Mustang GT. Although the wide-ratio Tremec box requires a heavy hand and its economizer skip-shift function is annoying during moderate acceleration, first and second are superb for squirting around town and the ultra-overdrive sixth gear rolls you down the interstate with barely a burble. Meaty back boots, a limited-slip differential, and stability control are all standard. One handy feature is an electronic launch-control program that delivers just the right amount of smoky burnout for dramatic root beer stand exits. The 6-speed automatic alternative turns in acceleration figures only a tick slower than the stick. Two handy modes are available with the shifter slotted into the lower M position. The Sport mode has a shift schedule programmed for maximum acceleration. The Manual mode, engaged by pressing either of the two spoke mounted "TAPshift" buttons, holds each gear until the driver calls for a shift. The only bummer is that the plastic paddles visible behind the spokes don't handle the shifting. Chassis Science The Aussies who developed Camaro's chassis did a superb job of tuning the strut-type front suspension and a rubber-isolated multi-link (independent) rear suspension. The Camaro SS not only handles brilliantly, it also has the best ride in the pony car class with secure grip over bumps, supple damping, and adequate body control. Turn in is razor sharp, and balance is commendable. Drift fans need only select second gear, add boot, and apply counter-steer to impress the impressionable with their car control. Feedback from the road is lacking until the tires work up a sweat but the steering is quick, the leather-clad wheel spokes feel right, and the Pirelli P-Zero rubber bites the road like a Gila monster. The Brembo 4-piston rigidly mounted brake calipers provide predictable pedal feel, no fade, and excellent balance during all-out stops. One of the developmental hurdles cleared at the Nürburgring and on GM's Milford Road Course was demonstrating true race-track readiness. Thanks to its stout brakes and lubricant coolers plumbed into both the engine and manual transmission, Camaro has the stamina to run flat out through a full tank of fuel.