It looks like the rumors were true afterall: the Chevrolet Camaro is finally coming to Europe! The hot-rod coupe – along with its convertible variant – are scheduled to arrive at European Chevrolet showrooms in the spring of 2011.
With the 100,000th Camaro having just rolled off the assembly line, the success of the Camaro is bound to continue well into the future. But the joy of driving one of these Zeta-based ponies off the lot will cost a pretty penny, as the only version coming to European shores is the 6.2-liter V8 model (at least that’s what it looks like).
In that regard, Chevrolet is most likely looking to position the Camaro as a premium-level performance car. This approach mirrors tips received by GM Authority earlier in the year about the next-generation Alpha-based Camaro. Specifically, we were told that the next-gen pony car will continue on the path of the fifth-generation Camaro, working to increase the Chevrolet brand image in Europe and beyond. If you ask us, a 400+ hp muscle car isn’t a bad way to do just that.
We have GM’s full presser after the jump!
PRESS RELEASE
Chevrolet Camaro: An automotive icon reborn
2010-03-02
- Camaro coupé and convertible will come to Europe in 2011
- Fresh, contemporary design expresses rich heritage
- 400 hp, 6.2-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management
- Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions
The all-new Chevrolet Camaro is finally coming to Europe. The high performance sports coupé and the convertible are scheduled to arrive at European Chevrolet showrooms in spring 2011. The new Camaro was launched in North America in Spring 2009 and has sold over 60,000 times to Camaro enthusiasts all over North America.
“The Camaro delivers the best of both worlds – great heritage and a thoroughly modern, advanced package of performance, comfort and technology,” says Wayne Brannon, president and managing director, Chevrolet Europe. “Its styling and driving appeal provide a distinctive choice for customers seeking a performance-orientated vehicle. It also offers great value for money that our competitors simply can’t match.”
Back to the Future
With a strong, low-slung stance and front to rear body proportions that remain faithful to the original concept, the design of the new Camaro acknowledges its rich past without being trapped in a ‘retro’ focus.
That V-shaped nose, the ‘gills’ in the rear quarter panels and the broad rear shoulders are all distinctive Camaro cues. While these elements make the new Camaro instantly recognizable, their execution is crisp and modern. Melding the traditional with the contemporary was a key requirement for the new Camaro design team. “We are acknowledging the Camaro’s strong heritage but recognize that keeping this modern sports car relevant means more than simply honoring a classic car,” says Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design.
Interior Themes
Attention to detail and expressing a balance between heritage and modernity, characterizes the new Camaro’s interior. A pair of deeply recessed instrument binnacles, with round gauges in square housings, is a nod to classic Camaros. This contrasts with an ambient light package which uses advanced LED light pipe technology to give the cabin a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Detailing, such as large, chrome-trimmed controls, low-gloss surfaces and premium fabric or acrylic trim appliqués, conveys a quality level never seen before in the Camaro. More attention to detail is evident in the center-console gauge cluster. It takes its cue from a similar option on 1969 Camaros, but now adds contemporary LED backlighting.
Mighty Powertrain
A superb 426 hp, 6.2-liter V8 engine generating 569 Nm of torque gives the new Camaro the muscle to match its looks. First seen on the 2008 Corvette, this engine features high-flow cylinder heads for good low-end torque and strong top-end power. When fitted with the six-speed automatic transmission, it delivers 400 hp/556 Nm and includes GM’s fuel-saving Active Fuel Management system, enabling it to cruise on only four cylinders during light load conditions.
Electronic stability control (GM’s StabiliTrak system) and traction control both come as standard equipment. A Competitive/Sport mode is adjustable for performance driving, such as on track days. With the six-speed manual transmission, this also includes a Launch Control feature for consistently quick take-offs. The large, ventilated disks (355/365 mm), clamped by four-piston aluminum Brembo calipers, ensure impressive braking performance and are also designed to withstand punishing track day use. The front suspension uses a multi-link strut arrangement with a double ball-joint configuration. The unique, 4.5-link independent rear suspension is double-isolated from the chassis for a smoother, quieter driving experience.
The Camaro offers comprehensive safety features, including dual-stage front airbags, front seat- mounted thorax side airbags and head curtain airbags for front and rear occupants.
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