2009 Chevrolet Camaro 3.6L V6 6MT RWD (328 HP)

Vehicle Overview

After a seven-year hiatus, Chevrolet unleashed the fifth generation of the Camaro, re-igniting the most famous battle in the pony car segment between this model and the famous Ford Mustang.

GM had to pull the plug on the fourth generation of the Camaro without an immediate replacement in 2002 due to slow sales. Then, in 2006, it teased customers with a concept car that won the audience’s hearts. Its retro-styling and muscular appearance resembled the first generation of this nameplate. However, changes in legislation, strikes, and other financial problems caused the automaker to delay the launch of the new model until the spring of 2009, when the car finally reached showroom floors across the U.S.A. It was an instant hit, and in its first full production year, it exceeded 80,000 units. Those volumes continued until the model’s replacement in 2015 was the shortest-lived generation of the Camaro. Still, it was important because it marked the rebirth of this famous nameplate.

Designed by SangYup Lee in 2005, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro showed a front fascia resembling the 1967 Camaro. Its round headlights integrated into a recessed black grille were emphasized by the V-shaped hood and bumper. In addition, the crate-like grille reminded customers about the second generation of this nameplate. On the air dam, the automaker added a second air intake with a trapezoidal shape that improved cooling for additional radiators and flanked it with round fog lamps.

From the sides, the retro-inspired styling revealed a long hood, a raked windshield, and a low-slung greenhouse. That led to narrow side windows for the doors and rear passengers, just like the 1967 Camaro. The raked-forward C-pillars were thicker on their lower side and mounted above the rear quarter panels with a coke-bottle styling. A short deck lid at the back and a slim spoiler emphasized the car’s sporty character. GM installed four rectangular taillights for the rear fascia while the two exhausts poked through the apron under the rear bumper. The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro was available in three grades: the LS, the LT, and the SS. For the lowest version, the automaker installed 18-inch steel wheels. At the same time, the LT ran on 18- or 19-inch ones, while the SS was the only one fitted as standard with a 20-inch set.

Inside, the retro-styling continued with a flat dashboard and an instrument cluster featuring two rectangular scoops for the speedometer and tachometer that flanked a TFT display. The three-spoke steering wheel had buttons controlling media and the cruise control functions. Atop the center stack, the automaker placed an LCD for the infotainment system, while the center console housed the gear selector. In addition, additional gauges were available, resembling those installed in the SS version of the ’67 Camaro. The front bucket seats with high-bolstered areas were separated by a tall armrest with a cubby underneath, while in the back, a bench seat provided additional seating for two passengers.

Under the hood, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro was available with either a 3.6-liter V6 or a 6.2-liter V8 engine. Both versions could be paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, depending on the options. The car came fitted with all-wheel independent suspension, which was a first for the Camaro, featuring a front multi-link strut and a 4.5-link system for the rear axle. In addition, a four-wheel disc with ABS was standard across the range, confirming the carmaker’s intentions that the new model is just retro-styled but following modern-day standards.