The 2010 Camaro shows its nasty side when fitted with V8 power. Compared to the V6-powered Camaro (reviewed in the August 2009 archived report), the V8–juiced coupe is a road scorcher. The 6.2-liter package with active fuel management nets 400 horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 410 pounds-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm. (The 6.2-liter V8 that doesn’t shut down 4 cylinders during certain non-heavy acceleration times has higher performance numbers: 426 horsepower and 420 pounds-feet of peak torque.) The optional $1,185 six-speed automatic transmission moves through the gears quickly and smoothly. (A new 6-speed Tremec TR6060 manual transmission is standard on Camaro SS.)

Both the front track and rear track on the Camaro SS are the same: 63.7 inches. (Camaro LS and LT models have a 64.1-inch rear track.) The Camaro SS sports Brembo four-piston calipers on the four-wheel disc brakes and that stopping power is mighty important. While all Camaro models have a curb weight exceeding 3,700 pounds, the Camaro SS with automatic transmission is the heaviest at 3,902 pounds. On the safety side, Camaro has several airbags, including side impact head curtains for front and rear occupants. Estimated mpg for the active fuel-managed V8 with six-speed automatic transmission is 16 city/25 highway. The MSRP for the Camaro SS with 6-speed manual transmission is $33,745 (add $1,185 for the 6-speed automatic transmission with remote vehicle start).