2010 Camaro orders heavily favor V8 SS, production delays possible

Since the books opened two weeks ago, Chevrolet has received 6,000 orders for the forthcoming 2010 Camaro.

In a time when consumer confidence is at an all-time low and wallets are clamped shut from coast-to-coast, 6000 sales in 14 days is a decent response for an all-new model.

But depending on who you listen to, filling all those orders may be a bit difficult.

When the time came for GM to decide how many V6 and V8 Camaros would be built, crude oil prices were pushing $130 per barrel with no sign of retreating. Expecting an early rush to the more fuel-efficient V6 models, GM settled on a 50-50 split.

In recent months, oil prices have done what once seemed unthinkable, plummeting to nearly$70 per barrel. And as gas prices have slowly fallen, a flood of orders have come in for the V8-equipped 2LT and 2SS trims. With 84 percent of orders-to-date requesting a V8 Camaro SS, demand may outstrip supply for the first year of Camaro production.

What we don't yet know is how quickly GM can clear the potential backlog.

In 2006, when the 2010 Camaro was announced, GM said that 80,000 units would be built in the first year of production. But as time has passed, that number has slipped. Unconfirmed reports now suggest that as few as 20,000 units will be built. If demand remains high for the V8 models, it may take weeks for GM to meet the demand.

Since production efficiency is the crux of the issue, it's worth pointing out that V8 Camaros will use different engines depending on the chosen transmission. Stick-shift models will use the 422-hp 6.2-liter LS3 V8, while automatic-equipped models will use the 6.2-liter 400-hp L99 V8 with Active Fuel Management.

This is still a developing story, so this post will be updated as more information becomes available. One thing is for sure; if you're interested in a 300-hp V6 Camaro LS or LT, get to your local Chevy dealer. There will plenty of room on the production line.

[GM, Camaro5.com]

2010 Chevrolet Camaro priced to sell from $22,995

After touring the show circuit in concept form and a run a starring role in the 2007 summer blockbuster Transformers, GM has announced pricing for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.

The V6-powered LS Camaro will sticker for $22,995, while the V8-powered SS will retail for $30,995. Both prices include the $750 destination charge.

The V6 engined Camaro LS comes straight from the Cadillac CTS 3.6 DI. Featuring dual overhead cams with variable valve timing and direct fuel injection, the 3.6-liter motor produces 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment; a six-speed automatic is optional.

Camaro SS buyers who chose a six-speed manual transmission will have 422 horsepower and 408 pound-feet of torque, courtesy of the 6.2-liter overhead-valve LS3 V-8. Those who opt for the six-speed automatic SS receive the L99 overhead-valve V8, rated at 400 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque.

The L99 V8 is based on the LS3, but it also includes GM’s Active Fuel Management system, which can shut down up to four cylinders at highway speed to save fuel - an activity that seems at odds with the Camaro SS raison d'être.

In early testing, the LS Camaro delivers 27 mpg on the highway, the SS automatic returns about 23 mpg.

Both models feature a fully-independent rear suspension, four wheel antilock disc brakes (with a Brembo brake upgrade optional on the SS). StabiliTrak traction control and 18 inch wheels come standard, with a 19 and 20-inch wheel upgrade available on the SS.

Six air bags come standard on every Camaro, including head curtain side-impact air bags and front seat-mounted thorax side air bags. Other options include bluetooth hands-free cellphone support, remote start, USB-audio connectivity, OnStar and XM Satellite Radio.

Camaro LS models can also be ordered with the RS appearance package, which includes HID headlamps, a rear lip spoiler, chrome-trimmed taillamps and 20-inch wheels.

Customers can visit their local Chevrolet dealer and place an order starting this evening.
Production will begin next February at GM's Oshawa, Ontario plant and the first dealer orders will be filled in early March.

[GM]