Short Take: 2010 Camaro SS
...or, the fastest cave I've ever driven.
The Camaro SS was one of the myriad of vehicles that were brought out to play at the Rocky Mountain Driving Experience event held by the RM Automotive Press. The Camaro SS is GM's latest entry into the decades-old pony-car race often dominated by Ford's Mustang.
The new Camaro is based on the Holden division (GM's Australian arm) designed Zeta rear-drive platform. While GM did spend significant resources customizing the Zeta platform to maintain the Camaro concept's neo-60's look (witness the move of the front axle line to give the long hood/short deck look). The downside was the weight inherent with a platform that was intended for 5-seat mid-sized sedans and El Camino-esqe 'Utes. This leaves the Camaro with a 400 lb disadvantage to the Mustang.
On the open road, the Camaro accelerates smartly with plenty of the classic V-8 rumble from it's 6.2l small block. However, open roads during the RMDE were mostly straight as an arrow and flat as a pancake (if you haven't been out this way, this portion of Colorado looks a bit too much like Kansas and Nebraska for a sporty car like the Camaro). On the up-side, this did give the the opportunity to take in the interior.
This Camaro was packing the color-matched accents inside - giving a narrow swath of shiny, body-colored plastic in the dash that wraps into a broad wing of color in each door. It is certainly what the all-black plastic needed to brighten the mood, though the overall feeling is still a bit cave-like - more below.
On the down-side, is a climate control pod that looks just like the concept and shows exactly why most cars don't have concept car controls. An owner would learn where things are located, but its combo of toggles, rotating trim rings, etc. are a bit much to master in a few minutes unless you have a long empty road ahead and can take your eyes off the road for the several seconds to find what you want.
Audio is in old-school (not 60's, think early 90's) blue-green displays. The graphics are a bit chunky and pixelated - but do the job - they just detract from the experience a bit.
Once you turn your attention back to the outside world, you'll find a great expanse of hood framing the world in front of you - just as a Camaro should. Just don't expect to see much out the sides or back. To give the classic look with a modern, slammed, slant - GM has given both a low roof and high doors that leaves you with gun-slit tall side glass. If you're claustrophobic - look elsewhere.
However, this likely won't matter to those that lust after the new Camaro (witness how it has been outselling its Mustang competition for most of the months it has been on sale) and if you have to have some light and air - wait a few months for the debut of the upcoming convertible.
It's just a shame that style and price-point have caused the overall experience to suffer. Especially since this is arguably the best looking pony on the market. The Camaro SS is oh-so-close to being the perfect pony - maybe after an interior freshening or the next-gen, Alpha based car, they'll have it just right.
Ultimately, the new Camaro is a great car to be seen in - but not one that you might enjoy living with all the time.
The Camaro SS was one of the myriad of vehicles that were brought out to play at the Rocky Mountain Driving Experience event held by the RM Automotive Press. The Camaro SS is GM's latest entry into the decades-old pony-car race often dominated by Ford's Mustang.
On the open road, the Camaro accelerates smartly with plenty of the classic V-8 rumble from it's 6.2l small block. However, open roads during the RMDE were mostly straight as an arrow and flat as a pancake (if you haven't been out this way, this portion of Colorado looks a bit too much like Kansas and Nebraska for a sporty car like the Camaro). On the up-side, this did give the the opportunity to take in the interior.
This Camaro was packing the color-matched accents inside - giving a narrow swath of shiny, body-colored plastic in the dash that wraps into a broad wing of color in each door. It is certainly what the all-black plastic needed to brighten the mood, though the overall feeling is still a bit cave-like - more below.
On the down-side, is a climate control pod that looks just like the concept and shows exactly why most cars don't have concept car controls. An owner would learn where things are located, but its combo of toggles, rotating trim rings, etc. are a bit much to master in a few minutes unless you have a long empty road ahead and can take your eyes off the road for the several seconds to find what you want.
Audio is in old-school (not 60's, think early 90's) blue-green displays. The graphics are a bit chunky and pixelated - but do the job - they just detract from the experience a bit.
Once you turn your attention back to the outside world, you'll find a great expanse of hood framing the world in front of you - just as a Camaro should. Just don't expect to see much out the sides or back. To give the classic look with a modern, slammed, slant - GM has given both a low roof and high doors that leaves you with gun-slit tall side glass. If you're claustrophobic - look elsewhere.
However, this likely won't matter to those that lust after the new Camaro (witness how it has been outselling its Mustang competition for most of the months it has been on sale) and if you have to have some light and air - wait a few months for the debut of the upcoming convertible.
It's just a shame that style and price-point have caused the overall experience to suffer. Especially since this is arguably the best looking pony on the market. The Camaro SS is oh-so-close to being the perfect pony - maybe after an interior freshening or the next-gen, Alpha based car, they'll have it just right.
Ultimately, the new Camaro is a great car to be seen in - but not one that you might enjoy living with all the time.
Rocky Mountain Driving Experience
7:40 - arrived and registered. Appears to be 20+ other reviewers and journalists here. Lots of shiny cars just waiting for us to drive the bejesus out of them.
8:09 - leaving for May Farms in an Audi A3 TDI
9:00 - eating breakfast at May Farms. A3 left me a touch cold. Not worth 20k more than a 5-door Golf.
10:15 - at High Plains Raceway. Got here in a 556hp CTS-V. So, I'm in a good mood. We get to drive it, the Corvette GS, the Viper ACR, as well as a bunch of other fun stuff soon.
10:45 - just did my first 3 laps ever on a real track. The instructor was very helpful and the Suzuki Kizashi was a willing participant, but I'm taking a quick breather before trying again.
1:45 - At lunch at May Farms after spending some time driving both the Mercedes E350 cabrio and a Camaro SS. Next up, driving to CO Offroad Extreme.
8:15 - leaving after the wrap-up dinner. Got to ride in several hot-laps on the off-road rally track that were an absolute blast and drove to 2011 Volvo C70 convertible back to where it all started this morning. All was a complete blast. Expect short-take reviews soon on the vehicles I drove today.
8:09 - leaving for May Farms in an Audi A3 TDI
9:00 - eating breakfast at May Farms. A3 left me a touch cold. Not worth 20k more than a 5-door Golf.
10:15 - at High Plains Raceway. Got here in a 556hp CTS-V. So, I'm in a good mood. We get to drive it, the Corvette GS, the Viper ACR, as well as a bunch of other fun stuff soon.
10:45 - just did my first 3 laps ever on a real track. The instructor was very helpful and the Suzuki Kizashi was a willing participant, but I'm taking a quick breather before trying again.
1:45 - At lunch at May Farms after spending some time driving both the Mercedes E350 cabrio and a Camaro SS. Next up, driving to CO Offroad Extreme.
8:15 - leaving after the wrap-up dinner. Got to ride in several hot-laps on the off-road rally track that were an absolute blast and drove to 2011 Volvo C70 convertible back to where it all started this morning. All was a complete blast. Expect short-take reviews soon on the vehicles I drove today.
Engineer Spotting
Colorado is a nice place to live for a few reasons. Weather, scenery, wildlife (I mean elk and deer, not clubing) ;-)...
One nice perk is that the automakers bring product out here for high altitude validation.
I've seen Dodge Journeys in camo, a small fleet of Fiat 500's (from almost a year before the Chrysler merger), and yesterday I saw a group of no fewer than 9 Chevy Cruze's in various trims as they were stopped in Boulder for lunch.
Looked pretty nice and very close to production ready to me.
One nice perk is that the automakers bring product out here for high altitude validation.
I've seen Dodge Journeys in camo, a small fleet of Fiat 500's (from almost a year before the Chrysler merger), and yesterday I saw a group of no fewer than 9 Chevy Cruze's in various trims as they were stopped in Boulder for lunch.
Looked pretty nice and very close to production ready to me.
*tap* *tap* *tap*...Is this thing on?
Long time, no post.
It's been a busy 3 years over at UOwC headquarters...none of which matters to you, my reader.
What you do need to know is that I'm back on the case - with a slate of test drive/auto reviews as well as our famous high-level analysis of what is going on now in the auto biz.
In the meantime, you can also follow us over at the CaddyEdge.com where my more in-depth reviews, centered around Cadillacs have been appearing.
New EPA mileage numbers for hybrids
One of the major complaints from consumers about hybrids is that most people can't manage to get anywhere close to the EPA ratings.
Starting for the 08 model year, the EPA is adjusting their mileage numbers to reflect something closer to real-world numbers. Of note is that the testing procedure has not changed - the EPA is basically running the existing numbers through a correction formula to get the new ratings.
Also of note is that the fuel consumption really has not changed. The EPA is merely trying to give consumers a more realistic expectation when they are comparing vehicles.
So, here is what the changes give us (when available, comparable non-hybrid models are also listed). The each set of numbers are city/highway/combined ratings. The first set are the old ratings while the last column are the ratings under the new formula.
Starting for the 08 model year, the EPA is adjusting their mileage numbers to reflect something closer to real-world numbers. Of note is that the testing procedure has not changed - the EPA is basically running the existing numbers through a correction formula to get the new ratings.
Also of note is that the fuel consumption really has not changed. The EPA is merely trying to give consumers a more realistic expectation when they are comparing vehicles.
So, here is what the changes give us (when available, comparable non-hybrid models are also listed). The each set of numbers are city/highway/combined ratings. The first set are the old ratings while the last column are the ratings under the new formula.
Microcars for all! - GM unveils Opel/Vauxhall Agila
Picture a Saturn 2 sizes smaller than the upcoming Astra and you are well on your way to understanding what the Opel Agila is all about.
This microcar (a niche that GM has becoming increasingly interested in of late - with their 3 microcar concepts shown at the New York Auto Show and talk about their desire to make stylish/desirable products in this segment with the help of GM Daewoo) is based on the Suzuki Swift (yep, they still make a Swift).
It is powered by your choice of 3 tiny engines (a 1.0l gasoline 3-cylinder with 65hp, a 1.2l gasoline 4-cylinder with 86hp, or a 1.3l diesel with 75hp but 140lb*ft of torque). Given this just over 12ft long car's weight, any should be sufficient.
While it is unlikely that Saturn will see this car (since the Opel Corsa is one size bigger and not planned - yet - for the US market) - ever tightening emissions and fuel economy standards, and increasing gas prices may change things in the coming years.
It is nice to know that tiny cars are not the penalty boxes that many remember from the first push to get fuel efficiency up (late 70's-80's).
This microcar (a niche that GM has becoming increasingly interested in of late - with their 3 microcar concepts shown at the New York Auto Show and talk about their desire to make stylish/desirable products in this segment with the help of GM Daewoo) is based on the Suzuki Swift (yep, they still make a Swift).
It is powered by your choice of 3 tiny engines (a 1.0l gasoline 3-cylinder with 65hp, a 1.2l gasoline 4-cylinder with 86hp, or a 1.3l diesel with 75hp but 140lb*ft of torque). Given this just over 12ft long car's weight, any should be sufficient.While it is unlikely that Saturn will see this car (since the Opel Corsa is one size bigger and not planned - yet - for the US market) - ever tightening emissions and fuel economy standards, and increasing gas prices may change things in the coming years.
It is nice to know that tiny cars are not the penalty boxes that many remember from the first push to get fuel efficiency up (late 70's-80's).
DaimlerChysler spins off Chrysler Group
Unless you've been under a rock for the last couple months - you knew that DaimlerChrysler was looking for a buyer for their Chrysler Group. GM, Canadian supplier Magna, and various private equity groups have all been rumored buyers.
Overnight, an announcement was made that Cerberus Capital Management will take a 80.1% stake, for $7.4 billion. The deal includes Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep, as well as Chrysler Financial.
As details have emerged, it has become clear that UAW contracts are expected to stay in force for the near term and no new layoffs (outside of those already announced) are expected, the 19.9% of ownership retained by Daimler AG (the new name of the German portion of the previous DaimlerChrysler) will allow the continuation of work between the new entities on clean diesel, 2-mode hybrids, etc.
Rumors abound that Chrysler Financial will, ultimately, be merged with GMAC (also controlled by Cerberus).
The new Chrysler Holdings LLC that will be formed will retain the health care and pension liabilities of Chrysler Group but will otherwise be debt-free.
The sale is expected to be complete in 3Q07.
Overnight, an announcement was made that Cerberus Capital Management will take a 80.1% stake, for $7.4 billion. The deal includes Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep, as well as Chrysler Financial.
As details have emerged, it has become clear that UAW contracts are expected to stay in force for the near term and no new layoffs (outside of those already announced) are expected, the 19.9% of ownership retained by Daimler AG (the new name of the German portion of the previous DaimlerChrysler) will allow the continuation of work between the new entities on clean diesel, 2-mode hybrids, etc.
Rumors abound that Chrysler Financial will, ultimately, be merged with GMAC (also controlled by Cerberus).
The new Chrysler Holdings LLC that will be formed will retain the health care and pension liabilities of Chrysler Group but will otherwise be debt-free.
The sale is expected to be complete in 3Q07.
Next Saturn Aura spied
Despite the fact that Saturn just brought out the new Aura to critical acclaim, it won't be long until the next Aura debuts.
The current Aura is a modified version of the current Opel Vectra - the new Aura is being co-developed and should be close to identical to the next generation Vectra due out in 2009.
The spy photo (a portion of which is shown here) at the Car Connection shows influences from the recent Opel GTC coupe concept, specifically in the rear quarter area with powerful shoulder-line.
It is rumored that the GTC might also hint at a potential Vectra and Aura 2-door to compete against the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima coupes.
Read about it at:
The Car Connection: 2009 Saturn Aura Spied!
The current Aura is a modified version of the current Opel Vectra - the new Aura is being co-developed and should be close to identical to the next generation Vectra due out in 2009.The spy photo (a portion of which is shown here) at the Car Connection shows influences from the recent Opel GTC coupe concept, specifically in the rear quarter area with powerful shoulder-line.
It is rumored that the GTC might also hint at a potential Vectra and Aura 2-door to compete against the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima coupes.
Read about it at:
The Car Connection: 2009 Saturn Aura Spied!