The F-Bomb has a shinier, younger brother. Hot Rod editor David Freiburgers new project Camaro was spotted by our own Chad at the Power Tour stop in Newton, Iowa. Powered by one of GMs new E-Rod crate engine packages, it was the buzz of the Power Tour on Saturday.
Theres an interesting BangShift,com connection to the car as the builder, Mike Copeland is a member on our forums (LS1ZR2 is his user name)! Mikes Michigan-based shop, Diversified Creations handled the build, and as Mike is a GM employee, were sure that the E-Rod is working mighty fine in the front of the late Second-Gen F-body.
Guess the days of the cheapie late 1970s or early 1980s Camaro is over. The car appears to kick some serious ass. Look for the build to be featured in upcoming issues of Hot Rod. The car will be running the remainder of the Power Tour. Two more pics at BangShift.com
Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Ford, GM
It took a full year for the Ford Mustang to regain its pony car sales title versus the reborn Chevy Camaro, but May sales totals show that the 'Stang has finally regained its mojo. The far more powerful 2011 Mustang plays a huge roll in the comeback, but after originally reporting the upset, Automotive News is now pointing out a second factor that helped the Blue Oval bring the May pony car sales title back to Dearborn.
The Camaro has been selling so well that General Motors hasn't had to pour any money into incentives.That's zero denero, no super low financing... nothing. The tale of the Mustang's May sales tally is a bit murkier. First, 4,376 of the Mustangs sold in May were 2010 models, and those coupes could be had with $2,500 on the hood and financing between zero and 5.9 percent - depending on the length of the loan. According to Edmunds.com, the 2011 Mustang has $1,500 on the hood for returning lessees and conquests alike, plus financing as low as zero percent for 36 months.
Does the fact that the Mustang has some cash on its hood mean that its 10,225 to 8,931 sales victory against the Camaro is tainted? We're not inclined to think so because a win is a win no matter how you dissect it. But at the same time, we're pretty sure GM is thrilled to be selling their pony car at a clip of 100,000 units per year without any cash on the hood. Not a bad consolation prize.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]
Ford Mustang/Chevrolet Camaro May sales tally backstory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsIt seems like weve had a few weeks of rental-car sedans and hybrids as pace cars (no offense, Toyota Camry hybrid), so its cool to see that Pocono Raceway is going to be running the safety lights on this bright white Camaro SS here at this weekend. It seemed like there were Camaros at every race for awhile in there, but I guess they seem to have gotten more sparse now that the novelty has worn off. Its going to be cool to see a Camaro out leading the pack once again!
NASCAR coverage brought to you by Valvoline Engine Guarantee-the first and only motor oil in the industry that will guarantee your engine up to 300,000 miles. *Registration required, some limitations apply.
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Ford
It looks like customers opting for the upper trim levels on the Chevrolet Camaro will have to pay a little bit more when the 2011 models roll into showrooms this fall. According to a posting on the Camaro5 forum from a dealer employee, the 2LT and 2SS models will see a $350 price increase to $28,075 and $35,145, respectively. The LS, 1LT and 1SS models will carry over the 2010 prices so the 2011 Ford Mustang will retain a $535 for the V6 and $1,300 advantage for the V8 models.
The more interesting news is the apparent confirmation from General Motors' new VP of Global Vehicle Engineering, Karl Stracke to Motor Trend that the Z/28 will become a reality. Chevrolet officials have declined to comment on the matter, but we're guessing that it might appear sometime next year as a 2012 model. Motivation will likely be provided by a variant of the supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8 found in the Cadillac CTS-V, with around 550 horsepower being channeled through a six-speed manual gearbox.
[Source: Camaro5, Motor Trend]
2011 Camaro pricing leaked, Z/28 possibly confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Rumormill
Ford has certainly upped the ante in the Mustang/Camaro wars for 2011. Chevrolet may have the upper hand in V8 power (Camaro is rated at 426 horsepower, Mustang GT at 412), but the base 'Stang now uses a 305-hp V6, boasting slightly more power (one horsepower, to be exact) and better fuel economy (31 miles per gallon) over a comparable six-pot Camaro.
Even though the 2011 Mustang V6 only carries a touch more power and efficiency, Chevrolet isn't going to just sit back and take it all in stride. An inside source has told Automobile that the Mustang's top honors may be short lived, and that details on the 2011 Camaro will arrive in the very near future. We don't think that General Motors will have much trouble cranking out a couple extra ponies from the Camaro's 3.6-liter V6, but can it surpass the Mustang's 31 mpg highway rating? Consider our interest piqued.
[Source: Automobile]
Report: GM working on more powerful V6 for 2011 Camaro? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Jalopnik played a small role in bringing Papa John's Camaro back home to Kentucky and now the Z28 itself is going small with a limited edition toy car.
We just recieved our Johnny Lightning replica in the mail and, having driven one of these before, we're impressed with the accuracy. Well, mostly just the tiny magnetic Papa John's car topper. And because John Schnatter is such a generous fellow, he's donating 5,000 of the mini Z28s and $80,000 in proceeds from the small cars to the Marine Toys For Tots Foundation.
And because he loves giving stuff away, there's even a sticker for a free medium pizza on the back of the package.
For integrity's sake, we're going to leave it on there.
PAPA JOHN'S TO DONATE $80,000 IN PROCEEDS OF MINI CAMARO SALES TO TOYS FOR TOTS
Pizza chain's contribution to annual holiday campaign also will include free pizza offer on back of mini-car packaging, all available at www.papajohns.com
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (November 16, 2009) - Earlier this year, "Papa" John Schnatter set out on a cross-country Road Trip to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Papa John's Pizza"¦and to search for the car that started it all: a 1971 Z28 Camaro that Schnatter sold to keep his dad's tavern in business and ultimately open his first Papa John's restaurant. He even offered a $250,000 reward for the car's safe return. To everyone's surprise (especially Schnatter's), the beloved Camaro was found in Flatwoods, Ky. in August.
Beginning today, pizza and car lovers alike may purchase a mini replica of Schnatter's Camaro for just $4.99 at www.papajohns.com. For every mini Camaro sold, $1 will be donated to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, just in time for the holidays. In addition, every toy's packaging includes a coupon for a free medium cheese pizza - making it the gift that keeps on giving, long after the holiday leftovers are gone!
Papa John's is also donating 5,000 mini Camaros directly to Toys for Tots - a retail value of $25,000, and $50,000 in redeemable free pizzas. In total, Papa John's will contribute more than $155,000 to the 2009 Toys for Tots campaign.
"You could say that Christmas came early this year for John, which is why we're especially pleased to share his joy with kids around the country who love Papa John's pizza," said Jude Thompson, Papa John's president and chief operating officer. "Papa John's is proud to partner and be associated with Toys for Tots, renowned for touching millions of young lives year after year."
"Papa John has a great story that's not only fun, but also provides hope and inspiration to less fortunate children," said Maj. Bill Grein, USMC (Ret), vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "Toys for Tots is honored to have the support of Papa John's and their 2,600 restaurants across the country this season as we make the holidays brighter for families everywhere."
For more information and to purchase a mini Camaro, benefiting Toys for Tots, visit www.papajohns.com.
About Marine Toys for Tots
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to provide fundraising and other necessary support for their annual Toys for Tots Program. Now in its 62nd year, Toys for Tots provides hope and happiness to economically disadvantaged children through the gift of a shiny new toy during the Christmas holiday season. Our gifts offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory they will cherish for a lifetime. Many of the gifts we provide, such as books, games and sports equipment, make a significant contribution to the educational, social and recreational interests of these children. In 2008, Marines distributed gifts to 7.6 million children in over 650 communities nationwide. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation relies on individual donations from the American public and is supported by corporate sponsorships. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.
About Papa John's
Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) is the world's third largest pizza company. For nine of the last 10 years, consumers have rated Papa John's No. 1 in customer satisfaction among all national pizza chains in the highly regarded American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Papa John's also ranks first among pizza companies in the 2008 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index, was honored by Restaurants & Institutions Magazine (R&I) with the 2008 Silver Award for Consumers' Choice in Chains in the pizza segment, and was named 2007 Pizza Today Chain of the Year. For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John's at www.papajohns.com.
Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Design/Style
While GM didn't bring a production Chevrolet Camaro convertible to SEMA, it did bring a handful of Camaro Coupe Concepts that offer a preview of things to come for the recently resurrected pony car. Besides the twin-turbo V6 Jay Leno Camaro we profiled earlier, we got to see Snergy, Chroma, Dusk and Graphics.
Those are the names given to the show cars, each highlighting a different element that should make it to production Camaros in the near future. There's a full presser after the jump and some galleries below, but basically, each has a different set of genuine GM accessories bolted on.
Synergy shows off a new limited-production exterior color (and we thought "Chroma" would be the color car) that has us thinking of a bottle of Scope and a slew of currently available boy-racer accessories.
Chroma kicks the SS Camaro up a notch with genuine Bowtie accessories like a body kit and graphics pack, plus some future products like 21-inch wheels, rear Blade spoiler and new grille. The whiteout monochrome paint scheme makes it look race-ready, just waiting for someone to slap on NASCAR decals.
The Dusk (above) is the car that departs most from the typical Camaro mold. Chevy describes it as being "Inspired by the style of young, urban professionals... It is a very tailored look that is stylish and sophisticated, but with a distinct American accent." The Dusk shows a number of possible future options and features, like BBS wheels, a unique ground effects package, new bezels for the lamps front and rear, Brembo brakes and a tech package that includes a Boston Acoustics sound system, WiFi connectivity and an iPhone dock. Done up in a dark Berlin Blue, it makes the Camaro look sophisticated and, dare we say, almost European.
The Graphics Camaro is actually a series of four looks for the Camaro that will rotate through the GM booth each of the show days. After displaying each on a Silver Ice Metallic Camaro, attendees can vote for their favorite look, with the winner possibly going into production. You can vote for your favorite on the Camaro's Facebook page.
There are seemingly thousands of other custom Camaros here at SEMA 2009, but this handful shows where Chevy envisions the Camaro heading in the future.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Chevrolet]
Continue reading SEMA 2009: Handful of Chevy Camaro concepts preview new options
SEMA 2009: Handful of Chevy Camaro concepts preview new options originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Ford, Celebrities
What do you get the guy who has everything? For SEMA 2009, GM decided to go with the less-is-more approach and built Jay Leno his own special Camaro... with less. Less cylinders at any rate, as this V6 special more than makes up for its lack of firing pots by adding a pair of turbochargers.
The 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 is otherwise similar to the unit that resides in run-of-the-mill Camaro LS and LT models, but with the dual huffers helping it, it produces the same 425 horsepower as its V8-propelled SS brother. And in a playful EcoBoasting slap, Chevy points out that they get the extra performance with virtually no penalty in fuel economy. Take that, rumored EcoBoost Mustang!Besides the power upgrades, the Leno Camaro also gets a beefed up clutch for its six-speed transmission, an upgraded radiator, Brembo brakes, a Pedders coil-over kit, and a bodykit that includes a new rear diffuser as well as a revised front fascia and hood with additional venting for brakes and engine. It's one of a handful of Camaros in the GM booth, but it's the only one sticking its chin out, egging on the Ford boys. Press release after the jump and full gallery below.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Chevrolet]
Continue reading SEMA 2009: Jay Leno Camaro a pre-emptive strike against EcoBoost 'Stang
SEMA 2009: Jay Leno Camaro a pre-emptive strike against EcoBoost 'Stang originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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To honor Papa John's Camaro prodigal son-like return, he gave away free pizza to Camaro owners yesterday "” 35,847 free pizzas, to be exact! Below, our gallery of Jalopnik readers who took advantage of the free pizza.
As bitchin' as the many mullet machines are in the post, what's even more rad is all the poses. We asked for "Camaro + pizza" pics and got a ton of Camaro + pizza + owner + the occasional Papa John's team member. Fantastic work everyone. Click on the next photo see these cool rides and even cooler owners in full res glory.
The Full Papa John's Story
- We Join Papa John's Quest For His Camaro
- Jalopnik Reader Finds Papa John's Quarter-Million-Dollar Camaro
- How Jalopnik Reunited Papa John With His Camaro
- Papa John's To Give Away Free Pizza To Camaro Owners
As we first reported yesterday, pizza magnate Papa John Schnatter has been reunited with his Camaro. This is the story of how Jalopnik made it happen and helped someone get $250,000.
The story really begins in 1983, when Papa John Schnatter's father was on the verge of closing his tavern because of a bankruptcy. Faced with few choices, Papa John sold the only asset he had to his name: A Bumblebee-striped black-and-gold 1971˝ Chevy Camaro Z28.
With the $2,800 he received for the Camaro he was able to save the family business and launch Papa John's, a business that now numbers at more than 3,000 pizzerias in 26 countries with a market value of three-quarters of a billion dollars. He had a lot, but Papa John still missed that Camaro. So Schnatter started looking for it.
"For 26 years I wanted the car back," said Schnatter. "[A friend] looked for that car for most of the 1990s and it surprised me when we couldn't find it." They even hired an ex-FBI agent to search for the car, turning up nothing.
Schnatter even went so far as to have a replica of the original 1971˝ Camaro Z28 built to emulate the original, though with an upgraded sound system and A/C. Still, Schnatter was unsatisfied and hit the road in search of the car, first offering up a $25,000 reward, then upping the ante to $250,000 when the first sum failed to find the car. Even though many cars of the era have been sent to the crusher, he said he "never gave up hope, I never ever give up on anything. For some reason I didn't think anyone smashed it up."
When Papa John stopped off in Houston in search of the car he took me for a drive. All Schnatter could talk about was that original car, telling me:
"It had the split-bumper, sunroof, BF Goodrich tires with steel wheels, I swapped out the rear end with a Positrac differential - and now the speedometer reads 10 MPH over the actual speed. It had a velvet interior, unlike the vinyl one in this car, it didn't have A/C, and the ash tray in back is falling off."
These were helpful clues, but there was something else that struck us. He told the tale of watching the car drive away or, rather, about being unable to because he was so sad.
And this is where Jalopnik readers come in. After first hearing about the search on television, the Slones of Indiana found our original story and the details sounded familiar so they reached out to us on our Facebook page where our Commenter admin Al Navarro noticed it.
Their story of a young man selling his car, unable to watch it go, instantly struck me as familiar to what John himself had told me in the car. After confirming some details it was clear this was the car so we contacted Papa John's people and let them know.
Sadly for the Slones, they'd sold the car to Jeff Robinson of Flatwoods, Kentucky. Fortunately for them, John has extended an offer of a finder's fee of $25,000 to the family for helping out with the tip. And fortunately for everyone, Jeff considered building a more tame street version of his Z28 so he kept many of the original parts, which helped them identify the car.
So how did the car go so long without being found? There are two reasons. First, the original sale occurred just across the border in Indiana, where there was no electronic record kept of sales transactions at the time. Second, the car was not a 1972 as remembered by John, but actually a 1971˝, which is why Robinson didn't believe the car was the right one at first.
And what condition was the car in when John eventually drove out to Flatwoods to pick it up yesterday? Fantastic condition. Jeff had seriously upgraded the motor for drag racing and it was now putting out 825 HP.
According to Robinson it's now "Probably the fastest pizza delivery car in the world, it runs a 9.55 quarter-mile at 141 MPH."
Despite the added power, newer hood and upgraded tires, the Schnatter family loves the car.
"Now there's a big old smile on my face, I like the car, I like the way it drives, it's fast," exclaimed Schnatter. "My wife's a redneck and she loves a muscle car. On one hand I want to put it back the way it was, and on the other hand i like the way he put it back together."
Though he's sad to part with it, Jeff Robinson made out okay.
"Jeff loved the car and he knows I'm going to take car of it and it'll take a special place in the hearts of the people at Papa John's," said John, adding "he was kind enough to sell it for $250,000."
Robinson isn't sure whether or not he'll build another Z28 of that era or try for something else. Either way, Papa John has promised to deliver the motor back if he decides to restore it to stock condition.
In the end, the story of a car that launched a global pizza empire has a happy ending not only for the young enthusiast who bravely parted with his dream car to pursue a different dream, but for another car enthusiast who was lucky enough to treat the car well. And really, isn't that what Jalopnik is all about?
UPDATE! In addition to helping reunite a Camaro lover with his car, Jalopnik helped enable this bit of generosity: Free Papa John's pizza for Camaro owners. Click here for full details.
According to the person who posted this pic, the driver of this Camaro SS wanted to celebrate his day-old car purchase by doing a burnout. Quickly followed by losing control, crashing, and getting arrested. UPDATE!
We can't verify the story, but the photo of the vehicle in what's supposed to be Riley's Bakery seems legit. Seriously, stop destroying these. (H/T to Adam)
UPDATE: It turns out the driver was drunk, blowing three times the limit into a breathalyzer. Full details at BG Daily News.
The economic downturn hasn't left a lot of sunny days, possibly forcing GM to question when or whether at all it should release the Chevy Camaro Convertible. No worries, Newport Convertible Engineering is here for you.
Specializing in convertible conversions, NCE will transform your hardtopped Camaro into a mullet flapping parade mobile in no time. And they'll do it now, so no pesky waiting until 2011 for your factory official soft top.
(Edmunds, Image via Patrick C Paternie)
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Safety, Chevrolet
Last week, we told you about a problem some members of the Camaro5 forums who own V8-powered SS models equipped with the Tremec six-speed manual transmission were reporting. The owners were experiencing a broken output shaft on hard launch; a serious problem that will likely render their brand new Bowtie pony car immobile. General Motors responded by putting a hold on V8 Camaros with manual trannies at its Oshawa assembly plant, but until now, there hasn't been a definitive plan for replacing the affected transmissions.
Camaro5 is now reporting that GM will pick up the phone and call all owners who may have the defective gearbox, presumably to schedule time at the dealership to fix the problem parts. GM told Camaro5 that the calls will take place in a couple weeks, after an internal investigation regarding the issue is complete.
At this point, we don't know what happened to cause the problem with the Tremec 6060 transmission, nor do we know exactly what parts GM will need to repair. What we do know, however, is that we'll update you as soon as we have more information.
[Source: Camaro5]
Hello? Chevy reportedly vows to call Camaro owners who may have bad transmissions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet
Today at Comic-Con, General Motors officially announced the 2010 Chevy Camaro Transformers Special Edition. The $995 appearance package can be applied to LT (V6) and SS-trim Camaros in Rally Yellow with or without the optional RS package. So, whadda ya get for the dough? It's very straightforward:
- Autobot insignia fender badges and wheel caps
- An embroidered Autobot insignia on the center console
- Gloss-black rally stripes with Transformers logos
- Transformers-logo doorsill plates
[Source: General Motors]
Continue reading 2010 Transformers Special Edition Chevy Camaro unveiled
2010 Transformers Special Edition Chevy Camaro unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsHere at the San Diego Comic Con, Chevy's revealed the 2010 Camaro Transformers Special Edition. Yes, for a mere $995, you can have your very own SS or LT robogasm with all sorts of stripes and badges. Gallery below.
Full release below in the gallery.
Chevrolet announces the 2010 Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special EditionDETROIT - Fans of the new Camaro and the blockbuster TRANSFORMERS movies can now combine their love of the car and the films with the Chevrolet Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition announced today at Comic-Con in San Diego.
"When the first TRANSFORMERS movie was setting box office records, we had countless customers asking to purchase the 'BUMBLEBEE' Camaro," said Karen Rafferty, product marketing director, Chevrolet. "Now, they can buy one with the new Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition. Streets all over North America will be buzzing in no time."
Features such as an EPA-rated 29 highway mpg on the V6-powered Camaro, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB connectivity, XM Satellite Radio and OnStar combined with TRANSFORMERS design cues add to the car's status as a 21st century sports car.
"Hasbro is thrilled to team up with Chevrolet and excited to see the Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition come to market for our fans to enjoy," said Samantha Lomow, Global Brand Leader for TRANSFORMERS at Hasbro. "The yellow Camaro with the black stripes has become so iconic and closely associated with the BUMBLEBEE character that this edition was a natural fit for both companies."
While the aggressive styling of the Camaro is unmistakable, true TRANSFORMERS fans will notice some of the unique, but subtle features of the Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition.
The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition includes the following:
* AUTOBOT® shield on the driver and passenger side panels
* AUTOBOT® shield on each of the four wheel's center cap
* AUTOBOT® shield embroidered on interior center console
* "TRANSFORMERS" logo on driver and passenger doors' sill plates
* "TRANSFORMERS" logo embedded into the hood rally stripes
* High-gloss black center rally stripe package
* Manufacturer's suggested retail price of package: $995Dealers are now taking orders for this car. Customers can order the TRANSFORMERS Special Edition as either a Rally Yellow LT or SS model. The optional RS appearance package can also be added.
The V6-powered Camaro uses a 3.6L engine with variable valve timing to optimize performance and fuel economy. It is SAE-certified at 304 horsepower (227 kW) and 273 lb.-ft. of torque (370 Nm). A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the 3.6L engine; a Hydra-Matic 6L50 electronically controlled six-speed automatic, with TAPshift control, is available.
The high-performance Camaro SS is equipped with a powerful 6.2L V-8, with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Manual transmission-equipped models receive the LS3 engine, SAE-certified at 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. of torque (569 Nm). It is paired with a TR6060 six-speed transmission.
A new, L99 V-8 engine is used on automatic transmission-equipped SS models. It is based on the LS3, but also includes GM's fuel-saving Active Fuel Management feature. It is SAE-certified at 400 horsepower (298 kW) and 410 lb.-ft. of torque (556 Nm). It is matched with a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed transmission that helps delivers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg on the highway.
About Chevrolet
Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands, and one of the fastest growing brands in the world. With fuel solutions that go from "gas-friendly to gas-free," Chevy has nine models that get 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway, and offers three hybrid models. More than 2.5 million Chevrolets that run on E85 biofuel have been sold. Next year, Chevrolet will offer the Chevy Volt, an extended range electric vehicle that will travel up to 40 miles without using any gas at all. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and provides the best value in every segment in which it competes. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com.About HASBRO
Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
We've been told by GM PR there's been a temporary hold on the shipment of manual transmission-equipped Camaro SS models after some owners have complained of problems after using the Launch Control feature. Sound familiar? Yeah, we thought so.
The issue doesn't affect manual transmission-equipped V6 Camaros. They will continue to leave the factory as scheduled. A GM spokesperson had this to say on the matter:
Our engineering team is reviewing data related to the performance of the manual transmission on the Camaro SS, and have temporarily stopped shipment of this model to the dealers.
This only impacts Camaro SS models with manual transmission in production. Camaro SS with automatic transmission, and Camaro LS and LT models are not affected and will continue to be shipped to dealers.
Since this is an "in production" review, we are NOT requesting vehicles be returned for any service or dealer deliveries stopped as a result of this action.
We'll keep an eye on the issue as GM releases more details. [Camaro5]
As the Muscle Car Wars continue, GM's struggling to meet demand for the new Chevy Camaro, with some buyers paying heavy premiums on sticker prices. Now GM even thinks it may catch Ford's new 2010 Mustang in monthly sales.
According to the General, the new Camaro is creating enough buzz to play a key role in GM's turnaround. It's obviously drawing showroom traffic with the new Transformers movie "” no matter how awful it was. But GM thinks it's so hot it may even catch the Ford Mustang in monthly sales when it has enough available "” no small feat given the 'stang sells with a drop-top model alongside the coupe and the Camaro's only got the coupe (not to mention there's not even a t-top version!).
Read our Camaro vs. Challenger vs. Mustang comparison!
GM sold 5,463 Camaros in May, the first month of the sporty car's revival, compared with 8,812 Mustangs sold by Ford. GM spokesman Terry Rhadigan says Camaro will be "right with Mustang on sales" by the end of June. Of course there's a lot of pent-up demand for the Camaro, so the question will be "” even if Chevy does come out on top in the month of June, will that translate into long-term sales? If the Dodge Challenger and its steady burn of sales are any indication "” Chrysler's sold 2,695 of the Dodge Challenger last month, and approximately 2,000 - 3,000 per month for the past 11 months "” it may have at least some lasting volume.
We'll have to see who comes out on top in the long-run, but at the very least, pent-up demand will likely give the Mustang a run for the money this month and maybe the 'maro will even pick up the win. We'll have to wait until Thursday to find out. [via USA Today, ChallengerBlog, GM]
In honor of the Transformers 2: Revenge Of The Fallen robogasm, we'll have special coverage starting midnight-plus-one tomorrow night at the Transformers 2 tag. You won't want to miss it. Unless of course you hate giant freakin' robots. And America.
Last week brought the first test of Hennessey's newest powerhouse, the HPE550 Camaro. This week brings enough new pics and details to make even the most gentlemanly of men hoot and holler.
Hennessey's first order of business was to take a 2010 Camaro SS and massage its 6.2-liter LS3 V8 to help it pump out mo' powa. They do this by first giving the pony car a little belt-driven boost to the tune of 6 psi, helping it achieve a 2010 Shelby GT500-besting 562 horsepower and 557 lb-ft of rotational fortitude. These numbers will reward owners with a 4.1 second 0-to-60 MPH time and a run down the 1320 in just 12.1 seconds at 119 mph.
Rounding out the package is a Hennessey-designed appearance package with 20-inch rollers and Hennessey badging throughout the interior. Expect to fork over roughly $59,500 for one of the 500 Texas-tuned ponies.
HENNESSEY UNLEASHES THE 2010 HPE550 CAMAROWith 562 Reasons Why Every Muscle Car Enthusiast Will Want One!
SEALY, TX - Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE), well known for their extreme performance sports cars and muscle cars, has begun production of its 562 hp 2010 HPE550 Camaro.
At the heart of the beast is a supercharger system making 6 psi of boost added atop the 6.2L V8. Combined with a Corsa stainless steel exhaust system and custom engine management calibration from HPE, the result is a total output of 562 bhp and 557 lb-ft torque. Rounding out the package, HPE adds a set of light weight 20-inch wheels, an adjustable coilover suspension system, HPE550 embroidered seat headrests, a Hennessey graphics package and premium floor mats.
Camaro enthusiasts will not have to worry whether the new General Motors will build the top-level Z/28 or not. Hennessey plans to build up to 500 HPE550 Camaro's for the 2010 model year. Each HPE550 will come with its own unique serial-numbered plaque located on the dash and under the hood. Other options available from HPE include: Larger brakes, suspension upgrades, an upgraded interior and larger wheels and tires.
Recent track testing of the HPE550 Camaro has shown it has the muscle to back up its aggressive looks. Mustang GT500 owners beware: 0-60 happens in just 4.1 seconds and the quarter mile flies by at an impressive 12.1 seconds @ 119 mph.
"The HPE550 upgrade package gives 2010 Camaro owners the kind of power and performance they want to match the true muscle car look and spirit of the new Camaro," said John Hennessey, President and CEO of Hennessey Performance Engineering. "We will also be offering an extensive list of aftermarket performance parts and accessories for the 2010 Camaro. From mild to wild, new Camaro owners will be able to order air induction systems, exhaust and header systems, as well as complete supercharger systems, suspension kits and more."
HPE550 customers will also receive a half-day performance driving course at Lonestar Motorsports Park - a 1/4 mile dragstrip facility located adjacent to Hennessey's 30,000 square foot production facility and showroom. The HPE550 Camaro is available from select Chevrolet dealers as well as directly from Hennessey Performance Engineering. Production is currently underway, with 16 HPE550's already on order from customers and dealers.
In addition to the HPE550, Hennessey Performance will also be offering even more powerful engine upgrades for the 2010 Camaro, including a twin turbo system producing up to 1000 hp.
Located just west of Houston, Texas at the Lonestar Motorsports Park complex, HPE has been building American super cars for nearly two decades with its Veyron-beating Venom Vipers, Twin Turbo Ford GT's, 650 hp Nissan GTR's and recently released 700 hp Cadillac CTS-V's.
Is it possible to balance life with a muscle car in the Big Apple? Find out by following @raywert on Twitter as he spends a week living with a 2010 Camaro SS in New York City.
c/o Andy & Trish Shaw
343 Vitez Drive
Morgantown, WV 26508
Phone: 304-292-0948
WVFbodyclub@gmail.com
