Camaro kid comeback

By Murray Hubbard
THE Chevrolet Camaro muscle car was a big hit during the 1970s and into the early years of the 21st century, but in 2002 it was put on hold as sales started to slip.
That was until a concept car was launched in 2006 based to some extent on the platform of the current model Holden Commodore.
Now the Camaro has gone into production in the US as the fifth generation model and is about to become available in Australia in right hand drive.
The world’s first RHD version was launched on the Gold Coast just before the weekend of the V8Supercar 600-kilometre race.
The 2010 Camaro is a clear descendant of the first-generation 1967 Camaro with a striking coke-bottle profile, a long bonnet and a short tail.
We are told it will become available with full Australian Design Rule compliance and ready to register in all states and territories.
The RHD car, a 6.2-litre V8 model in inferno orange metallic was revealed by importer Performax International with the assistance of Australia’s best-known Camaro racer Kevin Bartlett.
“It’s a great piece of gear and the right hand drive conversion has been absolutely without compromise,” said Bartlett.
Queensland-based Performax International is an Australian importer and converter of new US-made passenger vehicles, something it has done for the past 20 years.
It predicts strong demand for the Camaro after rave reviews following the car’s launch in the US earlier this year.
The Chev Camaro SS has a six-speed transmission hooked up to the big V8. It is priced at $139,000 drive-away. Other variants, including a 3.6-litre V6 will also be available to order from $129,000.
Performax general manager Nicholas Vandenberg said: “Although much of the design, development and testing of the fifth-generation Camaro was done in Australia by Holden, Performax International has produced the right-hand-drive version completely in-house with its own industry-leading technology.
“We understand this is the first RHD 2010 Camaro built anywhere in the world and we’re proud to be bringing such an eagerly-awaited new car with an iconic badge back to Australia.
“It’s certainly the best RHD car we have ever produced in both engineering and appearance.
“The Camaro SS drives just like it does from the factory, meaning it has the same outstanding handling, tactile steering and powerful V8 performance noted by American reviewers.
“The driving position, including the relationship between steering wheel, pedals and seat is perfect.”
The package includes the GM 318 kW LS3 alloy V8 engine matched to Tremec six-speed manual transmission, StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control, traction control, high-performance Brembo brakes with four-piston aluminium callipers, leather seats with heating, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, driver’s six-way adjustable seat, cruise control, Bluetooth, Boston Acoustic 245 Watt sound system with nine speakers, auxiliary/USB input jacks, leather wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and front, side and curtain airbags.
Deliveries are expected to start in December or January following formal ADR certification. Mr Vandenberg said the company already has half a dozen orders.