After a long, long seven years, the Chevrolet Camaro is back, and Camaro fans have reason to rejoice. Not only does the new Camaro look every bit as hot as the show car on which it is based, but it offers the performance to back it up. It is an indicator that even though General Motors went financially bankrupt, it was never bankrupt of good ideas. The revised car offers the excitement of the ‘60s icon in a much more fuel-efficient form. We think the 300-horsepower V-6 version of the car will surprise people with its overall balance of acceleration, handling and fuel economy, but our true love is the SS with its 426-horsepower LS3 V-8.
While some might think the ‘60s were the best days for the Camaro, it would be easy to argue that the new Camaro SS is the best Camaro — and maybe the best ponycar — ever. The 426 horsepower and six-speed manual transmission offer amazing acceleration — the SS will jet from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 4.4 seconds. And because of its sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and meaty tires, the 2010 SS handles better than any Camaro in our long memory. The handling is enhanced by the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system that incorporates anti-lock braking, traction control and an active braking system to control wheel slip. Amazingly, the SS also offers a very comfortable, quiet ride. We’ve come a long way since 1967.

Driving Today is an independent editorial program edited by Jack R. Nerad and brought to you by Bridgestone/Firestone.