Test Drive: 2010 Camaro RS
 

I had the opportunity to drive my customer's 2010 Camaro RS up to Kamloops on the weekend so I wanted to post some unexpected results here.

The car sure is a looker. Nice lines and just a general striking look to it at least from the outside. From the inside however, thats a different story. When you first start to drive this car you feel quite clausterphobic as the windows are about 12" in height from the top of the door ledge and up. Its kind of like looking through a mail box slot. After about 30 minutes though, you get a little used to that. C-pillar blind spots are not great but not the worst I have seen either.

This vehicle was a 6-speed which I prefer and most 'drivers' would like. The shift knob is ridiculously massive though and feels like you are holding onto the wrong end of a rubber mallet. Shifting height was decent and the throw was reasonable. No need for a short shifter though as the gearbox is somewhat 'American' feeling. Not in a bad way though - just a positive and heavy feel to it. Clutch feel is light enough to do daily city driving but heavy enough to feel like it won't break in a few thousand KMS.

Power comes on at about 3800 RPM on this 300 hp V6 model. It took be a little bit to figure this out but once I did, I was able to get nice, smooth shifts at a little higher RPM than I expected. Tourque was surprisingly low so moderate launches were unspectacular. Of course I didn't hard launch because it was not my car and I am respectable like that. :) I was suprised that the car was not a little quicker considering its power and weight. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't a rocket either. I would love to try the SS model.

Handling was not its strong point - not by a long shot! Comfort was definitely the order of the day for this car as it was nice and smooth on the highway and had a pretty cushy ride for a 'sports car'. The unrelenting oversteer characteristics at almost any speed were a little unsettling and at some points, quite scary. Body roll, loose feeling and 'mushy' steering control were very pronounced on this vehicle. I think sway bars, a slight lowering and firmer suspension would make this handling verdict a lot more positive. I also think it would look a lot better too without that five finger wheel gap!

Good:
- Interior lighting and dash fit and finish
- Guages, controls and buttons look pretty nice and are made from quality materials
- Exterior looks are pretty hot! Nice panel fitment and the HIDs look great!
- Good seat adjustment and relatively comfortable. Leather is very nice.
- Very quiet interior. Low road noise and panel resonance is nil.
- Brakes are great! No fade whatsoever coming down the Coquihalla
- Factory stereo is decent.
- Paint Quality is quite good.

Bad:
- No sunroof makes the interior feel even smaller.
- Signal 'ticking' is cheap sounding and annoying.
- Interior panels are very ill fitting in some places and once removed, don't like to go back together! Clips are typical 'one-time-use' GM style.
- Power, tourque and handling are a little sad.
- For the price, not a lot of bang for the buck.
- Good sized trunk with a very tiny opening. Poor design.

So thats the verdict. Pretty cool car but I was a little dissapointed in the overall value of it.

- OD

Didn't expect much from a V6 model.

doesnt sound too bad

that's the deal breaker for me, in a car your always inside it. if I look at crappy fitment all day I'll go mad!

That's one of the first positive non idiotic comments you've said in a while.

What's msrp on one of those V6 models?
Posted via RS Mobile

I got to test-drive an RS also and your review is spot-on. The mail box slots do take some getting used to. That and the combination between the small side mirrors and large rearview mirror made it impossible for me to see out of the car lol.

My chief complaint was also the handling and general feel of the steering. I felt that the car could've given me more feedback from the steering wheel as well.

Oh and the lid on the centre console was worn out and wouldnt close properly on my tester haha.

the v6 sounds too refined, dont you think?

like a silenced g35 to me

I wouldn't mind seeing 2011 V6 Mustang with pony package vs fully loaded RS with V6

Well, when I compare it to my 350Z, there is simply no comparison. The G35 would have no problem taking this car on in any way.

Edit: I actually like the exhaust note of the RS - decent grumble but not too loud.

haha.. you're right! Probably because after getting banned, he's a new person now..

thx captain obvious


i got scared so i went to church

MORE THAN YOU CAN AFFORD PAL!, CHEVY.... i mean.. uhh...

but yeah LOL...

Camaro LS $26,995 MSRP*
Camaro 1LT $28,065 MSRP*
Camaro 2LT $32,030 MSRP*
Camaro 1SS $37,065 MSRP*
Camaro 2SS $41,430 MSRP*

find another customer with a SS, take it for a test drive and post up the results :D

I sat in the SS model, and jesus christ, talk about cramped interior. I am alot larger then Mike is, so I DO NOT WANT.

just curious, what was the reason for your customer letting you drive his/her car?

testing out the sound system/sound deadener on highways?