Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro LT V6 gives you a lot of bang for your buck

Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6 LT

A hot topic around the auto industry this year has been the revival of classic American muscle, specifically the Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger. Back in July, we were bestowed with the honor of spending the week of our nation’s birthday with the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS V8, and we loved every minute of it.

Toward the end of November, we were given a second tryst with the car that epitomized the return of the American automobile to its muscle roots, but this time with the 6-speed manual Camaro LT with its 3.6L direct injection V6 engine.

The exterior and interior of the two cars are identical, so you can refer back to the SS V8 review to refresh your memory. To see how the manual LT performed however, read below:

Click through to read more and to view the high-res image gallery (at the bottom of the post).

Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro LT V6:

Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6 LT Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6 LT Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6 LT Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6 LT

2010 Chevrolet Camaro LT V6 Specifications:

Base Price: $24,630.
Price as Tested: $29,270.
Engine: 3.6L V6 Direct Injection ““ 304-hp/273 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: Tremec TR 6-speed manual, Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic.
Curb Weight: 3,722 lbs.
0 to 60 mph: 6.1 seconds.
Fuel-Economy: 17/29 mpg (city/highway).

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6 LT

With its 3.6L direct injection V6 engine mated to a Aisin Warner AY6 6-speed manual transmission, the 2010 Camaro LT puts out 304 hp and weighs in with a curb weight of 3,722 lbs; less than 150 lbs. lighter than the SS V8. The 273 lb.-ft. of torque put out by the engine allows this car to go from 0 – 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is pretty respectable for a car in this segment with a starting price-tag of $24,630. Braking from the 4-wheel disc antilock breaks comes in about 128 ft. on a 19″ tire when stopping from 60 mph. Allow 132 ft. if you’re on an 18″ tire.

Key competitors for the Camaro LT include the BMW 3-series, Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, Nissan 370Z, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and the Infiniti G37. As far as fuel-economy is concerned, the Camaro LT comes in as second-best in class with its EPA estimated 17/29 mpg, behind only the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T which gets 21/30. In terms of power, the 304 hp engine comes in behind the G37 and 370Z which put out 330 hp and 332 hp, respectively.

Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6 LT

With its multi-link strut front-end suspension and and 4.5-link independent rear suspension, this vehicle is designed to handle like a champion; and it does. In fact, our second turn with the Camaro made us realize how effective GM was in engineering some of the handling in Europe.

The $24,630 starting MSRP also makes this car an attractive option. The Genesis 2.0T Premium, Mustang V6 Premium, and the Challenger SE 2DG all come in with MSRP’s starting between $24,000 and $25,000. The 370Z starts at just a touch under $30,000, while the lowest MSRP one will find for a G37 Coupe is $35,900. The 3-series MSRP starts in the low $30,000’s as well.

To make your Camaro LT look a little spiffier, you can add the $1,750 RS Package, which adds 20″ x 8″ front and 20″ x 9″ rear flangeless, painted aluminum wheels with Midnight Silver finish, body-color roof ditch molding, high intensity discharge headlamps, RS unique tail lamps and a rear spoiler.

Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6 LT

For the money, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro LT delivers a fantastic driving experience. Obviously nothing is quite as powerful as its bulked up sibling, the SS V8, but if a great driving experience that delivers a noteworthy amount of power and quickness is what you desire, then you should definitely take a look at the LT. Not to mention, you’ll still get the great killer looks and will end up saving some money on gas.

Nonetheless, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6 will definitely see some tough competition next year when Ford brings its new 2011 Mustang V6 to the market. Revealed at the 2009 LA Auto Show, the 2011 Mustang V6 will be powered by a 3.7L V6 Ti-VCT unit making 305-hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It is also estimated to return fuel-economy figures of 19/30 mpg. Something definitely to look forward to in the muscle car war next year.

Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro LT V6:

– By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.