Re-vamped Camaro is still buzzing

The Mini did it after BMW took over and now the Chevrolet Camaro is making its own 21st century comeback.

The American manufacturer's iconic sports car dates back to 1967 and no other model, apart from the Corvette, has such a history in Chevrolet's fleet.

The revamped 2010 model is really something to behold but still maintains a lot of features that made it so popular during its first generation.

The concept was unveiled at the Dubai Motor show in December 2007, with the production car shown at the Abu Dhabi Motor Show the following year. And the designers achieved a rare feat in that the final model was distinctly similar to the pre-production vehicle of months earlier. This 2+2 car only made it onto the UAE's roads this year but what an impact it has had.

Helped in part by Hollywood flick Transformers 2, the Camaro turns heads wherever it goes. Chevrolet sponsored the movie, which came out earlier this year, giving its latest model a starring role as Bumblebee and creating a renewed buzz around the car.

To further play homage to its roots, the 2010 model has the same muscular stance, long hood and short deck to ensure its low drag co-efficient and aerodynamic qualities. But while it looks good and tough, the square nose means it isn't the easiest to manoeuvre around multi-storey car parks. Keeping the lights on offers a better indication of how near to the wall the car is but a sensor would have helped, especially as my 164cm stature meant I couldn't see the end of the bonnet.

The same could be said of the rear. Its virtually non-existent rear windows make the blind spots even bigger and coupled with the narrow back window visibility, getting a good view is tricky.

There are two models on offer, the LT, as tested by Emirates Business and the SS. The latter offers two 6.2l V8 engines; the LS3 and L99, giving out 462bhp and 441bhp respectively. Our model has a 3.6l V6 engine, pumping out 323bhp and a six-speed driver shift control automatic transmission, with buttons mounted to the back of the steering wheel for those who prefer manual gear changes.

The steering wheel, like many of the Camaro features, is very retro. The three, six, and nine o'clock spokes induce visions of video game steering wheels and those of cars many moons ago. The same goes for the interior in general; very black and boxy but just right for this car.

And the boxy lines continue throughout the vehicle; the back features sharp edges, but it helps when it comes to lane changes and parking, given the aforementioned lack of sensors. Its boot, too, is square, and due to the necessary fire extinguisher and other tools placed in a net at the front, can be difficult to get large luggage inside.

I was warned about the car's power before the keys were handed over and I'm pleased to say it didn't disappoint. The Camaro offers the rare feat of not having to floor the accelerator to emit real power; indeed rarely did the pedal touch the carpet such is its responsive nature to the merest tap of the foot.

The noise, however, is something else. This is not a car that blends into the traffic so those who don't like to draw attention to themselves should steer clear; because even if people can't see you, they'll definitely hear you. Its grip is also so good that even taking corners at speed is a breeze, making it shine where others dismally fail.

Inside, there are a number of the usual mod cons we have come to expect of new cars, including a six-CD radio, Bluetooth, a USB port, iPod interface and remote vehicle starter system on some models. The radio can be easily controlled on the right of the steering wheel. The left side is reserved for the cruise control, which, once set, can be altered up or down by 2kph with the flick of a switch.

It also has advanced LED light pipe technology to give the cabin a unique glow, while the dials light up and needles zoom round as soon as the engine is switched on, aiding the computer game eagerness to get going.

Although it is advertised as a four-passenger vehicle, two rugby forwards would struggle to fit in the back. Those in the front are placed close to the road and the overhanging roof, makes people feel boxed in; but given the Transformers link, it works.

In its fifth generation, the car has gone from a Dh9,050 car in 1967 to a Dh120,000 vehicle today.

It has swapped its 140 horsepower for 326 and its three-speed manual transmission for a six-speed automatic but the classic Camaro is still there – only this time it's better.


The rivals

Ford Mustang

Re-mastered for 2010, the Mustang is still iconic. It's larger than the Camaro but good performance maintains its popularity

Nissan 370Z

Good value for money, the 370Z takes the 350Z to a new level of refinement with quality finishes and safety features

Infiniti G37

The coupé is a more attractive option over the sedan model, offering an impressive powerplant to rival the Camaro

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