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By MURRAY
HUBBARD
2 November 2009
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 weekend. 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. “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,” said general manager, Nicholas
Vandenberg.
“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.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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