1 June 2009
2010 Chevrolet Camaro: World Class Chassis Delivers A Superior Ride And Handling Experience
Camaro’s First Four-Wheel Independent Suspension Delivers A World-Class Driving Experience Dubai, United Arab Emirates – With a modern independent suspension, responsive rackand-pinion steering, and sophisticated chassis controls the highly anticipated 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is set to redefine the way customers perceive ride and handling in muscle cars forever. Customers can choose between two trims offered in the Middle East. The Camaro LT has a standard 3.6L Direct Injection V6 engine pumping out 323hp and propelling the car from 0 to 100 km in 6.1 seconds. It is available with a choice between a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox with Driver Shift Control. On the other hand, the Camaro SS offers two equally impressive 6.2L V8 engines; the LS3 and the L99 pumping out 462hp and 441hp respectively, each launching the SS from 0 to 100 km in a thrilling 4.7 seconds. The LS3 is mated to a manual 6-speed gearbox, whereas the L99 comes with an automatic 6-speed automatic gearbox with Driver Shift Control. Based on General Motors’ global rear-drive passenger car architecture, the Camaro sits on a 2,852mm wheelbase, with an overall length of 4,836 mm. The front track is a wide for all models, while the rear track on SS models is 1,618 mm, 10 mm’s less than the LT’s. These dimensions provide a low centre of gravity and responsive steering which helps drivers
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maintain control of the vehicle, and ensures an engaging driving experience in all road conditions. A sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension system delivers excellent balance between a smooth, controlled ride and a 21st century sports car’s sharp, responsive handling. Two such suspension packages are offered: FE2 - Performance Luxury Suspension on the V6-equipped LT models and FE3 - Performance Handling Suspension with the V8equipped. The latter is stiffer, and provides a sportier ride than the former. Fully independent front and rear suspensions are the underpinnings of the 2010 Camaro. The standard independent rear suspension is a first for Camaro and is designed to compete with the best in the world. The 2010 Camaro is very nimble and light on its feet with unique and entertaining handling limits, all thanks to its state-of-the-art suspension package. The front suspension has a dual ball strut system, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar that measures 22.2 x 4 mm on FE2 and 23 x 4.2 mm on FE3. Hollow bars are used for mass savings. The front spring rates for FE2 models are 25 Nm, with wheel travel at 96 mm. FE3 models include a stiffer, 27 Nm spring rate, with wheel travel reduced at 84 mm. V6 models have the FE2 Sport-tuned suspension, and V8 models have the FE3 Performance-tuned suspension. Rear suspension features include high lateral stiffness for handling via three lateral ball joints per side. A sub-frame at the rear is double-isolated to minimize vehicle body motions and dampen road imperfections. The FE2 with a manual transmission includes a spring rate of 53 Nm, with wheel travel at 115 mm, and employs a limited-slip differential. The FE3 rear axle uses a limited slip differential on both manual- and automatic-equipped models; and the rear spring rate is increased to 66 Nm and wheel travel is reduced to 100 mm. Coil-over shock absorbers are used in the rear with a decoupled, hollow stabilizer bar. FE2 includes a 21.7 x 3 mm rear bar, while the FE3’s large bar measures 23 x 3 mm. The standard independent rear suspension is a 4.5-link system that includes a unique, Lshaped upper control arm and attaches to the knuckle at one end and incorporates a ride
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bushing in the rear. Rear suspension features include high lateral stiffness for handling via three lateral ball joints per side. A sub-frame at the rear is double-isolated to minimize vehicle body motions and dampen road imperfections. The axle half shafts on all V-8 models and manual transmission-equipped V-6 models are 30 mm in diameter on the left side and 40 mm on the right side. This design feature helps reduce the oscillation of torque from side to side and reduces axle hop. Brakes Front brakes for the LT model include single-piston callipers with 321 mm x 30 mm rotors. For long life, performance and consistent feel, organic, non-asbestos compounds are used with FE2 brakes. At the rear are vented rear discs measuring 315 mm x 30 mm, with a single-piston aluminium calliper. The SS front brake package includes Brembo 355 mm x 32 mm vented rotors with fourpiston aluminium callipers. Semi-metallic brake linings are used at all four corners on FE3 models for superior fade resistance and pedal feel. The rear brakes are vented Brembos measuring 365 mm x 28 mm, with aluminium four-piston callipers. This sophisticated breaking system brings the Camaro to a complete stop from 100 km to 0 in 32.5 metres. Steering The 2010 Camaro’s precise rack-and-pinion steering gives great driver feedback and cornering confidence. The design includes the rack mounted forward of the front axle centreline that enhances handling and provides a stiffer system, while maintaining a degree of lateral force that helps vehicle stability during turn-in. It also benefits noise and vibration characteristics. The steering ratio is 16.1:1 on all models, with 2.5 turns lock-tolock. The turning circle diameter for all wheel-and-tire combinations is 11.5 meters. Chassis control systems All Camaro models include a four-channel StabiliTrak electronic stability control system that incorporates anti-lock braking, traction control and an active braking system to control wheel slip, optimize traction and enhance stability in wet, snow-covered or icy roads.
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All SS models have a competitive/sport mode that optimizes the electronic stability control system for competitive driving and track conditions. It provides a less governed level of stability control for expert driving on race tracks. The stability control system engages only in severe oversteer or extreme acceleration in this mode. For the performance-oriented customer, the Camaro SS models with a manual transmission also offer Performance Launch Control that is enabled in the competitive mode. It is designed to control wheel slip to an optimal level, allowing hard accelerations at launch to achieve maximum grip and vehicle acceleration. Hydraulic brake assist is standard on all models. The system activates during emergency braking by detecting the speed and force the driver applies to the brakes. Under certain conditions, the hydraulic brake assist may activate the ABS more quickly and easily than vehicles without the feature. Wheels The Camaro is equipped with 19-inch wheels standard on the LT model and 20-inch wheels as optional. For SS models, 20-inch wheels are standard, with tire sizes of 245/45R20 up front and 275/40R20 at the rear. SS models are equipped with Pirelli Pzero summer-only, Z-rated tires. Twenty-one-inch wheels and tires are available as accessories through Chevrolet dealerships. Andrew Holmes, Programme Engineering Manager for Global Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles, said: “Driving the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro you can feel the rear suspension working over every bump and crest in the road. Road impacts are soaked up like they barely exist, and even the harshest of ruts or crags require only minor steering correction. Through it all, you are able to keep your foot on the gas, flying over harsh road impurities in a way that makes the Camaro handling characteristics superior to competition.”
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For more information:
2010 Chevrolet Camaro: World Class Ride And Handling Gives A Smooth Yet Responsive Performance
Saada Hammad Communications and Public Relations Manager General Motors Middle East Tel (+9714) 3143333 E-mail saada.hammad@gm.com
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