2010 Camaro V6: click below to watch our video review.

Paul Batista
Instant Wheels Editor, InstantRiverside.com

I must admit, I wasn’t thrilled to exchange the key fob of the 400 HP Camaro SS for that of the V6-powered Camaro 2LT. There’s something about the two characters “V” and “8″ that, when put together, automatically guarantee a good time. I wasn’t sure I was going to get the same excitement from the V6 version.

My test Camaro with the V6 was the 2LT model, painted Rally Yellow with black leather seating. Since the SS interior had orange accents on nearly every panel, the subtlety of the 2LT interior gave me a better idea how most Camaros look.

Like most new cars, it had all the standard safety features — dual stage front airbags, front and rear head curtain side airbags, traction control (which I usually turn off in dry weather), 4 wheel ABS, and OnStar. On the outside, I quickly noticed the 2LT looked more than similar to the SS. In fact, they were almost identical. The lower fascia of the 2LT is less aggressive, the bottom grille is slightly smaller, and the plastic divet (for lack of a better term) in the hood of the SS was absent. But the 20″ polished wheels were the same. The headlights, spoiler, and taillights of the optional $1,450 RS package were the same.

The price was the huge difference — nearly $6,000 lower than the SS, at $30,360, as equipped. Maybe there was some excitement to be had after all.

The only two major differences I could find were the engine (of course) and the handling. The 3.6L V6 produces 304 hp — nearly the same as the 2010 Mustang’s 4.6L V8.

Even the base-model Camaro LS, starting at $22,680, comes with the 3.6L V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission standard . But the sound from the tailpipes of the worthy V6 is not even comparable to that of the Corvette-derived V8. So if a driver requires audible reinforcement of what’s under the hood, he or she will be disappointed.

Even though it doesn’t sound particularly fast or powerful, the car does get up and go. I was impressed — especially with an EPA rating of 18 city / 29 highway. Not bad. And for every-day driving, I would prefer to drive the V6 model. It is a much smoother ride compared to the SS.

I imagine the suspension is a little more forgiving in the 2LT. It stayed planted in one spot with very little driver input. The more I drove it, the better it felt.

The bottom line — the Camaro with the V6 can give you the look of the SS, with better handling, above-average performance, better fuel mileage, and a lower monthly payment.

Needless to say, the V6-powered Camaro grew on me, and when the time came, I wasn’t thrilled to give back its key fob, either.

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Filed under Video Library, Wheels

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

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