2010 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT V6 Road Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 14, 2009

3:34 min

Show up anywhere in a new 2010 Camaro and no one�s gonna eagerly ask if you got the V6. In fact, underpowered base models of high performance coupes and their drivers have been called all kinds of things, but the exchange rarely ends with a thumbs up.

Under the hood of the LT, you won�t find a fire breathing LS3 V8. Instead you get GM�s 3.6-liter direct injection V6 � the same one that�s available in the Cadillac CTS. Here�s it good for 304 hp.

300 hp is nothing to sneeze at. The Mustang GT�you know, the one with the V8 --  is good for just 11 more hp than the Camaro�s V6. Compare apples to apples and you�ll find the base Camaro V6 has 94 hp more than a base Mustang V6.

Although the V6 Camaro is offered with a manual transmission, our tester is equipped with a 6-speed automatic that includes shift-it-yourself buttons on the steering wheel. 0-60 comes up in 6.7 seconds and the bright yellow Camaro covers the quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds.

In the slalom, the Camaro V6�s FE2 suspension works well and like the engine, has us thinking of the planted yet compliant Cadillac CTS setup. 20-inch Pirelli P Zero tires that are part of the optional RS Package don�t hurt either. Although the steering lags a little behind driver inputs, the car still manages a 66.1 mph run through the cones�a bit quicker than the Camaro SS, actually.

Braking is also impressive � the 2LT Camaro comes to a stop two feet shorter than an SS Camaro.

Out on the open highway, the merit of a V6 Camaro begins to get a little clearer � commuters will certainly like the EPA rating of 18 mpg city / 29 highway. Our best tank was over 25 mpg, with  21.3 as our combined average.

And then there�s the price � a 1LT Camaro starts at about $24,000, and add another 2 grand or so for a nicely equipped 2LT. That includes the cool-looking gauge cluster, iPod integration, Boston Acoustics sound system, remote start, leather seats and other convenience features.
If you�re looking for high fives at the drag strip,  skip the V6 Camaro � you won�t be anyone�s hero when you mention the fact that you didn�t get the V8.

But this car is more than a weak-kneed version of  a high performance muscle car. In fact, don�t even think of the V6 Camaro as a performance car at all. Instead, see it as a very stylish all around coupe that�s able to stand on its own two feet � say like an Cadillac CTS coupe but for young people. Think of it that way, and suddenly the 2010 Camaro LT makes a lot more sense, even if all the thumbs up are aimed at its V8-powered big brother.