Camaro rated at 29 mpg, more than GM expected

[Artour]

Camaro rated at 29 mpg, more than GM expected

March 16, 2009 - 12:15 pm ET

DETROIT -- The Chevrolet Camaro, which started production this morning in Canada, carries a best-in-class fuel economy rating of 29 mpg on the highway -- two miles per gallon higher than General Motors estimated.

Figures released by the EPA certify the base model V-6 Camaro at 18 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway, putting the Camaro ahead of its two rivals: the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger. A version of the 2009 Mustang comes close at 26 mpg highway.

The high-performance Camaro SS with a 425-hp V-8 delivers 16 mpg city and 25 highway.

But it's that 29 mpg highway rating for the V-6 model that could broaden the Camaro's appeal among buyers who like the car but worry about $4-a-gallon gasoline.

The Camaro's 304-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 is the most advanced base engine ever used in a domestic muscle car. Its fuel-saving technologies feature direct injection and variable valve timing. The V-8 Camaro adds a cylinder cutoff system.

The Camaro's rivals, the Mustang and Challenger, don't offer those technologies.

• 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V-6 EPA rating:
Camaro LS and LT, automatic transmission: 18 city/29 highway
Camaro LS and LT, manual transmission: 17 city/29 highway

• Ford Mustang 2009 V-6:
Mustang, automatic transmission: 16 city/24 highway
Mustang, manual transmission: 17 city/26 highway

• Dodge Challenger V-6:
Challenger, automatic transmission: 17 city/25 highway

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=CA&Date=20090316&Category=ANA05&ArtNo=903160270&Ref=AR&Profile=1135&MaxW=600&border=0&title=1

[black985speed]

Fantastic. I see one of these is my future.

[colt45]

^.....I agree. The Z28 with same powertrain as CTS-V is on hold due to GM's $ problems.....

This car and the CTS-V are on my list.....CTS-V for the obvious reasons, and Camaro because I've been wanting a coupe (performance wise) again ever since my son got big enough to not "need" 4 doors. Already have a luxury sedan and it's hard to justify a doubled price for the CTS-V over a loaded Camaro....so I'm leaning towards the Camaro at this point. Still gonna wait until the market is flooded with them so I can get one at invoice or below though. As bad as I want it...I refuse to pay premiums to be one of the first.

[DJPyro]

I'm still not sure about the looks. I'll hold judgement until I see it in person, 'cause it's gradually starting to grow on me.

[athens64]

Lest everyone forget 81% of driving in the US is urban/ suburban. Which translates to stop and go traffic for the most part.

In city traffic these cars are still returning the fuel economy that my V-8 powered Mustang GT delivered... way back in 1986.

Therefore fuel economy in "Pony cars" hasn't significantly improved in 23 years.

[NissLover]

DAMN, 29 MPG is crazy for a 300+ HP car!!! Good job GM!

And most people drive a mix of City and Highway, so the fuel economy may still be better than the rest of its class. My car is rated at 19 in the city, but I constantly get between 21-22. So its safe to say the Camaro may be getting 20 MPG for most drivers.

[Sorin]

Yeah, nitpicking 1-2 mpg differences aside, it does seem to be on par with similarly configured vehicles (mid-sized OHC V6, RWD). This actually won't be a bad V6 Camaro to own. I'm not saying the 3800 V6 is terrible or anything....but since it was a choice between that or the LS1...um, yeah.

Anyway, I actually wouldn't mind having the V6 Camaro for this generation since it's FINALLY going to be packing a decent engine.

[NissLover]

This is the kind of cars that American manufacturers should be making. Desirable.

[cdlong]

now we certainly won't see the 4 cylinder turbo version rumored a few months ago.

In city traffic these cars are still returning the fuel economy that my V-8 powered Mustang GT delivered... way back in 1986.

Therefore fuel economy in "Pony cars" hasn't significantly improved in 23 years.

there are some other things the new camaro offers that are detrimental to fuel economy that your old pony car probably sucked at. safety, and low emissions. and keep in mind that this is the new mileage standard. your car is rated at 15/23 by todays standards. http://fueleconomy.gov/

[CX35]

WTH. That's pretty impressive for something with 300hp.

[RobUSAF81]

Best thing is that it'll fall apart long before you get a chance to burn some real gas with it long term!

[Irie_eyes]

i wonder if it has the skip-shift

[WhereHaveYouBeen]

i wonder if it has the skip-shift

I don't think it does. One thing it does have is a fat asshh

[SAPPHIRE_FX45]

DAMN, 29 MPG is crazy for a 300+ HP car!!! Good job GM!


Nothing crazy, but definetely a good job for GM

I get 32-34 on highway with 300hp/300tq
Once tuned, it's the same MPG on 400hp/400tq
:D

[Irie_eyes]

saw one couple days ago
red is nice
also saw a ZR1. surprised someone actually got one here

[RonSteinbach]

This is the kind of cars that American manufacturers should be making. Desirable.

With the GM bankruptcy, I suspect that production will cease on all of GM's high performance cars. There is no way to meet the new mileage standards with the Camaro. Obama wants only econo boxes and hybrids sold, and he will be making future decisions at GM.

[aNskY]

i wonder how many jobs will be lost if all the high-performance cars' plants shut down?