Hurst to turbocharge 50 V6 Camaros per year

When gas prices were through the roof a couple of years back, the hot rumor was that modern day muscle cars were going to give up their gas guzzling V8's, go on a diet, and switch to turbocharged V6 power. Well, a little time has passed and we have yet to see the death of the V8 powered muscle car, but there is at least one alternative now.

Hurst Performance Vehicles is rolling out their first ever turbo car in honor of 40th anniversary of the introduction of the BFGoodrich Radial T/A. The car is called the Redline Series Hurst, and only 50 examples will be built each year. The V6 is a 3.6 liter, which will be good for 360 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Other mods include custom 18 inch wheels, pistol grip shifter, leather seats, and an optional gauge package. Check out all the details in the Press Release below.



For the first time in company history, Hurst Performance Vehicles is offering enthusiasts a turbocharged V6 powered Hurst branded muscle car with the introduction of the Redline Series Hurst Camaro. The company, long known for its highly collectible limited edition muscle cars, announced this new vehicle as part of a partnership with performance tire manufacturer BFGoodrich® Tires, highlighting its BFGoodrich Radial T/A® Spec Redline Edition tire in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Radial T/A line of tires.

The new Redline Series Hurst Camaro begins as an ordinary RS V6 from Chevrolet and is modified at the company's Irvine headquarters transforming into a modern muscle car that performs as well as it looks.

For the exterior, the Redline Series Hurst Camaro wears a unique combination of painted graphics and aerodynamic enhancements. An exclusive Hurst AIR-SPEED™ rear deck spoiler and specially designed five-spoke 18" Hurst T1 alloy wheels are unique to Redline Series cars and help finish off the exterior performance modifications.

The centerpieces of this special edition vehicle are its significant horsepower and fuel economy gains courtesy of forced induction via an STS Turbo. The STS turbocharger is remote mounted in the rear of the car to the Hurst Modified exhaust system. As a result of turbocharging, there is a 50% gain in rear wheel horsepower and additional torque, all the while delivering 30% better fuel economy than the stock Camaro SS with its 6.2 liter V8.

The added power is channeled via either manual or an automatic Hurst HARD-Drive "Pistol Grip" Shifters and put to the ground through the Hurst/Detroit Speed coil-over suspension, sway bars and special BFGoodrich Radial T/A Spec Redline Edition rubber. An optional gauge package is available and includes boost and exhaust temperature gauges

Just as one would expect, the interior is the standard of cool with Hurst/Katzkin leather seating finished with contrast stitching and embroidered Hurst logos, a real metal sequentially numbered interior dash plaque and logo-embroidered floor mats.

Only 50 of these vehicles will be built by Hurst each year and each comes with a custom Hurst car cover, a signed Certificate of Authenticity and signatures in the trunk from the Hurst Team to complete the car's provenance.

Camaro5 event draws largest gathering of new Camaros yet

If you're like most people, you have probrably seen a couple of new Camaros around. Sure, we've seen one here and there, but not exactly what one would consider a group. If you were in Valdosta, GA last weekend you would have seen more than just a few.

Camaro5 sponsored the get-together, which brought out 1,000 fans and 500 of the cars. Chevrolet even made an appearance, bringing along folks instrumental in bringing the car back to life - Al Oppenheiser, Peter Kosak, John Fitzpatrick and Cheryl Pilcher.

The event featured many cool events and features. A 2011 Camaro VIN #002 showed up, there was a three mile long parade through town, drag racing, autocross, and a car show at South Georgia Motorsports Park.

Press Release

Chevrolet Attends Camaro5Fest, the largest-ever gathering of 2010 Camaro owners
2010-04-20

More than 500 2010 Camaros descended on Valdosta, Ga. for the first Camaro5Fest. The event, hosted by Camaro5.com, is believed to have been the largest-ever gathering of fifth-generation Camaro owners. More than 1,000 people attended the event, driving their 2010 Camaros from across the U.S. and Canada to Valdosta on Friday, April 16.

Several members of the Camaro team attended, including Camaro Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser, Vehicle Line Director Peter Kosak, Camaro Marketing Manager John Fitzpatrick, and Camaro Product Manager Cheryl Pilcher. Team Camaro drove from Detroit to Georgia in two Camaro Transformers Special Editions, two Camaro Synergy Special Editions, a development Camaro, and VIN 002 of a 2011 Camaro.

Camaro5Fest kicked off with a cruise through the streets of Valdosta, led by Oppenheiser. Residents lined the streets, cheering as a line of Camaros more than three miles long passed by under police escort. The following day, Camaro fans traveled to South Georgia Motorsports Park for a car show, drag races and autocross competitions. The track events ended with Camaro owners getting the rare chance to drive their cars on the 1/2-mile oval track.

"It was an incredible opportunity to see the passion and enthusiasm owners have for the new Camaro," says Fitzpatrick. "This was such an exciting event that I would not be surprised to see more than 1,000 cars at next year's Camaro5Fest."

For more information, and additional photography, please go to Camaro5.com.

Video: Hennessey's HPE700 Camaro on the track

Hennessey has managed to shoehorn a ZR1's LS9 under the hood of a new Camaro, and tuned it to put out 705 horsepower. Not only did they add some serious power, they added some serious suspension parts to make it handle as well as it goes in a straight line.

Of course they wanted to make sure that it lives up to all that promise, so they set out to wring the car out at the track. Specifically, MSR Houston. Check out the video to hear all the sweet sounds of the LS9, and watch the car pull 1g on some turns.

Chevrolet Synergy Green Camaro

When you hear the term "Synergy Green," what comes to mind? An electric car, or clean fuel sipper that perhaps gets loads of mpg's? Well in the case of this Synergy Green Chevrolet Camaro, you would be wrong on both accounts.

You see, in this case Synergy Green refers to a bold color offering for the new Camaro. And not only is it a color, but a special edition that we first heard about back at SEMA.

The Synergy will be available from February to May, and is based on the LT1 with it's 304-horsepower, 3.6-liter, direct-injection V6. You can get it with either the automatic or six speed manual.

Other goodies that come in the package will include Cyber Grey Rally Stripes, rear spoiler, 19 inch wheels, Synergy Green instrument panel, door inserts and stitching.
The package also offers the Camaro Convenience and Connectivity Package, which adds Bluetooth, a USB port and remote vehicle start (on automatic models).

Base price for the Synergy Green Camaro is $26,790.

Press Release

DETROIT – Hot and cool exterior colors are a part of Chevy Camaro history. Now the 2010 model is getting its own.

Chevrolet today debuts the Camaro Synergy Special Edition with pricing starting at $26,790. Synergy will be produced in limited quantities from February to May.

"Synergy Green continues a long tradition of dramatic Camaro colors," says Camaro historian Scott Settlemire. "Some of the most sought-after Camaros are first generation cars – those from 1967 to 1969 – in Hugger Orange, Daytona Yellow, and Rallye Green."

The 2010 Camaro Synergy Special Edition is based on a Camaro 1LT, with a 3.6L direct injection V-6, paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The powertrain has become a benchmark for the segment by offering a combination of performance and efficiency: The V-6 delivers 304 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, and returns up to 29 mpg on the highway.

The Synergy Green exterior color was first previewed at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers (SEMA) show. In production form, the Synergy Green is accented by Cyber Grey Rally Stripes running the length of the Camaro hood and rear deck. Other exterior features include a standard rear spoiler, and standard 19 inch, Sterling Silver painted wheels wrapped with P245/50R19 tires.

The color scheme is mirrored on the interior, with Synergy Green instrument panel and door inserts. Synergy Green stitching also accents the Jet Black cloth seats, steering wheel, shift knob and center console.

"Just as those colors helped make the first generation Camaro an icon, modern colors like Inferno Orange, Rallye Yellow Transformers Edition and Synergy Green will define the 2010 Camaro," Settlemire said.

The Special Edition also includes the Camaro Convenience and Connectivity Package, with Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port for MP3 players, and remote vehicle start for models equipped with an automatic transmission.

"The Synergy Special Edition package is designed for customers who want a unique performance car at an attainable price," says Camaro marketing manager John Fitzpatrick. "For under $27,000, Camaro Synergy Special Edition offers standout styling, modern technologies like Bluetooth, and 304 horsepower under the hood."

1969 Danz Camaro SS "concept"

The 1969 Chevy Camaro is perhaps the most overdone and the most popular muscle car of all time. Every car show, every car magazine has featured more than it's fair share of '69 Camaros. As a matter of fact, there are a couple of companies out there that will supply you with everything you need to build a "new" one.

The 1969's popularity is obviously a big reason why Chevrolet used the car as it's inspiration for the 2010 Camaro. But what would happen if someone had the opposite idea, and wanted to model a '69 after the 2010?

The answer is this particular car, the 1969 Danz Camaro SS concept. While we have mixed feelings on this one, it is an interesting piece and the anser to an interesting question that maybe nobody asked.

The VR Camaro: 80% Chevy, 20% Lamborghini?

The VR Camaro you see here is very different from your run of the mill tuner Camaro. You see, it takes it's styling inspiration from the Lamborghini Reventon. While that may sound strange and perhaps revolting, the finished product is anything but.

The VR is available in two color schemes, either white and gold or black and gold. Once you make it past the in-your-face front end styling, the rest of the car is rather subtle. The decklid has a retro looking ducktail spoiler. All body mods are crafted out of carbon fiber.

22 inch wheels are attached to a new coil over suspension, and the brakes carry 12 piston front calipers and 8 piston on the rear. The engine is of course supercharged with a promised 600 horsepower.

The VR Camaro will be available in the first quarter of 2010.

SEMA 2009: A pair of Camaro convertibles

Even though you are unable to purchase a Camaro convertible from Chevrolet right now, you were able to see a couple of them at SEMA in Las Vegas.

The first drop top comes to us from the appropriately named Drop Top Customs, and is pretty easy to spot thanks to it's screaming yellow paint. The guys at Drop Top are experts, and build a solid car. If you can't wait for Chevrolet to put out it's own Camaro 'vert, they might be the way to go.

The next convertible is a conversion done by Newport Convertible, and it looks a little less OE with it's custom chrome grill and and wheels.

SEMA 2009: Camaros preview new options

GM was present at SEMA with several Camaros, some of which were there to preview upcoming options for the reborn muscle car. These cars, named Snergy, Chroma, Dusk and Graphics, each highlighted an element destined for production in the future.

Synergy shows off a new limited production color.

Chroma features lots of Bowtie accessories such as a body kit, graphics package, 21 inch wheels, blade spoiler, and a new grille.

The Dusk is a concept that GM says is "Inspired by the style of young, urban professionals... It is a very tailored look that is stylish and sophisticated, but with a distinct American accent." It has a number of features including BBS wheels, ground effects, Brembo brakes, and a tech package with Boston Acoustics stereo, WiFi, and an Iphone dock.

The Graphics Camaro sports a series of four looks that rotated through the GM booth each day of the show. attendees can vote for their favorite look, with the winner possibly going into production. You can vote for your favorite on the Camaro's Facebook page.

Press Release:

CAMARO EXTRAVAGANZA: CHEVROLET HITS THE SEMA SHOW WITH FIVE INSPIRED CONCEPTS OF THE RED-HOT SPORTS COUPE

LAS VEGAS - Chevrolet unveiled five dramatic Camaro concepts at the annual automotive aftermarket extravaganza known as the SEMA Convention, each representing a different vision of style, personalization and performance.

The Camaro concept vehicles include:
* A race-ready, twin-turbocharged V-6 concept built for talk show host and auto enthusiast Jay Leno
* The Camaro Synergy concept that reveals a new, limited-production exterior color for spring 2010 and is accented with a number of production accessories and custom touches
* The Camaro Chroma, an SS-based concept with a number of future accessories
* The Camaro Dusk, which incorporates current and proposed accessories to create a contemporary tuner aesthetic
* Camaro Graphics, highlighting six proposed accessory graphics packages, with online voting by the public to gauge interest in potential future production of one or more of the packages.

"During the annual SEMA Convention, the popularity of a new car can be easily judged by the number of 'tuner' versions used by various companies to showcase their latest products; and the Camaro is our runaway hit this year, with countless examples displaying everything from mild styling accessories to wild performance modifications," said Brent Dewar, vice president, Global Chevrolet Brand. "We're thrilled by all the creative ideas, but especially proud of the cars we developed in-house. They represent modern interpretations of the Camaro that could easily be created by owners using the accessories offered by Chevrolet."

Many of the Camaro accessories can be ordered through Chevy dealers for installation at the time of the vehicle's purchase. This allows customers to personalize their cars to their exact wishes, with installation handled by the dealer and the cost rolled into the monthly payments.

In addition to the Camaro contingent, Chevrolet is also showing the Silverado ZR2 concept and an accessorized Corvette Grand Sport at SEMA. Here's a closer look at each of the concepts:

The Jay Leno Camaro
Powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6L direct injected V-6 that is standard in Camaro LS and LT models, Leno's Camaro blends high performance with surprising efficiency in a racing-ready package. A pair of Turbonetics T-3 turbochargers blows through a custom air-to-air intercooler, force-feeding the engine about seven pounds of boost and lifting its horsepower level to about 425. That's about 40 percent greater than stock and in normal driving (when the turbochargers aren't making boost), there's virtually no penalty in fuel economy over the non-turbocharged 3.6L engine.

"Jay's Camaro offers style, performance and efficiency in a big way," said Dewar. "It delivers the power of a Camaro SS on demand, but with the fuel economy of a V-6."

Supporting upgrades for the turbo system include a larger-capacity Be-Kool radiator and a custom exhaust system, as well as a Centerforce-supplied clutch and pressure plate for the six-speed manual transmission. The tubing for the turbo system is powder-coated blue. The powertrain was designed to deliver consistent, controllable power for both the street and race track. In fact, road racing was a primary mission for the car during its development.

Additional vehicle also support its racing intent:
* Brembo six-piston brake package
* Pedders coil-over lowering kit
* New front fascia with custom fog lamps and integral brake cooling vents
* Air extractor-style hood

The exterior styling of Leno's car is the most radical of all the Camaro concepts at SEMA. The front fascia and hood are one-off creations, as are the unique upper and lower grilles and the ground effects package (including a rear diffuser). The heritage-inspired vent styling in front of the rear wheels has been replaced with functional brake cooling ducts.

Camaro Synergy
The Camaro Synergy concept previews a new Synergy Green production exterior color that will be offered on a special-edition Camaro in the first half of 2010. It also features a host of the latest Camaro accessories offered through Chevy dealers. They dramatically enhance the performance appearance of the car, demonstrating the personalization possibilities open to Camaro owners. Designers took liberties with the accessories, creating a totally unique package. Details include:
* 21-inch wheels, with a black center finish and polished rim
* Ground effects kit
* Cyber Grey Rally hood stripes
* High wing rear spoiler (future accessory)
* Performance air intake

The ground effects include pronounced rocker moldings, a rear diffuser-type styling piece and a front spoiler. They, along with the rear wing spoiler and rally stripes, are finished in the production Cyber Grey color, although the ground effects and spoiler can be painted to match the exterior of the car. The Rally stripes are adhesive-backed and are offered in grey, black or white. They're part of a broader range of heritage-inspired graphics that also include "hockey stick" stripes for the front fenders.

Chevy designers further enhanced the concept with a Pedders coil-over lowering kit and a set of large, Brembo brakes, as well as color-coordinating the Jet Black interior with Synergy Green accent stitching, piping and other accents. The lowering kit, brakes and interior accents are not among the accessories offered for the Camaro, but represent common and popular aftermarket upgrades. Chevrolet will gauge public interest in the features for possible inclusion in future accessory offerings.


Camaro Chroma
It looks like the custom creation of a tuner shop, but the Camaro Chroma simply demonstrates how carefully selected accessories available through Chevy dealers can create a look like nothing else. The Camaro Chroma is based on an SS/RS model in Summit White and uses a combination of current and not-yet-released components, including:
* A new silver stripe package
* 21-inch wheels (future product, with silver-painted spoke centers and a Victory Red stripe)
* "Blade" rear spoiler (future product)
* Summit White ground effects package
* Rear fender vent graphics
* Accessory front grille with body-color outer frame (future accessory)

"With its silver graphics on the Summit White paint, this car has a tailored, tone-on-tone appearance that is simultaneously racy and subdued," said Todd Parker, design manager, GM Accessory Studio. "It is a sophisticated-looking car that is easily duplicated by any customer, because all of the parts are available to build it."

From a performance standpoint, the Camaro Chroma's standard LS3 V-8 engine is equipped with current accessories, including a performance intake, shorty headers and performance exhaust system. There's also a Victory Red engine cover and a Hurst short-throw shifter for the six-speed manual transmission, as well as red-painted Brembo brake calipers.

Inside, the black-and-grey leather seats feature red accent stitching, as do the shifter boot, floor mats and door trim. Accessory inserts for the dashboard and door panels (in silver) are also included as available accessories.

"What's great about the Camaro Chroma is it speaks to the almost unlimited possibilities that the accessories offer," said Parker. "You can build your Camaro mild or wild, but build it your way."


Camaro Dusk
Inspired by the style of young, urban professionals, the Camaro Dusk concept rolls with a contemporary tuner aesthetic. It is understatedly aggressive looking, with a lowered ride height, new 21-inch wheels, the rear spoiler from an SS model and a custom ground effects package.

"This is a car with an international flair, bringing the Camaro to a place it hasn't traditionally been," said Parker. "It is a very tailored look that is stylish and sophisticated, but with a distinct American accent."

The ground effects package includes a racing-inspired front splitter, rocker extensions and a rear diffuser. They are prototype parts that may enter production as dealer-available accessories at a later date; the same goes for the 21-inch wheels from BBS. Many of the details, such as the taillamp and fog lamp bezels, match the finish of the wheels, lending a more premium look to the car.

The Camaro Dusk's body is painted Berlin Blue, while the ground effects are painted a contrasting color. Additional performance items include the exhaust system and Brembo brakes from a Camaro SS (with painted calipers). The interior is trimmed in stylish Jet Black and Sedona, with complementing features including footwell lighting, premium door sill plates and other details.

Today's young professionals expect advanced technology and premium audio options and this concept delivers with a crisp, well-tuned Boston Acoustics sound system, WiFi connectivity and a convenient cradle for an iPhone.

Camaro Graphics
Camaro designers dreamed up half a dozen proposals for accessory graphics packages, with the intent of soliciting feedback from Camaro enthusiasts for possible production. Chevrolet then launched the graphics campaign in mid-October, asking Camaro fans on Facebook to pick their favorite design.

The top four designs were produced and brought to the SEMA Convention, where a Silver Ice Metallic Camaro will wear each contender on a different day. At the conclusion of the convention, after thousands of enthusiasts see the graphics on the car in person and on Facebook, another round of voting will occur. The top vote-getter will be considered for future production.

"Camaro has thousands of fans on the various social media sites and this is a great way to demonstrate that Chevrolet is connected to our customers," said Dewar. "With so many great designs to choose from, we're sure the voting will be close, but whatever the outcome, the real winners will be the customers who personalize their Camaro with the winning graphics package."

The Camaro Graphics display vehicle will be located prominently in the GM display during the SEMA Convention, starting on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009. At the close of the convention each day, the graphics package will be changed.

All of the proposed graphics packages can be viewed and voted on by logging onto Camaro's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/chevycamaro.

About Chevrolet
Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands, and one of the fastest growing brands in the world. With fuel solutions that go from "gas-friendly to gas-free," Chevy has nine models that get 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway, and offers three hybrid models. More than 2.5 million Chevrolets that run on E85 biofuel have been sold. Next year, Chevrolet will soon offer the Volt, an extended-range electric vehicle scheduled for production in late 2010. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and provides the best value in every segment in which it competes. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Hurst SEMA Camaro auction underway

SEMA, Chevy, eBay and Hurst have teemed up to auction off a Hurst-tuned Camaro with the proceeds going to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, "a program that fosters industry leadership by supporting the education of students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket."

The winner of the auction will not only receive an all expense paid trip to this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas, but also gets the very first Hurst Camaro. The car features a nice array of aftermarket upgrades, and you can view the auction here.

PRESS RELEASE

Hurst/SEMA Camaro Auction

In a nutshell, SEMA, in cooperation with Chevrolet, eBay Motors and Hurst Performance Vehicles, announced that it will auction a special pre-production HURST/Camaro prior to the 2009 SEMA Show. The proceeds are to benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, a program that fosters industry leadership by supporting the education of students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket.

This very special HURST/Camaro is serial #3 and is the first HURST/Camaro to be offered to the public. This 445 Horsepower beauty is finished in Hurst's best bad-boy colors; brilliant black with honest-to-goodness real painted silver and red stripes. Hurst hardware could pass for art; especially the massive 20" polished forged aluminum HURST T-2 wheels, a Hurst Billet/Plus short-throw shifter with a special red anodized HARD-DRIVE® billet pistol-grip shift handle, a Hurst AIR-SPEED® rear deck spoiler. The Eibach suspension and Magnaflow stainless performance exhaust system deliver more attitude and performance to match the looks of this stellar performance machine. The interior has a personalized HURST/Camaro dash plaque and logo embroidered floor mats. Signatures from the Hurst Executive Team, Linda Vaughn and "Doc" Watson will be on the car and documentation is provided to complete the car's provenance guaranteeing that it is truly one-of-a-kind.

The winning bidder gets:

HURST/CAMARO EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

HURST Billet/Plus HARD-DRIVE™ with red anodized aluminum shift handle
HURST 20" polished forged wheels with black and red center cap "H" logos
BFG KDW Performance tires
HURST AIR-SPEED™ Rear Deck Spoiler
HURST Exterior logo graphics: red and black "H" logos
HURST Silver and Red body graphics
HURST/Magnaflow stainless steel exhaust system
HURST/Eibach Suspension
HURST embroidered logo Floor mats
HURST/CAMARO personalized "SEMA Special" interior identification badge
Certificate of Authenticity confirming that this is serial #3 HURST/Camaro
Vehicle signatures from the Hurst Executive Team, Linda Vaughn and "Doc" Watson
HURST logo car cover

SEMA EXPERIENCE FOR TWO INCLUDES:


Two (2) passes to the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 3 - 6
Two (2) passes to the 2009 SEMA Show Banquet on November 5
Two (2) passes to the 2009 SEMA Show eBay Party at the Bellagio on November 4
Two (2) nights at the Las Vegas Hilton during the SEMA Show
An American Airlines flight voucher worth $1000
Transportation to and from the airport, hotel and SEMA Show
Two (2) SEMA Show t-shirts
A photo opportunity with industry celebrity and former spokes model for Hurst Shifter, Linda Vaughn

Camaro Z/28 to live after all, and with a supercharger?

The Camaro Z/28 has been on again and off again more than a hollywood romance. It seems that Chevrolet just can't let the dream die, especially with the Mustang Shelby GT500 running around as the superior pony car offering.

Inside Line is now reporting that GM Veep Ed Welburn says the Z/28 program is back in full effect and is headed for production. The car will sport a 6.2-liter LS-A from the Cadillac CTS-V that should be good for about 550 horsepower under it's hood bulge. Transmission choices will be either an automatic or a six speed manual.

If the rumor is true, the Z would hit dealer lots in roughly a year, just enough time to get all the kinks worked out.

Why you won't be seeing Chevrolet's Camaro in NASCAR

With the Ford Mustang set to make it's debut in NASCAR, many have been expecting the Camaro to follow suit and maintain the classic rivalry between the two pony cars. The reason you won't be seeing this is pretty simple: Chevy wants the Camaro to look like a Camaro, not a painted standard body.

GM's Mark Kent said that because of "the need to have templated bodies in that series, we felt that by forcing the Camaro into the Nationwide templates that we were compromising the body lines of an iconic car."

Video: Hennessey receives first Camaro, takes it to the drag strip

Hennessey has some grand plans for the new 2010 Camaro, and now they can get started playing around with one as they have taken delivery of the very first one off the assembly line.

The car is an Inferno Orange SS model with a six speed manual and 426 hp, but Hennessey engineers have already tweaked an extra 20 horsepower out of the LS3 to bump it up to 446 hp.

Barely a day into it's existence the car got rung out at the track, and responded with a soft launch 60 time of 5.2 seconds, with the quarter mile coming in 13.6 @ 108mph.

Not great times, but it's only the beginning in what is sure to be a new age for muscle car lovers.

More Chevrolet Camaro: Video of first Camaro built, convertible back on again?

On again, off again. Just a few days after it was reported that it may have died a premature death, the new Chevrolet Camaro convertible appears to be back on the track to production.

The drop top is once again scheduled for a 2011 release, one year after the hardtop pony car started rolling off Oshawa assembly line. Motor Trend reported back in November that the convertible Camaro was in trouble due to GM's cash crunch, and last week we learned from The Detroit Bureau that financial problems at a German supplier for the car's roof was threatening the model's timetable.

For its part, General Motors insists that the topless Camaro has always been scheduled for one year after the coupe began production, but now Motor Trend is now saying that the Camaro Convertible will probably not arrive until the first quarter of 2011 (likely as a 2012 model).

To get you back in the here and now, check out the video above of the very first Camaro rolling off the production line. The car is a black SS with red leather interior, and the proud new owner is none other than Rick Hendrick of Hendrick Motor Sports.

14,000 orders have already been placed for the rebirth of Chevy's pony car thus far.