Sweet Jesus, GM just dropped off a Victory Red 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS for us to add to the Top Speed test fleet. We have driven a V6 powered version earlier this year and while the 30 MPG pony car offered all the same bold bodylines and classic Coke bottle shape that we got with the insurance friendly Camaro RS, but the combination of the smaller motor and a gas sipping six speed transmission left us wanting more from what the car’s Lead Exterior Designer, Luciano Nakamura, pointed out to us as not being the reinvention of the 1969 Camaro, but a 21st century performance machine inspired by classic Chevy.

Just the thought of an American V8 under the hood making 426 HP and 420 lb-ft of torque being shifted via a retro looking six speed manual shifter is enough to make us believe that GM had more in store when they made the Super Sport, not to mention the pair of meaty 9 inch wide Pirellis wrapped around a set of 20 inch Polished Aluminum five spokes being fed all that driving force through a limited slip differential to ensure that the power goes down evenly across the rear axle. We can’t wait to listen to that V8 rumble.

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The Camaro SS looks almost identical to the well dressed RS version, it wears the same subtle spoiler on the trunk lid, it features the same monolithic rims wrapped in sticky P Zero tires and trick HID halo headlamps. Only the attentive enthusiast will notice the highly prized Brembo multi piston brake calipers filling the empty space our previous RS had inside the 20 inch rollers, while hopefully even the average layman will identify the SS badging. On the inside, the only items that identify this red demon as a Super Sport are a pair of logos on the headrests and an almost overlooked emblem at the base of the steering wheel. Speaking of the controls, both the steering wheel and shift lever are wrapped in leather and both feature a flat design that makes for a very unique feel. Another unique touch is the retro four pack auxiliary gauges that don’t add a whole lot of necessary information, but they do look real cool. In car entertainment is powered by a Boston Acoustic Premium 9 speaker audio system is fed tunes from a variety of sources including an AM/FM/XM radio with in dash CD player as well as USB and AUX input jack to satisfy whatever requirements your music storage device preferences may be.

Our 2010 Camaro 2SS Coupe also came with everything from the basic power windows and locks to the technologically advanced with Bluetooth wireless connectivity standard all starting at just $33,725 not to mention that you also get OnStar standard. The Victory Red Camaro came equipped with the RS Appearance Package that consists of the 20 inch wheels, color matched body moldings, chrome surround around the signature tail lamps and the Halo ring HID headlamps for an additional $1,200. For another $470 Chevy polishes the aluminum rims to a brilliant shine and after a $795 destination charge brings the grand total for our 21st century muscle car up to $36,190. The LS3 V8 powered 2010 Camaro SS certainly sounds great on paper, offering genuine Detroit steel to the tune of over 400 HP heard through a dual exhaust and best of all rear wheel drive all for around $35,000. This will certainly be the car to benchmark when Ford->ke428 attempts to resurrect the 5.0 moniker and Chrysler continues to struggle with the Challenger->ke249.

Bad-ass looks, comfortable ride, undeniable speed.-Car and Driver

Like Ford's Mustang and Dodge's Challenger, the Chevrolet Camaro defines Americana. But when it comes to the "modern interpretation of a classic pony car," the new Camaro is the one that really got it right.-Road&Track

From its graceful and muscular design, to its powerful-and varied!-powertrains, its inviting interior and vast array of color and wheel choices, from the base V-6's beauty to the SS's single-minded dedication to performance, there is no doubt that Camaro has arrived-and dare we say, it's better than ever!-GM High Tech Performance