WE TRACK TEST CHEVY'S NEW PERFORMANCE ADD-ONS FOR THE CAMARO

By Seyth Miersma, Autoblog.com - The SEMA Show in Las Vegas is almost universally more show than go.  The monster performance cars and unholy super-modified rides that line the show halls are undoubtedly impressive, but we journalists rarely have the chance to do much more than look at them while we're in town.  So, it was a real breath of fresh air to hang out with Chevy at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and drive a set of Camaros that had been freshly shod with go-fast bits from the company's newly refreshed performance parts catalogue.

The Bowtie brand is redoubling its efforts to offer racing-inspired and "track-hardened" componentry for the Gen5 Camaro.  And while this isn't a space in the aftermarket that is devoid of third-party entries, Chevy's sales pitch is a strong one: its parts do not void the manufacturer's warranty and they're designed and engineered by the same teams that design and engineer the cars themselves.

As you might expect, the performance parts in question are drawn in large measure from two of Camaro's turnkey variants, the 1LE and the mighty ZL1.  Perhaps most compelling of the whole group is the 1LE Track Pack (US$1,500) that includes larger front and rear stabilizer bars, retuned front struts and monotube rear shocks that transform the handling of the pony car.  The package works with the stock chassis control and antilock braking software, and can be fitted to both V6 and V8 models.  The ZL1 offers up a huge number of its parts to the catalog, including front and rear brake kits (US$4,150/US$2,500 front/rear for a V8 car, US$7,200 for all four wheels for the V6), a short-throw shifter kit and a fuel pump (US$350 and US$420, respectively).  Note: Canadian specs are slightly different but track packs are offered.
I drove a selection of V6 and V8 Camaros at the infield track of the speedway with some cone challenge sections, and also got my feet wet at the nearby drag strip, with a couple of drag-prepped, six-speed manual Camaro SS'.

Driving Notes

• The Camaro that I was most taken with on the road course in Las Vegas, and the one that I hopped back into for extra lapping, was actually a 2013 Camaro V6.  The Silver pony car had been fitted with the SS brake package, 1LE suspension package, strut tower brace and the performance exhaust.
• The 1LE suspension components give the Camaro remarkably more lateral stiffness while running through a short section of slalom cones that Chevy had set up.  I drove a standard '13 V6 immediately before the 1LE-prepped car, and the transformation was pretty incredible.  The car was absolutely flat through rapid changes of direction, making far better use of the available grip, as well.  Chevy engineers pointed out that they had left the same wheel/tire package on both the modified and unmodified car, to better show off how transformational the underpinnings could be.
• There's no question that the more powerful SS cars were faster around the light track, but I actually enjoyed flinging the newly stiff V6 more.  With the 1LE's suspension, the lighter nose of the V6 Camaro was thrown in pretty dramatic relief.  The car felt faster on turn-in and seemed to take a set and move forward more quickly, too.
• Both the stock and modified V6 cars I drove were equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.  The infield was tight enough that a manual car could lap it quickly in second gear, but the autobox wanted to shift up too soon in a few spots.  The manual-mode shifting is kind of slow to react, too.  This isn't a racing transmission, to be sure, but it was mildly disappointing on the track, nevertheless.
• The SS braking kit proved to offer a clear advantage over the stock set of stoppers.  The initial bite from the brake pedal was firmer, and I was able to stop quite a bit farther back in the emergency stopping box that had been laid out on the course.  That said, the heavier V8 Camaros equipped with the 14.6-inch rotors and 6-piston calipers from the front brakes of the ZL1 were decidedly quicker at retarding speed.
• As I mentioned, there were two drag-prepped SS cars with which we could take quarter-mile runs; not quite up to the level of the COPO Camaros, but in that same spirit.  The big modification here included a complete ZL1 rear axle system: 9.9-inch ring gear, heavy-duty limited slip differential in a cast iron housing, and a beefed up driveshaft and half-shafts.  The engineers on hand were all pretty cocky that this rear end was all but unbreakable, which was good to hear as this was my first time drag racing.
• Now, most guys who drag race their Camaros opt for automatic transmissions for more perfect launches and upshifts, but Chevy had built our two cars with the newly available short-throw six-speed.  I actually found the manual trans to be pretty easy to use, though I know I shifted up a hair too late, twice, on my second run.
• The Camaros at the strip also came correct with the LS3 heads and LS7 camshaft package that adds around 40 horsepower to the SS V8.  Between the added weight of the HD rear axle system and the excitement of the competitive environment, it's hard to say that the extra grunt was obvious.  I'm sure back-to-back runs in modified and unmodified cars would have eventually told the tale, both by the seat of my pants and on the clock.  In any case, there was more than enough power to launch incredibly hard and throw me back in my seat with great force.
• How'd I do?  Well, I ran like the rookie that I was.  I recorded a 13.826-second time at 105.86 miles per hour my first time out.  That's clearly not indicative of the true performance potential of the vehicle; a few of the guys that followed me were just a fraction over 13 seconds, and everyone seemed sure that ranges in the 12s were totally doable.
• In all it was an enlightening day of track-oriented fun, and one that foretold a lot of great Camaro customization to come in the future.  There's just not much to dislike about making a fast car faster.

2015 CHEVROLET COLORADO'S NEW LOOK IS MORE WEEKEND TOY THAN CONTRACTOR'S TOOL

By Antuan Goodwin, CNET.com - Chevrolet debuted the 2015 Colorado mid-sized pickup at the 2013 LA Auto Show this week.  The new model is set to arrive at dealerships in the fall of next year.  Rather than wearing a downsized version of the highly rectangular facia that Chevy's larger Silverado trucks have, the Colorado's front end appears to have heavy influences from the automaker's sedan models, such as the Malibu or Impala.  There even appears to be a hint of Camaro DNA in the Z71 model's projector headlamps.  The result looks less like something a contractor would rive, and more like a sporty toy for the weekend; I really like the look.

At launch, Chevrolet will offer the Colorado with a choice of two engines.  Those looking for efficiency will be interested in the 2.5-liter 4-banger that outputs 193 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, with what Chevrolet call "class leading fuel efficiency."  Those looking for a bit more grunt will have the larger 3.6-liter V-6 option, which bumps output to 302 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.

2015 Chevrolet Colorado pickup debuts in LA

The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado will be available in WT, LT and Z71 trims, all in either 2WD or 4WD, and all of which are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.  Electronic power steering and aerodynamic tweaks, such as an active shutter grill that closes at highway speeds to help the truck slip through the air, help the Colorado boost its fuel economy.

Of course, Chevrolet is claiming best in class towing, payload, and fuel economy for the new Silverado.  When properly equipped, it should be able to trailer more than 6,700 pounds.

Shortly after launch, the Colorado will gain yet a third engine option: a 2.8-liter Duramax 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, potentially the most efficient and torque-y mill of the bunch.  In its previous appearances, this engine output 180 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque, making it a great fit for a mid-sized pickup.  Chevy claims it will also be the only turbodiesel available in this class.

Among the other "bests and firsts", the automaker asserts that the Silverado's cabin will be the quietest in class, though it doesn't look like much to write home about.  Like a truck should, the interior appears to be functional and simple.  However, the pickup will be available with Chevrolet's newest OnStar and MyLink infotainment, powered by an eight-inch diagonal color touch screen.  The instrument cluster also features a 3.4-inch screen for displaying additional driver information.

In addition to the dashboard tech, the pickup will also be available with standard safety features like a rear view camera system and optional features, including Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert.

Pricing and specific fuel economy have yet to be announced for the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, but we expect to learn more as the 2014 launch approaches.

ROAD & TRACK NAMES ITS 2013 PERFORMANCE CAR OF THE YEAR

By Damon Lowney, Autoblog.com - Road & Track recently staged its first annual Performance Car of the Year test, pitting 13 new and updated performance cars against each other on track, then graduating the top six to a road test before picking a winner.  Additional, the magazine staff picked the best automobiles of the year in eight categories.

But first, let's cover the PCotY segment.  Here's the list of cars brought to the comparison test: Audi R8 V10 Plus; BMW 435i, BMW M6 Competition Package; Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51; Ferrari F12 Berlinetta; Ford Fiesta ST; Jaguar F-Type V8 S; Jaguar XFR-S; Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S-Model Wagon; Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series; Mini John Cooper Works GP; Nissan GT-R Track Edition; and Porsche Cayman S.

To find out the results of the comparison, check the press release below, where you'll find the magazine's top-rated vehicles in eight categories.

ROAD & TRACK NAMES THE BEST CARS OF 2013Performance Car of the Year Award Goes to the Chevrolet Corvette

NEW YORK, NY (November 14, 2013) -- Road & Track today announced its first-ever "Best Cars" list, distinguishing the best new automobiles and trucks of the year.  The honorees will be recognized in the December 2013/January 2014 issue, on newsstands November 19.  Among the winners, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette has been named Road & Track's Performance Car of the Year.

To select the Corvette, the editors tested 13 of the world's hottest sports cars on challenging mountain roads and on The Motown Mile, Road & Track's private circuit.  A knockout formula whittled the field down to six from which one winner prevailed.

"We selected the Corvette because it represents an incredible achievement: Not only is it wickedly fast, it's now also a delight to drive on the challenging, twisty roads that used to be the car's nemesis," said Larry Webster, editor-in-chief of Road & Track.  "Plus, it's a real bargain and looks fantastic."

In addition to the Corvette, eight other vehicles were selected as "Best Cars" in the following categories:

The Best Cars of 2013

Best Luxury Sedan: 2014 Cadillac CTS - With its 420 hp twin-turbo V-6, locking rear diff (technology borrowed from the C7 Corvette), and magnetorheological shocks, the CTS Vsport is the surprise performer of the class.

Best Family Sedan: 2014 Mazda 6 - This car is as close to perfect as you can get for the money.  The steering and chassis make other sedans feel ordinary.

Best SUV: 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport - A new lightweight aluminum structure dramatically increases efficiency.  But mostly, the Sport is a little louder, a little more locked-down, a little more our speed.

Best Pickup: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado - A better interior, infotainment that isn't ancient or tacked-on, and a fresh take on clean, no-nonsense styling.  Plus, a comfortable ride that nearly rivals the best in class.

Best Wagon: 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class - Our pick is for the E-class, the only true wagon sold here that offers rear-facing third-row seats.  And a 577-hp twin-turbo AMG V-8.

Best Economy Car: 2014 Mazda 3 - The $17,740 3 is light-2800 pounds for the one you want, the 2.0-liter, manual version-and stiff in the chassis where it counts.  You can drive it all day with a grin on your face.  And you'll want to.

Best Diesel: 2014 Audi A8 - The A8's TDI V-6 renders the old diesel tropes null and void.  The only difference between a diesel A8 and a gasoline-fueled version, in practical terms, is what fuel goes in and what economy numbers come out.

Best Electric: 2014 Fiat 500c - The people at Fiat's electric-vehicle division must like having big fun on the clock, because this thing will chirp its tires and lay elevens all day.

VILNER REDOES '76 CORVETTE STINGRAY TO SHOW OFF INTERIOR PROWESS

By Jeffrey N. Ross, Autoblog.com - From modern cars to classics and even motorcycles, Vilner has been showing off its leather customization skills for years, but we have to admit we were a little skeptical when we saw that the Bulgarian company had gotten hold of a 1976 Chevy Corvette Stingray.  Not to say the C3 'Vette couldn't benefit from an interior makeover, but we wondered how the company's modern leather work would match up with the car's classic styling.

In terms of leather crafting, Vilner went crazy inside this Corvette with nappa leather (from a calf) from top to bottom including everything from the seats to the T-tops.  The instrument panel is completely wrapped in leather, and it has newer gauges for a more modern look, while the door panels get unique leather pull straps and Corian inserts -- yes, the same high-quality material used for countertops.  Some of the detailed touches include laser etching on the seats and door panels and even leather-wrapped stalks for the turn signals and tilt-steering column.

After focusing on the interior, Vilner also gave this C3 some distinctive touches to the exterior, including LED taillights and running lights as well as custom luggage to fit atop the rear luggage rack.  Finally, the engine received some attention.  New heads and carburetors give the 350-cubic-inch V8 an estimated 300 horsepower.  Below is the press release.

Vilner Transforms 1976 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3

Our latest project a classical 1976 Chevrolet Corvette has received fine makeover, which refreshes the forms of the legendary Stingray C3 and at the same time keeps the classic lines of the U.S. muscle car.

In order to turn this car in to another magnificent project of our studio, the work on this Corvette started with the engine.  The 5.7 liter V8 Small Block unit got a new head, shafts and two twin carburetors.

All of them were delivered by the U.S. experts at Edelbrock Performance.  The generation was shortened and was carried over to the side of the body.  The machine hasn't been put through a dyno test, which means that the results of the power tuning are not known.  What is expected however is a peak power of 300 hp (220 kW).

The exterior of the car has also been modified and has received new varnish in pearl brown color, while the targa roof trim got upholstery from calf leather adorned by decorative stitching.  The original nickel-plated wheels were left untouched as well as the form of the tail-lights.

The latter, however, have entirely new bodies that rely on new LED lights that in turn add a note of futurism in the classic stance of the carosserie.  In order to be convenient for driving, this Corvette got new daytime running lights as well as new turn signals.

To go even further into details, into the original bodies of the parking-lights and indicators were integrated LED-daytime running lights and LED-indicators, as well as into those of the tail-lights.  They were created specifically for this automobile and indeed they are unique.  In the opening of the front fenders were inbuilt two chrome-plated grills, while the rear bumper of the car is with completely changed design for a better line.

One of the most attractive features here is the original chrome-plated boot on which is attached a vintage suitcase made of camel leather.

The interior is where the true power of Vilner lies and this classic Corvette took the maximum advantage of this fact.  The dashboard was entirely transformed; new is also the design of the dials of the tachometer and speedometer.

The audio system here is made of high quality source by McIntosh, three amplifiers and three-band front system delivered by Ground Zero, as well as two subwoofers by Peerless.

Furthermore, the seat's upholstery was made of a combination between calf-nappa leather and box, while the laser engraving provided an additional note of personalization.  At last, the elements made of wood veneer were replaced by inserts made of high-tech Corian material.

CORVETTE STINGRAY INSPIRES AWE

Sleek and sinewy, the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray is powered
by a direct-injected, 460-hp V8 with 465 lb.-ft. of torque
that can cruise on four cylinders on the highway.

By Graeme Fletcher, Postmedia News - Sliding behind the wheel, I plant a boot on the brake and push the start button.  The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray's engine roars to life with the sort of basso profondo only a North American V8 can produce.  The vapour is rising from the tailpipes as I ease off down the street.  It is going to be a special drive.

A cool fall morning and performance tires do not mix well, so, scrolling through the various drive modes, I pick Weather -- the system tailors 12 different parameters to optimize the driving characteristics to the selected mode.  In this instance, it softens the Corvette's throttle response, which makes it feel like I'm toying with a kitten and not holding a tiger by the tail.  The steering is light, the traction control is set to maximum intervention and the exhaust note is muted.

As I drive, I weave left and right gently in an attempt to get some heat into the tires.  After a few kilometres, I bypass the Eco mode and select Tour.  The throttle now feels alive, the electronic overseer is not as eager to dive in and all four tailpipes are now barking.  It is the ideal cruising mode.

Once out of suburbia and alone on my favourite stretch of serpentine tarmac, it's time to get serious.

Sport mode amps everything up.  It now snaps and growls as I row up and down the seven-speed manual gearbox.

After several spirited runs through my private "track", I feel confident enough to grasp the tiger by its tail and put the Vette into its Track mode.

I change the heads-up display information hovering at the end of the long hood to the Track mode, which emphasizes the data needed when flirting with the limits.  The throttle becomes ever sharper, the steering is firmer and has a more direct feel, there is no traction control intervention and the optional Magnetic Ride control suspension becomes rock solid -- the tiny amount of roll evident in Weather mode has completely disappeared.

When pushed, the Vette lets its tail drift, but it does so in a completely manageable manner with none of the vicious snap that makes so many supercars a handful.  There is an off position for the stability control system, but sanity prevails this time.

At this point, the Vette's P245/35R19 front and P285/30R20 rear run-flat tires are up to temperature and my smile is wide.  The handling is world class by any measure.  Ditto the Brembo brakes and the fade-free stopping power they return almost without regard to how hard they are leaned on.

This, however, only tells part of the story.

Yes, the engine still uses Chevrolet's time-honoured push rods and just two valves per cylinder, but it now adopts direct injection and can lope along on four of its eight cylinders in the Eco mode.  The 6.2-litre V8 pushes 460 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque at a very usable 4,500 rpm.  It proved to be a much more refined and flexible power source than I was expecting.

Power is relayed to the rear wheels through the aforementioned seven-speed manual gearbox, whose ratios get the very best out of the engine.  The first four gears, especially with the Z51 Performance package along for the ride, are aimed at getting things to a roaring boil as quickly as possible.  The other three gears then bring better fuel economy and relaxed highway cruising.

The seventh, the engine is barely breaking a sweat.  In the end, the combination delivered remarkable fuel economy and awe-inspiring acceleration.  The former rated a very good 12.9 litres per 100 kilometres during the test.  The latter instilled some serious motivation.

My hand-held stopwatch clocked the run to 100 km/h at four seconds flat and saw the more important 80 to 120 km/h time come in at a breathtaking 3.0 seconds in third gear -- second gear runs out of breath at around 100 km/h.

One of the features I did enjoy was the rev-match mode, which is accessed through steering wheel-mounted paddles -- it automatically brings the engine to the right revs for the chosen gear.  It can be likened to an automated heel/toe shift without having to do the intricate ballet needed to get it right every time.

As for the cabin, well, it is all business with a smattering of pampering.  The optional sport buckets are more accurately described as wing-backs -- they provide a ton of lateral support.  This and power tilt/telescopic steering allows the perfect driving position to be established and saved.  The instrumentation is fully configurable (and it is mirrored in the heads-up display), the controls are logically laid out and there is a nifty storage cubby behind the infotainment/navigation screen.  It is very nicely finished to boot.

The lone anomaly is found in the mirrors -- the interior and rear-view mirrors are small enough they would not look out of place on the diminutive Chevy Spark.  This mandates keeping an alert eye out whenever changing lanes.

So there you have it:  the seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.  The new aluminum chassis, wonderful dynamics and power combine to make it a true super-car by any measure.  It is supremely fast, sharp to obey driver input, and is entirely manageable in an urban environment.  That alone would be enough to make a very strong case for the new Stingray.

However, it also blows the super-car crowd away price-wise.  It starts at $56,520 and even when duded up with almost $18,000 in options, it still costs about $20,000 less than the entry-level Porsche 911 and SRT Viper.

NATIONAL CORVETTE MUSEUM RECEIVES LARGEST DONATION OF CARS TO DATE

 

By Jeffrey N. Ross, Autoblog.com - As the mecca for Chevy Corvette enthusiasts, the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY allows Corvette lovers to experience the car's 60 years and seven generations.  There's more to see than ever before now that the museum has received its largest donation of cars ever courtesy of Don Messner.

Messner was diagnosed with melanoma of January of 2012.  He passed away this past May, but his Corvette-loving legacy will always live on thanks to his collection of 10 Corvettes being gifted to the museum for permanent display.  The Messner Collection includes a custom, race-built 1965 coupe, 1990 ZR-1, 1996 Grand Sport and, his most recent addition, a 2013 60th Anniversary Edition.  Even after being diagnosed with cancer, Messner took delivery of his final Corvette at the museum, which is when he ultimately decided to share his collection with Corvette fans past, present and future.  Next year, the museum will run a special exhibit for his cars from May 10 through September 12.

NATIONAL CORVETTE MUSEUM RECEIVES LARGEST DONATION TO DATE

Corvette enthusiast Don Messner leaves his car collection to the Museum

Corvette enthusiasts are known world-wide for their passion towards America's sports car and the lifestyle it inspires, but some people take their love for this car beyond the extra mile.  Such a person was businessman and Montoursville, PA resident, Donald L. Messner, who made arrangements for his Corvette collection to be gifted to the National Corvette Museum upon his passing.

In business Don was known for his focus, determination and ability to make things happen.  In his personal life, he was equally determined to make the most of it, enjoying a wide variety of activities including scuba diving, horses, racing, power boating, radio control airplanes, fishing, hunting and Corvettes.

Don's love for Corvettes led him on a search to acquire low mileage, rare cars that were in excellent condition.  Over the years, as his collection grew, he had a special climate-controlled garage built for them that he called The Toy Box.

In January of 2012 Don was diagnosed with melanoma.  Knowing it was incurable; he continued to enjoy life as much as he was able.  He joined the Museum for the exclusive unveiling of the 2014 Corvette Stingray at the Chevrolet Media Event in Detroit, and traveled to the National Corvette Museum to take delivery of his 2013 Corvette, as well as a visit to the Corvette Assembly Plant.  While at the Museum, he decided that it was the best place to permanently display his Corvette collection.

For his wife Marlene, she is gratified to see Don's collection going to the Museum to be enjoyed by the thousands of visitors who visit annually.

"He said he wanted to plant a seed.  He wanted others in similar situations with rare Corvettes to see the Museum as a place for them.  Most of all, he wanted to inspire future generations to work hard to buy their own Corvettes some day so that they, too, could enjoy the lifestyle that goes with owning them."

The Corvettes in the Don Messner Collection include:

• 1965 grey coupe, custom race built Corvette
• 1967 427 convertible Corvette
• 1969 convertible/hard top Corvette
• 1989 coupe Corvette
• 1990 ZR-1 Corvette
• 1996 Collector's Edition Corvette
• 1996 Grand Sport Corvette
• 2000 convertible Corvette
• 2008 Z06 Corvette
• 2013 60th Anniversary Corvette with R8C Museum Delivery

Don passed on May 22, 2013, but he has left behind a stunning collection of cars that will demonstrate his love of Corvette to others for years to come.  "When people see these cars," Marlene says, "I want them to remember Don Messner and his legacy.  He was an amazing and very generous man."

A special exhibit of these cars will be held in the Museum Exhibit Hall from May 10-September 12, 2014.

JEFF GORDON'S SS PERFORMANCE SEDAN CONCEPT UNLEASHES CAR'S POTENTIAL

By Damon Lowney, Autoblog.com - Compared to the stock Chevrolet SS sports sedan, Jeff Gordon's version looks much meaner (in a good way).  Somehow it comes off as more butch than the upgrades would suggest, almost as if it has a wide-body kit.  But Chevy says that the exterior upgrades are limited to a satin-red exterior, a more aggressive custom front grille, a carbon-fibre rear spoiler and custom-finished 20-inch wheels.  Of course, it's been lowered, which not only enhances the handling, but also its stance.

This SS is equipped with high-performance brakes, Chevy says, and a Borla performance exhaust system helps the engine exhale more freely.  Perforated suede seat inserts, embroidered head rests, a flat-bottom steering wheel and a Chevrolet Accessories pedal kit round out the package.  Everything else remains unchanged, including the LS3 6.2-litre V8, which pumps out 415 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission with TAPSHift manual control.  This leads us to one question: where's the full-manual transmission?

PURE VISION DESIGN TT CAMARO HAS 1,400 REASONS TO WANT IT

By Brandon Turkus, Autoblog.com - We've talked about Pure Vision Design before, a California-based company that made waves at last year's SEMA show with it sMartini-liveried, Indy-car-powered Ford Mustang.  That same car later starred in a Petrolicious video we showed you just a few weeks back.  The company's latest creation is a menacing car it calls the Pure Vision Design TT Camaro.  Based on a 1972 model, this car shares the Martini Mustang's clean styling and obsession with details.

Unlike the Mustang, which draws its power from a mid-60s Lotus-Ford Indycar engine, the "TT" in this Camaro's name implies something far more potent.  The Nelson Racing Engines 427-cubic-inch V8 has been fitted with a pair of turbochargers, with a claimed output of 1,400 horsepower.  That's almost 1,000 more than the Martini Mustang.

A six-speed Magnum transmission dispatches that power to the ground, while Pirelli PZero tires are tasked with (somehow) trying to grip the road.  Baer brakes hide behind those HRE rims, while JRI coilovers and HyperTech springs bless the Camaro with some degree of competency in the bends.

Being a Pure Vision car, this Camaro is absolutely striking.  Borrowing the Tungsten paint and Bitter Chocolate leather from Aston Martin, there's a sense that despite its tire-incinerating power, the TT Camaro is more than just a monster engine in a tin can.