I read a road test like this:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=6892

and then I look at the Camaro, and I think the Camaro will do great.

With the new found levels of refinement, it's a Jag XKR or Maserati GranTurismo for the middle class.

 

Just for reference:

Jaguar XKR
Supercharged 4.2L V8
420 HP @ 6250 RPM
413 lb./ft. of torque @ 4000 RPM
3880 lbs. curb weight
4050 lbs. test weight
12.6 @ 111.9 MPH

Maserati GranTurismo
4.2L V8
405 HP @ 7100 RPM
339 lb./ft. of torque @ 4750 RPM
4350 lbs. curb weight
4520 lbs. test weight
13.3 @ 106.2 MPH

Chevy Camaro SS
6.2L V8
422 HP/400 HP @ ~5800 RPM
408/395 lb./ft. of torque @ ~4500 RPM
3860/3913 lbs. curb weight
???? lbs. test weight
??.? @ ???.? MPH

Both the Jaguar and the Maserati have the same trans ratios, but different rear axle ratios:

1st 4.17
2nd 2.34
3rd 1.52
4th 1.14
5th 0.87
6th 0.69
Final - Jaguar 3.31, Maserati 3.73

The SS, by comparison, has:

Manual
1st 3.01
2nd 2.07
3rd 1.43
4th 1.00
5th 0.84
6th 0.57
Final 3.45

Auto
1st 4.03
2nd 2.36
3rd 1.53
4th 1.15
5th 0.85
6th 0.67
Final 3.27

The automatic SS's ratios are slightly shorter than the Jaguar and Maserati (other than first gear), although the final drive ratio is slightly taller than the Jaguar's. The manual SS has taller ratios but a shorter final drive ratio.

The Maserati's performance is somewhat impressive, considering the high weight (4500 lbs.!!!) and relatively low torque. It also handles well, according to that comparison - pulls over .9g on the skidpad, and has a 71 MPH slalom speed. The Jaguar is no slouch either.

If these two cars are any indication, the Camaro SS should be an awesome performance car.

 

They're also within a few inches in all dimensions.

 

are the Jag and Mas both manual transmissions?

 

Yea I have no doubt that the 2010 Camaro SS can pull high 12's at over 110mph off the showroom floor. The LS3 has to power to get that done. There are always going to be whispers of the high curb weight but at the drag strip that can be masked very easily with more power, torque and some good trans ratios.

Heavier cars can dance and I have no doubt that the Camaro will be one of them but when it comes to handling the car will always be stated as good for it's weight.

 

Both 6A -- the same model ZF.

 

Yeah. And for normal day to day driving, it ought to be a delight.

It even has better EPA numbers than the Mustang in spite of being heavier and more powerful.

And it's almost as light as the all-Aluminium Jag (loaded - probably 100 or so pounds more).

 

looking at it, i still think that puts both the auto and the manual SS both @ ~109-110's.

 

If it's alright with you I am going to quote this in my sig.

 

Interesting.

 

How wide are the Jags tires compared to the SS? Also what brand do both run?