Just_me

With sales of the Dodge Challenger kicking off this month and Ford’s Mustang still going strong, we can now look forward to the third and final rebirth of an American muscle car in the form of the all-new Camaro coupe. The arrival of the 2010 Camaro is still more than a year away but, as this latest spy image reveals, designers have the final shape nailed.

This image, which turned up on Camaro5, is of a barely disguised prototype of the new car. It appears the production version keeps the same basic shape as previewed by the concept, including the familiar waistline kink, boxy shape, and chiseled front-end. Although camouflaged, it appears the bonnet loses some of its character lines and the flared rear guards and side vents also got the boot. As predicted, the production version picks up chunkier style side mirrors, more convention door handles and a B-pillar.

Expect to see the same engine lineup as in the Pontiac G8, as the Camaro is based on the same platform as the Aussie built sedan. This means V8 models will get the same 360hp (270kW) 6.0L V8 engine. GM engineers are also tipped to be working on a new Gen IV V8 engine with direct-injection that could make its way into a high-performance version of the upcoming Camaro with output estimated to be more than 400hp (298kW). Based models, meanwhile, will get a 3.6L V6 mill.

Thanks to Tim for sending in the tip.