Camaro Muscle Returns in Right-Hand Drive

Launched in its home market in May 2009, the new 2010 fifth-generation car has been described by Automobile magazine in the United States as "… the ultimate red-blooded, blue collar fashion statement."

In another rave review, Motor Trend magazine said: "Chevrolet has pulled off a near masterstroke. The new Camaro excels by almost every objective and subjective measure: design, power, handling, efficiency, comfort, convenience, safety and, perhaps most important of all, accessability to the Camaro faithful."

While much of the design, development and testing of the new Camaro was done in Australia by Holden, Queensland based Performax International has produced a factory perfect right hand drive version that is available in both V8 and V6 guises and the striking sports coupe will carry full Australian Design Rule compliance.

Performax is one of Australia's leading importers and converters of new US built passenger vehicles and its first RHD car was an orange 6.2-litre SS V8 model.

The company sourced one of the first Camaros that went on sale in the US and shipped it to its factory in Gympie, Queensland, to start prototype conversion work. Using CAD software and starting with a three dimensional computer scan of parts that were needed for right hand drive, the scans were then reverse engineered and solid plastic prototypes produced by a three- dimensional printer.

The resulting right hand drive Camaro SS is priced from $139,000 drive away. Other versions, including a 3.6-litre V6 priced from $129,000, are available to order. The car's V8 engine is mated with a Tremec six-speed manual transmission and the car also boasts Stabili-Trak electronic stability control with traction control, high performance ABS-equipped Brembo brakes with four-piston aluminium calipers, leather heated seats with driver's six-way power adjustment, cruise control, Bluetooth, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a nine speaker Boston Acoustic 245Watt stereo system with auxiliary/USB input jacks and a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Also standard are front, side and head curtain airbags, tyre pressure monitors and rear park assist.

The alloy V8 is good for 318kW of power at 5900rpm and 570Nm of torque that arrives at 4600rpm and the 1746kg Camaro rides all round on independent suspension and 245/45/20 tyres at the front and beefy 275/4020s on the rear.

Performax International boss Nicholas Vandenberg believes the orange painted SS V8 launch vehicle was the first RHD 2010 Camaro built anywhere in the world.

"We're proud to be bringing such an eagerly awaited new car with an iconic badge back to Australia," he said.

"It's certainly the best RHD car we have ever produced in both engineering and appearance.

"The Camaro SS drives just like it does from the factory, meaning it has the same outstanding handling, tactile steering and powerful V8 performance noted by American reviewers. The driving position, including the relationship between steering wheel, pedals and seat, is perfect.

"Thanks to our industry leading computer aided design and plastic injection moulding technology, we have been able to re-create the fascia, door panels, centre console, ventilation ducts, wiper cowl and other parts with total accuracy of fit and finish."

"For something that will be an absolute standout on Australian roads - it's great value for money," Vandenberg added.