Callaway Supercharged Camaro RS/SS LS2 572 HP 6 Speed

Now that the new Camaro SS is widely available, owners are looking for ways to take their cars to the next level. Of course, the aftermarket is only too happy to oblige. The biggest names in Chevy tuning are already out there delivering more power, more performance, and more attitude to the lucky owners of these modern-day pony cars, and none are so well regarded as Callaway Cars. This particular 2010 Camaro SS was only hours old when it was shipped to Callaway for a forced-induction upgrade, and today shows less than 2300 original miles. It's like buying a new car and getting the $13,500 blower upgrade for free.

I don't think we need to go into the details of what a game-changer the new Camaro is. You've heard that story already. It's everything you expect a Camaro to be, plus a sophisticated independent suspension makes it far more precise than any of its live-axle ancestors ever were. The styling is a homerun, with more than a nod to the classic 1969 model, yet fully updated for the 21st century. Finished in brilliant Inferno Orange (why can't they just call it Hugger Orange and be done with it?), this 2010 SS presents in virtually new condition, with no signs of abuse or hard driving in its past. Surprising? Maybe, but the owner of this car is a meticulous sort of fellow, the kind of guy who wipes his cars down every time he pulls back into the garage, so there are really no concerns about any of its cosmetics. The paint is brilliant, and with the black SS style stripes, it's easy to imagine how awesome it might have been back in the ‘60s to see these cars prowling the streets everywhere you turned. Even today, seeing one of these gets any car guys pulse up a few beats, although you'd never know from looking at this one that it has a supercharged heart.

Externally, there's not a lot of brightwork, but everything is in factory fresh condition. The black gill inserts ahead of the rear wheels add some detail to the slab-sided body, and the hood has a definite bulge to it reminiscent of the cowl-induction units on Camaros of yore. HID headlights are included, and light up the road like a runway at night, and the chrome-rimmed taillights are crystal clear. Tinted glass gives this one a sinister look, and you'll appreciate it from inside the all-black cockpit on hot days.

For some, stock never delivers the goods, even when the stock motor is a Corvette-derived LS2 V8 making 426 horsepower. With only a few miles on the clock, this car was delivered to Callaway Cars for their roots-style Eaton TVS2300 supercharger and integrated intercooler. Callaway's workmanship has always been exceptional, and it doesn't come cheap the blower install cost more than $13,500. However, the results speak for themselves: 572 horsepower and 11-second quarter mile times, with no fuel economy penalty. The stock engines drivability is unaffected, and this one starts, idles, and drives like a stock SS until you crack open the throttle and the blower comes online. Typical of Callaway's workmanship, there's a beautifully finished carbon fiber intake tube and a massive open-element air cleaner in place of the original air box. Not only does it help build horsepower, but it really lets the engine sing with an intake howl that you have to experience. The installation looks remarkably factory, with OEM-grade fittings, fasteners, and hoses, and those unfamiliar with the Camaro could be forgiven for thinking it's a stock setup, which speaks volumes about Callaway's attention to detail.

With a 6-speed transmission, Callaway allows the engine to make full power, and it drives the stock rear end with 3.45 gears and a limited slip, which does the best it can to apportion the insanely flat torque curve. The suspension and brakes are 100% stock, but that's OK because they're more than up to the rigors of this high-performance pony car. Brakes are massive discs at all four corners, and as I mentioned, the suspension is independent front and rear, something that past Camaros were sorely lacking. The wheels are polished 20-inchers that are specific to the RS package making this car a true RS/SS. The Pirelli P-Zero tires are like new and measure 245/45/20 front and a massive 275/40/20 out back.

The Camaros interior is full of retro touches as well, beginning with the deeply bolstered buckets that feature contrasting silver stitching reminiscent of the original Strato Buckets in the early cars. Dual instrument pods hold the tach and speedometer, while a quartet of auxiliary gauges lives on the center console like they did 40 years ago. The seats are exceptionally comfortable, and are supportive enough for track duty, although the back seat is probably best reserved for short trips, children, or people you don't like. The powerful stereo will deliver enough crystal clear sound to make your ears bleed, and the climate control system is capable of chilling the interior to meat-locker levels. And this one is equipped with the optional factory sunroof, which is apparently fairly rare. Everything remains in first-rate condition, with almost no signs of use, even on the driver's seat. The trunk features its own embroidered Camaro SS floor mat and a cargo net.

Documentation includes the original window sticker (showing a whopping $36,650 sticker price remember what I said about getting the blower for free?), owner's manuals, brochures, warranty information, and a quick reference guide. We also have dyno sheets showing that this one is most definitely making the power it claims, with a torque curve that looks like Devils Tower out in Wyoming, with a peak of 515.9 horsepower and 485.36 pounds of torque AT THE REAR WHEELS. That's extremely impressive.

So if a garden-variety Camaro SS just isn't enough for you, but you want a stealth fighter that will give you an advantage at the stop light grand prix, here's what you need. Externally, it's 100% stock Camaro SS. The blower runs almost silently, and it isn't until you crack the throttle and unleash ZR-1 levels of horsepower that its true nature becomes apparent. Reliable, fully sorted, and with no drivability issues, the Callaway conversion is perhaps the best in the business and gives this Camaro stock manners around town with towering performance only when you need it. The conversion was expensive, yes, but you can take advantage of the situation by picking up this car and almost getting the blower for free. With only 2213 original miles, it is, for all intents and purposes, a new car. Don't wait, call today!