This week, General Motors unveiled the 2010 Chevy Camaro.

Sales begin in early 2009.

It has been been one of the most-talked about vehicles in automotive history.

Now, it is more than just a concept.

And, in just a few short months, it will be on the lot at Rick Hendrick Durham Auto Mall, the pride of the Triangle, ready to be driven home by an excited and perhaps nostalgic new-car customer.

"The new Camaro delivers the best of both worlds -- great heritage and a thoroughly modern, advanced package of performance, comfort and technology," Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager, said at the official unveiling in Michigan. "It's a sports car for a new generation of enthusiasts that doesn't forget the heritage that helped make the original a cultural icon."

For more information on the anticipated arrival of the vehicle at the Durham dealership, call (919) 682-0451.

According to Roger Hinton, new-car manager at Rick Hendrick Durham Auto Mall, production on the Camaro will begin in February. The vehicle could arrive in downtown Durham as soon as next March or April.

The dealership also may be able to accept orders and deposits shortly after production begins.

The Camaro will be offered in V6-powered LS and LT models, as well as the V8-powered SS. All models and powertrain combinations will include efficient six-speed transmissions.

"Camaro is a car that competes with the best sports cars in its class," Peper said, "but does so with surprising efficiency. That is no small feat, and it took a worldwide commitment to achieve it."

Here is some preliminary info:

**A 3.6L DI VVT V6 engine is standard on LS and LT models, with a projected 300 horsepower and manual six-speed transmission. The available six-speed automatic with TAPshift can give the vehicle an estimated 26 miles-per-gallon on the highway.

**A 6.2L V8, with a projected 400 horsepower with six-speed automatic transmission with TAPshift, will include Active Fuel Management technology to achieve 23 miles-per-gallon on the highway.

**The 6.2L V8 with manual six-speed transmission is expected to produce a projected 422 horsepower.

For more detailed information on the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, including a video of the official unveiling, what colors will be available and photos of the vehicle, please go to Chevrolet.com/Camaro.

Rick Hendrick Durham Auto Mall has been Durham's No. 1 automobile dealer and service facility for more than 15 years. For the best deal on a new or pre-owned vehicle, come visit the convenient downtown location and a professional staff that has earned one of the best customer-satisfaction ratings in the region.

As part of the Hendrick Automotive Group, a network of 70-plus dealerships and 122 franchises nationwide, the dealership provides the best selection and availability of vehicles in the area. It also can offer superior financing options, working in collaboration with more than three dozen banks to get the best rates and payment structure possible.

The dealership is conveniently located just down from the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Come talk about the Camaro, browse the inventory or just to get a cold drink and say "hello."

Labels: Active Fuel Management, Camaro, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Ed Peper, General Motors, Hendrick Automotive Group, Rick Hendrick Durham Auto Mall, Roger Hinton