Tom Henry Racing 2010 Camaro
Not to be upstaged by the likes of relative newcomers to late-model GMs, Tom Henry Racing will be making its own version of the 2010 Camaro. Those who remember the special edition 2002 Tom Henry SS will not be disappointed by its latest variant, built entirely in-house at the Bakerstown, PA dealer. The obligatory lowering springs and unique wheel package will (of course) adorn all models. Both the V-6 and V-8 model will also sport high-flowing exhaust, cold-air intake, and custom ECM calibration to squeeze out a few more ponies. The V-8 version will also have optional long-tube headers, cross-pipe, and 1.85 ratio rocker arms for an additional boost. Speaking of boost, there will also be an optional supercharger for well over 500 hp! Visual enhancements will also be plentiful including the slick SS grille (V-8s only), optional front splitter, fender "hash marks," matte black tail panel, and body-colored "duck tail" spoiler. All stock Camaro colors are available, or for extra loot you can have the special Tom Henry Racing Jetstream Blue. The fifth-gen seen here is one of the first to receive the THR treatment, and still awaits a few more of the scheduled mods. Check out www.tomhenryracing.com for more information.
GM Treads in Rough Waters
Much to our dismay, Pontiac has bitten the dust-taking with it the G8, the sport sedan that gave us all hope, and a close cousin to the 2010 Camaro. The Solstice/Sky, GM's sassy answer to the Miata, was also a casualty of war-leaving the newly announced Camaro convertible to pick up the slack. Not long after, GM also stated that it has decided to sever ties with approximately 1,100 "underperforming and small volume dealers." Strangely, that does not necessarily include its Saturn, HUMMER, and Saab dealers. GM says it plans to keep over 90 percent of these dealers after these brands cease production. By the end of 2010 GM plans to have around 3,600 dealers throughout the United States.
The good news is that by the time you read this, GM's viability plan should be on the verge of going into effect starting with the launch of the "New GM." This new company will focus on its four core brands (Chevy, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick), while supported by a stronger balance sheet as the result of lowered debt and cost structure. Essential to this, of course, is that the old GM and three of its subsidiaries filed under Chapter 11, for bankruptcy, on June 1st, and the old GM will have to sell all of its global assets to the "New GM." It is unclear what this will mean ultimately for our most beloved automaker, but it's not necessarily all gloom and doom. Assuming GM learns from its mistakes, a clean slate could be just what it needs to become one of the world's best and most profitable manufacturers again.
Grand Sport Corvette Returns
Say good-bye to the Z51 package, and welcome back to the Grand Sport. GM says the new GS can pull 1.0 g on the skidpad, and offers a 0.2-second improvement in 0-60 times over the base LS3 Corvette. A dry sump oiling system, unique 18- and 19-inch rims with a larger set of meats (275/35ZR18, 325/30ZR19), ZO6 six-piston 14-inch front and four-piston 13.4-inch rear brakes, wider fenders with optional "hash marks" on the front, and a ZO6-style front splitter and tall rear spoiler separate the GS from the base Corvette. Different gear ratios enhance the six-speed manual trans, though the six-speed auto (same as base Vette) is also available. The GS is available as a convertible, in all of the Vette's exterior colors except with the available stripes and two-tone seats complete with Grand Sport embroidery. The new GS truly bridges the gap, as the more obtainable kid brother of the ZO6.
News?
Please send all news and corrections to: scott.parker@sorc.com, or mail to: GM High-Tech Performance, 9036 Brittany Way, Tampa, FL 33619.