Word from GM’s chief engineer for global rear-wheel-drive vehicles, Doug Houlihan, is that the V8-powered Camaro SS has run a Nurburging lap time of 8m 20s, putting it up against the likes of the E36 BMW M3 and the 993 Porsche 911 GT3 in terms of performance. However, the lap time is almost a full minute behind the latest crop of supercars and super-sports cars like GM’s own Corvette ZR1 running the ring in just 7m 26s and the Nissan GT-R completing it in 7m 29s.

Speaking with Edmunds, Houlihan explained that the Nurburging track sessions helped engineers determine the best tire, steering and suspension settings for the car – all of which improve more mundane public road driving as well. The engine was the stock standard 6.2L L99 V8 rated at 422hp (314kW) and 408lb-ft (553Nm) of torque.

All 2010 Camaro models, both V6 and V8, feature the latest StabiliTrak stability control system, while the SS also gets the same computer controlled active handling system as the Corvette. Owners will be able to select a special track mode in the SS, which can fully disable the car’s electronic stability and traction control. An additional feature is a special launch control mode for the manual models.

GM's Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser, owner of a first-generation Camaro Convertible himself, said that the 3.6 liter V6 which produces 300-hp goes from 0-60 in 6.1 seconds regardless of a manual or automatic transmission. The V6 LS and LT will cover a quarter-mile in 14.5 seconds with an automatic transmission and 14.7 with a manual. Braking power allows a 60 to 0 stop in 132 feet.

Source: Motor Authority