When the first Camaro was launched way back in 1967 motoring scribes in the US asked Chevrolet product managers the obvious: what is a Camaro? They were told tongue-in-cheek, `it's a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs.' In fact the Camaro name came from the Chevrolet concept of having C-names in the stable: Corvette, Chevy11, Corvelle and Corvair. However, there was undoubted truth in the statement. The Camaro was Chevrolet's response to the Ford Mustang.

Another iconic brand within GM world was also taking on Mustang in 1967: Pontiac Firebird. And the Camaro and the Firebird shared the same architecture and many major components. The tag-team approach was hardly a great success and Ford's Mustang took all before it, before it did an `Elvis' and became morbidly obese in the 1970s.

Camaro had longevity and through a succession of four generations lasted until 2002. The Camaro name was put on hold until a concept car was launched in 2006. That vehicle has gone into production in the US as the fifth generation Camaro and is about to become available in Australia in right hand drive. The world's first RHD version was launched on the Gold Coast as part of the Nikon SuperGP race. The car is a clear descendant of the first-generation 1967 Camaro with a striking Coke-bottle profile. It will become available with full Australian Design Rule compliance and ready to register in all states and territories.

The RHD car, a 6.2-litre V8 model in Inferno Orange Metallic, was revealed by importer, Performax International with the assistance of Australia's best-known Camaro racer Kevin Bartlett. “It's a great piece of gear and the right hand drive conversion has been absolutely without compromise,” said Bartlett.

Queensland-based Performax International is a leading Australian importer and converter of new US-made passenger vehicles for the past 20 years. It predicts strong demand for the Camaro after rave reviews following the car's launch in the US earlier this year.

Camaro SS boasts a six speed transmission hooked up to the big V8 and is priced at $139,000 drive-away. Other variants, including a 3.6 litre V6 will also be available to order from $129,000. “Although much of the design,development and testing of the fifth-generation Camaro was done in Australia by Holden, Performax International has produced a factory-perfect right-hand drive version completely in-house with it's own industry-leading technology,” said General Manager, Nicholas Vandenberg.

“We understand this is the first RHD 2010 Camaro built anywhere in the world and we're proud to be bringing such an eagerly-awaited new car with an iconic badge back to Australia. 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 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 an finish. For something that will be ab absolute standout on Australian roads – and drive as good as it looks – it's great value for money.”

Mr Vandenberg said the company already had half a dozen orders and expect more now that the project is finished. The package includes: GM 318 kW LS3 alloy V8 engine matched to Tremec six-speed manual transmission, StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control, traction control, high-performance Bembro brakes, with four piston aluminium calipers, leather heated seats, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, driver's six way adjustable seat, cruise control, Bluetooth, Boston Acoustic 245 Watt sound system with nine speakers, auxiliary/USB input jacks, leather wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and front, side and curtain airbags. Deliveries are expected to start in December or January following formal ADR certification.