This year, SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) is debuting its "Hottest Vehicle" Awards. Up for the inaugural prize are the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang, among several others. The Hottest Car will be unveiled at the 2010 SEMA Show in the first week of November. I'm not sure which results I'm anticipating more, the SEMA Hottest Vehicle Awards or the midterm election results. Okay, maybe I am sure.
Also on the list are the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Soul. I mention these because they are the other models of note involved that I personally would consider for this award. But giving what I think the spirit of the award really is, I think I'll make my case for the Chevy Camaro. If you're talking about a "hot" car, I'm not sure you can move too far away from muscle, and muscle combined with attitude embodies the 2010 Camaro.
Even SEMA has said that the Camaro is the front-runner currently, beating out its wannabe competition of the Mustang and Challenger. To be clear, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS has a ridiculous motor. Taking the 6.2-liter pushrod LS3 V8 from the Corvette, the Camaro SS pumps 426 hp and 420 pound-feet of torque.
And the Camaro is a class-leading handle. Whipping the Camaro into a corner without any worry is a clear advantage over the competition. The Chevy Camaro outdid the Mustang in the slalom at more than 68 mph, despite sporting a little less grip and weighing hundreds of pounds more. That's the mark of a truly "hot" ride.
The exterior presence of this car cannot be overlooked either. The 2010 Chevy Camaro looks poised to pounce at all times and provides a very modern update to the classic muscle car look. I'm almost certain SEMA will be sending the blue ribbon or gold medal or comprehensive cheese platter (whatever it is they crown it with) to the Camaro. In the world of hot cars, Chevy's Camaro reigns above the lukewarm.