AMERICAN icon Chevrolet is marking its centenary with two new models at the extremes of modern motoring.
One is a classic V8 muscle machine – 20 to the gallon if you’re lucky - and the other a high tech eco champion which theoretically can break the 200mpg barrier.
Both are part of the brand’s latest line up which has just gone on parade in Switzerland – the birthplace of Louis Chevrolet.
At one end of the scale is the Chevrolet Volt, a so-called range extender electric vehicle, sister model to the Vauxhall Ampera and a car of the future.
At the other is an all-new Camaro – the latest take on the American legend first seen in 1967.
Priced from £34,995 for a coupe and £39,995 for a convertible, the new Camaro will be on sale next spring but available in left hand drive only.
Nevertheless, it’s a huge amount of metal for the money and the Camaro is absolutely commanding on the road.
With racing stripes emphasising its sporty credentials and the bonnet dominated by a huge power bulge it is a car which pulls no punches.
The V8 pumps out 432bhp when hooked up to a manual gearbox or 405bhp as a six speed automatic.
It is easier to drive as an auto – the manual is a bit of a handful – and the acceleration is dramatic at 5.5 seconds 0 to 60 for the coupe. The convertible is a fraction slower but both top out at 155mph.
For a 2+2 built with the US highways in mind it handles surprisingly well and the interior has some little traits to help live out that American dream.
A cluster of rectangular instruments in front of the gearlever is a retro touch from the original while a head up display in front of the driver wrenches the Camaro cockpit into the 21st century.
Mighty though the engine is, the thunder from the exhaust under acceleration arrives only when pushed hard. At low speeds there’s only a rumble but the sheer size of the Camaro leaves sufficient impression.
It is a genuine piece of American automotive culture brought bang up to date but true to form it has a remarkable thirst.
Cars of this ilk have a gas guzzling image and despite a fuel management system which can shut down half the cylinders when driving the automatic gently it still drinks petrol at the rate of 21.5 mpg with CO2 emissions of 304g/km.
In the heyday of the original Camaro that would be hailed as economical and fast forwarding 40 years sees Chevrolet blazing another trail along that fuel saving route.
Spearheading the electric revolution is no light responsibility and Chevrolet’s solution it is sharing with Vauxhall is simply brilliant.
While other manufacturers have opted for battery powered cars in the quest for emission free motoring, Chevrolet is taking things a step further with the Volt which uses batteries plus a small petrol engine to provide electricity.
On battery power alone the Volt has a range of around 50 miles. Travel further and a 1.4-litre petrol engine cuts in to generate more power.
At all times the Volt is driven by electricity but without the worry of being marooned with a flat battery.
Get low on fuel before you can recharge the battery – it takes eight hours from a household supply – and you just pop into the nearest filling station as per normal.
Overall the Volt has a range of around 300 miles and achieves the equivalent of an amazing 235 miles to the gallon.
Okay, the Volt is not entirely emission free as it does burn petrol but under the latest European emission standards it has an official CO2 output of 27g/km - and it is possible to run the car on electricity alone for the daily commute.
A full recharge should cost less than £2 and the potential for savings in running costs are immense.
The Volt will cost £28,545 including the government’s £5,000 subsidy for electric vehicles and comes with high tech instrumentation and leather upholstery.
The facia is dominated by a white gloss centre panel housing touch controls for the onboard systems.
It is a four seater only and has a family-sized 310 litres of cargo space but there is no rear bulkhead separating the passenger compartment from the boot, only a blind. Maximum luggage capacity extends to 1,005 litres making the Volt a practical all rounder as well as an eco marvel.
On the road it is smooth and silent to drive. In areas where pedestrians may be vulnerable a warning tone – quieter than a horn blast – can be generated at the push of a button.
So serene is the ride there is almost a limousine quality to a journey in a Volt and it will perform as well as a conventional model.
Top speed is restricted to 100mph with a 0 to 60 acceleration of around nine seconds and the Volt is fitted with a multi-mode drive control which can sharpen throttle response.
Cleverly the Volt can be primed to tackle hilly routes and there is also a facility to conserve battery power during a journey to allow emission free motoring in towns.
Chevrolet – like Vauxhall – is well aware most motorists will accept electric vehicles only if there is little change to their daily driving lifestyle and the range extender concept of the Volt manages that perfectly.
Alongside the Ampera it will be on sale by March of next year and at the moment it is the most sensible compromise when it comes to making the switch to electric cars.