It finally happened. I got behind the wheel of a 2010 Camaro V6 RS. It was at the regional long-lead for the 2009 GM vehicles in Harrimon State Park in New York. It was a pre-production model so I couldn't drive it so I took it out for a sit. Sitting behind the wheel and making vroom-vroom noises, it was like being 30 all over again. The view out through the windshield is commanding, and the low roofline is like having  a factory chopped top.

Seriously, seeing the new car in person was a revelation. It's bold and beautiful, a true 21st century F-body. It looks about the same size as a new Mustang and much smaller than the new Challenger. It makes the Ford look like an anachronism, in fact. It wore optional 20-inch Pirelli tires that really filled the massive wheelwells.

Inside, the interior had some great features. First, the seats may be the best ever used on a Chevrolet product. Amazingly comfortable with excellent side bolstering. Not sure if this is an RS feature, but there was soft leather-like material covering the console and door panels wherever your arms touch. There's a lot of '67 Camaro influence in here, especially the IP and doors.

On the down side, the steering wheel spokes are way too fat at the 9 and 3 positions. Our version had the optional sunroof and we think it cut down on headroom significantly. Six-footers found their noggins almost touching the headliner. Hopefully it'll be better without the open-air option.

Terry Rhadigan, the director of Communications for Chevrolet, told us there were over 5,000 customer orders take the first week the order banks were open. That's very promising.