Chevy is quite serious about bringing the fight to the Ford GT500 with its new Camaro ZL1. So serious, in fact, that they are giving it a ludicrous 580hp, more than even the CTS-V. They are even claiming that the new ZL1 will not be only a straight line monster, but a truly track capable machine as well.

In order to make it track-ready, the new ZL1 will feature cooling for the differential and engine oil, and a new version of their magnetic ride control system. This new ride control system will offer five different traction modes, even one for VHT prepped drag racing surfaces. The ZL1 and GT500 fight is looking to be a knock down, drag out bar brawl. Get excited.

We have more good news from GM. The news on the Chevy Equinox in particular isn’t surprising. It’s a sharp-looking vehicle with a very reasonable price, so it’s perfect for the current climate.

General Motors is examining ways to ramp up production of four newer models that are selling well above its expectations, a GM spokesman said on Wednesday.

All four models are greatly revamped from previous versions and one, the Chevrolet Camaro, was resurrected five months ago after being out of production for seven years.

The four models are the Chevrolet Equinox, a crossover utility vehicle; Buick LaCrosse, a sedan; Cadillac SRX, also a crossover; and the Camaro, a sports car.

The potential increase in production at GM could prompt more workers to be recalled from layoff, a rare bright spot for the world’s No. 2 automaker just two months after it emerged from bankruptcy protection.

GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson said GM knew it would have to increase production of some of its models after a summer when inventory levels were at unsustainably low levels, but that these four models in particular had outstripped expectations.

GM said it will also look for a second production plant for the Equinox, which is now assembled at the CAMI Automotive plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, which GM owns with Suzuki Motor (7269.T). The Terrain is also built there.

Sales for the 2010 model Equinox were about 9,900 through September 15. The redesigned Equinox was launched in June.

September will be a critical month. It’s important that sales don’t fall off too much following the end of the cash for clunkers program.

Chevy has a legitimate hit on its hands with the new Camaro. For the second straight month, Camaro sales have topped sales for the Ford Mustang.

With all the talk about fuel efficient vehicles, it’s nice to see Americans embracing cars that bring back the romantic vision of cars that marked American in the 20th century.

The news this year has been pretty grim for GM, but they have some good news this week as the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro hits what’s left of their showrooms. The car is beautiful, and it’s joining some other legendary car nameplates from the past as well.

The arrival of the 2010 Camaro in Chevrolet showrooms this week marks the replay of an automotive rivalry that goes back 35 years.

The Camaro is set to relive the ’60’s pony car wars with its historic rivals from Ford and Dodge. The Camaro versus Mustang versus Challenger rivalry is deeply etched into the popular psyche, with nameplate loyalty that goes back generations in some families.

Unlike humans, the cars have not mellowed with age. These muscle cars are sharper and better. While the new cars look a lot like the originals, they certainly don’t drive like them.

With these cars there is no reason to pine for “the good old days.” Although pre-pollution-control cars of the 60’s were quick, they can’t hold a candle to the new breed of pony cars. Not only do the new cars come with about the same amount of power, they get better gas mileage and produce a cleaner exhaust. They can handily out-handle, and out-brake their namesake.

Sales of the Camaro are hot, and they’re certainly helped by the incredible success of the new Transformers movie. The film has received some pretty bad reviews, but the cars are the stars, and that’s great news for GM. If you’re looking to own one, you can find a great deal on a Chevrolet Camaro today.