The impractical reason for buying a sports car is to make a statement. But if you’re in the market for making statements, nothing makes its point quite as nicely as the new-generation Chevrolet Camaro. For those still looking to sell the idea to a friend or family member, there is a catch: If there was ever a chance of cybernetic aliens invading Earth, the Camaro seems to be a popular choice to rebuff their attacks with the limited-edition Transformer model, offered on the heels of the widely popular movie. Oh, and it has four seats in a 2-door package.
Fortunately, Steve Patyk didn’t have to deal with any of that. But he did take a bit of a risk when, in July 2009, he ordered the car before he had secured a job. The Transformer package honoring the character Bumblebee included an Autobot shield badge on the driver and passenger side panels, Autobot shields on each of the wheels’ center caps, and an embroidered shield on the center console. The door sills, which traditionally render stylized Camaro lettering, now display Transformers logos. Finally, the exterior features a high-gloss black rally stripe with an embedded Transformers ghost logo. The exterior paint is Rally Yellow, just like the character in the movie.
But Patyk didn’t stop there. He added his own touch of creativity by installing retro gauges in the center console to monitor oil pressure and temperature, transmission temperature, and voltage.
| Stats box |
| » Engine: 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 » Transmission: 6-speed manual |
| » Horsepower: 426 |
| » Wheels: 20 x 8 aluminum (front), 20 x 9 aluminum (rear) |
| » Interior: cloth interior, XM Satellite radio, MP3 player |
| » Exterior: red and black Chevy bow tie emblem |
He hopes to eventually have enough money to add an LS9 supercharger package capable of upping the 426 horsepower output to a whopping 650 horses. But, he said, “A garage and house come first.”
So far, his biggest challenge with the vehicle is trying not to drive it too much. Patyk leaves daily driving duties to another car he owns.
What do you drive? I drive a manual 2010 SS Camaro, Rally Yellow, with the Transformers package.
Why do you drive it? To keep me safe from Decepticons! Honestly, it was an economical choice. The 426 hp V-8 engine is just a bonus.
What makes this car so special? There were only 542 manual Camaro SS units produced in 2010.
What is your most memorable driving experience with this car? Driving by the set of “Transformers 3” when they were taping in D.C. People went nuts when they saw me drive by in “Bumblebee.”
What was the first vehicle you owned? A 1992 Saturn SC2. The sunroof leaked, only one speaker worked, and it leaked oil. It did have power windows and flip-up headlights.
What music are you currently listening to in your car? I have satellite radio but I mostly listen to the “Chill” station, it keeps me from speeding too much.
And your first ticket? What was it for? That dang Saturn didn’t have a license plate mount on the front so I didn’t put my front plate on.
