Sometimes celebrities hear the backhanded compliment, ";You look better in person than you do on TV." Well, that's what we'd have to say about the 2010 Camaro. It is so much better looking in real life than in photographs.

The pictures are not showing a realistic presentation of the intense physicality of the all-new Chevrolet Camaro two-door coupe. Why is it that some people don't come across in pictures the way they do in person? It's that mysterious nuance of what still life cannot capture: the soul.

The Camaro has heart -- and its looks are indescribably too good to be true. When the Camaro is on the road there is a life form alive with a commanding vibrancy that requires attention. You will look at the Camaro.

Praises to the exterior stylists because they get it. They gave us an organic modern day sculpture that respects the authentic American muscle car past. If there's one slight criticism it would be that they went too far with a good thing.

There are some overall visibility issues. Coupes can be notorious for blind spots in the rear. The overcompensation of a very low hung rearview mirror inside a steeply raked windshield backfires, causing a forward visibility obstruction, but no doubt an astute sports coupe enthusiast has the driving concentration to overcome it.

Chevrolet returns the Camaro after a 7-year hiatus as a much different vehicle. The rear-wheel drive four-passenger compact coupe has a fully independent front and rear suspension system.

A first for the Camaro is a standard independent rear suspension, featuring a double-isolated sub frame to minimize movements in the body and dampen the road's imperfections, according to engineers. What we got on our V-6 model with the sport suspension was an even feeling ride void of stiffness jarring harshness.

The Camaro's precise rack-and-pinion steering inspired handling confidence in moving this low-profile 3,700-plus pound coupe around the curved roadways.

The Camaro has two unique suspension systems based on the two powerplant offerings. The standard Camaro -- available in LS and LT trims -- is equipped with the 24-valve, 3.6-liter V-6 and the Sport Suspension. It produces 304 horsepower with 273 lb.-ft. of torque.

The V-6 is mated to an Aisin six-speed manual. A six-speed automatic transmission offered as a $995 option. The manual model is EPA rated at 17 miles per gallon city, 29 mpg highway, while the automatic does 18/29 mpg.

The big engine on the new Camaro is GM's 6.2-liter V-8 with the Performance Suspension. There are two versions of this big boy for the 2010 Camaro SS.

The L99 engine is on the automatic model. The horsepower output from the 6.2-liter V-8 is 400 with 410 lb.-ft. of torque. On the manual transmission V-8 Camaro SS is the LS3 engine that generates 426 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA ratings for the L99 automatic are 16/25 mpg and on the LS3 manual 16/24 mpg.

Standard tires are the BFGoodrich 18-inch touring tires. My test model featured the optional RS package that burnished silver 20-inch Pirelli P-Zero Z-rated summer tires. For those who need it, 19-inch P-Zero Mud+Snow tires can be ordered.

Standard safety equipment on all models includes a comprehensive system, including the robust cage with ultra high-strength steel in key areas.

Six airbags are equipped on the Camaro, as well as StabiliTrak with traction control and ABS. Pricing on the 2010 Camaro begins at $22,995 for the LS and ranges up to a starting price of $30,995 for the V-8 SS.

SPECIFICATIONS

TYPE: RWD compact coupe

BASE PRICE: $23,880

(as tested: $28,030)

ENGINE: 24-valve DOHC V-6 w/DFI

DISPLACEMENT: 3.6-liter

HORSEPOWER (net): 304

at 6400 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed auto

TORQUE (lb.-ft.): 273 at

5200 rpm

WHEELBASE: 112 in.

TRACK (front/rear): 64/64 in.

OVERALL LENGTH: 190 in.

OVERALL WIDTH: 76 in.

HEIGHT: 54 in.

TURNING CIRCLE: 38 ft.

CURB WEIGHT: 3,719 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY: 19 gal.

MILEAGE: 18/29