We weren't allowed to drive it, but we were allowed to look at, touch, drool over, and sit in, it. The production version of the much-awaited, redesigned Chevy Camaro was with us at Texas Motor Speedway this week, and I was happy to see it stayed very true to the concept vehicle.

Looking like the classics of the late 60's, the new version has that familiar aggressive front fascia, wide rear fender flares with embossed "vents", and dual exhaust above the twin pairs of tail lights. The very cool, retro-styled interior mixes 1969 aggressiveness, with high-tech refinement. Check out the old-school gauges - complete with center console-mounted pressure and temp - set off against the modern sound system and steering wheel-mounted controls.

The rumor is the base model will feature a 300-hp, injected V6, that will get nearly 26-mpg. for about $23k. Tons of bang for the buck, that also won't make you curse your decision every time you pull up to the pump.

Here are a few pics I took at the event. Click to see the larger version.