In January 2006, the Chevy Camaro concept car was revealed at the Detroit auto show. The engine and transmission were typical world-class GM: 400-horse LS2 with a six-speed manual. But the best part of this concept was that styling didn't take a back seat to powertrain--GM unleashed the edgy, aggressive design seen here.
Now in early March, GMHTP has finally been able to confirm that a new Chevy Camaro will start production in early 2009 as a 2010 model. While many details are still sketchy, we know that its platform will be Zeta and it's looking like the Camaro will be produced in Australia by Holden. Coupes will be built first, and convertibles will start down the assembly line less than a year later. Two engine configurations keep popping up with the word "Camaro": the 240-horse, 3.9-liter LZ8 V-6, and the 300-horse, 5.3-liter LH6 V-8. At this point, there is no word on other optional V-8 engines, but everyone knows that GM has the firepower to dust its rivals in the Ford and DC camps with 350- to 450-horse V-8 options.
But we all know GM's powertrain rocks--the big news here is this concept's design. We have our own feelings on it, but wanted to see what other enthusiasts thought about the concept Camaro.
NAME: Jason Debler
AGE: 33
HOMETOWN: Clinton Township, MI
OCCUPATION: Web & Internet Developer
CAMAROS OR PERFORMANCE GMS OWNED: 1996 Camaro SS, 2002 Camaro SS
What was your initial impression when the Camaro Concept was revealed?
Initial impression: Complete awe. Second impression five seconds later--I want one right frickin' now.
In your opinion, was the Camaro Concept's design more futuristic or more retro?
More futuristic. If there were no '69 Camaro to compare it to, it would look like it is to be built 10 years from now.
What aspects of the Concept's styling did you like?
The wheels, the size, the stance, and how it looks aggressive and yet refined and serious. In one of our Podcasts, I said "It looks like angry sex on wheels." If that doesn't say "Camaro" in a manner that everyone wants to say but is too shy to say, nothing does.
What aspects of its styling did you dislike?
The interior is a bit overdone, but I also realize that this is a concept for the most part and I don't expect it to be quite as bold in a production version.
Did you feel that, as a whole, the car's design "pulled together well" or not?
Without a doubt, it pulled together very well.
If a new Camaro were to be based off of GM's global rear-drive platform, would a Camaro with foreign underpinnings be any more or less desirable to you?
If "foreign" means "Australian," I would have no problems with it. I met some of the Aussie engineers who are working on it--sharp guys indeed.
In your opinion, at what price would a base V-8 version be affordable to an average performance enthusiast?
$26,000 - $31,000
What trim level options (RS, Z28, SS) do you think should be included in a new Camaro?
All three, plus a total 'Stang and Challenger destroyer ZL-1 package.
If GM offers optional, 400-plus-horsepower V-8s in a more expensive trim level, would you be willing to pay low- to mid-30s for this Camaro?
Yes.
Do you have a preference on whether it is produced with a live axle or IRS?No preference as long as it is strong.
GM hasn't built an F-body since 2002; how has that affected you, personally or professionally?
Personally, it affected me a great deal. I, like many others, felt that I lost a good friend. Our site (CamaroZ28.com) is the largest Camaro enthusiast site on the Net, and we shared that pain with many thousands.
How would you rate the Concept's design compared to any of the past production Camaros?
I think there was more thought put into it, since there seems to be a lot on the line ... potentially a new generation.
Rate this Concept on a scale of 1 to 10.
9
If an IRS-based, V-8 production version looked identical to the Concept Camaro and sold for $25,000, would you buy it?
I'd be first in line, no question about it.
Do you have any other comments on the Concept Camaro and its future?
If the reaction to the concept is any indication of how well the production version will do, this car is a sure winner. Again, I want one right frickin' now.
NAME: Jim Campisano
AGE:HOMETOWN: Livingston, NJ
OCCUPATION: Editor, Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords
CAMAROS OR PERFORMANCE GMS OWNED: '69 and '84 Corvettes
What was your initial impression when the Camaro Concept was revealed?
Overall, very positive. It's got presence. Love everything but the grille.
In your opinion, was the Camaro Concept's design more futuristic or more retro?
More retro, but a good mix of the two. It definitely says "Camaro," but not in an overly old-school way.
What aspects of the Concept's styling did you like?
The rear is extremely ballsy. Lots of C6 Corvette, which I like.
What aspects of its styling did you dislike?
The grille. Looks like one guy designed the grille and someone else did the rest of the car. Taillights are also pretty weak.
Did you feel that, as a whole, the car's design "pulled together well" or not?
GM pulled it off nicely.
If a new Camaro were to be based off of GM's global rear-drive platform, would a Camaro with foreign underpinnings be any more or less desirable to you?
Given GM's current state of affairs, it's a big plus.
In your opinion, at what price would a base V-8 version be affordable to an average performance enthusiast?
It has to compete with the Mustang at about $24,500.
What trim level options (RS, Z28, SS) do you think should be included in a new Camaro?
Base V-6 coupe, Z28 for midlevel V-8 engine (say 350 horse) and SS for 400-horse LS2. If there is more power to be had, like a Z06 engine, call it the ZL-1.
If GM offers optional, 400-plus-horsepower V-8s in a more expensive trim level, would you be willing to pay low- to mid-30s for this Camaro?
Low 30s.
Do you have a preference on whether it is produced with a live axle or IRS?
Live.
GM hasn't built an F-body since 2002; how has that affected you, personally or professionally?
Not being able to do new car shootouts has been a downer professionally; personally, not at all because I never lusted after the Fourth-Gen Camaro. As an American, it's embarrassing GM doesn't offer a low-priced performance alternative to the Mustang.
How would you rate the Concept's design compared to any of the past production Camaros?
It has a lot of potential.
Rate this Concept on a scale of 1 to 10.
8.5
If an IRS-based, V-8 production version looked identical to the Concept Camaro and sold for $25,000, would you buy it?
As long as it had the 400-horse engine. And a functional cowl-induction hood.
Do you have any other comments on the Concept Camaro and its future?
GM needs to remember all the reasons the Fourth-Gen cars were such a flop in the marketplace and ensure this does not happen again, because this is the last chance they'll have to get it right.