NAME: Brett Rockey
AGE: 36
HOMETOWN: Tampa, Florida
OCCUPATION: Owner - BMR Fabrication Inc.
CAMAROS OR PERFORMANCE GMS OWNED: 1969 Camaro, 1970 Camaro, 1971 Camaro Z28, 1984 Buick GN, 1986 Buick GN, 1994 Camaro Z28, 2000 WS6 Trans Am, 2000 Corvette, 2004 GTO
What was your initial impression when the Camaro Concept was revealed?
My first impression was similar to when GM redesigned the F-Body in 1998, "What are they doing?" Just as I hated the nose redesign in '98, I disliked the nose on this concept. It didn't take long for me to come around, though, both in '98 and now. By the end of '98, I liked the new nose better than the previous design and once I saw the concept in person at Detroit, it started growing on me. The overall presence of the vehicle forces you to overlook the minor dislikes.
In your opinion, was the Camaro Concept's design more futuristic or more retro?
I think it is more futuristic than retro. It's a good blend; however, I feel that both Ford and Dodge were able to "pull it off" more successfully with the new Mustang and Challenger from a design standpoint.
What aspects of the concept's styling did you like?
Mainly those that distinguish the concept as a 1969-based retro. I like the roofline and rear sail panels as well as the upper curve of the rear quarter-panels and lower gills, reminiscent of '69. The interior is awesome. I believe they did a great job making a modern interior with an old flair. I also like the wheels but the chances of 21/22-inch wheels making it to production are slim, especially in a market this car "should be" designed for.
What aspects of its styling did you dislike?
My main dislike is still the nose of the car. It's not quite right. I like every view of the car except the front end. While it is growing on me, it just looks like there is too much frontal area and the grille angles don't look properly proportioned. I am assuming the "tall CTS-like" nose is due to design limitations based on the current donor platform.
Did you feel that, as a whole, the car's design "pulled together well" or not?
Overall, yes, I believe the car "works."
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?
Not at all. General Motors is more global now than they have ever been. I feel this is a benefit to GM as a whole. Mercedes has brought a new refinement level to Dodge and Chrysler by cross-developing vehicles. Saab and Holden are doing the same with GM.
In your opinion, at what price would a base V-8 version be affordable to an average performance enthusiast?
It should be priced identically to the Mustang--base model V-8s starting in the mid-20s. There is no reason GM can't do it if Ford does. This should be a comparable car in every aspect.
What trim level options (RS, Z28, SS) do you think should be included in a new Camaro?
I think there should be four options--Camaro, Z28, RS and SS. The V-6 models should be called Camaros and the Z28 should have the base V-8 with multiple options such as 1LE suspension packages, interior upgrades, etc. Since SS is such a popular name for Chevrolet right now, it should have the premium trim, upgraded wheels and tires, specific badging and the largest, most powerful V-8 available at the time the Camaro is released. All three should come equipped with three-link solid axles similar to what's in the new Mustang.The RS name should return as a car dedicated to road handling complete with IRS and priced under $40K. These four options should appeal to all markets and the two rear suspension options would allow the cars to compete in all forms of racing.
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?
Definitely. In 2002, a WS6-optioned Trans Am was selling for low- to mid-30s with less power and an antiquated platform. Complaints are common that the new Pontiac GTO is overpriced at $33K. However, option-to-option, it is right in the ballpark with the WS6 and SS and it outperforms both of them. If Pontiac offered a solid axle, cloth interior GTO it would start in the mid-to upper-20s. If GM brings the Camaro back with multiple trim and powertrain options, with pricing ranging between $22K to $40K, it will cover all markets and be right on the mark with Ford's new Mustang.
Do you have a preference on whether it is produced with a live axle or IRS?
As mentioned above I feel the car should be optioned with both as Ford did with the previous generation Mustangs. I don't believe it will be possible to produce a V-8, IRS equipped car for $25K (where pricing needs to start); however the IRS market is strong and shouldn't be ignored. Since most of GM's IRS platform cars such as the GTO and Cadillac CTS use rear cradle assemblies, it would not be difficult to produce a live axle assembly and an IRS assembly that were interchangeable.
GM hasn't built an F-body since 2002; how has that affected you, personally or professionally?
For me personally and professionally are the same. I am fortunate in that my profession revolves around my personal interests. When GM announced that they would be canceling the F-Body, it almost felt personal. I have always loved Camaros and have owned seven different F-bodies in the 20 years that I have been driving. It really didn't hit home until they were gone though. Not only did we have to say goodbye to a legend but GM literally left us loyal fans with nothing. In 2003, if you wanted a rear wheel drive, V-8-powered GM product you had to spend $50K for a Corvette or buy a truck. In 2004, we got the GTO but as good as it is, it was not a replacement, nor was it intended to be. Then came the new Mustang, Camaro's direct competitor. Ford did everything right with this car and it has the market all to itself.
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?
In a "Heartbeat."
Do you have any other comments on the Concept Camaro and its future?
The Fourth Generation F-Body didn't sell to GM's expectations, forcing them to close the Canadian production plant two years earlier than originally intended. For this new Camaro to be a success, they need to look at the new Mustang, its direct competitor. GM needs to back the Camaro in all forms of racing as Ford does with the Mustang. The car needs to have endless options. The Mustang starts at $22K but you can option one out with Roush, Saleen, and Cobra packages and exceed $60K, all with factory warranties. The Mustang is equally as appealing to males and females. GM needs to focus on this with the new Camaro, both in advertising and design.