NAME: Jim McIlvaine
AGE: 33
HOMETOWN: Racine, Wisconsin
OCCUPATION: Contributing editor, broadcaster
CAMAROS OR PERFORMANCE GMS OWNED: '96 Impala SS, '99 Z28, '02 Camaro SS
What was your initial impression when the Camaro Concept was revealed?
I thought it looked strikingly similar to the concept Camaro created by Kris Horton back in 2003. The First-Gen influence is very clear and I think the popularity of the Pro-Touring movement is also evident.
In your opinion, was the Camaro Concept's design more futuristic or more retro?
I think there are too many design cues from the First-Gen Camaro to not consider this concept retro. Automakers seem to have a "follow the herd" mentality and with retro designs being the hot ticket in recent years. It's not surprising to see them continue to add passengers on that bandwagon.
What aspects of the Concept's styling did you like?
I think most people take it for granted that this was just going to be a two-door coupe, but imagine the response if they decided to make it a four-door, like the Charger? I think without question the fact that we're talking about a two-door coupe and not a corporately-compromised "sport sedan" is huge.
What aspects of its styling did you dislike?
I think the overall execution of the styling is excellent, but the fact is as long as there are ponycars, people will compare them to each other. I think Ford did a very solid job with the Mustang and they get bonus points for actually having the car in showroom floors, but I like the styling of the Camaro concept better. However, when I compare it to the Challenger concept, I'd have to give the edge to Dodge. I think Dodge managed to pull more of the overall feel of the original Challenger into their new design than Chevy was able to do with their Camaro.
Did you feel that, as a whole, the car's design "pulled together well" or not?
I think GM did a very solid job of putting together the essential pieces for a modern musclecar--a V-8 up front, two doors down the side and the drive wheels in the rear, all wrapped in a package that has the immediate potential to be labeled as "sinister" or "menacing."
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?
Some purists will never be happy with anything not totally designed and built within the friendly confines of the USA. For the masses (which is who GM is primarily concerned with), all the essential elements will be there and those folks will probably give little thought as to which other models might be sharing common parts. How loudly can anyone who bought a Canadian-built Camaro really complain anyway?
In your opinion, at what price would a base V-8 version be affordable to an average performance enthusiast?I would expect the Camaro would be priced within a few hundred dollars of the competition. If a few hundred dollars more than the Mustang makes the Camaro more viable in the long run for the number-crunchers, I'm willing to take the hit as long as I know I'm getting a superior car right out of the box.
What trim level options (RS, Z28, SS) do you think should be included in a new Camaro?
I think the Z28 and SS models are no-brainers, but there should be a more significant difference between the two than there was in last few years of the fourth generation in terms of performance. The Rally Sport designation has a great deal of history as well, but it has been associated in recent years with the V-6 models. The hardcore bunch would love to have a bare bones model, but the lawyers and beancounters seem to control the likelihood of that happening.
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?
It would really depend on the base engine. If I didn't plan on modifying it, I might go for that option, but if I had the bug, I'd just go the cheapest route I could. GM has really done a pretty good job of making the life of an aftermarket supplier difficult. When you look at the new Z06s, you see a car that incorporates much of what the aftermarket has been doing to these cars for the past several years--a 505-horsepower, 7.0 engine, with a dry-sump oiling system, massive brakes and larger wheels. I wouldn't be surprised to see GM offer a Camaro that covers many of the bases currently handled by the aftermarket.
Do you have a preference on whether it is produced with a live axle or IRS?
If they could find an IRS system that could stand up to the kind of abuse so many Camaro owners seem to enjoy, I would prefer that option. Otherwise, I'd love to see a 12-bolt find its way onto the car.
GM hasn't built an F-body since 2002; how has that affected you, personally or professionally?
Although Ford has found a way to continue Mustang production uninterrupted, I suppose the demise of the F-body is to be expected in this industry. I'd rather have it go away altogether, than have a Camaro badge slapped on an Aveo.
How would you rate the Concept's design compared to any of the past production Camaros?
I think the designs of the previous generations all represent a dramatic departure from the model they replaced in terms of styling, and the Fifth Generation is no exception. I think the big difference is that this is the first one to draw heavily on the cues of a previous generation. In a way, it's still breaking new ground, because it's going where no previous design had--back to the beginning.
Rate this Concept on a scale of 1 to 10.
8. GM seems to have most of the right ingredients, but there is always room for improvement.
If an IRS-based, V-8 production version looked identical to the Concept Camaro and sold for $25,000, would you buy it?
That would depend on when they got around to building it and how it measured up to the competition. One of the downfalls of putting a legacy out to pasture is that it opens the door for the competition. I like the appearance of the Mustang and Challenger concept enough to give them consideration in the process. These are ponycars and as is so often the case, I think many consumers will make their decision based on who can give them the most bang for their buck.
NAME: Brian Reese
AGE: 31
HOMETOWN: Toms River, NJ
OCCUPATION: SLP Director of Engineering
CAMAROS OR PERFORMANCE GMS OWNED: '04 Cadillac Escalade "V"
What was your initial impression when the Camaro Concept was revealed?
Wow, they're actually doing it? GM was initially adamant about killing the name when they announced the Fourth-Gen's curtain call. In my opinion, they lost almost four years of brand enthusiasm and loyalty by waiting so long to introduce the concept. I never understood giving this market segment to Ford (figured the Impala/Caprice gift to Ford was mistake enough), nevertheless, I'm thrilled it is back in the works!
In your opinion, was the Camaro Concept's design more futuristic or more retro?
The concept is good blend of both nostalgia (the obvious heritage styling influence) and GM today (the sharp, bold lines and emphasis on power). I give an A+ for the clean sheet approach.
What aspects of the Concept's styling did you like?
Wide body, great stance, massive rollers, aggressive look ... generally, it looks bad-ass. The interior is hot and I am happy it is, because an "afterthought" interior could wreck a solid concept like this. GM needs more of this.
What aspects of its styling did you dislike?
Only the cheap-looking grille (although it is a noted improvement over the bland Fourth-Gen grilles). Very 'Chevy' like.
Did you feel that, as a whole, the car's design "pulled together well" or not?
Extremely well. Now, please get it to production without watering it down too much. I question if some of the razor-sharp items like the side mirrors will make it...
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?
Less desirable. I am not interested in "European-spec" bolt patterns on wheels, and other anomalies like we found on the Aussie-based GTO.
In your opinion, at what price would a base V-8 version be affordable to an average performance enthusiast?
Base Z28 for $26,900. Assuming the base V-8 model will spank the Mustang GT, I'm sure GM could command at least a grand more than the GT, for starters. I'm also betting the coupe version of the Hemi cars will come in less than the 30K+ they get for the four-doors.
What trim level options (RS, Z28, SS) do you think should be included in a new Camaro?
Here is what I'd like to see: RS--V-6 car, Z28--LS2, SS--LS7. The Fourth-Gen SS should have got the LS6 nod in my opinion. Remember the last Cobra Mustang? Chevy NEEDS an LS7 Camaro SS!
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, see above. If GM doesn't offer optional V-8 upgrades in this Camaro, I think they're making a mistake.
Do you have a preference on whether it is produced with a live axle or IRS?
I'd prefer an IRS, but I say that cautiously. If they going to do anything like the GTO, I don't want it. If they build off the C6 IRS, I'll take it. If they do go live axle, I'd want to see a capable rear--at least an 8.5.
GM hasn't built an F-body since 2002; how has that affected you, personally or professionally?
Professionally--the F-body was my day-to-day concentration for many years. The absence of the F-body forced me (and others) to look at other manufacturers and other platforms. Personally--the last F-body I owned was a 1986 IROC-Z. I couldn't afford the LT1 cars, or the insurance. By the time I was in the market to buy an LS1 car, I was already working at SLP and was surrounded by an army of F-bodies (the Ultra-Z was my daily driver for over two years). Honestly, the Fourth-Gen styling wasn't my favorite, so I never "owned" one. I can almost promise you, I'll be a "Fifth-Gen" owner if they deliver on this concept.
How would you rate the Concept's design compared to any of the past production Camaros?
Outstanding. I thought the Fourth Gen was due for a serious facelift. This concept is possibly GM's first retro-model that actually gets me excited.
Rate this Concept on a scale of 1 to 10.
8.5: I would have gone 9.5 if they would have at least teased us with an LS7 SS. I'm saving 0.5 for the grille.
If an IRS-based, V-8 production version looked identical to the Concept Camaro and sold for $25,000, would you buy it?
Yes, without a doubt.
Do you have any other comments on the Concept Camaro and its future?
I would love to see the General get it right on this one. The concept is certainly promising. GM has been flexing its powertrain muscle since 2005--dropping LS2s in across the board, adding blowers to Caddys, the LS7, etc ... I say, keep the momentum going, follow my powertrain plan for RS/Z28/SS.