One for the Ages
Camaro Concept at the 2006 NAIAS
By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman
Well, by now, many of you have seen the hoopla unfold before your very eyes on our webcast (if not, you can view it online), and the secret is finally confirmed: we introduced a Chevrolet Camaro concept car.
If I had a dime for every time I’ve read the word “Camaro” in your comments on this blog in the past year, I could have financed the concept car out of my own pocket! And I would have… I like it that much.
If anything, it proves that we’ve been listening… to the rear-drive faithful… to the Camaro fanatics… and to those who say GM can’t do anything exciting. I think our design staff did a great job on the concept, which really demonstrates the renewed focus on design throughout GM.
Camaro Concept at the 2006 NAIAS
It recaptures the spirit of the first generation Camaro, one of the most popular sport coupes ever, and redefines it for new generations. But, and this is a big but, it’s not just a retro car, it’s a great design in and of itself. It truly demonstrates passion and performance, inside and out… in everything from the deeply-dished aluminum gauge faces and the three-spoke steering wheel to the 400-horsepower aluminum V8 engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The chassis is also state of the art, with four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. And don’t forget the big tires, 21 inches up front and 22 inches at the rear.
And for those of you who might say, “Well, the Challenger has 35 hp more,” I would just reply that we have a certified 1OO more on tap from the ZO6 engine, should the need arise.
Make no mistake: We would love to build this car. I would love to have one in my garage. But we cannot commit to it just yet. Circumstances dictate that we have other priorities that come first. For now, we’ll just enjoy what we have, and find out what everybody thinks about it, and we’ll make a final decision on it at our earliest opportunity.
Well, what do you think of it?
- Posted in Auto Shows, Bob Lutz
rekab
Sweet! Will there ever be a Pontiac model on the same platform?
jcrew
Good job guys! If you build it and they will come.
Creed Crutchfield
Absolutely unreal. Few words to describe the looks. If the production car is not exactly the same, don’t bother. Changing anything about this original look would be detrimental to its sales. GM has a terrible history of spinning off cars that are not true to their original concept. The Solstice remained true; I believe the Camaro will too. Bravo!
C3
Jeff
I think it looks beautiful for the most part. I definitely see the influence of the 69 especially (my favorite year for Camaro), but this car is not truly retro - and that’s a good thing. While the new Challenger looks very nice (and is extremely retro), this design is much more breathtaking.
I understand that GM execs cannot publicly comment on whether or not this car is going to make production, but GM needs this vehicle. The Challenger is going to hit next year. The Mustang is already here. GM needs a great RWD V8 power coupe with strogn sales volume. Please get this thing out so I can stick with GM and not go and buy a Challenger!
Chad Green
This is what I’ve been waiting for. I want it!
9c1 lover
Bob, put that thing out as is. Immediately. Three years is too long to give up to the Mustang and LX cars, not to mention anything else that comes along.
If this comes out on anything resembling the GTO’s powertrain, a word of advice from the drag racing community. If you are going to put IRS in it, which is great for a lot of people, especially those who are going to use it as a daily driver, consider some of the upgrades BMR has released, and address some of those drivetrain shortcomings. These cars WILL be raced. Immediately.
Tutor
As a Camaro owner, I’d say it’s about halfway there. But I can’t yet put my finger on what it’s missing. I can’t decide if it’s too retro or not retro enough.
One thing it is, though, is late. I hope there’s still enthusiasm for the retro-muscle car in two years when this thing could hit the lots.
Regardless, though, welcome back Camaro. We missed ya.
Tired_of_waiting
“But we cannot commit to it just yet. Circumstances dictate that we have other priorities that come first.”
This is the epitome of bad management. This decision is easy to make and should have been made five years ago. I, for one, have been waiting for a new camaro since 1999. I’m not waiting ’til 2009.
I’m tired of waiting. Too little too late. Time to go buy a mustang.
Hello and goodbye to the new camaro.
Ayocee
Make it price-competitive with the Mustang GT and the Challenger, and I will drive right on down to the nearest Chevrolet dealer and order one.
Red, with a LS2 and T-56, of course.
Brandon
Having been an F-body enthusiast since shortly out of the womb, I can tell you I really like the direction of the design. I love that the engines appears to not be under the dash, and that it pays tribute to the 1st gen.
However I will say this, it needs to be priced accordingly. If this is a mid $30k car it’s going to fail like the GTO did. The Camaro needs to be priced in the low to mid 20’s for it to succeed.
Hope you guys can get this to market much faster then is reported. To wait 3 more years seems a real shame.
Chris C
Mr Lutz, I love this car. The design language, while hinting at past camaros, is most definately a modern, futuristic shape with great creased lines. This would be a great family look for all chevrolet cars. Two things I must caution, Dodge has come to market with two very expressive and dynamically capable RWD vehicles that owners are raving about. Chevrolet must compete with products that go beyond being good transportation, but make owners enthusiasts. Second, if and when Camaro, or Enclave for that matter, come out in production form, leave as much of that concept aura intact. The G6 concept was beyond stunning, but the production version, while a good looking car, lost that special something. Don’t let the engineers water down your design departments talent!
Eric
Looks Great!
Make a high-quality interior (don’t even bother benchmarking the Mustang’s) and you’ll have Ford running away with its tail between its legs. Offer great engines including the L6 and LS2/LS7 V8s, and Ford will positively be in a world of hurt.
Keep the weight down and don’t change the show car, and GM’s looking at a major hit!
talonsaab
Just do it! However it needs to be priced close to the Mustang or at least have the same value for the money. I’m sure the dynamics will be a lot better.
Tim Geisler
Well, bob, As an owner of 2 firebirds… you’ll probably hear me griping about bringing out the Camaro’s long time companion.
But… While I’m a member of several message boards, GM Product, and Camaro z28 Boards I will tell you, the general impression is Good, you can ask Scott Settlemire to confirm but the general impression is tremendous. At Camaroz28.com last I checked the vote was about 197-20 in favor of the design. Those are pure enthusiast giving it a 90% acceptance. Also some posts also commented that this New concept, while looking better then the leaked images, makes the new mustang look 20 years old, and the upcoming charger looke 35 years old.
I have also heard that this new concept has also got some of the Mopar guys a little excited.
I Think the intierior design needs a complete revamp, and we cannot stress enough that this car must be significantly tested in the wind tunnel. because I’ve put my 02 trans am 3 times over legals speeds and have been satisfied with its performance… hopefully you can do the same for upcomming products.
It looks a bit futuristic, and I’d say when you are to push it into production, increase that future look just a tid bit.
Bob, we’ve been told to keep the faith for over 4 years now… When can we stop holding our breaths give GM a vehicle sale? Many of my friends have had to settle for corvettes because there wasnt a camaro avalible to buy…
Bring it back bob, you had to do the original announcement that it was leaving… bring it back bob!
ohh yea, give me another trans am would you
John
Hey gang, the car sure looks beautiful!
Now how about fixing the link at http://www.gm.com/company/gm_exp_live/events/la_2006/press/en/cc01_02_en.pdf
so we can see the specs on the concept?
And could you all have provided more of a buzzkill with the whole “we cannot commit to it just yet” thing?
I mean, if half the business journalists out there say that GM’s got a better than 50% chance of declaring bankruptcy in 2006, it’s not like building a car that GM fans WANT is really a risky move.
Andy
Mr. Lutz:
The Camaro looks great! But how many years will GM try to live off memories of the past, catering to boomers who may have a mid life crisis and want to drag race a 400 hp car?
I suggest a moratarium on retro concept cars that appeal to people at auto shows, until GM has REAL high volume, best in class competitors for the Camry, Sienna, and Corolla.
I said this a year ago, and I’ll say it again. Focus on HIGH VOLUME, BEST IN CLASS vehicles. All other vehicles should be very low priority.
Kristy
LOVE the car! Now make it soon and make it affordable. I want a red one.
Bob Larson
Well, much better than the Mustang. Possibly a toss-up with the Challenger. The outside is nearly great, maybe fully great in person? The interior is a bit too retro for my taste, although I love the revival of the center mounted quad gauge pack. The problem with this car, in my opinion, is that while jazzy to look at it doesn’t define much if anything really new. There was a time when GM would bring new cars to the market that, visually at least, would send everybody back to the drawing boards. That’s leadership. The 1984 Corvette is a great example if you look at clunky competitors at the time like the Z car–modern as tomorrow, you might say. That kind of confident GM design, coupled with world class quality, fit and finish, is the absolute key to future product success.
And GM has had a number of concept vehicles in recent years that closely qualify, but not too much like that that’s actually come to market so far. In a way, I’d rather see the Cadillac Cien arrive (even though I couldn’t afford it) than this Camaro. But I also hope you make this car, with at least as much visual flair. I wince when I think of the gorgeous California Concept Camaro, which was lamely followed by the actual 1993 production car. The XLR is another regrettable watering down of a great and original design (Evoq). I hope if the Camaro isn’t out until 2009, you can work a little more innovation and leadership into the design and technology, and don’t be afraid to better the Corvette in some ways!
Best Regards,
Bob Larson
(2004 Corvette coupe; 2005 GMC Envoy XUV)
Live2redline
I love it, keep the production model just like it, then I only have one question? Where do I place my deposit? BUILD IT..AND THEY WILL COME
Bobby
Build that thing and Ill be checking it out in show rooms. Nothing beats a 69 in terms of looks. Love the fast back stretched roofline, and functioning shark gills. A ZL1 Performance division LS7 would be sick if money were no option like the COPO, but as Im not loaded, I want to know how much the corner carving Z28 is? Where can we get a model of this concept?
The Tail lights need more 69. The top of the front fenders could be slightly bulged out at the top. Do you think you could alleveate some back pressure by letting it through the grille and out the cowl? Front brake cooler ducts from somewhere in the front openings. These arent knocks, Ive had this idea of building an ultimate 383 road racer 69 with IRS camaro BMW competition for years…
LS 1st Gen
Amazing. Simply amazing. My hat goes off to Mr. Settlemire, Mr. Lutz, and anyone else who made this day possible. I, like many other Camaro enthusiasts, have been following the drama that has been the Camaro story since around 1999-2000 when the first rumors of the cancellation came about. This is exactly what I have been waiting for. Thank you for building this car! You have made one loyal Chevy family happy!
-Gordon Young
Houston, Texas
Tom H.
If you build that Camaro I’ll buy one. Would you have both Z/28 and SS options?
Craig
My dad had a “67 Camaro SS, a ‘72 RS and a ‘82 Z28. I have had a ‘87, ‘89 and a ‘93 Z28. So Camaros run deep in our family. Plus, I have also sold new Chevys, but now I am in business where I deal with all makes. That said, its my opinion that this car, at this time, will appeal to the biggest crowd since the 1969 Camaro. Bob build it and they will came! Just like they are for the HHR, but I believe in even bigger numbers.
MagicWS6
Beautiful, keep the exterior the same for Production.
Firebird? If So, hopefully not retro inspired, and More Sporty/ Less Tough.
Brandon Lutz
I love it!!! Thank you to GM to who listened to our cries of despair and showed us that you listened
Now build the thing so I can add one to my garage!!!
Kyle Jones
I’ve been awaiting this day since 2003. I’ve also had a fund for this car since that same day.
I’ll make you a deal. Throw in 40 extra HP and I’ll sign whatever you want me to.
Ryan
Bob,
Great work on this one. Exterior is fabulous, especially the race inspired fuel filler location! The interior seats and panels are off the charts clean, simple and amazing. Gauges are just what they seem-conceptual-the center aux ones are really a good retro cue. Get the new Malibu out for volume-hope it’s as good as I hear-and then bring this!
Gustav
Build it now! Build it now! Don’t wait! Most importantly - don’t change a thing! Keep it EXACTLY the way it looks! I love it!
Mikko O
Bob, you have listened to the Camaro faithful,now the business case should an easy decision after you hear all the positive responses that you’ll get with this stunning beauty. Just build it and price competively with the Mustang and you’ll have a sure winner on your hands.
Thank you for listening to us, by making this concept a reality. Hoping to see a production version in a few years.
Chris L.
Bla, bla, bla…..about Toyota best in class crap, ENOUGH all ready!!…..The Camaro concept couldn’t have been more perfect!, and I’m your demographic Bob, 40 something with the desire and means to buy it, and obviously I love it ( I STILL love my 01 SS as well and will never sell her)….All I need to know is how fast can I order one, and what are my options….THATS IT!!!…..thanks you Bob, and GM for hearing the enthusists, and Scott finally!!!
Eric Haar
While I know we’d all like a hard answer as to when and if this car will be produced, I feel compelled first and foremost to say “thanks” to both Scott Settlemire our “Keep the Faith” guru and Bob Lutz for even getting us a concept. I’m sure public reaction will be strong and hopefully we’ll see a production version sooner rather than later. You have my word that I will buy this car as soon as it is available. Preferably in Hugger Orange.
Will Lucas
Dear Mr. Lutz and everyone else who had any part of this car. Thank you so so much for this car. The first time I saw the first set of leaked images i nearly cried because it was so beautiful. I had been waiting for it since before the 4th gen’s run was up and have been obsessively living in the 5th gen Camaro forum at http://www.camaroz28.com since 2002 just waiting for any and all of various information i could find.
The exterior is AMAZING. beautifully proportioned and styled. I am in love. It also sounded very mean and muscly when you revved it at the intro this morning at NAIAS. I definately got up early to watch it on the internet.
I would much, much prefer a more modern interior with non split guages. (and i think a lot would agree) but alass, that is a small thing at this stage. Im just so happy its finally here!
Thank you so much.
Remember build it and they will come (even if they dont buy it they may go to dealerships to look at it and end up getting another Chevy! Its a win-win situation)
James Pore
Bravo! Now, QUIT making production excuses and roll the 2007 model in 12/06. I’ll be at the dealership awaiting delivery.
If GM wants to lead the world again in the production of great automobiles to worldwide consumers, Do whatever is neccesary to get it done ASAP. No excuses and don’t be late to the muscle car craze of the new millenium. It’s NOT a fad and it’s here to stay. The time is now for GM to be a leader, instead of a follower in this market.
Phil
This car is simply amazing. Only problem is, it needs to come out sooner! Can’t wait to buy one, soon of course!
Pete
I like it. Just like the new HHR, it gives us a flavor of the past, while still looking modern. Look to the modern GTO in terms of interior packaging and colors. Tan and gray just dont cut it anymore. Black, Red, or Blue interiors just like in my 2004 GTO would be nice and seperate it from others in its class. Also, please make sure “realistic” 18″ wheels don’t make it look weird.
Ryan
Looks great! I would buy one tomorrow if they were made into production vehicles. I’m sure you are aware though that while you are saying GM has other priorities that must come first, Ford is selling the pants off the Mustang, and Chrysler is releasing one car after the other. Do you really want to wait to commit while many potential buyers are going out and making purchases in the next few years. Do you really think that after they buy one retro vehicle they are going to head back to the dealership a few years down the road for yet another one. I feel your biggest weakness is timing, in that GM has been historically slow in getting cars to market. Remember what this buzz is like, you’ll wish you had it 3 years from now!
mark w
Take GM’s design successes over the last couple of years — Solstice, C6 (and Z06!), Sky, Auro, Cobalt SS — and this new Camaro proves to me that GM finally has it’s collective design **** together. This Camaro is simply breathtaking.
The drama and passion in this design is communicated by the menacing scowl, the bulging rear quarter panels, and the massive wheel/rubber combo. These design features absolutely need to carry over if a production model is to be made. Ford lost quite a bit in the translation of its Mustang concept into production, please don’t make the same mistake.
A few concerns: modernize the guage cluster, otherwise I love the orange wraparound giving the interior some flash. And find a way to get t-tops done.
Put this into production and execute. Quickly.
Kade
It is amazing. Build it and I guarantee a will purchase one.
Hylton Jorssen
Just get rid of the stupid looking Knight Rider air induction header panel. That’s one of the things which made the Aztec so ugly.
Ed Gansen
Looks great!
Make sure it has plenty of HP and is priced in the mid-$20K’s.
Make the decision to introduce it ASAP, please - don’t “GM this to death”. Everyone knows it is the right thing to do.
Brian Colvin
Bob,
Thank you and all the others who have listened. If I can get even a 300 hp V8 with even a 5 speed manual for the same price or less than a Mustang GT, I’ll be placing an order, very early. That is, if it has a usable back seat, like the GTO. I would feel fine being one of the ones to help work out the bugs of the first model year. But with GMs recent quality, I know I’ll be fine.
Find a way. I know your boss says cutting market share and making less cars is key to surviving, but I can assure it is the key to failure. Your LPV or Loss Per Vehicle will do nothing but grow.
There are enough SUVs at GM, we need some cars now. This along with a midsize 4 door with a potent engine and RWD (and manual option)….. I may have to put myself into horrendous debt to have a Camaro and a 4 door.
To put it bluntly,
keep it up, you are getting me (I have owned 6 mustangs and 0 Chevys, 1 GMC) excited about Chevys again. But don’t you dare let it die here.
Willis
Nice design and it looks like a good car overall. Too bad it can’t be produced right now since Canada was promised the next Camaro production and their factories aren’t tooled to produce a RWD car at the moment. GM’s inability to build this car due to such politics is simply one more sign that a foreign auto manufacturer needs to step in, buy the company, and save it from itself.
Dan P.
It looks good. I like it better than Mustang or Challenger. Just remember that retro works best when it is a modern intrpretation of a retro design. You arent too far off…
Goatman
So this is what all the Fuss is about? Just when the exterior was starting to grow on me I see the interior….EWWWWWWWW I understand that it is a early concept and there is lots of time for improvement before 09…. Please just don’t rush this car. While there are plenty of people out there who would most likely buy it tomorrow as It looks there are just as many telling you to build it and they don’t have the money to buy. This car need much more work we need to see a more realistic production prototype and for gods sakes we need a engine with at least 450 horses remember there are going to be 475 HP Cobras running around on us. Keep the weight down (3600 or less) and get that power up and I’ll buy.
Jeff Muller
My 1994 has over 300,000 miles. I don’t know how much longer I can wait! Hurry and build it please!
My wife (40 something) has owned every generation Camaro and nothing else in her entire life. I promised her we wouldn’t break the streak.
Do it for my wife!
SweetZRag, South Jersey
demonspeed
With a couple tweaks, it’ll be the perfect evolution of the Camaro. I can’t wait to add a 5th gen to the long list of Camaros I’ve already had! Thank you for helping to rekindle the faith.
Adam Devine
Mr. Lutz,
I am 23. I am a young professional. I currently own a 2004 Malibu Maxx, because I needed a family car. The next car I will be buying will be a musclecar, sometime in the next 2 years. I have already emailed GM through the MyGM link, and called my local dealer to inquire about putting a deposit down for the new model. Give me that concept, exactly as it is, and my $30,000 is yours. If not, someone else will get it, it’s your choice.
Adam Devine
Tom W
I understand that concept cars have exaggerated features. Just don’t water down the production version to the point where women start to buy the car. Keep it a man’s car.
Avoid option packages if possible. Offer as many options a la carte as possible so buyers can configure the Camaro to fit their budget. It worked for Dell.
The interior should fit like a glove and be as ergonomic as possible. Retro accents should be subtle and not draw attention away from the overall cockpit sensation.
Include a compartment in the center console dedicated to portable mp3 players of any brand. All connections should be inside the compartment to keep things tidy and secure.
A biometric security system would be cool.
2009? Are you kidding? Don’t analyze this car to death. Get it out there and tweak it later!
Bill
I know this is something that Bob Lutz has no control over, but this car should have been designed and shown 4 years ago…..
Andy K
Bob et al,
First, congratulations on your official release of this concept. I have been a Chevy enthusiast since birth. My father owned several Corvettes, including a ‘67 L88, was a Corette dealer and a GM Master Bodyman/Painter, and I have owned a ‘91 RS and currently have an ‘02 Camaro SS, so I am very excited to see the positive direction Chevrolet (and, indeed, the rest of GM) is taking. Such successes as the C6, Z06, Solstice, G6, Sky(when it gets released), etc. are really exciting.
This concept is very well executed. While many of the comments I’ve seen/made have focused on the grille, I like it more the more I see it. I would like to see an RS version available (especially if the RS didn’t preclude the Z28/SS options, but was offered in addition to either of these.
The interior is beautiful. I especially like the dash design and guage cluster, but the (orange) lighting may may it hard to read the guages. The seats also look good. I’d like to see coordinating color stitching/dash inserts, like the GTO.
I am very pleased with the LS1 I currently own, and am excited to see the LS2 as a possible offering. I don’t know what other offerings may be considered, but I will make a suggestion. The LS7, while I’d love to have this in the SS, I don’t think it would be practical, being a hand built, low production engine, it would be difficult with current production methods and facilities to offer, especially at a reasonable cost. The LS2 can easily be upgraded in power by GM, using a higher performance head/cam package, long tube headers (though I don;t expect this from the factory), or forced induction. Any of these would be viable ways to ensure the Camaro is competitive upon release. This engine option I would like to see in a SS version of the car. For the Z28, I would like to see either the base LS2 (if the SS had a built version) or a 5.3. If the 5.3 was selected, I would suggest upgrading it for use in the Camaro with stronger (forged) internals, a higher redline, and a minimum of 360HP/360lb-ft torque. This selection would complement the name Z28 nicely, and satisfy most of the “mod” happy racing crowd, while maintaining the SS as the king of stock Camaros. The 3.9 would make a nice selection for the V6 model, and would even be able to compete with some V8 competition. GM has the most powerful engines offered in high production cars, with fuel economy rivaling many significantly less powerful vehicles. Please try to maintain fuel economy above 20MPG city on any engine selection.
The SS, by the way, should be a complete package, much like the Z06 is a complete improvement over the C6. It should have more power, better suspension, some different/exaggerated body panels, exc.
Finally, the issue of weight and price. The weight should be kept to a maximum of 3500lbs. Ideally, it would be somewhat lower. This will ensure competitiveness in performance and help to keep fuel economy reasonable. Pricing should be in line with the Mustang, around $20k for the entry, $25k for the Z28, $30k for the SS. This is similar pricing to the ‘02 model, and will allow it to be truely competitive in sales. GM should not just offer good cars, but they should be the best performing, most innovative, best looking (I know this one’s subjective), and best value in their class. That is how GM got to the top of the automobile world, and how they can re-secure that position. The other cars I’ve mentioned are a good start, and this new Camaro can be the best value to the customer and to GM of them all.
Sorry for the long post. As you can see, I’m very passionate about the subject.
Zack
Bob,
We are very impressed, awestruck and amazed at the new Camaro concept! From the looks and sounds of it, GM needs this car. The Mustang has been riding alone for far too long and with the Dodge Challenger concept being front-page news, GM needs to release this Camaro and put these cheesers to rest.
Ideally, since GM seems to be back on the ball and very serious about retaining the “SS” legend, this Camaro should be released as identical to the concept as possible. I for one will be putting my name on the reserve list the second it becomes available.
Congratulations on the beautiful concept, and here’s to the production model! Cheers!
Jason
I absolutely love it.. and I’ll get rid of my ‘99 Z28 when/if this thing is put into production. One thing I suggest, keep the interior like we see it. That is one of the most modern and beautiful interiors I’ve seen in a sport coupe.
But one thing in the blog I noticed:
“Make no mistake: We would love to build this car. I would love to have one in my garage. But we cannot commit to it just yet. Circumstances dictate that we have other priorities that come first.”
Yet you sink your money and time into the SSR. Now that’s a waste, if you ask me.
Get cracking on the new Camaro!
Matt
Absolutly Beautiful!!! My hope and trust has been restored in GM.
Andrew Gill
Build it. I’ve been waiting 4 years for this year. And to see such a stunning utterly makes my heart beat, something that hasn’t happened since I go into my first Camaro.
Jeff
It’s Awesome!! Just tone down the interior a bit. I’ve got my $$ ready so build this beast for us. I’ll take mine BLACK!
Eric
This concept better make it to my local Chevrolet dealer, and it better be more than competitive with the Gt500 and Challenger. Ive owned only two cars, and they were both Camaros and I am only 19. Im ready to make my first new car purchase, and it has got to be a Camaro.
James Bedoya
“But we cannot commit to it just yet. Circumstances dictate that we have other priorities that come first” Mr. Lutz, what could be more of a priority here! Stop building cars like the HHR, a total waste of time (a competitor to the PT gone wrong!), these are cars with no appeal, no excitement, you guys are deep trouble, time is running out, plain and simple, DON’T change anything from the concept design, a little less retro inside, offer a luxury model by bringing back RS trim, hiding the headlights with doors should not be that difficult, offer SS trim with the Z06 engine and of course the plain vanilla should be just like the concept and you have a winner!
Here is were you guys are guys are going to fail and I hope I am wrong!
1. For sale in 2 to 3 years, too late! Mustang, Challenger by then have eaten a lot of your potential customers.
2. GM has a reputation over and over again of not being faithful to their concepts, you will water down the design and fail miserly!
3. You will take down the size of those wheels not realizing that a huge aftermarket wheel industry has spawned over the last 5 years just because larger wheels give cars and trucks a better stance and look, GM will miss this completely!(make a design deal with Foose or Boyd for the wheel design and….need I say more?? Icing on the cake) But you will not do it or even considered.
Mr. Lutz is time to start giving way to serious bold designs, Chrysler / Dodge / Ford have done it, you have awesome engines, now packaged them correctly and for please make those interiors better, look at Audi for inspiration! I hope you guys the best, this is the year that will make or break GM! LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE! MAKE THAT CAR NOW AND THEY WILL BUY IT! MAKE IT YOUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY!!!! PERIOD!!!!!!!
Scott Nienow
Build it and I’ll buy one.
Kize
Bob,
I took my driver’s road test in my mom’s ‘67 RS Camaro. I have not seen as exciting a Camaro since then! The console gauges are right on but the Speedo & Tach need a little work yet. Don’t forget a modern version of the Bumble Bee stripe. Can’t believe I’ll be darn near 60 when you finally get one ready to sell.
JR
Build it GM!
Jackson E
It looks like a design from Chrysler’s trash can.
This concept does noting to advance the Camaro design, brand, and image nor does it fully commit to retro stylings. It settles into a middle ground that is profound to no-one. This goes to prove the mediocrity of the GM think tank; a half hearted effort.
Matt
Great styling. I love it. It reminds me of my ‘69 Z28 I had. Please keep the curb weight around 3200lbs, put the 427 LS7 in it, and keep the price below $30k….Pretty please.
nikivee
Nice car but, what happened to the 2008 GTO Bob? I guess GM isn’t commited to the “performance division” I expected that we would have seen a concept of the car this year. Maybe next year?
4wood
Wait wait wait…as previously mentioned in this blog, this is the challenge within GM. They always do this. The scenario unfolds where the competition beats them to the market, then years later they try to come out with something similar to compete(HHR, Cobalt, etc.) But alas the boat had left the dock and GM is left waving their ticket saying “wait for me!”.
I truely like GM cars and I do want GM to succeed. I have been driving GM cars for 24 years and desperately want to drive a cool looking and performing car - I can’t afford a SV6 and a CTS, but maybe a SV6 and a Camaro!?.
I hate the fact that other manufacturers are better and faster in bringing the product from paper to pavement.Please build this car and I will buy (lease) it!!
PS I like the new Solstice - but I need at least enough room for two sets of luggage.
Thanks for listening
D
indi500fan
Not to “pile on” but why did GM spend the money bringing the lame SSR to production when they could have done this great Camaro years ago?
jg95z28
Just drop in the LS7, call it Camaro “Z28″ and tell me when I can show up at my Chevy dealer checkbook in hand to place my deposit and order it.
kurt
Bob, GM’s done a nice job at creating the retro RWD so many Americans want. Hopefully GM will listen carefully to feedback on this concept, and then allocate resources to build it.
Hopefully all this focus on RWD won’t dilute other innovative GM products!
Ryan T
Being an F-body enthusiast since the age of 8 (and having owned four of them) I just wanted to say something:
Sitting at my desk at work a tear came to my eye as i viewed the pictures from NAIAS.
Build it and they will come!
Oh and by the way…my friend who is a Dodge nut isn’t so sure he wants a Challenger any more…
Chris
I’ll have mine in black, thanks.
Dan
At 3200 lb. or less, I’m DEFINITELY there! At 3400, maybe. 3600 lb? No way.
I’d rather have less weight than more horsepower!
Dennis Schrage
Mr Lutz,
My Lawyers will be in touch with you soon as I suffered a severe heart attack after seeing that car. That is truly a master piece. Please build it now. Do not wait until 2007 or 8 get it out now.
CF
It’s about time! Those of us on a budget are currently out of luck unless we want a Mustang. While it’s a cool car in general, it’s still a Ford and I don’t buy Ford. So that leaves me with nothing since I can’t afford a Corvette (Z06, of course!).
Dale
I agree with Jackson E.
“It looks like a design from Chrysler’s trash can.”
I used to be a GM man, like my father before me, but this is a company in deep trouble. Some of the newer designs are improving, but this is not one of them. On top of everything else, even the links on your web site to more information about the car don’t work. In any event, it doesn’t really matter because it’ll be made in another country anyway.
I’m staying with Fords.
mark
Right idea, wrong execution. Make this car look more like a 69 camaro (meaning more rounded) instead of the gawd awful Aztec, Cadillac monstrosities on the road and you might make non-GM owners like me return to the brand we learned to drive in. Why do you insist on carrying that horrible Cadillac style grill on all your products? The Beetle, the 911, the concept Challenger, the new Mustang -even your own corvette; they all seem to embody the spirit of their predecesors in a much more elegant way. I quit wanting a camaro in 1974 when you put the horrible slant grill on the front of them and took away the power. Now you have the opportunity to revive the car and low and behold - here goes the slant grille again. Yeah the power is there, but there are many other powerful sports cars out there now that are actually ATTRACTIVE! Maybe the cadillac is a hit with some, but frankly I think it is hideous. This new camaro looks like an attempt to add a new vihicle to your cadillac line. Look at the new Baldwin Motion Camaros and take a clue. why would people pay over $400K for these? Because they are Pretty and remind those of us with money of the cars we loved in the 60’s. Untill you rid your company of the angled malibu, cadilac, aztec style, then your company is on the “stairway to Heaven”, and not “Rock and roll.”
Duane Guy
I love it!!! i was unsure what it would look like but great job!!!-I hope GM plans on building this as i can’t wait to pull up next to a mustang and scare the tailights right off it!
Diane Pasel
This is what a whole lot of people want - excitement in what they drive!
The Camaros and Firebirds NEED to come back to life.
Just make sure it doesn’t get screwed up from concept to production - and especially loose any horsepower.
This car will sell. Order me one!!!!!!!!! NOW!!!
Tim
Build it and Build it SOON!
Mike
Ther car looks awesome. I imagine there will be some minor tweaking before it hits production but thats ok, so long as you keep this as the main idea.
Do not wait until 2009 or you will lose sales dramatically. Bring it out in 2007 and you will have a real winner.
I have yet to hear anybody say anything. My first car was a camaro and I still have it. I plan on owning camaros for the rest of my life if possible.
Build it and people WILL buy it! BUILD IT!
Gene
This is a no brainer — Build it — Please!!!!
I want one!!!!
James H
A huge day for GM and Camaro fans. This concept is a masterpiece. i own a silverado now…and as much as i love this truck and have said i’d never sell it……one Z28 in black, please.
as soon as possible
Mike
Dear Bob,
I was happy when you took the job at GM, I knew you would change stuff. So I am begging you to build this car. Im 31 yrs old have owned my 69 Camaro for 10 years. I have had every body style except the last. I currently own a 2005 GTO which I love, but i am beggin you to make this. I guarantee you a sale the second its possible from me. MAKE IT BOB please
Mike
Scott
I can only echo the comments made by others:
- Looks great!
- Don’t dumb it down for production
- Mid-to-high $20’s to compete with the ‘Stang
- 2009 MY is too long to wait
gerard
All I have to say is YES! I will be there summer of ‘08 (I’m guessing) when the local dealer opens its doors and the Camaro is for sale. Thank you Bob Lutz and GM!
jim
I really like the car, as an owner of many Camaro’s over the years i definately would like one. However, price will play a big part, Ford understands this. All the performance in the world doesn’t matter if you can’t afford it. A performance version in the mid-20’s will be necessary for success i think.
Danny
OK GM - Wake up, the time is here!!!! Your customers have been telling you what they need and want - Management and Engineers are stuck into self preservation mode. What about the introduction of GM’s new truck? LoL - what an embarassment. You actually believe GM customers want that crap?
Foreign car makers are spanking GM and Ford because they give Americans what they desire - not what some Geek Engineers, nickel stackers and white collar wanna b’s think they should have. WAKE UP - LISTEN!!!!!!!!! It results in SALES! They have proven it..
How many years have customers and critics complained about GM cheap dash components??? What has GM done???? If your Engineers can’t make what customers demand - hire some that can…. Simple concept.
Instead of whining about GM health costs - introduce something new and exciting. Hmmm lets see - how far behind the rest of the industry are you?????? Red Flag ——— Time for new blood - Some people with vision who desire to please those they serve - Remember “the customer”.
OK - so the retro Camaro should have been introduced 7 - 8 years ago. Instead GM execs watched while low sales eventually killed the Camaro. Why - because execs didn’t listen - What a sorry body design. Ford has been SPANKING GM for years with a little progressive action, instead of reaction…. Execs must wake up.
Now - how about following through with something. The Retro Camaro is a great start (if not to late). Try utilzing the design attributes it showcases instead of letting the nickel stackers make it an Erkel Ride>>>>>>>> How about some leadership????? I want leaders NOT followers….
How about an SS or Z28???
Enough management babble - make something happen.
Signed,
An embarassed GM owner
67 Camaro
89 S10 Blazer
04 ZR2 Blazer
sh
The other pony always was a “chick car” and still is. This Camaro screams angry - great job.
John
Other priorities !!! What can be more important than putting some life into a company that is going down the tubes due to it’s absolutely boring line of cars. Is the Solstice not proof enough that America wants something new and refreshing? Where are your corporate heads!
I’m 57 years old and in my lifetime, I have owned nothing but sports cars. From GM alone, I have owned an 82 & 85 Camaro (Berlinetta models), an 85 Fiero, and currently own two 96 Firebirds and a 93 Corvette. I’m hungry for a modestly priced sports car from an American company and it does not need 500 HP. The Solstice excites me but I already have a 2 seater and you can’t buy one anyway without bidding for it. The GTO will never cut it. It’an overpriced family car with a big engine.
This Camaro concept car looks great. Build it, for gods sake, and soon at a price in line with the 93-02 Camaro. I need a new car and my patience is running out. America is waiting for something exciting.
dustin
It looks great. Build it, I want this to be the first new car I buy. All of my cars but one have been camaros, I love them. I would really like my first new car purchase to be a camaro, please make it possible.
Frank
Bob,
This Camaro is awesome! It’s the perfect combo of old and new. If you can keep the price about the same as the Mustangs, and stick to the concept design!!!, your going to sell a ton of them.
Build it soon!
Martin
Hats off to you and GM, this concept is exactly what is the doctor ordered. I may be in the minority, but waiting until 2009 is not the end of the world. GM needs to bring higher volume products on-stream before a medium volume Camaro. However, this definitely provided the jolt of electricity GM needed to administer to show it’s alive and moving ahead firmly.
The next key product milestones are the full size pickups, Saturn’s resurrection, and a new Malibu that MATCHES Camry and Accord. Ford did it, so can GM.
Keep going.
Mike
The exterior of the car is an absolute winner. The interior is a disgrace. Certainly, GM could have done a better job blending old and new than that. With some further refinement, this could be a hot package.
Dan
It’s a very good concept car picture. It only needs a little tweaking.
You put a cowl-induction style hood on it, but then ripped a slot in the front of it! The opening goes in the back! (that also cleans up the lines a bit)
The cross-car “band” on the front of the hood doesn’t match the rest of the “flow” of the styling. It is ninety degrees to it.
Other than that, ya done good! Clean styling, very little (if any) chrome, with an agressive “face” and stance.
I know the LS7 motor is too pricey for an F car, so to compete with the Mustang’s and Challenger’s power, you’re going to have to keep that weight down.
Doug Perkins
Awesome effort. Keep it reasonably price competitive with Mustang (and not crowding Corvette turf) and it will sell just fine.
Leverage the platform (do a GTO, Monte Carlo, Firebird, Chevelle) and the business case gets better.
Where do I send my deposit cheque?
Mike O'Reilly
As a young professional i’m always looking for new toys. That car is sexy and stylish its actually got lines and style to it. From my engineering opinion it’s actually laid out well, it doesn’t have any of those after thoughts like my 02 TA has.
Changes:
-Smaller wheels, 22’s don’t work. They are good looking wheels however size does matter, those are to big
-T-Tops i know 69’s don’t have T’s but come on nothing says F-body like T-tops. 70% of the 98-ups were T-top cars
-The rear of the car does not really look right.
Just make the d**n car
-Fast
-Fun
-and Scary
Mike
Purple 92 SS
BOB! Please oh please oh please get this car to market.. and do it faster than 08/09.. 67 to 07 coincidence? I think not. 40th anniversary edition would be great for marketing and for us enthusiasts. I currently own 3 Camaro’s and out of my 6 vehicles 5 are GM so I am definitely brand loyal, but please don’t wait to 08-09 and miss the boat on this car. Get it out now, ASAP and you can count your chickens that I will have one! Beautiful car, great designs, and much thanks from all of us Camaro nuts! Thanks especially to Scott Settlemire for being “the voice of the enthusiast”
Charlie Kulchar
Mr. Lutz,
This concept is beautiful. It is amazing to actually see the car after three years of speculation, countless posts on message boards and conflicting messages from just about everyone. It is a great day to be a Camaro lover and I am glad you understand our enthusiasm.
While am happy we got a Camaro concept, I believe you’re leaving a lot of potential buyers in the cold if you do not offer a removable glass top option. Please consider us buyers who absolutely love the t-tops on our current Camaros.
But again, thank you for this concept.
Dennis Schrage
Mr Lutz,
My Lawyers will be in touch with you soon as I suffered a severe heart attack after seeing that car. That is truly a master piece. Please build it now. Do not wait until 2007 or 8 get it out now.
Andrew
I am so happy to see that the Camaro is back!! I really like the exterior, not so wild about the sunken grille. The interior needs some refinement; the concept looked a little cheap. I’m ready to buy a muscle car, please put this into production soon!
Adam
I have been holding my breath for years and Today is the day I can take a breath and come back to life. My first car was a 95 Camaro and I was currently looking to buy a 69 SS until now. All of us Chevy/Camaro enthusiasts need to come out in droves and show our love for this new Stang Killer! The day you make this reality I will be at my local dealer (Paw Paw, MI) and ordering a SS Convertible. Give us the opportunity to choose performance and interior options like what made the early Camaros so popular and you will find a lot of happy campers. Just do not over price it like the Goat and you will have no problem selling these. Great Job and you have made a Chevy faithful very impressed and happy!
Thank You!
Adam T.
Jim
As a 04′GTO owner, I may have found my next car. Unless you do something as stunning with the revised GTO. Make them both on the same chassis and you got something. I’ve always loved the first gen Camaro, and this is just as nice.
Built on the Zeta chassis?
Mo Slevin
Absolutely fabulous concept. I am a 4th gen owner, and I am eagerly anticipating the Camaro’s return after seeing this beautiful concept. A more functional interior? Please, but don’t change the exterior sytling!
don searles
As a Chevrolet dealer I say, please build us this car as fast as you can. Price it right and we will sell all we can. One of the largest reasons for the slow sales of the old car was the premium that was charged above the competative Mustang. Again, Build it, Price it right, and do it fast! We need this car!
phillip gilliam
Mr. Lutz,
C’mon, stop being a “tease” like my ex-gf!!! Please introduce this car either in late 07 or early 08. Just make changes to the tail lights, the roof strong enough to handle a roll-over, a 320hp DoD V8 (I don’t really need 400+hp for the streets of Philly), and threats to any stealership that will mark-up the car by 10 grand, and I’ll buy one.
Tim
Price it near the Mustang and I would buy it TODAY!
It’s a perfect blend of old and new. Now I know how people felt back in 1966… I’m in love.
Dan
Sorry guys, but I don’t see any chance for T-tops on a modern car. With the roof crush standards as strict and severe as they are now, you can’t cut the roof rails out and be even remotely close to passing. I’ve owned a few of those T-top F cars myself, so I know that the stucture is greatly compromised by them.
Dave Lawson
Hey guys, you know it’s always exhilerating (as opposed to accelerating!) when you read such a hugely positive response to the unveiling. But….and there’s always a but….you just have to know that the interior you saw snapshots of will NOT be the real interior of the vehicle in production. It may carry the general trend over, perhaps some material and colour choices (ugh….chrome), but it will be quite a bit different. By the sounds of some comments, though, it would be suicide to change the exterior lines. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see…with the operative word being wait. Unfortunately, nine women cannot make a baby in one month. Just think though, we all have 24 months (and then some) to save up our pennies. How about this idea: Go sell your old pickups and early SUV’s NOW, buy a Solstice, and put the money you save on gas into the Camaro fund for the next 24 months. I bet you have fun now….and piles of fun later.
Folks….it looks like GM’s awake.
Peter Dalasandro
2009? Not committed? You’ve got the ‘not committed part right’. GM is ALWAYS late to the party. Ford or Chrysler comes out with a new design and a big seller, then GM chimes in 3-4 years later. Examples:
Mustang 1964
GM reacts-Camaro 1967
Chrysler PTCruiser 2000
Chevy HHR - 2005
FORD RWD Police pkg: continual
Chevrolet- success blooms in 94 and fades away in 96
FWD Impalas? Crazy! Yuk!
And now, totally re-vamped FORD Mustang - 2005
Dodge Challenger 2007
Chevy Camaro - 2009 ?
THE WORLD IS LAUGHING!
GM sems to offer a better product, but the window of opportunity has dwindled by the time GM has it’s products for sale.
How’s that workin for you now, Bob?
I like you Bob and have always been a big GM fan. GM isn’t going to turn around with a non-committed, we’ll get to it when we get to it attitude.
Today’s culture now dictates spending habits with a, ‘I want it now!’ attitude. Patience is not a valued virtue anymore.
If you won’t get GM out of 1950’s thinking, you’ll be out of a job along with all those union workers.
Look at history with WW II and the how the automotive industry rose to the occassion, being creative and super productive. We’re at war with other country’s economics and products and it ain’t going to get any easier. I challenge you and GM to show the world what you can do. Bankruptcy is chasing you, Japan is chasing you, Korea is chasing you, GM retirees are chasing you and China will soon be chasing you. It’s time to commit and teach a large Corporation how to muti-task. The rest of the world is doing it. Time to catch up and hopefully pull ahead. I wish you luck gentleman.
Arizona Slim
I seriously hope you’re further along with the production version than this concept leads me to believe. If you’re just now getting started, you really snoozed on the pony car revival. I agree you have bigger fish to fry than a new Camaro, but don’t tease the muscle car crowd, they don’t like to be messed with.
Frank Budzyn
Mr. Lutz, please give us this amazing vehicle in production form. I’ve heard many a time that there will be a 2009 model starting production in early 2008; therefore, I will have my downpayment ready by January 1, 2007, let alone 2008 or ‘09. I am a current owner of a 4th Gen and would absolutely love to see this new Camaro in my driveway. Thank you so much for presenting this masterpiece. Bring it to production as close to the concept as possible.
94Camaro_Z_28
Wow. Just wow. I may only be 21, but I own a 76 T/A, an 82 firebird, an 89 RS Camaro…and my favorite, my 1994 Z28. Build this and I will buy it. And if that rumor of an LS7 equiped Z28 is…well, thats just to much for one day. Also….as for which is top model SS or Z28….pretty simple. Any car can be an SS, only a Camaro is a Z28.
GREAT WORK!!! NOW MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!!
Benjamin Howard
Build it.
Build it.
Build it.
I would change the taillights to the same style as the 2 and 3 gen Camaro and have a more conventional gauges setup with them all in front of the driver instead of having some in the center console. But other then those things it perfect.
claude pardo
Bob,
Fabulous job…though a little late. my 94 Z-28 6 speed and my 01 Vette 6 speeds are the loves of my life. exterior is great. Give the car a world class interior a la “audi” a little less Retro on the gauges and make it shift like “butta” and give me that RED one. I will sell my soul to get that car when it arrives. Above all build it in your best quality plant(Oshawa???) and give it a world class warranty.
Last thing, dont waste GM’s valuable $$$ on the GTO. Build ONE amazing Camaro and ONE ongoing amazing Vette and ONE amazing Solstice/Stingray and concentrate all the rest of avail dollars on great cars and trucks that sell !!!!! Why cant GM build me an accord fighter??? 6 speed world class fuel efficiency and build quality in a great 4 cylinder engine. Sorry G6 aint there yet. Coming but need a better car.
The Camaro IS the right car for the huge interest in Muscle cars and the Camaro will outsell the GTO 7-1.
The day I can order one, I will. The GTO does have one redeeming quality. Nice interior…..put something a la GTO interior except more sporty in the Camaro and give it great sound from the exhaust and you have my sale
One last thing, Please bring back T-Tops !!!!!!!!!!!!!
I use mine every time I drive the Camaro and never bother with the one piece on the Vette. too much of a pain to do alone. No other manufacturer has brought them back and they will sell. Best roof system yet. Please…..
Thanks Bob.
Claude
B.J. Rowan
Fantastic work on the new Camaro concept; its bold design is most certainly a step in the right direction for GM!
I used to joke that GM’s concepts always got watered down severely by production time, but in recent years that has been true less and less often — with the beautiful Pontiac Solstice being the ultimate example. Hopefully the new Camaro can make it to production, and if so, with its aggressive lines intact.
As a man who once owned three Firebirds at the same time (and who still has two), I am overjoyed to see the Camaro return. I am about to take delivery of a 2006 GTO, the last year for the current generation of that marque — so at the very least, can I express my wish that Pontiac Motor Division be graced with their own version of this beautiful concept? Dare I suggest the return of the Firebird?
Whatever you do, please find a way to put the new Camaro on an assembly line — the sooner the better. Rekindle the excitement at GM, and people will remember why they used to buy your products.
Larry Stanger
The Camaro is the best looking car at the show. This car would bring me back to buying GM & American again. I do not want to wait 3 years.
Produce it SOONER !!!!!
M Saxon
I currently own 4 Camaro’s (01 SS - 94 Z28- 79 Rally Sport- 78 Trans Am (F-body at least)
If you build this,I will buy. The styling is great! Just make sure there’s a power plant to back up the good looks!
Richard Recupero
Can I put my order in now?
Love it - hope it will be available soon.
Thks
Rich
Travis Ayres
GM is so full of excitement that you tell us flat out you can’t commit to this concept (read: the only exciting thing from GM in a while).
Great job. I almost had hope. Enjoy what we have? Yeah, Pontiac’s new FRONT WHEEL DRIVE performance cars are just terrific. Because I want to fight the steering wheel when I stomp the on the loud pedal.
Way to make me lose the last bit of faith I have. Lutz, you are a klutz, you need a censor so you don’t unwittingly ruin all the enthusiasm that (might) still remain about GM.
ErikG
Bring it on, Bring it soon…offer it up like Ford did with the new Mustang.
Remember, sometimes competition creates a market on its own, meaning the fact that there is a retro Camaro AND Mustang, it will actually create more interest in both.
Brett
To BOB and GM,
GOD BLESS YOU for making THE most beautiful vehicle I have ever laid my eyes on!
I’m 29 years old, and me and my three younger brothers all own a Camaro. This vehicle is part of our lives, our history, and our family. We would like to commit our wish for you to build this car. It would be great for all four of us to come pick up our New Camaros similar to the way the very first Solstice owners did!
If you build it, we will come!
Brett
cobie gregory
if gm builds that camaro. the wife is trading the mustang in or ill trade in my vette. nice to see a sports car with a back seat and trunk. but gm needs to keep the camaro muscle car heritage and not throw it together with cheap plastic.like ford did with the mustang.i say GM listen to the people and build it they will come to buy it. awsome look. AAA++++
Izzy
Hey Bob,
The Camaro look BLEEPING awesome!!! Words alone can’t convey how quickly my brain has been rendered distraught, and blown away it is by this easily recognizable form. My lower brain functions have been sent into overdrive daydream state where I imagine myself jamming through the car’s yet to be produced gearbox, and watch the world warp past the my field of focus as I stare down corners and hairpin turns. (And for those that must know,) my higher brain functions are fighting a losing battle to prevent myself from completely letting go to lower brain function in the form of making racing car sounds while I grip a imagined steering wheel, and gearshift knob.
I can’t believe how well this long overdue American Icon has been reforged for the next generation, and worry that despite the fact one cannot read in there dreams, (much less write…) I’m doing just that, and will wake up before I end such dream properly by not getting to enjoy the taste of this dream machine. I (and probably most of the rest of the automotive aware world,) only hope that you will with post haste (and the least amount of design changes,) convert this concept to production reality.
Please, do not waste any precious time, or effort in considering any unnecessary design changes. The concept shows that it has been perfectly tempered in preproduction, And begs of you that you push it to production as unadulterated as possible!
And for those that fail to understand me… The above means in the most excited of terms, “Please Bob, stop reading, and start producing it!!!”
Izzy
Frank Donato
Dear Mr. Lutz,
First off, I want to say thank you. Thank you for proving me right in standing strong in my faith in GM, even though sometimes I felt like the only one standing. Thank you for making design a top priority at GM. Between this Camaro and the Enclave “concept”, it appears as though GM will not settle for second best in terms of car design.
I am truly impressed with this Camaro. While I’m not surprised that the overall design evokes the 1969 Camaro, I am amazed at how well designers worked in cues from 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation Camaros, resulting in a vehicle that doesn’t look retro, but ahead of its time. If I had to wish for something to change, it would be the gauges. Hopefully something more readable can be worked out for the production version.
Just so you know, I’ll have the loan on my 2005 Cobalt LS coupe paid off in June of 2008, just a month shy of my 30th birthday. I can’t think of a better present than the car at the top of this page.
MJ
QUOTE:
“Sorry guys, but I don’t see any chance for T-tops on a modern car. With the roof crush standards as strict and severe as they are now, you can’t cut the roof rails out and be even remotely close to passing. I’ve owned a few of those T-top F cars myself, so I know that the stucture is greatly compromised by them.”
Even so, federal roof standards haven’t changed in decades. If the F-bodies passed fed standards back in ‘02, they will still pass in ‘09. I don’t recall any changes in the FMVSS roof crush standard in the pipeline (although it is needed). Though, the IIHS may find reason to complain in thier testing.
When it comes down to it, no roof is more comprmised than a convertable and they are still hanging around.
Great to finally see this. I sitll the prefer the more modern lines of the GT500 with the leading hood edge. but, this is also a great looking car melding a current shape with heritage styling cues.
I’m happy we didn’t have to wait 3 years for the mustang to arrive. Ford wisely stayed commited to thier pony car, deveoped it, and then made a concept to give a teaser in advance.
Anyways, get moving on this and redeem GM!!!
JVRSSHURRICANE
I watched the webcast and was absolutely amazed. Please send this car to production A.S.A.P. I think it should definitely have more horsepower, more than the Pontiac GTO. It should be only second to the Corvette, so if the Corvette needs more HP and Torque in order to beef up the Camaro then so be it! But thank you for letting an American Legend be re-born.
Bob Larson
Contrary to Mr. Delsandro’s post, there will not be a Challenger in 2007. It’s not even officially greenlighted for production, and if so they’re saying 18-24 months away. That puts its intro head to head with this Camaro, if approved.
Further, Ford never dropped the Mustang, it stayed in production and development. So I’d say GM is not so much late to the party here as it is cautiously re-interested in the segment (thanks to the ‘05 Mustang, of course.) While GM’s decision to kill the Camaro and Firebird might have made sense to the finance department, I don’t think it’s usually not a good idea to kill products that help define the soul and heritage of a company.
beken
The Camaro is a nice concept, Bob. Congratulations. People love it. When can we get one? 2009??? You’re not even committed to that??? If it comes out, will the production version convey the passion of the concept? Or will it be watered down by production considerations?
Oh…congratulations on getting the Solstice out and looking pretty darn close to the concept. You’re on a roll. When am I going to actually see one on the road or in my local dealer showroom?
I think I’ll go to my local Japanese or European car dealer and buy a car I actually want. Too bad GM has lots of great concepts but none in production.
Here’s a heads-up. I will be replacing my family sedan in 2009. I will NOT be replacing it with a truck. or Xuv. The cars that currently exist today that attract my attention are not GM models. Nor are they Toyota Camry’s or Honda Accords. Maybe a Mazda6 or Ford Fusion is headed in the right direction. But they do not hit the nail on the head for me as a must buy. Maybe things will have changed by 2009.
So, getting back to the Camaro, you’ve got the process started….design the concept. But GM is not in the business of designing concepts. GM is in the business of designing, building and selling cars. The only time where you reap the fruits of your labors is in the sale. Too bad that by the time GM gets to the sale part, they’ve lost focus on the concept.
Oh…by the ways, wasn’t 2010 the year fuel cell cars were supposed to become available?
Hmmmm…a fuel cell Camaro.
..what a challenge.
Rob
This new concept is great I would buy camaro over mustang and challenger ANY DAY though 2009 is one h**l of a wait.
Don’t rush it but please hurry, everyone is ready for a new Camaro and has been for 4 years now. Please Please Please build this ASAP. And please keep it in the Mustang GT price range.
Build it and we will come.
DD
Want to sell to blue states??? Make a Green version (Berlinetta) i.e. Saturn Vue. College girls and tree hugger sales will help boost sales over 100k so the rest of us can buy SS’s for less than 25k!!!
Keep the body and wheels true to concept and you will have my busines!!!
B
Build it Bob!
Toque
Build it !
Tim Geisler
Bob, I just went to the LA Auto Show and saw it in person… I must say wow… looks a lot better in person, and probably will look even better with me behind the wheel if you get my drift ;).
But… I’m unsure of how the Zeta platform is coming along, but I was thinking, If you need 150-160k vehicles to make this thing worth while… I think you’re dreaming unless you are speaking about the Zeta Platform… and if you are speaking about the Zeta, what possibilitys are there that you could stretch the Zeta and put a 4 door rwd in the making?
is cadillac gonna get a CSC or CTC?
Is pontiac going to get their flagship back as the Trans Am?
will Buick get their Convertable Coupe?
Again what about a stretched version, I remember in the olden days Camaro’s were based off of a different car, they had the same hood lines and look to them… So why couldnt you let the Camaro/Zeta platfrom be shared by others to make it more profitable?
Sure I’m probably telling you things you already know… but how many platforms does GM need to stay profitable. Like we saw with the Kappa, the Nomad would be illogical to make, because it would alter the platform too much. but what about the Zeta, is it flexible? can we work with it?
You are looking for FeedBack MR lutz, you’ve had this blog up for maybe 5 hours and you have over 125 responses… thats more response then any other blog…
Bring it back Bob… do it for us at the dealership… the Camaro is also more then just profit, it’s an image, free adverstisement (via magazine comparson), free customer visits to the dealerships…
Bob, I currently own 2 firebirds, And I can promise as long as GM is in business, becaues of those two cars I refuse to even consider a different auto manufacture… Because of those two cars, I work in a Chevrolet Dealership. Because of those two cars, my life has been involved around cars… That must be the Innovation that comes standard… That must be the 350ci thats moving us forward… That must be the Best of all its a Chevrolet… That must be the breakthough for me… what about the other 125 people who have already posted on this blog
Pete
Great job on the new camaro…If priced well, this could be a huge seller for the General. My only fear is that after the beancounters get ahold of it, it’ll wind up looking like a ‘99 cavalier.
Sullivan
Mr. Lutz this needs to be built for the good of our company! Lets have it base in the low 20’s and
have the big engines available for low dollars and this while eat the other two half breeds. I think I’m going to waste a whole roll of film on it while im at COBO.
Rich
Don’t forget the convertible version.
Izzy
Hey Bob, I know Its probably extreamly rude to post twice on the same subject… But I do have one question… (Before I go back to making pretend Im driving the next Camaro)
If I remember correctly, you guys had to kill the Zeta platform, (that was reported as being the most likly possible platform to base a Camaro off of…) to focus on the TH900 SUVs about a year ago… But this Concept Camaro is out for viewing within the time needed to modify a tested platform.. And released at the same time as DC is releasing there Challanger concept.
I get the feeling a former disgruntaled Dodge Engineer was hired by GM. But if that was the case… the question would be if the Zeta platform was really closed for research?
Christian Aviles
What do we think? Why have you guys been holding back? Build it and do it right. Try not to cheapen the interior.
Tom
The new concept camaro is stunning, not perfect, but a beautiful care nonetheless.. If you built it in it’s current form, i would buy one ASAP.. to be successful, this car must not only please enthusiests, but also be appealing to the masses, easier to get into, more upright seating position, respectable back seat and cargo room.. make it somewhat practical and it will be a hit, because it is one beautiful car
SteveG
Your last paragraph pretty much said it all-you cannot commit to it.
This is why GM is faltering. Chrysler is going to build the Challenger. Chrysler has the Charger and 300C already.
Yet GM is still not committed to the Camaro. It shouldnt have been a concept car it should have been a production ready car.
Now, if you don’t end up building it, or wait until 2009 to sell one, you will really hear the outcry.
GM has too much going on now? GM is the biggest car company on the planet, for now. You make the time for it. You build it to build excitement in your most important division.
However, if the base model is priced hired than the base model Mustang it will be dead in the water. You need an inexpensive 6 cylinder model to match the Stang. Otherwise, all you are doing is undercutting the Corvette.
Hey, why not build it on Kappa? You already have the platform, use it!
RW
I think it’s an excellent design rendition. While providing enough retro cues to satisfy those looking for nostalgia in their cars, it’s much more of an independent design exercise than the Challenger concept and the current Mustang. It manages to look menacing and yet somewhat sophisticated at the same time.
I also love the powertrain - a manual transmission is a must for a muscle car (although Dodge failed to recognize this for the Charger), and I’ve been waiting for GM to offer the Corvette engine with cylinder deactivation.
Finally, the fully independent suspension is a welcome feature, and should ensure outstanding handling.
I truly believe that if GM builds it and the price and powertrain offerings are right, GM will sell more than enough of them to ensure the car’s profitability
Dan Palka
Finally, geez. I never had any doubt that the Camaro would return. I 100% believe you will produce this, and probably are biting your tongue while reading these blog comments, just wishing you could burst out of your office and tell everybody that it is slated for production.
The exterior is stunning. It is amazing. It is the most beautiful car I have ever seen. It is recognizeable as a Camaro, yet isn’t super retro like the new Challenger is. It is a NEW car, for a NEW muscle car era. Forget Ford and Dodge, this is it. This is the car America has been waiting for.
The Interior is fine. It’s different. I’m sure its great in person.
Don’t waste time thinking about how to change the car for production. Don’t waste time listening to reactions at the auto show or posters on this blog who offer their ides for how you should tweak the car. This car is needed in Chevrolet showrooms right now.
Built it… BUILT IT… start tooling today.
Aaron Curiel
What can I really say… when I saw the concept there were no word to explain how drop dead gorgeous the car is! Granted that i’ve never owned a Camaro, I sure as h**l wouldn’t mind having one someone in the near future… Coming from a GM family I have a lot of respect for most of the cars and trucks, and this one is no exception.
What a way to win back the Toyohondassans with a retro 69 camaro!!! Built it and they will come!
BTW Keep up the great work, you are GM’s savior Mr. Lutz!!
Sincerely,
Aaron Curiel
Our GM family of vehicles!
2006 Chevrolet HHR (My Future)
2004 Chevrolet Avalanche Z71 (Parents Current)
2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer (Traded - Parents)
2002 Chevrolet Silverado (Traded - Parents)
2000 Chevrolet Blazer ZR2 (My Current)
1995 Pontiac Bonneville (Parents Current)
1975 GMC Sierra (Parents Current)
gary geisland
VERY COOL
Start building them, when you’re ready I’ll be ready to buy one
L79
Mr Lutz,
What an excellent Camaro this is! I was very excited about this car since the first pics slipped out, all i can say is great job to you and the people involved! Now lets see what the production dates are so i can go order my hugger orange white skunk striped Camaro!(and white interior i’m hoping…houndstooth optional..:)…)
John
Bob,
Looks very nice. Nice balance between retro/futuristic. Hope you can keep the weight down, unlike Mustang.
GM needs this in production now though. I understand you can’t make it until 2009 MY because of the CAW contract. However, as bad as things are you think the union could negotiate to let you out of that clause a little early. GM has been pretty good to CAW, but they have to realize until market share goes up, there won’t be any new jobs for them too. It is worth a shot, then let’s see how fast your engineers really are! Rooting for GM. By the way, the Enclave is beautiful, don’t change anything at all inside or out!!!
Chris Fisher
I have had 3 Camaros so far: an ‘89 RS, ‘02 Z28 and now a ‘99 SS convertible. My current SS is my weekend toy and I’ll be ready to replace my daily driver Beretta within the next few years with this new Camaro! Please build it, and I will buy one! I do not want a Ford or a Dodge, but if there are no other options, I’d have to consider them. Please allow me to stay in the GM family! Make mine a navy blue SS 6 speed please!
braden
build this concept, its beautiful and it will sell like crazy. something for me to buy with my first paycheque after university
KT
I have always liked the camaro and liked sports cars. I think if this goes into production this will be the hottest selling sports car of all time. The looks are so good. I can see the old camaro in it, but it looks very futuristic. I think GM has finally taken a risk and developed a car that is edgy enough to create a lot of excitement and turn the company around.
J M
Love it. Great interior.
Can I get one in Penske Blue?
André
Fantastic. That’s what I can say about this concept Camaro. In my point of view, it leaves the Challenger biting the dust.
As GM is bringing back some classic nameplates in a very nice incarnations, isn’t it time to look better to the talent of GM do Brasil’s boys and bring back the Brazilian classic of Chevrolet, the Opala? As I said other times, there’s a huge price and size gap between the new Brazilian Vectra and the Aussie Omega, a gap that will get bigger when the ride from the land of kangaroo and koala debut it’s VE generation, riding on Zeta platform. A very nice niche is opened to an affordable big, RWD, and Brazilian-made car. Look at the price of Accord LX 2.0. It’s almost the same of Vectra Elite. If someone says that Brazil cannot afford a big (midsize in American standards) car reasonably priced, is telling a lie.
In the world, there’s a gap in GM’s platform lineup. You got Kappa, small and for limited productions and will have Zeta, mass-market and big. There’s a very nice gap for something between these two, as known that a real world version of the concept Torana TT36 won’t be in the streets. The original Opala was by the same size of this concept, so, bigger than Vectra, but smaller than the Aussie Omega.
You could also synchronize the Brazilian engine lineup with Opel’s. Hey, the Family I and II engines are good engines, but if want to know who’s the gas-guzzler in every niche of Brazil’s market, you just need to say Chevrolet. Hey, it’s time to phase out these units and replace them with the Ecotec ones, which could also be brought with flex-fuel capacity (even ranging from E0 to E100. Renault has in its FFV lineup, so, it’s possible to be done by GM, which today’s FFV range can burn from E25 to E100).
And isn’t it time to return to the big truck market here in my country? Ford sells the F-250 in simple and crew cab and does well (the only other alternative is the Mexican built Ram, only in crew cab and 4WD, costing a lot more than Ford’s competitor). Since you phased out the Silverado (which correspond to the last C/K-Series to the American), Ford is ruling alone this niche, which had GM’s leadership in other times (the time of the 20-Series and the first years of Silverado). Hey, Brazilian isn’t so rich as other people, but there is space to something bigger than Celtas, Corsas and Astras, since decently priced.
Michael
Build it!
I have owned two Camaro’s, a 1990 RS and my current 2000Z28. Both are great cars and I will buy this Camaro if you build it.
IRS, LS2, aggressive styling, nice interior, etc….make mine black!
J M
As a Camaro fan and an owner of a Z28 and a Chevy Blazer, I would like to say thanks to you Bob for keeping the dream alive. Thanks for your hard work on this. We Camaro fans really do appreciate it.
B. Stock
I have check in hand for what is sure to be the greatest comeback in Chevrolet history. I am a die-hard GM fan and have been lost without my Camaro. I will be the first in line for the new Z/28…(just keep it under $30K!)
Chris
I’m sure the knee-jerk public reaction will generally be positive.
Personally, I hoped for a more retro-styled contemporary design. Generally, I think the basic body style is good but the nose and tail are big misses. I think the grill opening needs to be rounded, less pointed, larger with more emphasis on the headlamps. As for the tail, I it looks the back of what should be a concept Vette. I guess it all comes down to market feedback. Not everyone will have as strong of an attachment to the first generation Camaros.
I’d buy a 67 or 68 before a similar production version of the concept. I think my savior could be the Challenger concept. It will get better press and attention, which may encourage GM to include more retro styling cues. However, the Challenger looks a little too retro in my book.
DB
I was always a big fan of late 60s GM cars and this is a worthy nod to that era. I love the new Mustang, but I have to admit I like this better.
I agree with the others. If it makes it to market, it has to look EXACTLY like this. GM has a huge track record of producing excellent concepts and lackluster real-world models.
Don’t even get me started on the mid-engined Buick Wildcat.
Sean
I love the Design and think this great car for as much as 30k (Even the cheapo mustang gt stripped down to a base model costs like 28,000 after dealer premiums.) but going over 30k would kill this car. One Requests though, make a good automatic(not a 4 speed) or even a SMG available. Something to give this car a more broad appeal and make it easier on the car guy to convince the car guy’s wife to make the purchase. That and a SMG would shift faster too.
Jess McClure
Growing up I aways wanted a Camaro Z-28 , now I can buy anything I want , I want this new Camaro, Thanks for keeping the american dream alive.
Keith Osburn
Mr. Lutz:
I just saw the Camaro Concept. Why are you guys hemming and hawing about building it? With all the bad news coming from GM lately, you can’t afford NOT to build this car! GM needs this car ASAP! You cannot wait two or three years to decide; that kind of indecisiveness is one of the reasons GM got itself into the predicament its in now.
If and when you decide to build the Camaro, I have a few suggestions:
1. Don’t price this thing over $25,000. Over-pricing is what doomed the SSR and crippled the GTO. Keep the car affordable!
2. Build the car to Toyota-level standards of quality. Don’t take the cheap way out. It might cost you more in the beginning, but think of how much you’ll get back in positive owner feedback, postitive press — and increased sales as a result of the owner feedback and positive press.
3. REIN IN YOUR DEALERS. Do not allow those predatory bastards to gouge your customers.
4. Design and engineer ALL future GM products with the same passion and “joie de vivre” that the Camaro Concept was obviously created with. Imagine, if you will, an Impala that does not look like its trying to be an upsize Honda Accord! An Impala that looks like an IMPALA. For goodness sakes, let your designers DESIGN, and let your engineers ENGINEER! I’m sure you’ll reap the benefits sooner than you think!
Okay, that’s my two cents worth, now there’s only one thing to do: BUILD THE CAMARO!
Sam
Please build it, and quickly. I’ll take a black convertible, 6 speed, and hopefully with the new 6.2L, somewhere around 420hp.
I’ve owned seven F-bodies, and look forward to having a new Camaro in the garage once again.
Mark
This concept represents the first glimmer of hope that GM really does listen to its enthusiasts. I don’t think I’m overstating when I say August 29, 2002 was one of the darkest days in GM history, certainly GM performance history, as the last F-bodies rolled off the line. Bob, let’s not kid around here. We all know your pet projects have a great chance of being produced when you back them. You got the Solstice to production quicker than any GM concept in history. I know you don’t have the final say in what gets built, but this Camaro is EXACTLY what Chevrolet needs. It is time to pump some real, red-booded AMERICAN excitement back into those showrooms. Camaro needs to be a priority Bob, and we all have seen what can happen when YOU make a vehicle a priority.
andrey sokolov
i own 2 4th generation fbodys and i absolutly love the way this is headed please make it, we will buy it for sure.
Bill
BUILD IT ALREADY!
Andrew
While I’m sure the design will change somewhat between the concept and production, I absolutely love it. The look grew on me immediately, and I can’t wait to see how they turn out for a 2009 production year. I do hope for an LS7 version of the car, or something a little stronger than the LS2.
Harry Stearns
Leave the design EXACTLY like it is and bring it to production mid year 2007. This thing will sell like hot cakes to both young and old alike. Don’t let the challenger make it to market before the Camaro. Price it competatively with the Mustang GT and you will own the segment. My Daughter just purchased a 2006 HHR and she loves all the looks and questions she gets about the car….. your design studio is on a roll!! Build it and I will buy one.
Anthony
I’ve seen the Camaro concept and all I can say is THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! As long as the production interior matches the exterior and isn’t retro or G6-like, it will be great. Assuming you produce it. You want to produce it. I know you do.
Edward
Build It!!! and leave it looking exactly the way it looks now, it looks real good, i’d buy one if its worth the price, i like the way that you didnt make it look exactly the way the ‘69 did but added that “new” look to it, Great Job!
Will
BUILD IT! BUILD IT! BUILD IT!
A new Camaro… at last. This is something the Japanese CANNOT build. A true AMERICAN muscle car. I realize there needs to be a V6 version to build profitability. But don’t water the car down. Alacarte options would be an even better “retro” feature. I’d like an RS/SS in red with the black bumble bee stripe and an LS2 and a T 56. Hidden headlights for the SS, too. A Z28 for the 5.3 V8.Keep it competitve with the ’stang and lets kick the you know what out of blue oval and mopar rear-end. My 2000 Blazer will be paid off in February of 2007 and I’m ready to go. The trucks are on their way to market already. The Camaro should be priority 1.
Mr. Lutz , First THANK YOU and Second, to use another American co.’s Phrase “JUST DO IT”
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE
Mark
Nice car. As a college aged guy, I’d say I’d buy it. This is of course assuming it is priced in the same category as the current Ford Mustang (which I am very fond of), so please build a smaller engine model. The only other potential show stoppers would be the roof height, (i’m 6′3″ and I was able to fit in a ‘90 Prizm, so I hope I can fit in this Camaro) and I think the gauge arrangement is awful. I’m not sure if the gauges on the shifter console is some retro thing, but if it is, look back to see if there was a reason for why that was canned- I bet there is. My head will be up high as it is, I don’t want to be looking at the floor to check on my gas. However, I might warm up to the idea of the clock being in with the speedometer; that could be a help on late dashes to work! Also, where are the backup lights?
Overall though, nice job. I think GM did a much better job in the race to catch the Ford Mustang than Dodge. I like the modern look of the Camaro, better than the Challenger’s “we drove a 1970 in to the design room, and look what we came up with, the same damn thing!” look. I would rank the Camaro first, the Mustang a close second, and the Challenger something I probably would not consider. The sooner you build this car (or at least declare that you will build it) the better. If GM is going bankrupt, and plans for the car are up in the air, I’ll probably be visiting a Ford dealer. So please do what you can to make this happen!
I wish everyone at GM good luck, I REALLY hope you are able to build this car. If you want to send one out for me to test, I’d be happy to do so.
-Mark
stan
If you build it they will come!!!!Its a head turner!!!Youve gotta home run on your hands.A 69 version Camaro designed with 21st century technology.Its breathtaking!!!GREAT JOB!!!!
Hobbes
Has mucho promise, but un-Pimp the roofline (too Chrysler 300)and retro the grill. Drivetrain sounds PERFECT.
Bob Miller
I love it. I owned a 1998 Camaro Z28 (white with t-tops) and enjoyed the car immensely. Don’t wait until 2009 - put this car out on the market quick!
Ken K.
I just have to know…did you invite the Ford guys over during their lunch break to design this one? It looks like a Mustang rip-off.
At least Chrysler got the Challenger right. Good grief Bob…wake up!
Frank Catalano
Thank you very much for bringing back my favorite car of all time. I have owned two fourth generation Z/28’s and cannot wait to buy this new fifth generation. All I can say is build it as quickly as possible, and while I want it to be cheap, in all honestly I will pay what I have to just build it.
This car will save your GM from the grave if you just let it. Thank you again!
John
Don’t change a thing just get this car into production soon. I have owned a 3rd Gen.(89 IROC)
I own a second gen ( 80 Sport Coupe) If this car goes to production I WILL own a 5th Gen.
Long live the Camaro.
David
Please build it!!
JOHN
I think the car needs a 500 horse motor and needs to have a front end of the 69 only…a real chrome grill…big headlights…and a real chrome bumper
Zach Hudson
An amazing car! Everything that a Camaro should be.
Chris
Oh my god bout time oh i cant say that yet because its not here yet its just a concept come on guys you know you must put this camaro out asap. If you don’t you will have so many angry people because i’am a die hard camaro fan and this one is just off the chain. Please don’t change anything from the concept because it is perfect in my eyes and can you do all of us camaro fans a favor and bring this beast out in 2007 and not 2010 or later we can’t wait that long its too long too wait now that we have a taste. And when u bring this beast out make it affordable no more than $30,000 please that would be nice the GTO should be an example of what not to do.This car looks damn good keep up the good work.
Pete
Wow! WOW! This is a grand slam home run times two. Thank you, Bob! Now I know why I didn’t lose faith and buy a new Mustang. Please build it ASAP. I must have one (or two)!
paul
The idea is great and needed. I do like the concept of the interior, very 1st generation camaro, good.
I am concerned about the front nose, I think it needs to loose some width, I think it is too bulky. I would also prefer a smooth roof, too much design.
Cleophas
First of All….
THANK YOU Bob!
It was three years coming, but worth the wait….
I am a current fourth generation owner, and a member of a family with strong GM tradition and my faith in Chevy has been renewed with this return of a true American icon. There should not be any questions about production, because it, along with the new Corvette will revolutionize, and redefine the Chevy brand as the true-blue model of American performance. This new Camaro will sell off of dealers lots and showroom floors if you just build it, just as it does with its rival competitor. I hope to be one to sit behind the wheel of one in a few short years..
Warren Bowman
Sir,
I too have been an “F-Body” fan for quite some time, currently enjoying a 2002 SS Convertable. The concept is an excellent starting point and has made a bold statement that GM really CAN develop a design that gets people talking!
As a “Gen X” 30 something with a family, I would think I am a member of the primary demographic with the means to purchase the new offering. Hope to see this in production VERY SOON, before more market share goes to Ford, MOPAR or worst yet- imports. I am, by no means an expert, but it seems like waiting until some where around MY ‘09 will have GM playing catch-up again.
As for the production version, I’d offer some comments from a future buyer who has driven everything (sedan and coupe) offered from the various manufacturers:
Fit and finish will be a killer. I have noted a significant improvement from GM’s offerings in the last couple years in some lines. A clean, creak-free interior with high quality materials will draw folks like me in. Avoid the busy interiors of the previous Pontiacs (example ‘05 Bonneville) and the cheap feel of the Mustang and MOPAR offerings (Charger/300M). I can’t stress enough, the production model needs clean lines vice retro with quality materials (as opposed to the concept’s). I realize this car is not intended to compete with the BMW or Lexus, but I will admit the payments on my ‘02 would be easier if the car felt a bit more refined.
As for the exterior, the bold styling is a welcome change from (sorry) the more recent offerings from GM (save the Solstice). I did find it disturbing that a Chevy salesman (who I’ll keep nameless) today noted the concept looks like a “smiling Mustang”. Please look toward progressive vice retro. With that, I lothe the angular styling of the new Cadillac line, but love the direction Pontiac has taken- I’m still a fan of the G6, Grand Prix and the now dead Bonneville (just wish they were RWD/AWD).
Thank you for your time and dedication to this project. I hope I can provide something useful.
Warren Bowman
PS- Please include a performance RWD sedan soon; the Charger has been calling but the boxy/cheesy interior has kept a sales contract at bay!
gtjeff
I work at a Chevy dealership, this car would look very nice on the showroom floor soon, not three years from now. Rather than leave it up in the air, why not announce a production date? If the Camaro came to market soon, Ford would have to play catchup and add IRS to the Mustang.
Demand is shifting back to cars. The response here is a good indication of that. (You cant buy what is not available) If GM wants to kick it up a notch build: Nomad, heritage inspired Bel Air, Grand National, Fiero GT, Cien, El Camino. Some of the concepts you have at the new Heritage Center should be considered, like the Tandem. Your truck lineup is very solid,there is no reason the cars cant match their success. (Build what customers really want and no more model name changes either!!)
William
Mr. Lutz,
First i would like to compliment the entire GM team for this car. It looks simply amazing!
I will be on hand in April at the New York Auto Show to see it in person and i cannot wait.
I have owned 4 F-bodys in the past, mostly 3rd and 4th generation cars and am highly anxious to see this new concept make it to production.
I have shown the pictures to many of my friends and it has recieved very good compliments from all, even people i would consider die-hard Mustang fans, like my girlfriend and her family. Her exact reaction was, “I would definetley buy one of those, even though it’s a Camaro.” This comment came from a 26 year old girl who’s family has owned more than 10 Mustangs including her 4.
In closing, all i would like to say is please build this car. Please tell Rick Wagonner to fast track this car. You have a definete sale in me and possibly about 6 or 7 more of my friends if it is in the Mustangs price point.
Thank You,
William Palinkas
Paul
Thank you so much for the Camaro Bob, and please release it sooner than 2009?
Kevin
I will be out of college and looking for a car by the time this is made. I will buy one of its priced reasonable and not watered down like the new mustangs. I only ask that the v8 doesn’t make a bunch of crap mandatory…I’d like leather, A/C, and possibly a moon roof. No power mirrors/seats/windows/trunk, no butt-warmers, NOTHING.