Debut of the Chevrolet Camaro Concept
You would think Autoblogger Chris Paukert were at a Hollywood movie opening instead of a car show when he arrived at the Camaro debut. In his own words:
More pomp and circumstance than any other debut I've yet seen this week. Full-on local marching band; parade of vintage Camaros; 250 hardcore Camaro buffs; Dr. Jack Arute (Motorsports Commentator); Leeanne Tweeden, who is a celeb for some reason or another; guys with LCD monitors strapped to their backs; absolute crush of humanity; lots of cheering.
GM Media was offering ear plugs due to the roar of the vintage Camaros. Nothing could be done, though, about the intoxicating smell of their exhausts.
But the "star" of the show stood proudly while cameras flashed around it. The Camaro concept features GM's 6.0L LS2 V8 producing 400 ponies and delivering over 30 mpg on the highway thanks to Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation). The tranny is a proper yet modern six-speed manual. 21-inch wheels up front and 22-inchers in the rear keep this (future) blast from the past on the road.
More specs from the press release and pics after the jump.
CHEVROLET CAMARO CONCEPT:
CAPTURING THE TIMELESS SPIRIT OF CAMARO
- Thoroughly modern interpretation of the classic sport coupe
- Dramatic design, responsive performance
DETROIT – Combining dramatic design and exciting performance, the Chevrolet Camaro Concept recaptures the spirit of one of the most popular sport coupes of all time and redefines the Camaro for new generations of fans.
The Camaro Concept embodies the performance and passion that have made first-generation Camaros some of the most sought-after collector cars, updating the formula with a fuel-efficient powertrain, sophisticated chassis and contemporary design execution. The goal is to make the sport coupe relevant to younger enthusiasts while retaining its appeal to its current fans.
“Millions of people of all ages fell in love with the Camaro for all of the right reasons,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, global design (pictured). “Camaros were beautiful to look at and offered performance that could rival expensive European GTs. Yet they were practical enough to drive every day and priced within the reach of many new car buyers.”
Though only a show car at this point, the Camaro Concept is intended to explore customer reaction to design and engineering elements that might lead to an all-new version of the Camaro.
The long hood, short deck and wide stance of the Camaro Concept leave no doubt that it is a serious performance car. Those looks are backed up by a 400-horsepower aluminum small-bock V-8, a six-speed manual transmission, and a sophisticated chassis with four-wheel independent suspension.
Like its forebears, the Camaro Concept would be practical enough for everyday use. It features fuel-saving features like Active Fuel Management™ cylinder deactivation technology, yielding highway fuel economy of 30 mpg or better. Its overall size is a comfortable fit for city streets and suburban parking lots, and its back seat provides occasional seating for two adults.
Lean, muscular design
Because of Camaro’s powerful heritage, the GM Design team chose a theme that pays homage to the original Camaro, while being instantly recognizable as an all-new car.
Said Bob Boniface, director of the Warren Advanced Design Studio, “The fact that the Camaro has been out of production for a number of years made it particularly important that the Camaro Concept honors the Camaro heritage in the right way.”
The 1969 Camaro, considered by many to be the best first-generation design, was a significant inspiration. But as GM design teams in Warren, Mich., worked on alternatives for the Camaro Concept, they also turned to the latest Corvette and to aircraft like the YF-22, seeking a design that encompasses the spirit that made the 1969 Camaro great, but interprets that spirit in a fresh, exciting way.
“The overall proportions, long hood and powerful fender forms say, ‘This is a front-engine, rear-wheel drive performance vehicle,’ ” said Tom Peters, design director, rear-wheel drive performance cars. The prominent front grille and hood bulge hint at the power of the Corvette-derived V-8 engine. Large wheels and tires, exposed high-performance brakes and prominent fender shapes signal that the Camaro Concept has the handling and braking to go with the powertrain.
The cockpit of the Camaro nestles between sharply defined fender forms, a design element inspired by fighter planes and the new Corvette. And like any high-performance vehicle, the clean, purposeful design is integral to the aesthetic. “The Camaro Concept isn’t just a styled shape,” said Peters. “The design incorporates what the vehicle needs to perform to its optimum level.”
The same purposeful design is reflected in the interior of the Camaro Concept. The gauges and splash of orange trim hint at classic first-generation Camaros, but the overall design and execution reflect the no-nonsense functionality that drivers expect from a high-performance Chevrolet sports car.
Performance for the real world
The Camaro Concept features the latest generation of GM’s legendary small-block V-8. The 6.0-liter LS2 engine features an aluminum block and heads for light weight, and Active Fuel Management™, which shuts off four cylinders to save fuel when the engine is lightly loaded. This concept version of the LS2 is rated at 400 horsepower, yet it could also deliver more than 30 mpg at highway speeds.
The Camaro Concept’s six-speed manual transmission provides a wide spread of ratios for aggressive acceleration off the line, confident passing and merging and efficient highway cruising.
Modern sports cars are about more than just straight-line speed, so the Camaro Concept features a sophisticated rear-wheel drive chassis. Its independent front and rear suspension features progressive-rate springs and gas-pressurized dampers. Four-wheel vented disc brakes with 14-inch rotors provide confident stopping under all conditions.
Enhancing both the performance and appearance of the Camaro Concept are unique five-spoke cast alloy wheels, 21 inches in the front and 22 inches in the rear.
An American icon
Designed in the mid-1960s, the first-generation Camaro captured the optimism of an era. The Baby Boomers were in their teens, rock-and-roll and Motown ruled the airwaves, and American culture was sweeping the globe.
Like the Impala, Chevelle and Sting Ray, the new Camaro showcased Chevy’s strength of bringing stylish, high-quality cars to a mainstream audience. Its dramatic proportions and graceful lines recalled both the Corvette and the Italian Gran Turismo cars of the era. And its powertrain lineup, which soon included both the potent Z-28 small block and big block 396s and 427s, gave the Camaro the performance to go with its looks.
But what really made the Camaro an American icon was that it was accessible to millions. Chevy sold more than 699,000 Camaros in its first three years. So for every Z-28 taking the checkered flag at the track, there were thousands of less exotic Camaros cruising the drive-ins, picking up the groceries, or taking the family on vacation.
“The Camaro Concept is designed to have that same broad appeal, with unmistakable style, spirit and performance,” said Welburn.
SPECIFICATIONS – CHEVROLET CAMARO CONCEPT
Vehicle type: two-door, four-passenger rear-wheel drive sport coupe
Wheelbase (in / mm): 110.5 / 2806
Length (in / mm): 186.2 / 4730
Width (in / mm): 79.6 / 2022
Height (in / mm): 53 / 1344
Track (in / mm): 63.8 / 1620 front; 63.3 / 1607 rear
Engine: 6.0-L V-8 LS-2, 400 hp / 298 kw, with Active Fuel Management™
Transmission: six-speed manual T56
Suspension: four-wheel independent: MacPherson strut front, multilink rear, progressive rate coil springs, gas-pressurized dampers
Brakes: four-wheel disc, 15” rotors with four-piston calipers
Wheels: cast aluminum, 21” front, 22” rear
Tires: 275/30R21 front, 305/30R22 rear
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 56)
Jeff 9:42PM (2/07/2006)
theirs deffinatly somthing wrong with the interior
ofcoarse their ripping of fords ideas again
but the rest of the car rocks
i love the 400 ponies
and the outside looks great
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MOPAR OR NO CAR 5:36PM (2/08/2006)
This Car is weak, it's really an eyesore, GM tryed to make this car look too futuristic, and it looks like the only thing it should be is the next batmobile, not a car that will make production. Challenger = 1,000,000,000,000,000 times better
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Pebbles 3:07AM (2/09/2006)
the car is magnificent i love how their being back that old american muscle body form. but of coarse mixed with a little of their new,it lookes a little buldgy. the interior didnt keep enoughf of the old style for me, it reminds me a little of a space ship.but im all for trying new things.
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Ralph Hansen 5:19AM (2/09/2006)
My first car was a 1969 Camaro hardtop. It was a beautifully styled car which graced the Milford High School (Milford, MI) student parking lot from 1972 to 1974. Man, the attention that little red rocket got was unbelievable! I loved it! When I read that GM was to reintroduce a new Camaro with styling based on the '69 model, I experienced immediate elation, followed swiftly by trepidation. The General has produced some truly ugly automobiles since the Great Downsizing of 1977-1978. But, wait, I thought; How difficult could it be for Chevrolet to build a good looking Camaro? I mean, they did it once, right? Hope lived again! Then I saw the pictures of the Camaro concept, and hope died a pitiful death. THIS THING IS FUGLY!!! Wasn't the Aztek bad enough? Does a styling department even exist at GM today? Harley Earl would be ashamed. Guess I'll be writing a check for a Challanger ragtop when they arrive, (or for a new 1969 Camaro replica).
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John Huntington 5:05PM (2/09/2006)
This car is phenomenal I can not wait to get behind the wheel of this beauty. I just hope they can produce this must faster than 09. I am already planning on this purchase as soon as it is available.
Way to go Chevy
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leifhain 4:51AM (1/30/2008)
If only GM would reconsider the childish interior (its design lacks maturity and style), this car could be a hit in Europe.
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TedS 9:52AM (2/10/2006)
The new Mustang LOOKS like a "67 Stang, the soon to be Challenger LOOKS like a '73 Challenger. This is a FEEBLE exercise by GM to use a classy cars name. The body looks like a Cadillac. We can SEE it's a 'Vette drivetrain in an Austrailian built GTO frame. Is it going to be like the SSR pickup? So overpriced that normal folks can't buy one.For around $17,000 you can buy the new 'Stang. Where will the Camaro start? Around $40,000 like the SSR.........Sorry, I prefer GM vehicles,but my money would go on a 'Stang or Challenger. Even at $40,000 THEY would be worth the price, but not the "NEW" Camaro.
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Gail 11:35AM (2/10/2006)
I was reading on another site the idea of a 6 cyl. YUCK, I hope not. Can anyone remember when the base/stock, engine was a 4 cyl.? I remember. It was not pretty. Research this disaster, then understand why a CAMARO needs to be 8 cyl. only. The six speed manual is a winner as well. My take on that is, if you can't handle 6 gears, by a tricycle!!!
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DR 8:53AM (2/11/2006)
I am a long time fan and owner of Camaro's, and I am very disappointed with Chevy and this new concept car Camaro. If they want to commemorate the Camaro and it 36, some odd years. Why didn't they come back with a car that at least looked like a Camaro. This looks like a space aged box! Yes, its a cool looking car, and it has a lot of cool features, but is it a "Camaro"? or is it a car that they needed to put a name on it, so they called it a "Camaro". Like Chevy has done in previous years. At least when Ford came back with the 05 Mustang you could tell it's a Mustang and you can tell what year Mustang it represented. It hurts me to say, but I think I would purchase a New Mustange before that car. I've been craving the Camaro to come back, so I could have one to put along side my 1969 Camaro Pace Car in the garage. I don't think that I would even consider this one. I hope they reconsidet and do some more styling on the car. I will just have to continue on my quest to find one of the last years of the Camaro to put in the garage instead. Maybe a 1997 Anniversary edition, SS with ram air.
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Alex 8:50PM (2/11/2006)
All I have to say is "wow". This is by far one of the most mean but beautiful cars that I have ever seen GM build. I would definitely purchase one for me and one for my wife. This would definitely be the kinda car I would love to have parked in my driveway.
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Andrew 6:27PM (2/14/2006)
If GM builds this car, I will buy two. One just like this one for my old man, and one black Ponitac version for me.
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Corrupt 6:49PM (2/14/2006)
I have seen a lot of people knocking the front and rear of this car, especially the lights. I think it must be said that this car looks PISSED. It looks like it would tear you into shrapnel and move on to the next target.
I LOVE IT
Like someone said, if they come out with a Trans Am, I will definately buy one, but if not, I'll still serously consider this car.
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Todd H 10:22PM (2/14/2006)
good looking car but 22's??? Its supposed to be a sports car not a cadillac.
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danny 11:56PM (2/14/2006)
Leave to chevrolet to screw up what was a great car. To
chevrolet I would say to little to late, as always, their history from the 70's proves it, when people want
a economy car, they give us the "vega",when people want a fwd,they give us the "citation",oh and dont forget about the newest one the "ssr",they take away cars that we like, and give us some over priced crap,I
myself with the exception of maybe the vette,will never again buy anything from chevrolet, them outdated
overpriced suv's & trucks included...you want to make
some so called modern retro,well chevy take some clues
from the new mustang, and the concept challenger, now
those are good looking modern retro cars...dm
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Nancy Kuchenmeister 1:01AM (2/15/2006)
This is a Beautiful sport car inside and out. I would like to see this concept car in the assembly lines at all of Chevrolet production plants. This car should and would help Chevrolet's sales rise above and beyond its expectations.
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dj 1:06AM (2/15/2006)
chevrolet should have saved the millions that went into
making that wonderful ssr(hah),to design a better looking camaro with out dropping the line,convert the
monte carlo,& the impala to rear drive,trash the cobalt,& malibu,aveo,colorado or at least put the trailblazers 6cyl in there and drop that 5cyl junk,dump
the wannabe pt cruiser of a junk the hhr (why even make
that thing.Chevrolet the camaro concept is so ugly,ugly,ugly that you should not EVEN campare it to the original,open your corporate eyes and ears and listen to what the people want to buy, and maybe you wont be losing so much money,go back to the drawing board on this one please and make it nicer and dont
sucker us out by changing to front drive....all of this
and more from a chevy man since my 66 big block caprice
sport coupe.....laters, dj
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Buzzman 4:18PM (2/15/2006)
That is a really cool looking Dodge Magnum. I'm sure Mopar will sell lots of 'em.
Oh, it's a Camaro? Uh....
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Devin 9:58PM (2/16/2006)
i just want to make it to 1000 comments so here it goes... It's Beautiful!!!!!!
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Mark Harkness 6:41PM (2/17/2006)
If they decide to build it close to the concept appearance....I WILL BUY IT!!!! All I've seen over the past few years are the same bubble bodies on the road with absolutely no styling! In a year or two I want a fast good looking sports-car that turns heads when I pull up to a light. I am not hauling kids to soccer, or need a minivan or station wagon, to haul my aging parents around! I'm in my mid-thirties and can afford both the payments and the insurance! And on that note.......bring the damn car to Canada!!!...not like your Pontiac division with the GTO!!!!!!
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Crystal 10:24PM (2/18/2006)
Everyone that has something bad to say about the car DON'T look at it!!!!
I think it is absolutly BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! I want one. Hurry up and make it! The Camaro is my favorite car! Good job I LOVE it!!!!!
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