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With the return of Chevrolet's Camaro all but certain, we're pretty much reduced to playing the speculation game over option levels... and waiting. In the meantime, as thoughts of smokey burnouts and parking-lot doughnuts pepper our imagination, click on over to Popular Hot Rodding's website via the link below to read the behind-the-scenes story of the Camaro Concept's battle to go from the drawing board to the floor of the 2006 Detroit auto show. The author of the story wisely lets designer Tom Peters (a veteran of the 2nd- and 3rd-gen Camaro) tell the story, with several paragraphs of direct quotes. If you're a Camaro fan, it's a great read, and even if you're not, it's still an interesting piece of insight into what it takes to move a concept through corporate red-tape.
[Source: Popular Hot Rodding]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
WolfgangNC @ May 6th 2006 2:19PM
I still say that if Chevy gets too crazy with the Camaro that it'll be stealing sales from the corvette. Plus, hearing about a 505bhp model, would be alittle too close to the Z06 in my opinion, unless the "Blue Devil" becomes the next Z06 to make sure Corvette is still on top.
Ford had this problem in '89 when the new Tbird SC came out. It was detuned quite alot to stay under the Mustang's performance numbers. The team that developed the '89 Tbird, actually got in alot of trouble from Ford when the Tbird SC was Motor Trend's Car of the Year.
Believe me Chevy isn't going to let the Corvette fall to second place when GM's stable; but you still have to keep the Camaro at least on par with the Mustang and Challenger.
BOB @ May 6th 2006 2:55PM
No one mentions the factor that will make the car viable for GM: the sales appeal of the six cylinder models. The V8s have never carried the Camaro or Mustang, never paid for the tooling, etc. The V-6 cars sell better because of sticker price, and (mainly) insurance costs. The V-6 has to be trimmed out for 2 personalities: one like a Celica, the other like an imitation V-8 for the macho young guys.
If the car is designed and priced to reach up and compete higher, it wont make money. They have to start with the six, then make the 8 out of that for the higher performance crowd that can afford to insure it.
Of course, we would not be talking now if Lutz had forced through a bigger car when the Solstice idea was in development, instead of trying to make a better Mazda. It was like fussing with frosting and forgetting the cake.
RacetrackOwner @ May 6th 2006 4:10PM
"No one mentions the factor that will make the car viable for GM: the sales appeal of the six cylinder models."
Really? No one? That's funny, I thought I read it in the article. Oh yeah, paragraph four:
"If we were to put this car into production, it would be priced with the Mustang ... you would have a popular-priced six-cylinder version, then you step up to an eight, then step up to the next eight,"
Bob Kellerman @ May 7th 2006 10:05PM
I had not seen the Hot Rodding article, with the Lutz quote-- but my point was about all the magazine and online attention going to the muscle image. (see the blog post above mine).
And as I have said elsewhere, instead of Lutz pushing the Mazda-wannabe Solstice a few years back, he should have made a Camaro or Firebird out of the concept.
LuboDuboLoL @ May 8th 2006 6:04PM
Headlights from the top red concept on the bottom blue concept would have been perfect.
RacetrackOwner @ May 9th 2006 5:48AM
"I had not seen the Hot Rodding article, with the Lutz quote-- but my point was about all the magazine and online attention going to the muscle image. (see the blog post above mine)."
You do realize the blog post is only a synopsis of a real article, right? I mean, your entire comment was as long as the blog post. Try reading the articles. You'd be surprised at how crappy the blog itself is.
Stewart @ May 11th 2006 8:22PM
I currently own a 69 Z/28 clone, and would seriously consider buying a new Camaro, but for one thing. They have GOT to lose the Mustang-like side sculpture/scoop. If I wanted to look like a Mustang from the side, I would buy a Mustang. Other than that one flaw, I think its great.
John Z @ May 11th 2006 8:27PM
The top brass at GM will never let the Vette be second fiddle. In 1987 when Buick Grand National was smoking the crap out of the Vette in testing, Chevys boys whinned and got thier way. The Buick was fitted with a speed limiter in its computer so the Bowtie boys would reign Supreme.
Mark @ May 11th 2006 8:31PM
I want one! One with the V8! I'm holding out for this car, hopefully it'll come out soon!
Taz @ May 11th 2006 8:40PM
All ican say is.....Ford did a much better job with the Mustang...oh well, too bad.
cb michael @ May 11th 2006 8:54PM
No matter what GM does with the next Camaro they simply need to put all avalible money into producing it to sell it.They need a big seller like this to re-establish their image in the industry as the style leader they once where.
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Kristen @ May 11th 2006 9:08PM
This is GM's response to the new Mustang? I am so disappointed.
ron warren @ May 11th 2006 9:11PM
I am hoping that the new camaro will look as close to the 67-69 camaros only with all the beenies of modern times. Nothing space age, let it stay on the classic side and I will buy two... one for the his and hers.... Like the challenger and mustange looks help the older boys and girls with money relive their past in modern comfort. An old school camaro is all I want!!
tim myatt @ May 11th 2006 9:17PM
If your going to bring the camero back then do a good retro job,don't make it look like star trek.You let ford spank your butts with the Mustang,now spank there butts with a good retro camero.
Carrie @ May 11th 2006 9:21PM
Best car I have ever had!!!!! For 14 years now she has been a trooper and I can not wait for the new Camaro.Thank You
Chip Caruana @ May 11th 2006 9:34PM
Once again, GM rolls out a cartoon.
Dave W. @ May 11th 2006 9:44PM
Make the Camaro in 4 madels. Z28-4.3v6 or 5.7v8.Auto/5 speed. $40,000
RS-4.3v6 or 5.0v8 Auto/5 speed. $38,000
Just plane Camaro 3800 v6. Auto/5 speed.$30,000
Camaro SS 5.7v8 or 7.0v8 corvette Auto/6 speed.$50,000.
How hard was that?
With the 427 in it,That car would be faster then the Corvette Z06.
June Beyer @ May 11th 2006 9:47PM
I have an old 89 iroc she's rusty and tired looking but she still puts your azz in the seat when this gal ask's her too, best car I have ever owned. Hope they don't get too funky with the design. the late 60's were boxy looking /90's were wimpy looking.I love to have a brand spankin new one like the one I already own.
Karen in Minnesota @ May 11th 2006 10:11PM
I have owned 3 camaros now. First one being a 82 camaro, lasted me 13 years, on the first engine. My second one was a 92 and it's till being driven 14 years later. I gave that car to a teenager in my life to enjoy, he drives it now and absolutely loves it. I turned around and bought a showroom condition 92 camaro and keep that stored currently, has low miles. Camaros, I say, are one of the best, truly champion vehicles of all time. I am overjoyed to hear they are bringing them back in 2009 or 2010. The sketches look a little different than the style I'm used to but they look pretty cool so far. We should all be thrilled to welcome back a masterpeice vehicle such as the camaro!!