Click above for high-res gallery of Chevy Camaro spy shots from Germany
We've been seeing Camaro prototypes everywhere since Bob Lutz declared that they will be tested out in public without any camouflage to cover their flanks. Camaro prototypes now hold as much of our interest as spy shots of the next Aveo (not really, but hyperbolic statements like that help make the point). But here we have a new batch of spy shots from a place where the Camaro has yet to set rubber to road: Germany. There's only one reason for a U.S.-spec car to be in Germany, and that's to undergo testing at the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife. GM has made the 'Ring a second home for many of its performance vehicles, and the Camaro will benefit from being thrashed on one of the world's most famous tracks while spy photographers watch with their lenses focused and stop watches in hand. This particular Camaro arrived wearing new shoes, as well. The car is sporting a set of conspicuously bright red Brembo calipers, which perhaps suggests that these stoppers will be an option on the car or standard equipment on the Camaro SS.
[Source: KGP Photography]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Thetruck454 @ Apr 7th 2008 2:03PM
The charger is in trouble... that is sexy
paul34 @ Apr 7th 2008 2:04PM
Wait, are you really comparing a Charger with the new Camaro?
Thetruck454 @ Apr 7th 2008 2:13PM
ehhh the other one...challenger... i always get them confused
paul34 @ Apr 7th 2008 2:03PM
This is good news - shows that GM is looking to make the Camaro a true driver's car (in a modern sense) and not just old-school muscle. I wonder what kind of suspension they will be using on the SS.
Definitely nice now that, in recent years, American manufacturers have decided their cars should be able to turn!
srDRIVEN @ Apr 7th 2008 2:20PM
my thoughts exactly, i'm excited
PJ @ Apr 7th 2008 6:09PM
Paul34, IIRC, other Zeta cars have a strut front and multilink rear (the previous Monaro/GTO had rear trailing arms). The Camaro should have the same.
The Nurburgring testing does speak well of GM's efforts, but in previous models with lots of 'Ring hype (i.e. CTS) it hasn't translated into class-leading primary control feel. A grippy, balanced chassis is good; one that really communicates and connects with the driver is better.
Not the priority in a 3700 lb muscle car, I know, but a few extra competitive advantages never hurt anyone.
paul34 @ Apr 7th 2008 6:12PM
PJ, is it really 3700 lbs? I heard it was closer to 4000 but I could be wrong.
And indeed, you're right about not necessarily translating to world-class performance. We'll see though - between this, the ZR1, and the upcoming CTS-V, GM will have to prove whether it has truly stepped up its game. I am looking forward to the tests!
ugg.tryptophan @ Apr 7th 2008 6:43PM
if you add an American it will be 4000 pounds
Corey B. @ Apr 8th 2008 5:12AM
"This is good news - shows that GM is looking to make the Camaro a true driver's car (in a modern sense) and not just old-school muscle."
Or GM could just be showing off the Camaro at the most famous track in the world for handling so that people will think "man, they really mean for this to handle well!".
Mr. Oak @ Apr 7th 2008 2:05PM
I wonder what percentage of the German GDP, the 'Ring hauls in?
Still thing this is a rather large car. More cruiser than sports car. Hence, I really don't see the reason to haul it out to the 'Ring.
David(Postal) @ Apr 7th 2008 2:11PM
About how much does the car weigh? It looks like an affordable sports car to me, it doesn't look like a cow like the Challenger
psarhjinian @ Apr 7th 2008 3:36PM
@David
Probably about four thousand pounds; slightly less than the Challenger, but several hundred pounds (like, 400-600) more than the Mustang GT.
tankd0g @ Apr 7th 2008 3:53PM
I think the term you are looking for is "GT Car", I'm not convinced it will handle like anything other than a scallop trawler but there's always hope.
Eddie @ Apr 7th 2008 2:06PM
Thats the best a Camaro has looked so far. I want one now.
bpmurr @ Apr 7th 2008 2:11PM
Agreed, I'm really like the look and I'm a Stang driver.
meshies @ Apr 7th 2008 2:39PM
Definite. These are the best pics i have seen of it... Cot damned that thing looks menacing!
Franz @ Apr 7th 2008 2:09PM
I love the overall shape of this car, but the whole rear end ruins it for me. I can't quite put my finger on what's wrong with the ass-end of this car... maybe it's those tail lights, or the acres of blank plastic between those tail lights and the exhaust tips or the (relatively) high mounted license plate... maybe all of the above, but I can't seem to like it. Everything else is right on the money but to me, the back end is ugly.
Justin @ Apr 7th 2008 2:09PM
I'll be curious to see the numbers.
iSpec @ Apr 7th 2008 2:09PM
Black'll do
Pat @ Apr 7th 2008 2:11PM
I love the Aussi plate moto -- Victoria - The Place to be