For those of us not going to indy....

With all the whining lately about weight and the z28 issue I've withdrawn more and more from the camaro community in general (this board and others). SO to rekindle my interest and to put forth an effort to "contribute" I want to put together a list of questions us enthusiasts would like answered. Hopefully someone (maybe Chris or Jason?!?!) would like to volunteer to toss these around when they are at Indy and see if we can get some answers.

I will add questions from anyone that responds (crediting question) and keep this top post updated. I will IGNORE any questions revolving around anything weight, Z28, Pricing, or future model information as this is to be strictly about the 5th gen and information they can make public.

Without further ado.. here are some (and one barrowed from the latest podcast!)

Questions

1. The SS M6 will be coming with Launch control, what does this do exactly and how is it used? (Diarmadhi)

2. How is dealer allocation handled? Rumours indicate it will be based off the 02 camaro sales. If so how can you allocate 75k + cars when dealers sold significantly less than that? (Jim from the pod cast #156)

3. The Official specs PDF that was released states that the camaro will get struts up front and coilovers in the rear. Who is the manufacturer of these components? (Diarmadhi)

4. Can anyone elaborate on the variable ratio rack and pinion steering, as in how it works or its functionality? (Diarmadhi)

5. What menu items/information/customizations will be available in the driver information center(DIC)? (Diarmadhi)

6. What is the bolt pattern, wheel offset measurements? (other forum - Vash)

7. Do the windows auto drop when the door is opened and auto close when the door is shut (for better sealing)? (Black5thgen)

8. Are the turn signals one tap, multiple fire relays? (Black5thgen)

9. Ambient lighting, what trim is it optional, and what trim is it standard? (FAD1)

10. Will the camaro come with factory smoked glass? (Diarmadhi)

11. I know there will be a USB interface will that include an ipod interface that can control the ipod from steering wheel controls? (Pruettfan)

12. Will the tinted wheels be available with all color cars? (Pruettfan)

13. Do the front seats have a switch near the headrest that allows you to move the seat forward for rear seat passenger without having to lean over? (Pruettfan)

14. What specifically was done to address wheel hop and durability issues of IRS under harsh (Track) conditions? (Andy30thZ)

15. Is the rear differential a standard ring and pinion setup or something special? (Andy30thZ)

16. Is the new Zeta II chassis stiffer than the previous chassis in the 4th Gen? (Ruthlage, Podcast 158)

17. Can back seats be lowered from the trunk area with with a lever, cable or something (like Camry for example)? (rcowan99)

18. Are there any separate, extra compartments for storage within the trunk? (rcowan99)

19. Is it possible to lower/raise power windows with the remote (maybe with key in the door lock like Jetta)? (rcowan99)

20. Homelink included/option? (rcowan99)

21. Are there blanks where you could add an auxiliary switch where it would look "stock" (example the locations below the center AC vents in the 4th gen)? (rcowan99)

22. Is there a sunglasses storage area? (rcowan99)

23. Will it be necessary to take the blade key to the dealer to have the battery changed (like VW)? (rcowan99)

24. Are there AC vents in the back seat area? (rcowan99)

25. Are there courtesy lights in the back seat area? (rcowan99)

26. Do floormats ATTACH to the floor, and of what material are they made? (rcowan99)

27. Is there a trunk light and/or under-hood light? (rcowan99)

Picture requests (If possible)

1. Trunk open and empty (possibly with rear seats down), measurements if possible. (85LT1Z28MEX)

2. Battery and surrounding area in trunk. (Diarmadhi)

3. A nice high resolution (larger than 1200X1600 if possible) of the hood blanket for a wallpaper. (Diarmadhi)

4. Shot of the glove box open. (rcowan99)

5. Would someone please take some close-ups of the key (want to see if key will open in a pocket). (rcowan99)

2. How is dealer allocation handled? Rumours indicate it will be based off the 02 camaro sales. If so how can you allocate 75k + cars when dealers sold significantly less than that? (Jim from the pod cast #156)

I'm sure they will be allocated in terms of percentages sold in '02, not actual units sold.

I don't understand the whole allocating thing. Shouldn't I just be able to walk into any dealer, and order one? GM gets the money either way...

I would think the allocation refers to the cars that need to be delivered to dealers before there is a buyer for it?

Sounds fine, keep the questions coming!

can someone take a picture of the trukn OPEN?

:)

Can't wait for any new info that the fellow board members can get while at Indy. Sounds like some good questions. Have fun guys, I'll be waiting for the reports :p

Referring to my thread "Comment on Pricing and Quality", I would like pictures and/or evaluations on how well the vehicle is laid out for maintainability.

Engine compartment plumbing and electrical layout.
Does the engine cover hide shortcomings? (fingers crossed; hope not)
Are all components accessible?
Catalytic converter(s) proximity to transmission.
Fuse panel location(s) / ease of access.
Folding back seat seat-back. (for skis)
Rake of the front windshield. Easy to reach and clean where dashboard and glass meet?
Radio knob finish. (Yukons and Sierra trucks had painted knobs that chip apart within two years.)

Allocation will be pretty simple after the first month. GM will build many cars so other than those first few weeks that everyone is in a panic allocation won't be an issue.
Launch control is an electronic feature that several cars have availible. Basicly the computer takes over throttle management for the launch to get the car off the line quickly without spinning the wheels.
The wheel pattern is will be the same as the G8 which i believe is 5-120. Offset will be interesting to see because I am sure they had to get a little creative to get the 20's on there.

I don't understand the whole allocating thing. Shouldn't I just be able to walk into any dealer, and order one? GM gets the money either way...


Under federal law, a manufacturer MUST have an allocation plan in place that can be defended in a court of law. (don't believe me? ask the guys from Honda that went to jail several years ago.........)

We will have an allocation plan in place -- it's based on dealers' sales history......and I can tell you that we did not look at 2002 Camaro sales -- simply because of the number of dealerships that have changed ownership since then.

Under federal law, a manufacturer MUST have an allocation plan in place that can be defended in a court of law. (don't believe me? ask the guys from Honda that went to jail several years ago.........)

We will have an allocation plan in place -- it's based on dealers' sales history......and I can tell you that we did not look at 2002 Camaro sales -- simply because of the number of dealerships that have changed ownership since then.

Does the same thing apply up here in Canada?

can someone take a picture of the trukn OPEN?

:)

I've seen one, but I can't find it right now. There was one back when the polka dot cars running around with an engineer in the trunk. The opening is quite small. There's like 6 inches of sheetmetal under the decklid on either side of the opening. It's smaller than my Cobalt coupe trunk opening.

I've seen one, but I can't find it right now. There was one back when the polka dot cars running around with an engineer in the trunk. The opening is quite small. There's like 6 inches of sheetmetal under the decklid on either side of the opening. It's smaller than my Cobalt coupe trunk opening.

I also own a Cobalt -- The Camaro is significantly wider than our car is (almost 10 inches), so while relatively it looks smaller...the trunk opening may be about the same width as ours. :shrug:

Anyways, here's the picture you were talking about. Though...he's not an engineer for the car...we like to call him 'Shunt'.:lol:

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x210/Dragoneye22/shunt.jpg

I've seen one, but I can't find it right now. There was one back when the polka dot cars running around with an engineer in the trunk. The opening is quite small. There's like 6 inches of sheetmetal under the decklid on either side of the opening. It's smaller than my Cobalt coupe trunk opening.

as long as it can hold 3 AR-15's and 2 ak's and a buttload of ammo i'll be ok (dont worry its just me and my friend going to the range) any long trips get the Envoy unless im going alone,but the dogs are banned from the SS.Ive already informed them,and they are not happy

I also own a Cobalt -- The Camaro is significantly wider than our car is (almost 10 inches), so while relatively it looks smaller...the trunk opening may be about the same width as ours. :shrug:

Anyways, here's the picture you were talking about. Though...he's not an engineer for the car...we like to call him 'Shunt'.:lol:

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x210/Dragoneye22/shunt.jpg



:lol::lol::lol::lol:

maybe one without the "shunt IN trunk" ? :D:D:D

funny one thanks..

I also own a Cobalt -- The Camaro is significantly wider than our car is (almost 10 inches), so while relatively it looks smaller...the trunk opening may be about the same width as ours. :shrug:

I don't think so. Even relative to the width of the car it looks smaller to me. At the very least the front of the opening is narrower.

Anyways, here's the picture you were talking about. Though...he's not an engineer for the car...we like to call him 'Shunt'.:lol:

Ah, thanks. I didn't know who it was. Just remembered seeing that pic a while back.

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x210/Dragoneye22/shunt.jpg[/QUOTE]

http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/ChevyCobalt/Images/Trunk.jpg

All, keep these questions coming. This is not a request from me directly... :)

I dont know if this is the right area to put this, but does the Ambient interior lighting come standard on the LT's. I was just wondering. Also, will the V6 car have the ability to switch out engines so maybe later on, so that any one who purchases the car can put in a nice Chevy V8's in the future?

I would like to know two small details about the car. First does the window drop down a little when the door is opened like the vette and mustang. Second does the turn signal have a relay like the vette where when you change lanes and hit the stalk once the turn signal flashes three times. I really like that feature on the vette.

First post is updated with everything above here. If your question hasn't been addressed its because the information is already out there or its information that most likely wont be available (electrical/plumbing schematics, engine swap, etc..).

i've heard of trunk monkeys, but never trunk shunt's. How much more to the price will a trunk 'Shunt" cost over MSRP? Is it a dealer option or is it aftermarket? Could one add a trunk "shunt" at a later date? Is the Trunk "shunt" warrentyable? or does by installing a trunk "shunt" void your manufacturer warrenty? How many uses do you get out of your trunk "shunt" before we have to replace him? Thanks.





LOL.

Im mostly more curious on the convertible information. Definate dates, for one.

Additional questions for Indy visit:

- How comfortable will a 6'3" driver be? (not large or fat; good shape)
- Shoulder width/clearance with two 6'3" front occupants
- Ingress and egress from drivers seat. Is there sufficient head clearance or will you have to duck a bit to clear the roof edge? What about getting out?
- Some posts indicate that the occupants "tend" to sit rather low in the vehicle? Will the wife have a problem trying to get out of the vehicle with a dress on?
- With the seats in the full-back position, how much leg room in the rear? How much clearance from the front seat back to the rear seat edge?
- More details on the eluded-to interior lighting. Some of the videos of the Proving Ground visitors said "whoa!" and "that's cool." What were they seeing?
- The "bar" shown spanning the dash board in the interior shots is blue. Is this LED lighting? Is it only blue or is it user selectable colors?

If someone could find the questions to the following questions I would be very grateful:

1. I know there will be a USB interface will that include an ipod interface that can control the ipod from steering wheel controls?

2. Will the tinted wheels be availible with all color cars?

3. Do the front seats have a switch near the headrest that allows you to move the seat forward for rear seat passenger without having to lean over? The GTO had this feature and it was very nice.

4. Can someone from GM confirm HUD availiblity in approx Dec 2009, or has that date moved at all? Also confirmation of a HUD at all would help.

5. Any chance of Brembos on the V6 as an option in the future? I think it would be very popular.

Thanks

Tom

Questions added... Please keep in mind these are for the current and announced model/options, future options are still considered not available to the public. I am VERY sure that as soon as those inside can tell us we will hear about it before 90% of the general public.

GMPG7783 all of those can be answered by searching the forums, or just watch the videos of the disciples (several are of the tall variety).

Could we get some rear gear specifics? When the '04/'06 GTO's came out there weren't many choices for aftermarket gears. Is this rear using a common ring gear and pinion?
Or doesn't this event get that in depth?
Also, some honest answers about IRS durability would be nice! (I'm hoping at Indy they won't be limited to saying "It'll be good")

Bump for 3 days left! YAY!

Also added another question from the pod cast!

Bump... probably for the last time.. get your questions in.. I'm sure whoever is going isnt going to be checking this friday!

But I will tomorrow. :) I would get them in by 5pm EST at the latest.

1) Can back seats be lowered from the trunk area with with a lever, cable or something? (like Camry for example)

2) Are there any separate, extra compartments for storage within the trunk?

3) Is it possible to lower/raise power windows with the remote? (maybe with key in the door lock like Jetta)

4) DIC questions:
a) What data will be available on the DIC and can I program the display to show certain things?
b) Can DIC double as a semi-HUD say.. with the speed and RPM displayed as big numbers in the middle to accompany the stock gauges?
c) Does it have a cool "splash screen" on startup? :D
d) Will there be available a Data Display option like the Cobalt?

5) homelink available?

6) Is there a place where you could add an extra "stock" switch for a line lock or something and it would look "stock"? -- for example the extra locations below the center AC vents in the 4th gen Camaro.

7) pic of glove box open?

8) Is there a sunglasses storage area?

9) will it be necessary to take the blade key to the dealer to have the battery changed? (like VW)

10) would someone please take some close-up photos of the key? I'd like to see the mechanism because the VW key WILL open in your pocket.

11) Are there AC vents in the back seat area?

12) Are there courtesy lights in the back seat area?

13) Are the floormats all cloth or are they like the heavy-duty rubber VW Monster Mats or something else?

14) Do floormats ATTACH to the floor? This would be nice. I get tired of pulling my floormat back all the time.

15) Is there a trunk light and/or under-hood light?

15) can somebody get a pic of the actual "Shunt" from one of the IVERS? :D

THANK YOU!!!

Great questions rcowan99! Added!

Will there be more model differences in coming years? Can we get a real Camaro emblem back? Where's the pre-pro grill? Why don't the headlights fit correctly in their spaces and are cutoff at the bottom and top? Why the extra ridge on the rear bumper?