Quality

[Rampant]

More than the design of the interior, I am a bit concerned about the quality of the interior, as that was the last straw that made me not buy a Mustang. I would have gladly paid a higher price if it had a better interior (beyond the IUP). Primarily materials, fit and rattles (in demo cars no less) were just not acceptable for a $30k+ car.

If Honda can sell a V6 Accord coupe starting around $25k, I see no reason Chevy shouldn't be able to get pretty close to the interior fit and finish (or at least no rattles or plastic box designs) and sell a V6 Camaro for around $22.5k.

Is there anything to suggest GM will pick a target other than a sinking ship (Ford) to try to emulate? Say, the Z or G35? That is what I will be comparing the Camaro against when it comes time -- not the Mustang (and, yes, I am waiting for the Camaro to come out before I buy my next car).

[2000GTP]

The interiors of the past f-bodies definitely were in need of some improvement as are many of GM other models. Interior quality has gotten alot better on alot of the current GM models so I'm sure that the new Camaro will be of better quality then the preceding generations.

[terps]

Originally Posted by 2000GTP

The interiors of the past f-bodies definitely were in need of some improvement as are many of GM other models. Interior quality has gotten alot better on alot of the current GM models so I'm sure that the new Camaro will be of better quality then the preceding generations.

This is what I'm hoping for too. I'm tired of ppl dogging on american cars cuz of the interiors.

[Good Ph.D]

If you've compared comparable foreign and domestic cars lately you would know that the gap is at least partially in the imagination of automotive press.

In any case Lutz didn't stage a virtual coup to get the concept made and GM didnt throw millions into advertising an still nonexistent product in order to throw it away on something obvious like interior squeaks and rattles.

It will be the best it can be, end of story.

[2000GTP]

Originally Posted by Good Ph.D

If you've compared comparable foreign and domestic cars lately you would know that the gap is at least partially in the imagination of automotive press.

In any case Lutz didn't stage a virtual coup to get the concept made and GM didnt throw millions into advertising an still nonexistent product in order to throw it away on something obvious like interior squeaks and rattles.

It will be the best it can be, end of story.

Exactly, GM knows that there is little margin for error this time around and they need to get this car pretty darn close to perfection if they want it to sell to expectation. I'm pretty confident it will be one finely built and refined car.

[Dest98]

Unfortunately the designers have set the bar high. Regardless of what you think of the styling, the craftsmanship & quality of the convertible concept's interior looks absolutely astonishing. I'm afraid there's no way the production model can be that good at the target price points.

[fastball]

Originally Posted by Dest98

Unfortunately the designers have set the bar high. Regardless of what you think of the styling, the craftsmanship & quality of the convertible concept's interior looks absolutely astonishing. I'm afraid there's no way the production model can be that good at the target price points.

Why is it unfortunate that the bar was set high? Twenty thousand dollar Volkswagens have seamless, vault-like interiors. Twelve thousand dollar Civics have switchgear that feels like it's out of a thirty thousand dollar Acura. Japan can make high quality interiors in cheap cars and do it profitably. Why can't GM? That is, if they don't let the beancounters get in the way.

There is absolutely no room for error with GM's interior design. It has been one of their weakest points when comparing to those from Japan and Europe.

I'd say there was a reliable prologue to it, though. The Holden Monaro/GTO had the best interior quality of any GM vehicle sold in North America during it's timespan (2004-06). High quality, low glare plastics. Positive feel on all switchgear. Tight seams, good fitment of parts, and a solid "whoomph" when you shut the door, as opposed to the "ka-chunk-unk" of most GM products. The car was just built better. Better than the G6. Better than the Cobalt. Better than any Cadillac. My point is the interior quality of the Monaro was so superior to what GM sold in the States that even the new designs didn't measure up.

So, I'm sure the new Camaro will have a very, very good interior. I would not be surprised it will be at Audi or Acura levels.

[Good Ph.D]

Originally Posted by Dest98

Unfortunately the designers have set the bar high. Regardless of what you think of the styling, the craftsmanship & quality of the convertible concept's interior looks absolutely astonishing. I'm afraid there's no way the production model can be that good at the target price points.

As is to be expected of a concept car. Concept cars are also prone to hardwood floors, hand stictched carpet and lack things like door handles b-pillars and other insignificant things.

The fact that any "concept" car is well put together doesen't have much to do with the production.

[Rampant]

Originally Posted by Good Ph.D

In any case Lutz didn't stage a virtual coup to get the concept made and GM didnt throw millions into advertising an still nonexistent product in order to throw it away on something obvious like interior squeaks and rattles.

It will be the best it can be, end of story.

Wouldn't you say the same thing about Ford and the Mustang? Yet, it still is a crappy interior. My only hope is that "the best it can be" will be "a lot better than the Mustang" -- even if it means it will be a pricier. Especially with the overwhelming popularity of leasing, more expensive doesn't always equate to noticeable increases in monthly payments, but can make for a much better overall vehicle (as evidenced time and again by the fact that the cheapest car is RARELY the biggest seller).

[Good Ph.D]

Crappy interior or not it sells in excess of a half million units a year and utterly owns the coupe market.

Long story shot Mustang and Camaro sell because they are what they are. Cheap, sporty accesible. Admittedly the fewer sacrifices the better, but there will be sacrifices and more than enough people will accept them.

Build some identity confused Camaro thats got 500 hp, a hardtop convertible, and a Tiffany interior with a price to match, and you'll ensure Mustang reatins its sales crown.

[ToneC]

Originally Posted by fastball

Why is it unfortunate that the bar was set high? Twenty thousand dollar Volkswagens have seamless, vault-like interiors. Twelve thousand dollar Civics have switchgear that feels like it's out of a thirty thousand dollar Acura. Japan can make high quality interiors in cheap cars and do it profitably. Why can't GM?

Man that's such a good question.

I was watching a news segment on FOX the other day on the demise of US auto manufacterers. It was a scarey segment. The demise of American cars? Yes in deed.

The survey that was conducted concluded that the reason Americans are turning their backs on US auto manufacterers is because the people that own American cars felt like they were paying too much for too little. Or as one reporter put it; "Americans feel like their cars are CHEAP and JUNKY".

This is scary but very very true because no matter how brand loyal you are, it is a fact that cannot be denied. We have been building crap cars for a long time. People have been putting their hard earned money into the American manufacterers but the manufacterers have done nothing to improve the vehicles in return. It's not surprising that so many people that have bought American vehicles for years have turned their backs.

Thank God the Americans are building better cars now but they still have a long way in the quality department in comaprison to the foriegn cars. I just hope its' not too late because they also did another survery with some "big wig" buisness gurus that predicted one of our beloved Big 3 will not exsist in the next 10 years if something is not done about the quality of American cars.

They put their money on GM being the one that’s not around in that time. Yikes.

[Kris93/95Z28]

Originally Posted by fastball

I'd say there was a reliable prologue to it, though. The Holden Monaro/GTO had the best interior quality of any GM vehicle sold in North America during it's timespan (2004-06). High quality, low glare plastics. Positive feel on all switchgear. Tight seams, good fitment of parts, and a solid "whoomph" when you shut the door, as opposed to the "ka-chunk-unk" of most GM products. The car was just built better. Better than the G6. Better than the Cobalt. Better than any Cadillac. My point is the interior quality of the Monaro was so superior to what GM sold in the States that even the new designs didn't measure up.

Just to put that statement into perspective... The Holden Monaro came to the Australian market in 2001. That means GM was that far behind in interior refinement in North America for quite some time.

I would say that they are on the ball though... The newly redesigned cars, trucks, and SUVs have really great interior.

[Dest98]

Originally Posted by Good Ph.D

As is to be expected of a concept car. Concept cars are also prone to hardwood floors, hand stictched carpet and lack things like door handles b-pillars and other insignificant things.

The fact that any "concept" car is well put together doesen't have much to do with the production.

It does when we're told that the production model will be "virtually identical" to the concept. This is not the Caddy 16 with a $20,000 hand-carved crystal mounted in the steering wheel that we're talking about here.

I am sure the interior will be perfectly adequate, it's just a shame that it will be perceived by some as disappointing because the concept is that good. Just forget I said anything

[SSRich]

Im sure GM will take their time designing and taking the time to make sure it good quality so they will sell more than the mustang and help out sale the stupid imports. I hope they will but the first couple of thousand may not because they may try to push them out the door and get them on the market. I also love the interior the console guages i like, not to many people do but its a sports car.

[PaintBallR]

I agree, I hope the interior is of better quality than the Mudstang. My 3rd Gen just started to have rattles, don't bust on this car GM.