NEWS: Torque Meter Toast For Production Chevy Camaro Gauge Cluster [New Chevy Camaro

NewsBot · 09-12-2008, 09:00 AM

One of the more intriguing features of the concept version of the new Chevy Camaro's interior was the "torque meter" on the four-gauge instrument cluster. Unfortunately, according to Popular Mechanics and now confirmed in a photo taken by Xeper, a forum fan-boy over at GMInsideNews, it's a feature that won't be making it from concept to 2010 Chevy Camaro production accessory.
Popular Mechanics' Ben Stewart made the claim first in his review of the pre-production Camaro concept last month:

"The optional console mount gauges on Camaros we've seen before have included a "torque meter." This, we thought, was an odd choice for this valuable real estate. Well, apparently the engineers thought so too. Both prototypes had transmission temperature gauges in place of the torque meter. [Engineering Program Manager Anthony] McCormack says the torque meter is history."

We can see from the shot up top the four gauges in the cluster are now oil pressure, oil temperature, transmission temperature and what appears to be a voltometer. All along we'd assumed the torque meter was basically just a measurement of RPM and acceleration — just like many OBDII-plug-in tools — but by actually including it as a gauge was to us, a very cool idea. Unfortunately, it appears that cool idea won't be making it all the way to production.

More...

polo3433 · 09-12-2008, 11:28 AM

they say the torque gaguge was a waste of real estate how about the whole cluster of gagues in that center console is a waste. I rather had two extra cup holders. That's one feature I really just didnt care for. Should of just had one digital display to show the 4 guages

jg95z28 · 09-12-2008, 01:03 PM

Hmmm.... Those gauges would look cool in my 67.

99SilverSS · 09-12-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polo3433

they say the torque gaguge was a waste of real estate how about the whole cluster of gagues in that center console is a waste. I rather had two extra cup holders. That's one feature I really just didnt care for. Should of just had one digital display to show the 4 guages

I'd like to have all the guages in the dash and I like the dash in front of the steering wheel. I think this cluster option should have been left to retro and GM gone a different direction on it. Granted they could be called dummy guages I still would have liked them in the dash.

Z28Wilson · 09-12-2008, 01:57 PM

Why do they keep saying "unfortunately" in that article?

Ron78Z&01SS · 09-12-2008, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z28Wilson

Why do they keep saying "unfortunately" in that article?

I was wondering the same

.

Chewbacca · 09-12-2008, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99SilverSS

I'd like to have all the guages in the dash

Finally, something we can agree on.

97ss30th · 09-13-2008, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99SilverSS

I'd like to have all the guages in the dash and I like the dash in front of the steering wheel. I think this cluster option should have been left to retro and GM gone a different direction on it. Granted they could be called dummy guages I still would have liked them in the dash.

the console guages are a option or am i mistaken?

Jason Dove · 09-13-2008, 02:29 AM

Old News... this was posted in another article a month ago.

MissedShift · 09-13-2008, 02:33 AM

Any news on whether (regardless of location) these are going to be idiot-gauges like in Fords, or actual indicators?

flowmotion · 09-13-2008, 04:22 AM

Let me guess, the lawyers were worried that some poopyhead would run into a tree while staring downwards trying to maximize torque.

The cool thing about the torque gauge is that it would actually move the needle around, unlike all these other gauges. Oh well, the intent was always more 'styling' than 'function' anyway.

Mike got a camaro · 09-13-2008, 10:25 AM

I honestly almost wonder if they scrapped it because of all the negative attention brought to it by the fanbase.

notgetleft · 09-13-2008, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97ss30th

the console guages are a option or am i mistaken?

They might kinda beoptional, but if you don't get the console guages then you don't get guages at all. Just because someone doesn't want guages in a useless place doesn't mean they don't want them at all.

Further, i wouldn't be surprised if ther console guages are part of a package with any of the uplevel trims. They're probably standard in the SS, just go back in camaro history, and for at least the 3rd/4th gens the guage packages weren't optional on any Z28s.

dacook · 09-13-2008, 02:15 PM

In a couple of years Chevy will (I hope) realize their mistake and put the gauges back where they belong. There's a reason every car in the world has the gauges in the dash in front of the driver. That's where drivers want them. Just because something is retro doesn't mean it's a good idea. Same for the separate tach and speedometer gauges.

It's the exterior of the 1st gen.s people like, not the interiors. The retro exterior is very cool, but give us a modern interior.

99SilverSS · 09-13-2008, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

Finally, something we can agree on.

I think the torque guage was more for the drag racing Camaro fans anyway