The cost of ownership for this car is going to be higher than I'm willing to pay for any vehicle (assuming it's even in the Mustang pricing "ballpark"). I think I'm "out" for any new version (V-6, V-8, whatever.) I may buy one used in a few years. Sorry GM, you're just too late to the party... again.

 

You want Camaro sales?
You want Camaro to survive?
You want Camaro to attract new customers?

Then you'd better start thinking about a Hybrid version, buddy!

There's people willing to pay nearly 10 grand over base price to get a V8 Camaro.

There's people willing to pay 3 grand over base for a Hybrid.

 

Seriously? I'm sorry Guy but hybrids are selling today, simply because its trendy. One thing I have noticed is most of the hybrids I see on the road everyday during my commute are single occupants. Who's doing more to save the environment a single driver in a hybrid, or me and my wife carpooling in our Tahoe. Nope, you can't convince me that hybrids are anything more than the pet rock of the 21st century.

 

You hit the nail on the head. Hybrid owners don't care... about the environment, about saving the planet. Oh they think they do, but its more important for them to portray that they are being "green". 90% of the hybrids I see on the road everyday have only one occupant. Not very "green" is it. Hybrid buses and SUVs are a different issue altogether, provided more than one person is riding in them.

 

The problem I've seen with recent GM hybrids is that they're more about the hybrid name than the actual increase in fuel economy. The example I'm thinking of is the Saturn Aura. The hybrid version costs several thousand dollars more, yet is only rated 2mpg higher than the gasoline only version. (24/32 vs 22/30). I did a side-by-side comparison on http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/sbs.htm and they estimate the difference in fuel costs to be $158 per year. I can't look up the MSRPs right now, but I can't imagine making up the increased upfront cost within a reasonable number of years for it to make much sense to purchase the hybrid version.

Back to the Camaro.... just like in other current model year vehicles, I can't see a hybrid version offering any real relief in ways of fuel cost. It'd only be a marketing gimmick to try to cash in on a buzz word to give the appearance of better fuel economy.

 

You're right - hybrid owners don't care about the environment as much as they care about their perception that they are saving money. That, and being able to cruise down the HOV lanes by themselves.

Sad truth is they'd keep so much more in their pocket by getting a used Civic DX/LX that runs well.

+1 to the pet rock comment.

And while cargo capacity isn't much, bikes are an even better investment. Mine get 40-50mpg (40mpg for the 1000cc, 50mpg for the 750) and haul more *** than almost anything on 4 wheels. I ride everyday its not raining and the low temp is above 40. Before I paid them off, the money I was saving on gas pretty much covered the bike payment. I do my own maintenance so my out of pocket expenses in comparison to the car is really just insurance, which is about half of what it costs to insure my Z.

From what I'm hearing, there has been a huge increase in the number of people that want to take the MSF Basic Rider Course. Much of this is to save on gas.

So even though I really only drive daily 5 months out of the year, I think by the time the Camaro comes out, I'll have to seriously consider the next-gen Z, supposedly with an upgraded 3.7L VQ37, if it gets significantly better mileage than the V8 Camaro. Anything's possible but I highly doubt I'll be in the market for a V6 Camaro. If I get a Camaro its because I want a taste of some true musclecar.

Everyone wants to have their cake and eat it too. Is that so wrong?

 

Diesel Camaro...

 

you might think so. i might think so but i bet there are lots of people that would want a somewhat sporty hybrid. plus it would go along way to get rid of the stereotype that these are gas guzzling cars.



i'd like to see a diesel one too.

 

yup. BMW makes a diesel 6 series why can GM build a diesel camaro. even just for export.

 

The bike thing is true, at least here in phx. There is a 1 month waiting line to get into a BRC MSF course.. Luckily I did mine back in march.

Basically I went the bike route and that will be my commuter, while the camaro will be my weekend/rainy day ride. I would have done this without the camaro becuase I love my Ram but gas is up to $90.00 a week for me now and while I can afford it, I don't want to, and instead of complaining I'm solving the problem myself.

 

Are you forgetting about the Volt?

 

This doesn't sound to me like GM's fault - it sounds to me like you're not willing to pay a fair amount for this car. If it's competitive with the Mustang, then GM clearly isn't missing the mark - and if that's still too high for you, then you are making that choice with no regard for the marketplace.

Also keep in mind that based on inflation over the past ten years, a 4th gen v8 SS (or WS6) would be around $43k. When GM comes back with a car at that price, with the same features (which is paltry by today's standards), then we'll talk about GM screwing up. In the meantime, don't complain about a choice you are deciding to make.

 

the volt is a sporty RWD 2dr coupe? where have i been.........

 

I'm sure I won't be the only one

 

True. It is however a sporty 4-door. Furthermore a RWD hybrid, or FWD hybrid is bad... bad... For the most efficiency you want it to power all the wheels and you also want the gasoline/diesel engine to merely recharge the batteries (hense Volt). A sporty RWD 2dr hybrid coupe would be dead before it hit the showroom floor.