Even Mustang itself disagrees with this, since the new 2005 Mustang grew in size.

 

Yes it did grow but, not to the size of the Zeta platform. It is 7" smaller.

 

But, overall dimensions of the Zeta Platform are almost certainly dynamic... the wheelbase could be set in stone (though the term "flexible" seems to be thrown around so much, I wouldn't be surprised to see that be dynamic as well), but without a doubt, overall length is not.

 

Couldn't pass that up!!!! Soooo True!
And then I turn around and say I applaud the fact that DCM is at least putting fast RWD V8 stuff on the market - even if it is hard to tell most of it apart.
(That new grill reminds me of crosshairs in a rifle scope... but do I run from it... or is that where I am supposed to aim! )

As for the F5 - I think most know my position. I want to see it back so bad it hurts. we are coming in on a whole new generation of performance cars now, and the Camaro's absence is keenly noticed - at least by me. Fewer of them making the bracket races, fewer at the local car shows, and less talk about them on the streets every day.

That being said, it needs to come back "right" or not at all.
Like jg95z28 said, but in MY words this time... I'm sick and tired of the name-game and pimping nostalgia, not just in cars but everywhere. For the last 16 years, I can't recall an election that hasn't harkened to JFK or to Reagan or to Isenhour. Why did GTO have to be revived when Camaro was not sold off the lots yet? Why does Charger need to come back? Why does EVERYTHING have to have a HEMI in it, including the minivan-wannabe-Durango? It's Not Even A HEMI by definition for crissake!!! Ford needs to put "Cobra Jet" on the side of the 4.6-2V, and GM needs to plant "Turbo-Jet" on the side of the LS1.

The only other thing I want to add is that there are some personality traits missing from the basic description at the top of the thread...
"cheap, powerful, and RWD" only starts the recipe. Long hoods, short rear decks, and aggressive stance are important. Proportions and side profile are important. Certain symbols and badging is important. Weight and feel are important. NVH and ride characteristics are important. Level of trim and detail are important. Style is hugely important in and of itself.
ALL of these things (and more) must be mixed in proper proportions to result in a car worthy of the name Camaro. Not tto much of one element, or too little of another - otherwise you end up with Corvette or Impala or Monte Carlo, ar Chevelle (maybe). If the recipe doesn't work right and produce a Camaro, PLEASE don't call it one anyway. Let the name live in historical glory as it was earned.

And yes, I am picky, and I care.

 

Overall length will change will the styling and design of the exterior of the car. what we are learning is that the Zetas chassis can not be made into a mis-size chassis. That would have to be from the wheelbase and track width, not overall length and overall width. Beta, which is based from a modified kappa is going to be the basis for mid-sized RWD cars because the wheelbase and track fall within acceptable mid-size car limits.

 

"Mid-size" and "Full Size" by what standards?

The current Impala is listed as a "full size" car on GM's sites... while Grand Prix is listed a "mid-sized".

The only issue I have really heard with the use of Zeta as far as building an acceptible car could be the firewall height...

Basically, I don't really have a problem with a Camaro going on Kappa or "Beta" but I am not going ot say Zeta is a lost cause by ANY means....

 

Very well said!

I completely agree about the stripes. How hard is it to offer an option to get some decent looking stripes added on from the factory? I'm hoping that can be an option on the 5th gen. AND IT BETTER HAVE T-TOPS! I DONT CARE HOW! MAKE IT WORK CHEVY!

...that is all.....

 

Every little thing that has to do with Camaros matters to me. Actually, I don't know a single true Camaro enthusiast that doesn't think that way about the car.

 

If the Camaro isn't a wedge, I won't buy it. How's that for picky?
If it doesn't have SOME technological options I probably won't get it either. I need GPS navigation almost as bad as I need food to eat everyday. I hate aftermarket parts too, I refuse to add things on later.

 

No that's not what I'm saying. I have a SN95 Mustang at home and a barely fit in the cockpit. I want to be able to drive my ponycar in a comfortable riding position; not bent kneed feeling like I'm in a sardine can. The 4th gen fbodies may have been a bit on the large size, but much more comfortable than a SN95.

What you are describing sounds more like a compact, and less like a ponycar.

 

There is no justification for a Camaro being as little as the previous M*stangs, none whatsoever. It has to be a bigger car.

 

A long wheelbase car can be big on the inside and small on the outside. The Torana looks like it has a relatively large interior....yet is about the same length as a Mustang.

 

I'm kinda suprised at your view Z284, I have to admit. I wouldn't expect that from someone also so crazy about this car.

BTW, long wheelbase, big interior, and little car means no overhang whatsoever, and there has to be some. It IS a sporty musclecar.

 

I really don't understand all the fuss over a few inches. As long as the 5th gen does what it needs to do well- performance, handling, good styling, GTO level or better build quality, and a reasonably accessible price- I'm happy. I couldn't care less which chassis it's on, as long as it's a great all around vehicle that performs at levels that exceed the competition. Just because a car is 5 inches or whatever longer (take a second to think how little 5 inches really is) doesn't mean that it can't reach the above goals. For example, the 4th gens were larger than the SN95's yet outperformed them in just about every statistical category. Whatever is chosen (Kappa, Zeta, Beta..), I'm not going to have a heartattack if one is a few inches longer than a new 'Stang and thus not considered a true "pony car". That being said, I'd rather be driving a 185-190" or so Camaro than a Cavalier or Cobalt sized vehicle with a LSX. That's just my non-picky non-true Camaro enthusiast opinion.


-Mike