Undoubtedly, we won't get 4 or 5 models like Mustang. We certainly won't get 4 or 5 powertrain choices.

We're going to need to do more with less.

350Z has one model with various packages to suit the customer's needs. Maybe we could learn something from this.

Without getting into a naming debate, this is what I propose.

Bundling up together, PX's 1LE brakes and 1LE suspension...and some of the other tidbits suggested by poSSum would be a good start. Maybe add some seats and a good shifter.

Make this "track pack" available only on a specific body style, like coupe only.

Why?

Because when suspension engineers tune a chassis they have to take into account the "5th Spring".

What is the "5th Spring"? The chassis itself.
I don't know what level of rigidity the next Camaro will have...nor the detrimental effect convertible or t-tops might have on it...but I am pretty sure that they will alter the way the 5th spring reacts.

If chassis tuners don't have a set rigidity parameter for the 5th spring...they will need to tune things at the lowest common denominator....that is for the more flexy convertible. For the coupe enthusiast...that means some handling and precision gets left on the table....and if that's the case....WHAT'S THE POINT? If not restricted...this GONZO road race package will need to be re-tuned for different weights and rigidities, or just plain watered down.

I say, let's keep it simple.

This won't necessarily be an econo-package....BUT....it would be viewed as a GREAT value for those who may consider it.

If we are talking suspension, wheels, tires, brakes, seats, pedals, shifter etc....we may be talking about a $3-$4,000 package. Maybe less, maybe more. At any rate, it could be priced at a point where the willing wouldn't be turned off on price....but GM would still make a good profit.

Anyone up for a "Track Pack" on your next Camaro?

Anything to add?

NOTE: (Please don't say a supercharger for the 6.0 or a live rear axle....thanks).

 

Yes, add in a 350hp V8 (over the basecars V6) and call it the Z28 please.

 

I view it like this.. GM picks a class for factory support, where the next Camaro can be competative in The strictly roadrace stuff they develop and use in this program can be purchased on GMPP thru your dealer. Things like HD radiators, coolers, lines, rollcage, harnesses, rims, seat, brake setups, ducts, sumped/baffeled tanks/pans/fuel cells, brakets, etc used in the factory support teams.. This stuff obviously is for roadracing only, not street use...

The stuff might be more expensive than figuring it out all yourself, but your are assured that you have well engineered/fabricated parts thats proven to work and be competative...

Perhaps the factory support team can be linked with a dealership/builder that can officially build a turn key spec race car for you, and with some marketing/sales magic, can also be officially numerated and tracked as part of the racing program... so one can claim they have the official spec racer car #104 built by GM Factory Racing Team...

Oh don't forget the stickers and decals.. lol..

 

I'm thinking that it should be available on any V8 Camaro.

Or should this package also be combinable with V6?

 

"Track Pack" = The original Z/28.

...and please, don't restrict it to hardtops.

 

why not just call it the 1LE and have a new Camaro model.

 

I always liked the concept of the 1LE/track package. I think limiting it to hardtop only is a little confining. If you don't want to offer it on vert models, great...but T-tops haven't been found to significantly reduce chassis rigidity or handling ability that I'm aware of.

 

Well maybe we can use the C4 as a model.

In 1988 I ordered a Z52 Corvette roadster. I really wanted to get it with a Z51 package and 4+3. The Z51, however was only available on the coupe. The Z52 had most of the same hardware as the Z51...but had softer shocks and some other stuff.

Do you think that this "track pack" should have "Z52 like" settings to make it work on different body styles....or that the coupe could continue with firmer settings, but a softer package should be available for non-coupes?

 

Well if its available on any V8 model, what is there to differentiate say a Z28 from a SS? I think making one more of a "all around sports car" (hence the track package) and the other more of a "pure muscle car" would be a good way to separate them.

Just food for thought...

 

Well, I'm trying not to get into that right now. I just want to gauge interest in the package itself.

 

I think this is a great idea. I agree that it shold be hardtop only (a la Z06) and that it should be available with either engine. The focus on this model shouldn't be the power output at all.

If this model mkes it and if it's available with either 6 or 8 cylinders, then I wonder which would be best around a tight autocross course? the only thing against the V6 is the DOHC stuff which moves the center of gravity up in the chassis.

 

My intent with making the option packages lay out the way the did was to allow the 1LE package to encompass what a "Track Pack" package would be.

Bigger brakes, bigger wheels and tires, bigger swaybars, better shocks, maybe even lighter weight/stiffer suspension pieces, possible an uprated differential.

The package SOULD BE a bit rough around the edges. It SHOULD BE a bit stiff (maybe not 1984 Corvette stiff - which was able to cause renal failure). But it SHOULD NOT be the package that gals who want a sharp, powerful cruiser are looking for (a large amount of the Z28/SS market was women).

It should be the next best thing to a turn-key race car.

It should also cost you a few thousand smackers - but it has to be worth it. THat means that the aftermarket can't stumble along in 3 months or so and make a better package for half the price.

I disagree that it should be hardtop only or available on a V6 car.

 

at least that's my opinion.

I definitely think there is more than ample market for a "track-pack" Camaro. Just go to an autoX event and look at the enthusiasm there. Our local club is ever more loaded down with each event - having 100 cars or more at a meet now. (It's kinda becomming a drag in a way - I was there from 7:30am 'til 6pm and got to run only 5 times at the last event! )

Anyways, between all the excitement in autoX and road racing and events like the Silver State Challenge, I think it would be a mistake NOT to have such a package for the Camaro.

I also think it should be hardtop only (for SAFETY if not for the rigidity alone). IMO, if you wanna cruise with the top down, put on some Buffet, and slurp on your 32oz Icee, that's great - you don't need the track-duty suspension bouncing you around... you might mess up your hair or spill some Cherry Icee on your leather seats or your new white Polo shirt.

I think it should NOT be available on V6 cars. If someone wants to be really weird and do a hyper V6/handling car, let them either drop a V6 into the V8 car, or add the suspension and goodies to their V6 car in their garage. I have NO PROBLEM with the factory offering all the peices to the market, but the "packaged car" from the factory should be on the V8 car only. It should also come with badging (not gaudy) that IS NOT available to the masses to allow the "authentic" cars to be visually identifiable. This way, anybody can have it on whatever they want if they are willing to pay for it/do it on their own, but the factory doesn't have to deal with the complications that all the various parts and combinations create on the assembly line (thereby adding cost!). Also, the collectors will have fuel for their fodder as well.

I'd have no problems paying extra for a car that was "all go/without the show". I know there have been many in this forum who have commented on their passion for "sleeper" cars... well this could be a great one!

I vote aye for the "track pack" option!

 

You know where I stand.

Yes to "track pack".

Hardtop only.

It's gotta be good and I'll pay.

I also like the idea of the factory supported race parts, roll bar, harness etc.

 

That's how I feel too.