GONGOS Survey
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 420
From: Pasadena,CA,USA
GONGOS Survey
How many of you have gotten one of these in the mail?
I normally throw all survey material in the garbage, but this survey caught my attention. Here's why:
addressee identified by name, address and 2002 CAMARO-CHEVROLET 3DR
EDIT
As many of you know I got selected and went to this study on Weds. Here's a n extremely detailed account of what I saw and the questions that were asked.
Showed up about 5 minutes late, 3:20PM, to the facility were the study was at (stuck in traffic since 2PM, damn 605!!). I ran in without my car registration and proof of insurance, so I was sent back to my car to get them. I took the opportunity to get a look at the rest of the cars in the parking lot. I parked next to a White LS1 Z28 (it had red racing stripes on it, nice car BTW). Opposite the paking lot there was a black Firehawk. Near the entrace there was a silver 02 SS. On the way in I caught the rear of another 4th gen, it was a black Camaro (LT1 I think, tail lights were different). So that was a total of 5 F-bods for the 3:15 (white study). The remainder of the cars were varied. There were alot of GM cars from Vans to Malibus to GMCs, all were late model (96-03 if I had to guess). There were also quite a few BMWs, Volvos, and MBs. Anyhow I went in again.
There were other people running late but it seemed that the majority of people had gone into the study room down the hall. I finished registration and got handed a booklet of about 50 pages. I was then directed to go to my right straight down the hall, and give my booklet to the woman inside. I went down the hall and entered a huge room as high as an aiplane hangar and about as long and wide as half a football field. The room was divided into salons by tall ( 8' ) curtains. At the room entrance, to the right, there was a series of tables were one was asked to sit and fill the first 20 pages. The first section of the survey booklet was a general information section about the consumers wants and needs in an automobile. Most questions were phrased in the following tone: "If replacing your qualifying vehicle with a new vehicle, how would _______ influence your decision to purchase the vehicle. Scale of 1 to 5" negatively [] [] [] [] [] favorably with 3 being neutral. Some of the questions were phrased as: "If replacing your qualifying vehicle with a new vehicle, how important is _______." Scale of 1 to 5, 1 being not at all important, 3 neutral, and 5 very important. There was one question in the 1st section that asked you to check off all options that you require in your next vehicle. There were about 50 options ranging from reconfigureable cargo space to sport-tuned suspension. The options I checked off were: Custom Wheels, Sport-Tuned Suspension, CD-Changer, HiFi Stereo,Sunroof/Moonroof(no T-Tops mentioned), Steering Wheel Audio Controls, Steering Wheel Shifter, and under other I wrote 350 RWHP. The last questions were about driving habits, frequency of passengers, and participant background info. (income,education,level,etc). Once the initial 20 pages of the booklet were filled out you were then directed into a salon, salon L I believe it was. "Go down the hall then make a LEFT at the end. Give your papers to the person at the entrance."
Walking thru the curtain hallway in between the salons I could catch glimpses of the cars in them thru the main entrance of each. The first salon to my left had several Pontiacs in it with different types of grilles on them. The cars looked to be Grand-Ams. They all had Pontiac "Nostrils". Opposite the Pontiac salon there was a salon with poster boards hanging from the curtain walls. I made out an Audi TT in the rear corner of that salon. Next to that salon, there was another salon with High-End automobiles in it. I saw what looked like a SAAB 9-3 next to a BMW 3 series I couldn't make out the third car. I proceeded to my salon and walked in and immediately was drawn to the dark grey concept vehicle.
First impression: Holy **** that's an SS Coupe.
Second impression: Holy **** that's a 1st gen front clip and hood.
My initial reaction was immediately followed by giddiness. The guy at the entrance asked for my paperwork to get my attention. I was staring at the concept the whole time. He explained that the in the first part of the second section of this study I was going to critique the styling of the concept vehicle along with the styling of the two other vehicles in the salon, a silver 2003 Mustang GT and a silver 2003 Honda Accord. All vehicles had emblems covered over with duct tape. This section had questions of the sort.
How SAFE is the vehicle?, 1-5 scale, 1 being NOT SAFE at all, 3 being Neutral, 5 being very SAFE give a reason why you chose what you did. ( I remember thinking SAFE what do you mean SAFE, you mean conservative?) I gave the Accord a 4, the Mustang a 2, and the concept a 3. For the concept as to why I wrote "progressive and sexy but not over the top."
How OLD does the design seem?, 1-5 1 old, 3 current, 5 complete new, why? I gave the Mustang a 1, the Accord a 3, and the concept a 4. I didn't give it a 5 because the lines do resemble a 350Z, a car which is currently out there.
How RETRO does the design seem?, 1-5, 1 very RETRO, 3 Neutral, 5 NOT RETRO at all. I gave the Accord a 5, the Mustang a 3, and the concept a 4. Under why I wrote, "the grille and hood are very 1st gen Camaroesque but no overly RETRO. The rest of the car is new and fresh"
How much room does it look like the car has for passengers?, 1-5, 1 very little, 3 Neutral, 5 alot. I gave the Accord a 4, the Mustang a 2 (I've been in one), and the concept a 4. Interestingly enough, the windows of the Accord and Mustang were covered so you could not see inside. The windows of the concept were darkly tinted but at an angle you could make out the rear headrests. They looked to be positioned about 5" behind the current 4th gen backrest. Independant Rear Suspension jumped in my mind when I saw how far back the rear seats were recessed. Under why I think I said the wheelbase of the Accord and the concept were similar.
How much room does it look like the car has for cargo?, 1-5, 1 very little, 3 Neutral, 5 alot. I gave the Accord a 4, the Mustang a 2, and the Concept a 3. The concept had a very short rear deck, it looked to be a hatch but I wasn't positive. There were a few other questions that I can't remember now. Overall the concept was shorter than the Accord in lenght but slightly greater than the GT. The overhangs on the car looked to be shorter than both the GT and Accord. the height of the car was about the same as the GT. I remember getting close to it (to look inside) and thinking "its taller than my 4th gen". The car sat lower than the GT and it had a mean stance. I photochopped an SS concept to give you all an idea of what I saw.
Please see the next danno02SS post in this thread for further details, I hit the 10000 character limit on this post.
I normally throw all survey material in the garbage, but this survey caught my attention. Here's why:
addressee identified by name, address and 2002 CAMARO-CHEVROLET 3DR
You are one of a select group of vehicle owners who may be eligible to participate in an automotive research study held June 17th - 19th, 2003.Ê The study will be held in the Los Angeles area (Santa Fe Springs), and is sponsored by automotive manufacturers interested in your opinions about concept vehicle designs and displays.Ê If you participate you will receive $100 for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours of your time.
As many of you know I got selected and went to this study on Weds. Here's a n extremely detailed account of what I saw and the questions that were asked.
Showed up about 5 minutes late, 3:20PM, to the facility were the study was at (stuck in traffic since 2PM, damn 605!!). I ran in without my car registration and proof of insurance, so I was sent back to my car to get them. I took the opportunity to get a look at the rest of the cars in the parking lot. I parked next to a White LS1 Z28 (it had red racing stripes on it, nice car BTW). Opposite the paking lot there was a black Firehawk. Near the entrace there was a silver 02 SS. On the way in I caught the rear of another 4th gen, it was a black Camaro (LT1 I think, tail lights were different). So that was a total of 5 F-bods for the 3:15 (white study). The remainder of the cars were varied. There were alot of GM cars from Vans to Malibus to GMCs, all were late model (96-03 if I had to guess). There were also quite a few BMWs, Volvos, and MBs. Anyhow I went in again.
There were other people running late but it seemed that the majority of people had gone into the study room down the hall. I finished registration and got handed a booklet of about 50 pages. I was then directed to go to my right straight down the hall, and give my booklet to the woman inside. I went down the hall and entered a huge room as high as an aiplane hangar and about as long and wide as half a football field. The room was divided into salons by tall ( 8' ) curtains. At the room entrance, to the right, there was a series of tables were one was asked to sit and fill the first 20 pages. The first section of the survey booklet was a general information section about the consumers wants and needs in an automobile. Most questions were phrased in the following tone: "If replacing your qualifying vehicle with a new vehicle, how would _______ influence your decision to purchase the vehicle. Scale of 1 to 5" negatively [] [] [] [] [] favorably with 3 being neutral. Some of the questions were phrased as: "If replacing your qualifying vehicle with a new vehicle, how important is _______." Scale of 1 to 5, 1 being not at all important, 3 neutral, and 5 very important. There was one question in the 1st section that asked you to check off all options that you require in your next vehicle. There were about 50 options ranging from reconfigureable cargo space to sport-tuned suspension. The options I checked off were: Custom Wheels, Sport-Tuned Suspension, CD-Changer, HiFi Stereo,Sunroof/Moonroof(no T-Tops mentioned), Steering Wheel Audio Controls, Steering Wheel Shifter, and under other I wrote 350 RWHP. The last questions were about driving habits, frequency of passengers, and participant background info. (income,education,level,etc). Once the initial 20 pages of the booklet were filled out you were then directed into a salon, salon L I believe it was. "Go down the hall then make a LEFT at the end. Give your papers to the person at the entrance."
Walking thru the curtain hallway in between the salons I could catch glimpses of the cars in them thru the main entrance of each. The first salon to my left had several Pontiacs in it with different types of grilles on them. The cars looked to be Grand-Ams. They all had Pontiac "Nostrils". Opposite the Pontiac salon there was a salon with poster boards hanging from the curtain walls. I made out an Audi TT in the rear corner of that salon. Next to that salon, there was another salon with High-End automobiles in it. I saw what looked like a SAAB 9-3 next to a BMW 3 series I couldn't make out the third car. I proceeded to my salon and walked in and immediately was drawn to the dark grey concept vehicle.
First impression: Holy **** that's an SS Coupe.
Second impression: Holy **** that's a 1st gen front clip and hood.
My initial reaction was immediately followed by giddiness. The guy at the entrance asked for my paperwork to get my attention. I was staring at the concept the whole time. He explained that the in the first part of the second section of this study I was going to critique the styling of the concept vehicle along with the styling of the two other vehicles in the salon, a silver 2003 Mustang GT and a silver 2003 Honda Accord. All vehicles had emblems covered over with duct tape. This section had questions of the sort.
How SAFE is the vehicle?, 1-5 scale, 1 being NOT SAFE at all, 3 being Neutral, 5 being very SAFE give a reason why you chose what you did. ( I remember thinking SAFE what do you mean SAFE, you mean conservative?) I gave the Accord a 4, the Mustang a 2, and the concept a 3. For the concept as to why I wrote "progressive and sexy but not over the top."
How OLD does the design seem?, 1-5 1 old, 3 current, 5 complete new, why? I gave the Mustang a 1, the Accord a 3, and the concept a 4. I didn't give it a 5 because the lines do resemble a 350Z, a car which is currently out there.
How RETRO does the design seem?, 1-5, 1 very RETRO, 3 Neutral, 5 NOT RETRO at all. I gave the Accord a 5, the Mustang a 3, and the concept a 4. Under why I wrote, "the grille and hood are very 1st gen Camaroesque but no overly RETRO. The rest of the car is new and fresh"
How much room does it look like the car has for passengers?, 1-5, 1 very little, 3 Neutral, 5 alot. I gave the Accord a 4, the Mustang a 2 (I've been in one), and the concept a 4. Interestingly enough, the windows of the Accord and Mustang were covered so you could not see inside. The windows of the concept were darkly tinted but at an angle you could make out the rear headrests. They looked to be positioned about 5" behind the current 4th gen backrest. Independant Rear Suspension jumped in my mind when I saw how far back the rear seats were recessed. Under why I think I said the wheelbase of the Accord and the concept were similar.
How much room does it look like the car has for cargo?, 1-5, 1 very little, 3 Neutral, 5 alot. I gave the Accord a 4, the Mustang a 2, and the Concept a 3. The concept had a very short rear deck, it looked to be a hatch but I wasn't positive. There were a few other questions that I can't remember now. Overall the concept was shorter than the Accord in lenght but slightly greater than the GT. The overhangs on the car looked to be shorter than both the GT and Accord. the height of the car was about the same as the GT. I remember getting close to it (to look inside) and thinking "its taller than my 4th gen". The car sat lower than the GT and it had a mean stance. I photochopped an SS concept to give you all an idea of what I saw.
Please see the next danno02SS post in this thread for further details, I hit the 10000 character limit on this post.
Last edited by danno02SS; Jun 23, 2003 at 05:38 AM.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 420
From: Pasadena,CA,USA
SURVEY UPDATE: continued
Part 2 of Section 2 involved walking over to three poster boards (same salon) with the interiors of the Concept, the Accord, and the Mustang. The questions had the same scale type as the styling part. Questions were asked about "Warmth", "Functionality", "Roominess", "Sportyness","Complexity" ... The impression I got from the concept interior was DAMN can it be anymore GERMAN. It was cold (BLACK and GREY), functional, and very very CLEAN. The dash board was straight with the exception of a small hump at the Center Console. The steering wheel looked like it belong on a Passat and there was a simple floor mounted Auto Trans shifter. The instrument cluster was simliar to a 4th gens, tach on left; speedo on right. In between the two gages there were turn signal arrows and other indicator lights (ala 3rd gen). the Center console had a screen display with only a few buttons below (8 I think). I remmember thinking the console would have to be Menu driven given the few number of buttons. All in all I didn't like the concepts interior. It seemed to high end for me.
part 3 of Section 2. Following the interior exercise one proceeded to another set of 5 poster board (series). Each poster board series had a 2003 car displayed from various angles. The five cars shown from right to left were a Pontiac Grand Prix, a Chevrolet Monte Carlo, an Acura TSX, some german Coupe looking Concept, and the SS Coupe concept. Several other styling questions were asked here. One was asked to quantify the "Aggressiveness" of the cars. Anothe questioned the "CLEANLINESS" of the cars. Another question was to select a Manufacturer for the car (brand recognition I guess). I knew what most of them were so it wasn't difficult. For the concept, I chose Nissan. Once again because the lines resembled a 350Z but more importantly because the car didn't look like any currently produced American car. From here I was sent to a different salon to finish the survey. I spent about 2.5 hours in the concept car salon and repeatedly got up and took another look. I stayed there so long that a later group overran me. That made me finally leave.
Section 3. This portion of the questionaire was all about options, their cost, and how likely you would be to get them at a certain price. Here were some of the options that stuck in my head.
Run-Flat tires $240
Head Up Display $370
Steering wheel mounted manumatic shifter $0
(note: getting this would mean no floor mounted shifter). The Audi TT was there as an example of the steering wheel shifter.
RPM programmable Shift light $40
Flat folding passenger and Rear Seats $400
Questions about the rear seat configuration were also asked. One was for 60/40 flat folding rear bench seats. Another was for rear buckets with a pass thru in the middle armrest. No mention of powertrain options
.
Well that's all I could remmember. Here's a URL to the photochop:
Originally posted on 6-19-2003 06:14AM
EDIT:1/18/04, changed photochop link
EDIT:10/26/04,fixed broken photochop link
GONGOS styling clinic concept
part 3 of Section 2. Following the interior exercise one proceeded to another set of 5 poster board (series). Each poster board series had a 2003 car displayed from various angles. The five cars shown from right to left were a Pontiac Grand Prix, a Chevrolet Monte Carlo, an Acura TSX, some german Coupe looking Concept, and the SS Coupe concept. Several other styling questions were asked here. One was asked to quantify the "Aggressiveness" of the cars. Anothe questioned the "CLEANLINESS" of the cars. Another question was to select a Manufacturer for the car (brand recognition I guess). I knew what most of them were so it wasn't difficult. For the concept, I chose Nissan. Once again because the lines resembled a 350Z but more importantly because the car didn't look like any currently produced American car. From here I was sent to a different salon to finish the survey. I spent about 2.5 hours in the concept car salon and repeatedly got up and took another look. I stayed there so long that a later group overran me. That made me finally leave.
Section 3. This portion of the questionaire was all about options, their cost, and how likely you would be to get them at a certain price. Here were some of the options that stuck in my head.
Run-Flat tires $240
Head Up Display $370
Steering wheel mounted manumatic shifter $0
(note: getting this would mean no floor mounted shifter). The Audi TT was there as an example of the steering wheel shifter.
RPM programmable Shift light $40
Flat folding passenger and Rear Seats $400
Questions about the rear seat configuration were also asked. One was for 60/40 flat folding rear bench seats. Another was for rear buckets with a pass thru in the middle armrest. No mention of powertrain options
.Well that's all I could remmember. Here's a URL to the photochop:
Originally posted on 6-19-2003 06:14AM
EDIT:1/18/04, changed photochop link
EDIT:10/26/04,fixed broken photochop link
GONGOS styling clinic concept
Last edited by danno02SS; Oct 26, 2004 at 02:35 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 1,911
From: Southern California (SoCal)
Thanks for the update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now comes the important questions:
1. When will the production version go into production?
2. Will it be based of the next-gen Pontiac GTO or Solstice?
3. How much will it cost?
4. Will it be shown as a next-gen Camaro concept at the 2004 NAIAS?
Now comes the important questions:
1. When will the production version go into production?
2. Will it be based of the next-gen Pontiac GTO or Solstice?
3. How much will it cost?
4. Will it be shown as a next-gen Camaro concept at the 2004 NAIAS?
Last edited by johnsocal; Jun 19, 2003 at 01:32 AM.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 420
From: Pasadena,CA,USA
Originally posted by johnsocal
Thanks for the update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
know comes the important questions:
1. When will the production version go into production?
2. Will it be based of the next-gen Pontiac GTO or Solstice?
3. How much will it cost?
4. Will it be shown as a next-gen Camaro concept at the 2004 NAIAS?
Thanks for the update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
know comes the important questions:
1. When will the production version go into production?
2. Will it be based of the next-gen Pontiac GTO or Solstice?
3. How much will it cost?
4. Will it be shown as a next-gen Camaro concept at the 2004 NAIAS?
Didn't want to touch the post dates on the Survey posts
1. Don't know but the car I saw looked pretty damn complete, with the exception of the exhaust tips and brakes. There were stoppers to keep the car from rolling.
2. My money is on Monaro. The concept was considerably longer than the Solstice (saw it in Jan.) but just as wide as both cars. EDIT: Will be based on Opel Insignia platform. The Insignia was the German Coupe looking car I couldn't identify in Salon #2,
3. No clue but judging by the options they were getting feedback on it might be "higher-end" than the last car.
4. I'm couting on it
EDIT: Red said it ain't gonna happen EDIT: Here's a URL to my photobriefcase. There's a photochop of the GONGOS Survey car is in there. Along with other stuff I pulled OFF the web. Given the disdain the GONGOS car received around here. I'll post a Camarorized version of the GONGOS car there too.
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/dan...tos.yahoo.com/
Last edited by danno02SS; Oct 21, 2003 at 10:24 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 8,504
From: Ohio
Wow. Thanks for the report.
A few questions...
Did they actually say the word "Camaro"? As in "This is a concept Camaro" or just kind of say "What do you think of this?"
When you were desribing it, I sort of thought of Chevelle characteristics, which, in my mind, makes sense as a Chevy version of the next GTO.
Excellent work 
A few questions...
Did they actually say the word "Camaro"? As in "This is a concept Camaro" or just kind of say "What do you think of this?"
When you were desribing it, I sort of thought of Chevelle characteristics, which, in my mind, makes sense as a Chevy version of the next GTO.
Excellent work
Prominent Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,282
Hopefully.......
....it was the Chevelle and NOT the Camaro...because IF it is a precursor to the 5th gen.....then I'm outta' here.....
That SS concept is hedeous!
Looks like a big dead fish 
I don't know who the hell is designing cars at GM these days....but they need to clean house
When will they learn...you CAN'T design cars by committee...
.....That SS concept is hedeous!
Looks like a big dead fish I don't know who the hell is designing cars at GM these days....but they need to clean house
When will they learn...you CAN'T design cars by committee...
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,724
From: Hebron, KY
Well they are testing reaction to a 2 door performance-oriented coupe, so that's cool regardless. If it came down to one or the other, I would think "Camaro" would still have more weight than "Chevelle" and seems a more appropriate Mustang/Accord/other competitor. Seems the GTO would go after the more upscale coupes. Good news--and only seven months til an even bigger than this year's '04 NAIAS.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,531
Pretty interesting!! Thanks for posting! This is about the most interesting info I've seen here for some time....
Just on the basis of your writeup I don't think I could say one way or another on the looks. I do have a few questions though....
1. How large was the car in comparison to the Mustang and Accord? It's pretty much a consensus here that the Camaro needs to shrink in size a little. From what I saw of SS concept, it looks HUUUUUGE!! Did they mention anything about size?
2. Also, did you get the shape of the headlights? Round or Rectangular....you said they were covered though, so you may not be able to answer.
3. Was it a hatchback or did it have a trunk?
It looks like they're in the VERY early stages of what MAY become a Camaro. I don't think a final product would be a "worked over" SS concept car. I'm thinking maybe they just modified an SS with styling cues they are considering using to gauge reaction while saving money.
Funny how much hype there is here every year before NAIAS. It's like Christmas....earlier every year! I wouldn't count on seeing anything there yet though...
Just on the basis of your writeup I don't think I could say one way or another on the looks. I do have a few questions though....
1. How large was the car in comparison to the Mustang and Accord? It's pretty much a consensus here that the Camaro needs to shrink in size a little. From what I saw of SS concept, it looks HUUUUUGE!! Did they mention anything about size?
2. Also, did you get the shape of the headlights? Round or Rectangular....you said they were covered though, so you may not be able to answer.
3. Was it a hatchback or did it have a trunk?
It looks like they're in the VERY early stages of what MAY become a Camaro. I don't think a final product would be a "worked over" SS concept car. I'm thinking maybe they just modified an SS with styling cues they are considering using to gauge reaction while saving money.
Funny how much hype there is here every year before NAIAS. It's like Christmas....earlier every year! I wouldn't count on seeing anything there yet though...
Last edited by Joe K. 96 Zeee!!; Jun 19, 2003 at 09:27 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 576
From: Houston, TX
Very good info. I don't like the fact that they are sticking that bar across the grill and spoiling it but oh well.
The interior if it is done as you say then wouldn't it add a lot to the bottom line base car?
Any more information such as engine choice, transmission (how many gears on the manumatic/any other details on it?)
I know this sounds like a dumb q. but do you remember what the rear windshield looked like? (It may point us in the right direction of what car this actually might end up being)
The interior if it is done as you say then wouldn't it add a lot to the bottom line base car?
Any more information such as engine choice, transmission (how many gears on the manumatic/any other details on it?)
I know this sounds like a dumb q. but do you remember what the rear windshield looked like? (It may point us in the right direction of what car this actually might end up being)
Thanks for sharing! 
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,022
From: Newhall, CA USA
Good info!
I remember going to a study much like this in 1988 when I was going to college and seeing the new Saturn coupe in mockup form much the way you described. When did Saturn appear? 1990? Might give a clue as to the lead time on this concept.
I remember going to a study much like this in 1988 when I was going to college and seeing the new Saturn coupe in mockup form much the way you described. When did Saturn appear? 1990? Might give a clue as to the lead time on this concept.