I've always wondered why Chevy never followed the Firebird structure.
Formula or Trans Am.....both could be ordered with the high perf WS6 package. Neither one was held back.

What's wrong with that?

 

Well, for the 4th Gen, the Formula WS6 failed miserably, while the Trans Am WS6 was very popular.

It wasn't even offered on the Formula after a certain point (MY 99 ro 2000 I think), because so few were built.

You need to understand that the vast majority of people who order a top level car/package want all the bells and whistles... therefore they ordered a Trans Am to put the WS6 package on... not Formula.

Now, take all of that out of the context and look at the glaring difference as to why Pontiac could do two to begin with, and Chevy could not... Firebird had two trim levels with distininct, different fasicas... Camaro did not.

 

It failed miserably.

 

Why do you think?

Is it that Trans Am is much more recognized than Formula?

 

It failed because people wanted all top-of-the-line equipment, options, status and 'look at me, I am different than a base model' looks....

 

That's interesting, I never really liked the Trans Am's for all the reasons you list for other people liking it. I liked that the Forumula was leaner, but with the same power underneath. If I were to buy an LS1 right now, the only one I would even consider is the Formula. Everything else is just too fugly to even consider.

 

well there's a couple things I think GM could do to kinda keep everyone happy. They could do what Ford did in late 80's where the GT was the top model, however a 5.0 LX Model was just as fast, if not faster because of the lack of ground effectd creature comforts. So like the SS could have a RS style body kit on it and power everything, leather the works, while the Z28 would have the same powerplant, but no ground effects and none of the creature comforts. Another thing they could do, is do it like how Mitsu did with the 2Gb eclipse's. Ya i know *** but bear with me. What Mitsu did was the GSX was the top dog (Turbo AWD hardtop) however they also offered the GS-T Spyder which had everything the GSX did but it was convertible and FWD. So you didn't have the AWD launch but you had the wind in your hair. Some Spyder owners want a GSX while some GSX owners want Spyders. So it would be like making the SS a hardtop only with like 10hp more (ram-air or sumn) and Z28's convertible's only with like an open rear end or just a very economy friendly ratio.

 

While I previously said I don't care what its called, provided its a CAMARO and is better, faster, stronger than the competition at the time (i.e. Mustang Cobra), I still must leave you this thought... which I posted in the other thread...

 

jg95z28, you pretty much echo my feelings as well. In the end the success of Camaro is paramount and Z28 is secondary. Saying that though, Camaro needs excitement and "freshness" not only to it's design, but model line-up as well. Z28, being unique to Camaro, could help out in this way. Still, there are many ways to do that. One such option is to have the Z28 sit out the intro and come in second or third year. Another is to have that "race car that you can drive to work".

We've all seen how special editions and model rebirths have helped bring excitement and success to the Mustang lineup. Camaro can still learn a trick or two from that old pony.

 

I am generally an SS guy but the way Chevy is slapping the name around has made me almost want to change my mind and say not SS as top. And not necesarily Z28 shoulb be top either.
But the ZL1 should be top. This is kinda what i want now:

Base: I6 with around 250-260 hp. Can get a factory turbo that wont void warranty
Z28: V8 with around 370 hp. Can get a factory supercharger that wont void warranty
ZL1: V8 with around 400 hp (would be hgher but cant beat the vette ) And again, can get a factoryu supercharger that wont void the waranty.

 

Just use a very limited production ZL1 option so nobody wins. 500HP sounds good for it.

 

For the same reasons I have been going over and over on:

1) Didn't make money.

2) Apart from the 5 Z28-****'s here, hardly anyone WANTS a stripped performance car and GM knows it.

3) Added complexity with no viable return on the investment in a vehicle platform that already had too many variations for the volume.



Not really, it was just a better car in the eyes of the public - more equipment, better received looks. Then, the smart salesman walks them over to the next car over on the lot (a WS6) and says:

"This one's the top of the line. Check out those wheels and tires and that hood and spoiler. Makes more power and handles better too - 345hp for this one."

Gulp, down goes the hook.

Chalk up another WS6/SS.

 

I don't know who the h e l l you are....but I resent that connotation and demand an apology immediately!

And as far as I'm concerned you're DEAD wrong on the number of us who aren't collectors or waxers.....we just want performance.

Show me poll results that say different......

 

Just some clarification:

1) I agree with the word "the".

2) I have never, ever said the Z/28 should be "stripped".....content limited is the phrase I use....as in performance biased and fluff limited.

3) If you think there are only 5 of us.......well, where do I begin?

4) My party affiliation is no one's business.

5) GM is not infalible....and you probably aren't either.



And while we're talking *****....there is that thing with the "SS".



Thank You

 

I was thinking the exact same thing!

I have a new slogan....

Brains? Who needs 'em? I drive an "SS"!