Retro vs. Revolutionary: The 5th Gen’s Styling
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,011
From: Exton, Pennsylvania
Re: Retro vs. Revolutionary: The 5th Gen’s Styling
Originally Posted by Jason E
Does anyone have any idea how "me-too-ish" GM will look with a retro Camaro? We played follow the leader when the '67 came out. Now we're playing follow the leader after the '05 Mustang blows GM's doors off, but our car comes 3 years later. AND, when it comes finally, its going to be retro just like the Mustang??????????
Come on people, wake up. GM is going to look like such a copy cat with this car if its anywhere near as retro as the Mustang.
Why does everyone get pissed that the HHR is a rip off of the PT Cruiser, but to have the Camaro go retro like the Mustang is ok?
Come on people, wake up. GM is going to look like such a copy cat with this car if its anywhere near as retro as the Mustang.
Why does everyone get pissed that the HHR is a rip off of the PT Cruiser, but to have the Camaro go retro like the Mustang is ok?
And this exactly how I feel. If there is one thing that pisses me off more about the retro design, its GM's execution in doing it. They must always be playing catch up; almost never leading. Its really a shame too, because several of GM's new cars coming out actually look good, so I know the designers are capable.
If GM blatantly copies Ford again, and makes the car retro, I do not ever see it outselling the Mustang. This showdown already happened, almost 40 years ago. Actually, I don't really ever see the Camaro outselling the Mustang period, but at least if the Camaro were more modern, they could grab a different audience of people, namely, the ones turned off by the new Mustang's design (and they do exist outside of this message board.)
Just two days ago, a buddy of mine, who has almost no interest in cars, saw a new Mustang, and proceeded to say "wow, that is ugly." He would be the definition of not a car guy. He has informed me, that when he gets out of school, he will be looking to buy a new convertable. He also likes the design of the 4th gen Camaro. If GM were to evolve a more modern and livable derivitive of the 4th gen, I am sure it would attract people who are looking for cheap fun car, but turned off by the Mustang.
The Camaro name has alot of weight to it, but the Mustang has more. GM copycats the car once again, and Chevy will be playing second fiddle (in both sales and vehicle image) to the Ford, just like in the glorious past.
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,574
From: Arlington, Texas
Re: Retro vs. Revolutionary: The 5th Gen’s Styling
So if the C6 is heritage, and the new Mustang is retro, what "heritage cues" could the 5th gen use to incorporate into a modern design? We all know that Corvettes have 4 tail lights, side vents, power dome of some sort on the hood, swoopy fender lines, and until recently, a split grille and pop up headlights. This has been true for over 40 years, they are Corvette hallmarks. The Mustang has 3 element tailights, a scoop on the side, quarter windows, and a big grille (not so much on the 85-93's) with a chrome horse stuck inside of it. The new car has these cues, and with them, it is almost impossible that it can look very much different from the '60s models from which all of these cues originated. The C6 is DRIPPING with 60's styling cues if anyone takes a close enough look.
Now then, what styling cues can Camaro realisticly lay claim too, something that is identifiable as a Camaro styling hallmark? Package layout? Quarter windows? Hood bulges? Scoops? Headlight design? Grille? Fender lines? One element that does stick out to me, which never gets mentioned, is the tail light design. Other than the early 70's model, up until about '74 I think, Camaros have always had a somewhat horizontal tail light design, sometimes very sucessfully incorporating the tail light into the rear quarter panel reflector assembly. Other than that, I don't see any real continuation from first, to second, to third gen. There is a clear evolution from 3rd to 4th though. And the LS-1 cars certainly had a strong resemblance to the early '70's RS's, but they are never labeled retro.
So if I were to play devils advocate for a bit, what styling cues could you incorporate into the 5th gen WITHOUT being accused of copying a past design and being labeled retro?
Now then, what styling cues can Camaro realisticly lay claim too, something that is identifiable as a Camaro styling hallmark? Package layout? Quarter windows? Hood bulges? Scoops? Headlight design? Grille? Fender lines? One element that does stick out to me, which never gets mentioned, is the tail light design. Other than the early 70's model, up until about '74 I think, Camaros have always had a somewhat horizontal tail light design, sometimes very sucessfully incorporating the tail light into the rear quarter panel reflector assembly. Other than that, I don't see any real continuation from first, to second, to third gen. There is a clear evolution from 3rd to 4th though. And the LS-1 cars certainly had a strong resemblance to the early '70's RS's, but they are never labeled retro.
So if I were to play devils advocate for a bit, what styling cues could you incorporate into the 5th gen WITHOUT being accused of copying a past design and being labeled retro?
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,376
From: Sarasota FL
Re: Retro vs. Revolutionary: The 5th Gen’s Styling
Originally Posted by CLEAN
So if the C6 is heritage, and the new Mustang is retro, what "heritage cues" could the 5th gen use to incorporate into a modern design? We all know that Corvettes have 4 tail lights, side vents, power dome of some sort on the hood, swoopy fender lines, and until recently, a split grille and pop up headlights. This has been true for over 40 years, they are Corvette hallmarks. The Mustang has 3 element tailights, a scoop on the side, quarter windows, and a big grille (not so much on the 85-93's) with a chrome horse stuck inside of it. The new car has these cues, and with them, it is almost impossible that it can look very much different from the '60s models from which all of these cues originated. The C6 is DRIPPING with 60's styling cues if anyone takes a close enough look.
I agree that the C6 carries many of the same cues as past Corvettes...it just doesn't seem to blatantly rip them off and throw them on a new one the way the Mustang nose and dash do.
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,705
From: Oakland, California
Re: Retro vs. Revolutionary: The 5th Gen’s Styling
Is it "retro" or is it "heritage styling"?
Interestingly enough I read an article in my local paper's weekly auto section yesterday that stated future Chevrolet models will use "heritage styling" in the interiors on all future models.
I guess "hertitage styling" is here to stay as long as it is profitable to the manufacturers.
I don't want a 1st gen Camaro with a modern drivetrain. I already have that in a sense, although I didn't go hog wild like some have, I have a lot of money and time invested in my 1st gen retro-rod that I want it to remain unique. If the 2007 Camaro were to look exactly like a 67-69 Camaro I'd certainly be unhappy.
However, I do think it should have "heritage" cues. Even the hoods on the 4th gens were fluted with fake air vents that mimicked the flutes and vents on the 1st gen Camaros. Even fender skirts wouldn't bother me too much as long as its done tastefully.
The title of this thread is "Retro vs. Revolutionary", however what I think the 5th gen should be is somewhere in between. I want "evolutionary" styling with hertitage cues. I want a 5th gen Camaro that still looks and feels like a Camaro. I don't want a modern 2+2 RWD ponycar that you could slap just any name on it. I want one that when someone looks at it they will say, "oh that must be the new Camaro" before they ever see the badge on the car. If it doesn't do this, it won't be a true Camaro.
Interestingly enough I read an article in my local paper's weekly auto section yesterday that stated future Chevrolet models will use "heritage styling" in the interiors on all future models.
I guess "hertitage styling" is here to stay as long as it is profitable to the manufacturers.
I don't want a 1st gen Camaro with a modern drivetrain. I already have that in a sense, although I didn't go hog wild like some have, I have a lot of money and time invested in my 1st gen retro-rod that I want it to remain unique. If the 2007 Camaro were to look exactly like a 67-69 Camaro I'd certainly be unhappy.
However, I do think it should have "heritage" cues. Even the hoods on the 4th gens were fluted with fake air vents that mimicked the flutes and vents on the 1st gen Camaros. Even fender skirts wouldn't bother me too much as long as its done tastefully.
The title of this thread is "Retro vs. Revolutionary", however what I think the 5th gen should be is somewhere in between. I want "evolutionary" styling with hertitage cues. I want a 5th gen Camaro that still looks and feels like a Camaro. I don't want a modern 2+2 RWD ponycar that you could slap just any name on it. I want one that when someone looks at it they will say, "oh that must be the new Camaro" before they ever see the badge on the car. If it doesn't do this, it won't be a true Camaro.
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,376
From: Sarasota FL
Re: Retro vs. Revolutionary: The 5th Gen’s Styling
Originally Posted by jg95z28
Is it "retro" or is it "heritage styling"?
However, I do think it should have "heritage" cues. Even the hoods on the 4th gens were fluted with fake air vents that mimicked the flutes and vents on the 1st gen Camaros. Even fender skirts wouldn't bother me too much as long as its done tastefully.
The title of this thread is "Retro vs. Revolutionary", however what I think the 5th gen should be is somewhere in between. I want "evolutionary" styling with hertitage cues. I want a 5th gen Camaro that still looks and feels like a Camaro. I don't want a modern 2+2 RWD ponycar that you could slap just any name on it. I want one that when someone looks at it they will say, "oh that must be the new Camaro" before they ever see the badge on the car. If it doesn't do this, it won't be a true Camaro.
However, I do think it should have "heritage" cues. Even the hoods on the 4th gens were fluted with fake air vents that mimicked the flutes and vents on the 1st gen Camaros. Even fender skirts wouldn't bother me too much as long as its done tastefully.
The title of this thread is "Retro vs. Revolutionary", however what I think the 5th gen should be is somewhere in between. I want "evolutionary" styling with hertitage cues. I want a 5th gen Camaro that still looks and feels like a Camaro. I don't want a modern 2+2 RWD ponycar that you could slap just any name on it. I want one that when someone looks at it they will say, "oh that must be the new Camaro" before they ever see the badge on the car. If it doesn't do this, it won't be a true Camaro.
What he said is fine with me!!! I consider Mustang with its blunt nose, huge foglights and dash to be retro. If the car has some more subtle "heritage cues" to it, fine by me!
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Houston
Re: Retro vs. Revolutionary: The 5th Gen’s Styling
Originally Posted by CLEAN
So if the C6 is heritage, and the new Mustang is retro, what "heritage cues" could the 5th gen use to incorporate into a modern design? We all know that Corvettes have 4 tail lights, side vents, power dome of some sort on the hood, swoopy fender lines, and until recently, a split grille and pop up headlights. This has been true for over 40 years, they are Corvette hallmarks. The Mustang has 3 element tailights, a scoop on the side, quarter windows, and a big grille (not so much on the 85-93's) with a chrome horse stuck inside of it. The new car has these cues, and with them, it is almost impossible that it can look very much different from the '60s models from which all of these cues originated. The C6 is DRIPPING with 60's styling cues if anyone takes a close enough look.
Now then, what styling cues can Camaro realisticly lay claim too, something that is identifiable as a Camaro styling hallmark? Package layout? Quarter windows? Hood bulges? Scoops? Headlight design? Grille? Fender lines? One element that does stick out to me, which never gets mentioned, is the tail light design. Other than the early 70's model, up until about '74 I think, Camaros have always had a somewhat horizontal tail light design, sometimes very sucessfully incorporating the tail light into the rear quarter panel reflector assembly. Other than that, I don't see any real continuation from first, to second, to third gen. There is a clear evolution from 3rd to 4th though. And the LS-1 cars certainly had a strong resemblance to the early '70's RS's, but they are never labeled retro.
So if I were to play devils advocate for a bit, what styling cues could you incorporate into the 5th gen WITHOUT being accused of copying a past design and being labeled retro?
Now then, what styling cues can Camaro realisticly lay claim too, something that is identifiable as a Camaro styling hallmark? Package layout? Quarter windows? Hood bulges? Scoops? Headlight design? Grille? Fender lines? One element that does stick out to me, which never gets mentioned, is the tail light design. Other than the early 70's model, up until about '74 I think, Camaros have always had a somewhat horizontal tail light design, sometimes very sucessfully incorporating the tail light into the rear quarter panel reflector assembly. Other than that, I don't see any real continuation from first, to second, to third gen. There is a clear evolution from 3rd to 4th though. And the LS-1 cars certainly had a strong resemblance to the early '70's RS's, but they are never labeled retro.
So if I were to play devils advocate for a bit, what styling cues could you incorporate into the 5th gen WITHOUT being accused of copying a past design and being labeled retro?
Camaro Heritage Cues:
1. I completely agree with the tail light design. Aside from the few years where the Camaro borrowed the 4 bulb design from the Corvette it has had the horizontal design.
2. Second that comes to mind is the Camaro grille. Seems to me most Camaro’s since the first gen produced have had a semi pointed blacked out grille. I don’t know if this is the best way to describe it but take a glance at a few different generations and compare their grilles they all complement each other.
3. Recessed headlights have been a staple since the 2nd gen. More exaggerated in the 3rd and 4th gens I think they make for a very aggressive front end. The concept I have in the beginning of this thread has a good modern interpretation of Camaro headlights.
4. T-tops are sort of a heritage cue. I bet most people would associate T-tops to Camaro’s history, plus I really think the 5th gen need them to succeed.
5. A fast back design. Hatch or truck, Camaro has had them both.
6. A long forward sloping hood. Through each generation it has been more exaggerated. Some may say too much in the 4th gen. I tend to agree even though I love 4th gen styling but we all know how crammed that motor its. I’m sure GM can figure out a better package this time around.
That’s all I can think of now. I know each one of these cues can be modernized without blatantly copying the 1st gens style.
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,479
Re: Retro vs. Revolutionary: The 5th Gen’s Styling
Originally Posted by Jason E
Everyone pans the HHR for doing the EXACT SAME THING...yet for a Camaro its ok?
IMO Ford has defined where the pony car is going and the safe money is on GM going evolutionary from the 1st gen. I'd like to believe they'll also have some other RWD coupes available for those looking for something little different.
For me, as long as the 5th gen does what it's supposed to do, is packaged and contented to my liking, and looks good, whether with heritage styling or based on the more modern Chevrolet SS styling (I love the look of that car), I'm in. I'm somewhat set in my mind that it will be my next new vehicle.
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Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 2,026
From: Japan
I'll throw my two cents in...
First off, I want to say I think that Tom Peters did a fabulous job with the C6.
Having said that, I hope that the 5th gen follows along the same lines. Not too retro, but just enough styling that borrows from the past with enough modern touches to make the car just right.
If the car looks like too much from any one generation I think that GM isn't trying hard enough or they are just plain scared to pull off a design that rocks the automotive community to its foundation. I know they can do it, it's just a matter if they will. If you think the new Mustang is carrying Ford now, just imagine all the benefits a proper Camaro could have for GM.
I honestly believe that if GM can get the next Camaro right, it could have a big impact in how the media views cars from GM in the forseeable future.
Strike while the iron is hot I say.
Having said that, I hope that the 5th gen follows along the same lines. Not too retro, but just enough styling that borrows from the past with enough modern touches to make the car just right.
If the car looks like too much from any one generation I think that GM isn't trying hard enough or they are just plain scared to pull off a design that rocks the automotive community to its foundation. I know they can do it, it's just a matter if they will. If you think the new Mustang is carrying Ford now, just imagine all the benefits a proper Camaro could have for GM.
I honestly believe that if GM can get the next Camaro right, it could have a big impact in how the media views cars from GM in the forseeable future.
Strike while the iron is hot I say.
Last edited by 95 Z/28 LT1; Jul 9, 2005 at 10:31 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,370
From: Germany
Re: Retro vs. Revolutionary: The 5th Gen’s Styling
what I would like to see, that reminds me of muscle is a large bulge over front wheels/front axel then a slopping back toward the cabin space, this is evident in the viper, and also a bulge over every wheel to accent a muscluar design.
the SS concept Chevy has out right now, is way to timid for front grill goes.
also the cabin area seems a bit large but who knows
the SS concept Chevy has out right now, is way to timid for front grill goes.
also the cabin area seems a bit large but who knows
Disciple
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 873
From: Chicagoland, IL www.5thGen.org
Re: Retro vs. Revolutionary: The 5th Gen’s Styling
I think part of KNOWING it's a Camaro when you first see it or from down the road is the incorporation of heritage styling cues.
So we're gonna see some of that no doubt.
But an "updated copy" (which is what I call the 05 Mustang) I think would be the wrong direction to go.
Look at sales figures of retro cars...
The first 2-3 years they BOOM, then they disappear.
Take PT Cruiser for example: Couldn't touch one for $20K when they came out. Now you can get one new for $12K. Why? Sales slump in a big way.
I subscribe to the belief that retro is a "fad" nearing the end of it's cycle.
So I think we will see a Camaro that is revolutionary, yet has more of the shape of the 1st gen, with just enough heritage styling cues mixed in to scream CAMARO!
So we're gonna see some of that no doubt.
But an "updated copy" (which is what I call the 05 Mustang) I think would be the wrong direction to go.
Look at sales figures of retro cars...
The first 2-3 years they BOOM, then they disappear.
Take PT Cruiser for example: Couldn't touch one for $20K when they came out. Now you can get one new for $12K. Why? Sales slump in a big way.
I subscribe to the belief that retro is a "fad" nearing the end of it's cycle.
So I think we will see a Camaro that is revolutionary, yet has more of the shape of the 1st gen, with just enough heritage styling cues mixed in to scream CAMARO!
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,072
From: Lilburn, GA, USA
Re: Retro vs. Revolutionary: The 5th Gen’s Styling
Originally Posted by CLEAN
So if the C6 is heritage, and the new Mustang is retro, what "heritage cues" could the 5th gen use to incorporate into a modern design? We all know that Corvettes have 4 tail lights, side vents, power dome of some sort on the hood, swoopy fender lines, and until recently, a split grille and pop up headlights. This has been true for over 40 years, they are Corvette hallmarks. The Mustang has 3 element tailights, a scoop on the side, quarter windows, and a big grille (not so much on the 85-93's) with a chrome horse stuck inside of it. The new car has these cues, and with them, it is almost impossible that it can look very much different from the '60s models from which all of these cues originated. The C6 is DRIPPING with 60's styling cues if anyone takes a close enough look.
Now then, what styling cues can Camaro realisticly lay claim too, something that is identifiable as a Camaro styling hallmark? Package layout? Quarter windows? Hood bulges? Scoops? Headlight design? Grille? Fender lines? One element that does stick out to me, which never gets mentioned, is the tail light design. Other than the early 70's model, up until about '74 I think, Camaros have always had a somewhat horizontal tail light design, sometimes very sucessfully incorporating the tail light into the rear quarter panel reflector assembly. Other than that, I don't see any real continuation from first, to second, to third gen. There is a clear evolution from 3rd to 4th though. And the LS-1 cars certainly had a strong resemblance to the early '70's RS's, but they are never labeled retro.
So if I were to play devils advocate for a bit, what styling cues could you incorporate into the 5th gen WITHOUT being accused of copying a past design and being labeled retro?
Now then, what styling cues can Camaro realisticly lay claim too, something that is identifiable as a Camaro styling hallmark? Package layout? Quarter windows? Hood bulges? Scoops? Headlight design? Grille? Fender lines? One element that does stick out to me, which never gets mentioned, is the tail light design. Other than the early 70's model, up until about '74 I think, Camaros have always had a somewhat horizontal tail light design, sometimes very sucessfully incorporating the tail light into the rear quarter panel reflector assembly. Other than that, I don't see any real continuation from first, to second, to third gen. There is a clear evolution from 3rd to 4th though. And the LS-1 cars certainly had a strong resemblance to the early '70's RS's, but they are never labeled retro.
So if I were to play devils advocate for a bit, what styling cues could you incorporate into the 5th gen WITHOUT being accused of copying a past design and being labeled retro?
Styling elements that are included on a gen Camaros:
-long hood
-short deck
-wide
-low
-mid section peak
-pointed nose
-large tumblehome
-steeply raked windshield
-visual emphasis on RWD
-recessed headlamps
-large, horizontal grill rectangular in shape
-character lines off of the headlights
-similar B-pillar design
Styling elements that are included on 3 out of the 4 gens of Camaros:
-quad headlamps
-lip spoiler
-wrap around tail lights
-no quarter windows
-wrap around rear glass
-small fender flares
These are some of the styling elements that the Camaro has. Now if you were to pick specific cues from a certain gen Camaro to use, there would be a lot more to choose from. Some of the styling elements above are pretty general and might actually allow for more design freedom. It is certainly possible to design a Camaro that looks like a Camaro, has traditional Camaro styling cues, and has a modern design. Designers love to add something new to the mix if they are allowed, so there can be new Camaro styling cues created along side the heritage styling cues. I think some people are unable to realize that a new 5th gen could break new ground in the styling department and have those new design elements be incorporated as heritage cues for future Camaros.
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Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,887
From: northeast Miss.
Re: Retro vs. Revolutionary: The 5th Gen’s Styling
Originally Posted by OctaneZ28
I think part of KNOWING it's a Camaro when you first see it or from down the road is the incorporation of heritage styling cues.
So we're gonna see some of that no doubt.
But an "updated copy" (which is what I call the 05 Mustang) I think would be the wrong direction to go.
Look at sales figures of retro cars...
The first 2-3 years they BOOM, then they disappear.
Take PT Cruiser for example: Couldn't touch one for $20K when they came out. Now you can get one new for $12K. Why? Sales slump in a big way.
I subscribe to the belief that retro is a "fad" nearing the end of it's cycle.
So I think we will see a Camaro that is revolutionary, yet has more of the shape of the 1st gen, with just enough heritage styling cues mixed in to scream CAMARO!
So we're gonna see some of that no doubt.
But an "updated copy" (which is what I call the 05 Mustang) I think would be the wrong direction to go.
Look at sales figures of retro cars...
The first 2-3 years they BOOM, then they disappear.
Take PT Cruiser for example: Couldn't touch one for $20K when they came out. Now you can get one new for $12K. Why? Sales slump in a big way.
I subscribe to the belief that retro is a "fad" nearing the end of it's cycle.
So I think we will see a Camaro that is revolutionary, yet has more of the shape of the 1st gen, with just enough heritage styling cues mixed in to scream CAMARO!
Just advance it from the 4th gen like each gen did from the other. Hey, the 4th gen was a looker and was everyone before it. So just keep sweeping the cycle on. No need to go '6908.
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,072
From: Lilburn, GA, USA
Re: Retro vs. Revolutionary: The 5th Gen’s Styling
Originally Posted by guionM
Here is something I want EVERYONE to ponder a bit.
Let's say for a moment, YOU are in a decision making position at GM. You are also responsible for making the next Camaro.
Now, all your bosses see the Mustang blazing the sales charts, and all but carrying the Ford Motor Company. The Mustang looks like a modernized version of it's roots in that all the cues from the past are present and modernized.
Mustang recieved rave reviews from design students, and a very large portion of these new Mustangs are winning over alot of people who would have bought a G35 coupe or some other imported FWD sports coupe, as well as Mustang faithful.
Your marketing department has done extensive studies that showed that the 4th gen Camaro failed because of it's lack of utility and what the public views as a impractical layout. Those same studies also all but mandate a trunk.
Your design studies show that in order to garner public attention, the car has to stand out & look aggressive, but also has to also appeal to women (who now make up about 60% of the buying public) or it's doomed.
That sounds like:
1. It pretty much kills any "Revelotionary" design if you are talking about something that had the impact or looks of the 4th gen, and...
2. The car will at the very least have proportions of the early Camaros in that it will have a "3 box" design, or some variation of it.
Retro is an overused term here, I've noticed. People tend to throw it on everything from PT Cruisers to Mustangs, while ignoring Corvettes, Vipers, SN95 Stangs, & even to an extent, the CTS (it's creased look and stacked headlights is vintage Cadillac, modernized).
I'd say the PT Cruiser, Thunderbird, Mini, and New Beetle are all "retro" in that they completely copy past design themes, down to wheel openings.
The Mustang and Chrysler 300 both reach to the past for influence, but look entirely modern and up to date. The sheetmetal is creased, the beltlines are unusually high, & the wheel opening stampings are exaggerated. The only thing retro about these 2 are the dashboards.
Camaro doesn't quite have to go as far as these 2 did, but I think anyone who thinks GM is NOT going to look at the sales success of the Mustang and it influence any potential Mustang competitor probally is going to be disappointed... IMO.
Let's say for a moment, YOU are in a decision making position at GM. You are also responsible for making the next Camaro.
Now, all your bosses see the Mustang blazing the sales charts, and all but carrying the Ford Motor Company. The Mustang looks like a modernized version of it's roots in that all the cues from the past are present and modernized.
Mustang recieved rave reviews from design students, and a very large portion of these new Mustangs are winning over alot of people who would have bought a G35 coupe or some other imported FWD sports coupe, as well as Mustang faithful.
Your marketing department has done extensive studies that showed that the 4th gen Camaro failed because of it's lack of utility and what the public views as a impractical layout. Those same studies also all but mandate a trunk.
Your design studies show that in order to garner public attention, the car has to stand out & look aggressive, but also has to also appeal to women (who now make up about 60% of the buying public) or it's doomed.
That sounds like:
1. It pretty much kills any "Revelotionary" design if you are talking about something that had the impact or looks of the 4th gen, and...
2. The car will at the very least have proportions of the early Camaros in that it will have a "3 box" design, or some variation of it.
Retro is an overused term here, I've noticed. People tend to throw it on everything from PT Cruisers to Mustangs, while ignoring Corvettes, Vipers, SN95 Stangs, & even to an extent, the CTS (it's creased look and stacked headlights is vintage Cadillac, modernized).
I'd say the PT Cruiser, Thunderbird, Mini, and New Beetle are all "retro" in that they completely copy past design themes, down to wheel openings.
The Mustang and Chrysler 300 both reach to the past for influence, but look entirely modern and up to date. The sheetmetal is creased, the beltlines are unusually high, & the wheel opening stampings are exaggerated. The only thing retro about these 2 are the dashboards.
Camaro doesn't quite have to go as far as these 2 did, but I think anyone who thinks GM is NOT going to look at the sales success of the Mustang and it influence any potential Mustang competitor probally is going to be disappointed... IMO.
First of all, I don't think anyone is looking for a "revolutionary" design, they are looking for an evoltionary design. I think having a design that totally turns upsidedown everything we know a Camaro to be would be a big mistake. Evolution is the way to go and the Corvette is the best example of this which has been mentioned often. It can be done, after all, I bet some of the same people who worked on the Vette will/have worked on the 5th gen.
Second, you can have a better packaged car without having to have a total upright design like the Mustang or 1st gen Camaro. Both of those cars aerodynamics are are not very good for obvious reasons and of course that has a number of drawbacks. But most importantly, just because you have more useful interior packaging or a more upright design, it does not mean that the car has to look like a 1st gen. It is possible to be creative and come up with a solution that doesn't look to a 40 year old design.
I am not sure how you don't include the Mustang with the other retro cars you mentioned above. The Mustang looks like a 60's Mustang and nothing else. It is a modernized version of that vehicle, just like the T-bird. The 300 looks like no past vehicle from Chrystler but it uses the design language and design cues from the past that are not so literal to create a modern looking car.
The Camaro should look to the success of the 300 and not the Mustang. I would say thet the 300 is far more a success than the Mustang. The Mustang was going to sell well no matter what with a redesign but the 300 used a bold, modern design and good mechanicals to really make a huge impact.
Look to the past for design cues (NOT TOTAL DESIGNS) but abstract them and take them into the future.
