I thought that I might throw this out for discussion. I'm getting the impression that GM is pulling out all the stops to cut as many corners as possible ( and then some) on a 5th gen Camaro.

This concerns me. I certainly want it to be affordable...but I also want it to be desirable.

Does anyone think GM will skimp too much when it comes to a new Camaro?

 

I think it will only be a disappointment to you.....maybe one day Ford will bring the Contour back

 

Didn't Guion say its getting its own chassis when it comes out?

 

I think if it's takes longer it will be a dissapoinment, also if the car is over 27,000 ( Z28)
I just hope they don't wait to much, because the new Mustang is ritght around the corner, and if they wait(GM) many buyers will have a brand new account to pay on the mustang( so even if they wanted a Camaro when it comes, it will be so hard to trade in the new car) making less sales for the Camaro

 

Depends on what you consider a disappointment. Is not even having a 5th gen a disappointment? Is a temp fix like the new GTO a disappointment?

I have the belief that if they are going to bother bringing it back as a serious challenger to the Mustang, it will be respectable and true to its heritage. I'm sure the proponents within GM that are pulling for the Camaro's return will not settle for something lackluster and overly compromised. However, I wouldn't be surprised if it went to certain lengths to be appealing to the masses.

 

I'm a new member here, a little info about me. I am a designer with my own company in Chicago, affiliated with a coachbuilder in Florida. I am working on a design proposal for a 5th Gen Camaro. Here are a couple of details,

based off a modified CTS platform utilizing IRS.
LS1 powered, RWD.
roughly 3000 lbs, and 340 hp (in SS trim)
6 speed manual

Base model with 3800 series V6, and 230hp

Z28/RS Model optional engine de-stroked LS1 to 302 cubes, making 300 hp

I am trying to get some renderings put into a good format, when I have something of a good quality and size, I'll post it all in a new topic.

Oh yeah, I was proposing the interior size to be roughly the same size as a BMW 3 Series coupe, and retro styling with cues from 67-69 models.

I just wanted to post a few messages here to get a feel of the board before I start posting pics.

 

Pics

 

Welcome!

We always look forward to seeing some new ideas.

 

I think if it is an uncompromising all-out performance car, it will be a dissapointment. That's what caused sales to drop off. A car doesn't necessarily have to be great at any one thing, but it needs to be good at a lot. The Mustang, right now, is this. And that's why it sells. I think for the Camaro to come back and sell, it's going to have to compromise a bit on performance.

But hey, that should give us something to do on weekends, right? And hopefully, it will keep the price down.

 

You have a good point if Chevrolet intends Camaro to be a volume car again...

With the likelihood of Camaro being piggybacked with several other cars on a shared platform, I am hoping we do NOT get a "Chevrolet Mustang", so to speak.

Make a realistic business case for a not-so-high volume affordable performance coupe, and the forumla still works.

Let the upcoming Monte Carlo SS be the coupe in the Chevy lineup that goes after more volume.

I'm not suggesting the make Camaro into a niche car... but I really don't want it to be watered down to try to be everything to everyone.

 

Modified CTS weighing 3000lbs? I know this is won't happen as the Sigma is not the likly platform for the Camaro and even if it was they would be replacing the CTS's aluminum suspension peices with more conventional materials. 3000lbs is unrealistic.

3800 Series V6 will be dead before the 5th gen gets here and isn't even considered an option.

GM is making all thier engines larger....not smaller, plus they won't spend the extra money to make the LS! this exact displacement and have less power.

I admire you desire to help design a 5th Gen, but to be seriously considered a proposal would have to be in line with GM's current product plans.

 

Things that I would consider disappointing:

1) Using the cheapest suspension components possible.....even if just afew more dollars would give you an exponentially better performer.

2) Using plastic body panels as a cost saving device. Even though they require large gaps and don't have the same finish as metal.

3) Squeezing every last nickel out of the interior.

4) Not getting the hint that some of us want a REAL Z/28.

 

I , for one, like the plastic panels.... the dent resistant feature is FANTASTIC. I actually hope they'd do the whole car in it, but, it sounds like even Saturn may be going away from it.

I never thought the body panel gaps were all that bad on F-Bodies though... but I guess I didnt specifically look at them anytime compared to another car... but they didn't stand out as 'bad' to me.

 

1) I think you will see parts that are cost consicious...but get the mission done which is being better than Mustang. It doesn't need a suspension that will let it hang on a skidpad with with a Vette.

2) I like the plastic body panels, they save weight in some cases and don't rust. I do think higher quality materials need to be used though.

3) GM has "seen the light" when it comes to interiors. Lutz won't approve a car without a nicer interior. With that in mind has a Camaro ever really had a interor noted for it's design or quality? Aside from a 2nd Gen T/A that was nice for it's time I say no.

4) I wonder if there will even be a Z28? I mean GM has gotten rid of every "Z" designation they had on thier cars...so why not Camaro. Plus I could see a two model lineup with a base RS and top of the line SS. Then they could maybe use Z28 as a limited production run like Ford did with the Mustang Mach1 and Bullit.. Not top of the hill, but a limited run nostalgia car.

 

I think it's safe to say that there will be another regular production Z28. Right RP?