NAME: Chris Werner
AGE: 27
HOMETOWN: Franklin Lakes, NJ
OCCUPATION: Attorney; contributing editor
CAMAROS OR PERFORMANCE GMS OWNED: 1988 Camaro IROC-Z, 2001 Trans Am WS6
What was your initial impression when the Camaro Concept was revealed?
I was pleasantly surprised at how well the design flows. The concept looks very well-proportioned and does not have the type of speed-bump-scraping stance that many concepts end up with. This thing looks ready to roll off of the assembly line.
In your opinion, was the Camaro Concept's design more futuristic or more retro?
I actually think it is more futuristic. Though many styling cues are borrowed from the First Generation Camaro, the same can be said about other cars on the road today. For example, the Sixth Generation Corvette's body lines look a heck of a lot like the 1968-82, but nobody would ever call it retro. The only place that looks retro is the interior, which has the kind of flat dash that hasn't come out of Detroit in decades. I like it!
What aspects of the Concept's styling did you like?
I firmly believe that this car looks good all over, though an in-person viewing may reveal some styling weaknesses. My opinion extends to the rear end, which many call homely but I believe looks just fine; though the blacked-out faux-diffuser look is taking a while to get used to. I also like the return to a long hood/short deck layout; if you can't see the hood, you aren't driving a musclecar. I love my WS6, but if I didn't have the Ram Air hood, I couldn't drive it. This car also appears to have an actual trunk, which I prefer over a hatchback.
What aspects of its styling did you dislike?
The grille could use a finer mesh; the pattern just looks too big and draws too much attention. Other than that, basically just the concept car's color annoyed me: silver belongs on BMWs and Mercedes, not a muscle machine. It's also the color for people who can't decide on a color.
Did you feel that, as a whole, the car's design "pulled together well" or not?
Yes, it looks very well-balanced.
If a new Camaro were to be based off of GM's global rear-drive platform, would a Camaro with foreign underpinnings be any more or less desirable to you?
Whatever it takes to get a bad-ass-looking, 2009-model, rear-wheel-drive, V-8 GM in my garage; I don't care if some Germans designed the underpinnings. If GM needs to go this global to compete in the 21st century, then that's what they'll have to do.
In your opinion, at what price would a base V-8 version be affordable to an average performance enthusiast?
About $25,000 should be the base price. This would put it right there with the Mustang GT which, with its heavy and torque-deficient engine, would be sure to get its doors blown off--just as it had during the reign of the LS1 F-body.
What trim level options (RS, Z28, SS) do you think should be included in a new Camaro?
All of these trim level options should be available, but I think GM should revert to the old trim designations where Z28 is top of the line, SS is underneath, and RS is an appearance package. Every overstyled, underpowered vehicle that comes off the Chevrolet assembly line is now called an SS: the Impala and Silverado come to mind. I am imagining an RS package with hidden headlamps just like the original Camaro; that would be sweet. Also, call them Rally Sport and Super Sport; every car on the road has a two-letter trim designation that nobody cares about.
If GM offers optional, 400-plus-horsepower V-8s in a more expensive trim level, would you be willing to pay low- to mid-30s for this Camaro?
Of course; that's pretty much what the 2002 Camaro SS cost. I bought its equivalent, a WS6 Trans Am, for a sticker of $31,940. Low-to-mid 30s would put it in the same price range as the 2002 if you account for inflation.
Do you have a preference on whether it is produced with a live axle or IRS?
IRS. Live axle is dead and cars without IRS just ride like crap. Unless GM can really save the customer that much money by offering live axle, forget it and leave it to the SUVs. The aftermarket will supply all of the necessary heavy-duty axles and such to keep the IRS in one piece on the strip.
GM hasn't built an F-body since 2002; how has that affected you, personally or professionally?
I've been forced to live vicariously through my dad, who has purchased other, more expensive GM performance cars, including a 2004 GTO and 2006 Corvette. My Trans Am daily driver is 5 years old now and the rattles may just be beginning--I can't hold out too much longer!
How would you rate the Concept's design compared to any of the past production Camaros?
I'm very partial to the styling of the early '70s and late '80s models, but this one is probably the best yet.
Rate this Concept on a scale of 1 to 10.
9
If an IRS-based, V-8 production version looked identical to the Concept Camaro and sold for $25,000, would you buy it?
Unless I am in a coma, dead, incarcerated, or out of the country, I will be at the Chevrolet dealership at 9 a.m. In fact, my local dealer already knows that the second they can preorder one, they must call me.
Do you have any other comments on the Concept Camaro and its future?If GM does not build this, I will cry. It is finally starting to build tough-looking cars that guys can drive around without having to be in touch with their feminine side (C5 comes to mind as being particularly girly); and with the current horsepower wars in full battle (imports included), now is the time to bring back Camaro--and the awesome sales figures from the 1980s. Maybe in a few years GM will sell enough of them that they'll bring back the Firebird too.
NAME: Tony Whatley
AGE: 33
HOMETOWN: Houston, TX
OCCUPATION: Project Manager, Co-Founder of LS1TECH.com
CAMAROS OR PERFORMANCE GMS OWNED: I've owned 11 F-bodies previously, currently own three F-bodies and a C6 Corvette.
What was your initial impression when the Camaro Concept was revealed?
I was very pleased with the aggressiveness and sharp edges, and the overall heritage cues of the design. It looks like a Camaro, no question.
In your opinion, was the Camaro Concept's design more futuristic or more retro?
I would consider it futuristic musclecar style, with retro/heritage design elements.
What aspects of the Concept's styling did you like?
Contoured sides of the vehicle, most cars are slab-sided and boring now. The sharp edges on the hood and fenders, and the lack of the B-pillar look nice.
What aspects of its styling did you dislike?
The taillights could use some work. How about longer taillights similar to a '69 RS instead? Less "Corvette" inspired taillights.
Did you feel that, as a whole, the car's design "pulled together well" or not?
I think the designers did a great job on this one. I was fearful that GM would release a soft and "friendly" design for the next Camaro, so this aggressive version really pleased me.
If a new Camaro were to be based off of GM's global rear-drive platform, would a Camaro with foreign underpinnings be any more or less desirable to you?
Would not matter to me at all. If it is RWD and has a powerful V-8, SOLD!
In your opinion, at what price would a base V-8 version be affordable to an average performance enthusiast?
$25K base model V-8 if it were available today. It needs to compete directly with the Mustang GT base model pricing.
What trim level options (RS, Z28, SS) do you think should be included in a new Camaro?
The RS should be the hidden headlight option, and available on Z28 or SS. SS could possibly have a 396ci option, but at least a different engine size from the base V-8. Z28 would be a nice stripped-down model, with no luxury options, similar to the 1LE cars. I would like to see the SS be more than an appearance package this time around.
If GM offers optional, 400-plus-horsepower V-8s in a more expensive trim level, would you be willing to pay low- to mid-30s for this Camaro?
I would be willing to pay $35-40K for a LS7-equipped ZL1 Camaro. That would be enough to make me sell my C6 Vette!
Do you have a preference on whether it is produced with a live axle or IRS?
I prefer a live axle for durability, but wouldn't turn down an IRS setup. It would be nice to have the IRS be optional, with a 12-bolt-based solid axle as standard.
GM hasn't built an F-body since 2002; how has that affected you, personally or professionally?
I still drive my Fourth-Gen F-bodies with pride. LS1TECH has steadily gained members as these F-bodies become more affordable to buy and modify. The aftermarket has really embraced this LSx engine, and it keeps the enthusiasts happy.
How would you rate the Concept's design compared to any of the past production Camaros?
I prefer First Gens, then this new design, then Fourth, Second, Third. In that order.
Rate this Concept on a scale of 1 to 10.
I'd rate it a 9 out of 10. The potential for customizing it is awesome.
If an IRS-based, V-8 production version looked identical to the Concept Camaro and sold for $25,000, would you buy it?
I would buy two of them. One to drive daily, the other to race.
Do you have any other comments on the Concept Camaro and its future?
Keep the base V-8 car pricing competitive with the Mustang GT, and market the car better than the Fourth Gens were marketed. Keep the car daily drivable friendly so that the masses will appreciate and want one. Give us more options on personalizing or accessorizing the cars. Do not let your dealerships screw us with pricing mark-ups! Allow the aftermarket to get these cars earlier to develop parts for them that will be available as soon as they begin selling. Ford did an excellent job on the release of the '05 Mustang, hopefully GM can do the same.
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