Discussions on Bringing back the Camaro

[psi_radar]

I don't think Harley is as good as you might think, as that's more obsession than passion. Then again, I have a problem with paying for a name. YMMV.

I own a Suzuki, if that tells you anything. Harley doesn't sell performance (or quality), they sell an image--their technology, with the exception of the v-rod, is about 50-60 years old. I think they're a great example for GM to follow--they brilliantly rebranded themselves after nearly going under in the late '70s and early '80s to now command huge profits and brand loyalty, on style alone. Not to say GM shouldn't be more substantive in their approach--that'd be nice to see too.

 

[Rich Parsons]

I dunno about what is going on with mpg technology. Seems like computers could play a much larger part in the technology. For instance, I own a '99 Corvette Fixed Roof Coupe (Hardtop). The body style, eventually, became the Z06 for any Vette afficianados reading this ...

It is all drive by wire and computerized, and while it does have pretty exciting performance, when I get on the highway, I get really great mileage. Last Summer, I took a road trip to Kansas City with my wife, and we got 36+ mpg.
I can run up and down the Interstates from my house into St. Louis, doing 75mph+ and get 27 - 30 mpg.

I think for a car that has approx 360 hp (due to a modified breather unit), 345 hp stock, that is pretty respectable.

It's probably a whole different set of physics for trucks, SUVs and needs of heavy torque, like towing, etc. However, not being a truck guy, I have never looked into it.

My job is the computer in the car that manages the engine or transmission or both. They are very complicated, and very complex and are used on all vehicles now a days to meet emissions requirements. While the Government regulated Emissions first, this drive to meet the emission standards drove the auto companies to get better control (* Close Loop control *) of the system which improved fuel economy is a by product.

As to your outstanding MPG, I would expect it to be a stick, with a 6 speed, and to have the 5th and 6th speeds be over drive. This is great for fuel economy and if you do not get on it. In Europe Standard or Stick transmissions are the norm, here in NA (* North American *), the Automatic is standard on most vehicles and the manual or stick is the option.

And you are correct it is drive by wire, meaning ETC of electronic throttle control, which has been or wil be rolled out to almost all vehicles now. This is ust another step in geting control of the system.

A lot of the problem in designing a vehicle, is that they want creature comforts in the cabin versus power under the hood for the same mass, and or space constraints. The design is to make the vehicle smaller and lighter, whihc should be better on fuel economy, but many times the engine compartment wil not hold the "Best Fit" engine, and a smaller engine is chosen. Now this smaller engine works harder to support this mass. I know to many it does not make sense, but to someone it must.

Peace
:asian:

 

[Rich Parsons]

Well here goes:

PRODUCT NEWS

ICON REBORN: GM WILL BUILD AN ALL-NEW CHEVROLET CAMARO .... An American classic will soon make a triumphant return to the road as plans are announced to build an all-new version of the Chevrolet Camaro.

GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner made the announcement today in Traverse City, Mich. during the Management Briefing Seminars.

"The overwhelmingly enthusiastic response to the Camaro Concept continues to remind me of the uniquely iconic place our products can have in customers' hearts," Wagoner said. "Camaro is much more than a car; it symbolizes America's spirit and its love affair with the automobile."

The all-new Camaro will be virtually identical to the wildly popular Camaro concept unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show earlier this year. The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sport coupe will feature an independent rear suspension, and will be offered in a variety of models with the choice of manual and automatic transmissions and V-6 and V-8 engines.
The all-new Camaro will go into production in late 2008, and will be on sale in the first quarter of 2009. As part of the announcement, more than 7,000 automotive enthusiasts, employees and journalists are gathering at GM's Vehicle Engineering Center in Warren, Mich. for a celebration and rally.

 

[NOZR1]

Well here goes:

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I am very disappointed that they chose to go with an IRS. Most people buying a muscle car want a soild axle.

 

[HKphooey]

I am glad muscle cars are making a comeback! I took the Dodge Charger SRT/8 for a test drive. Holy cow! What a car! And it has four doors (so you can justify it as the family car )

The protoype Dodge Challenger has many of the Camaro lines. I may wait to see if that comes out. The 6.1 hemi engine generates some KA power.

 

[Carol]

Oooh...that sounds so cool. Last Detroit car I actually liked was my 80's Camaro in arrest-me red

A limited production car can work, if it's done right. The Honda S2000 roadster is made in limited quantities. Plus, scarcity can add value.

Looking forward to see what it will look like

 

[Sigung86]

I
As to displacement, the Grand National is a great story, for one year it was faster than the vette for 0 to 60. But skunk work programs like this are not allowed and money is watched very close. Even though I agree, it would be nice to have these programs again.

Buick has always had my respect. They build a reputable family/conservative old guy kind of car that maintains its dignity, quality, and reputation for affordable luxury ... Then every once in a great while Buick cuts off the medicine supply to the engineers, and you get a Grand National! %-}

Does anyone beside me remember the Gran Sport series?

With gas prices currently going to the moon, and many people rearranging themselves back on the performance wagon, and Hummer getting 11 mpg, I am waiting to see what Buick does next. I am sitting here, and imagining a vision of a blurred and fuzzy hand reaching out to a slightly sharper spigot handle marked "Sedate the engineers medicine ... ON/OFF". :rofl:

And Rich ... Thanks for the insights...

 

[Xue Sheng]

Does anyone beside me remember the Gran Sport series?

with the 455 big block v8, nope neer heard of it.

 

[Sigung86]

with the 455 big block v8, nope neer heard of it.

Well... I see I'm not the only old liar around here! :rofl:

That being the case, me neither, but I want one, stage III, and a Grand National to park in my virtual garage next to my Vette. artyon: artyon:

 

[Xue Sheng]

Well... I see I'm not the only old liar around here! :rofl:

That being the case, me neither, but I want one, stage III, and a Grand National to park in my virtual garage next to my Vette. artyon: artyon:

Although I have never heard of one I am rather partial to this one myself, but I prefer the hard top.... that is if I had ever heard of one.

http://www.dealsonwheels.com/search/detail.aspx?id=001049-200605-000027

 

[Rich Parsons]

Oooh...that sounds so cool. Last Detroit car I actually liked was my 80's Camaro in arrest-me red

A limited production car can work, if it's done right. The Honda S2000 roadster is made in limited quantities. Plus, scarcity can add value.

Looking forward to see what it will look like

Given today's global economy and market place, it would not surprise me that other lines were added to the same platform for production.

My Expectation is at least one Pontiac (* could be one or two vehicle names *) will be on the same line and I can guess at a Buick (* Not sure is an older name or new name would be used *), and maybe something for Europe as well.

But that honestly is all speculation on my part.

 

[Rich Parsons]

I am very disappointed that they chose to go with an IRS. Most people buying a muscle car want a soild axle.

And that may be an option for the second or third model year. That is not uncommon, to release a package then have the updates for better performance in later model years for those who really care.

 

[Rich Parsons]

I am glad muscle cars are making a comeback! I took the Dodge Charger SRT/8 for a test drive. Holy cow! What a car! And it has four doors (so you can justify it as the family car )

The protoype Dodge Challenger has many of the Camaro lines. I may wait to see if that comes out. The 6.1 hemi engine generates some KA power.

There really is no Replacement for Displacement.

 

[Rich Parsons]

Buick has always had my respect. They build a reputable family/conservative old guy kind of car that maintains its dignity, quality, and reputation for affordable luxury ... Then every once in a great while Buick cuts off the medicine supply to the engineers, and you get a Grand National! %-}

Does anyone beside me remember the Gran Sport series?

With gas prices currently going to the moon, and many people rearranging themselves back on the performance wagon, and Hummer getting 11 mpg, I am waiting to see what Buick does next. I am sitting here, and imagining a vision of a blurred and fuzzy hand reaching out to a slightly sharper spigot handle marked "Sedate the engineers medicine ... ON/OFF". :rofl:

And Rich ... Thanks for the insights...

:angel:

I really hope they do drop a Buick body on this platform.

 

[OUMoose]

Just saw some pics of the new Challenger, and it looks tight! WoW!!

@Rich, I love the GN. A buddy of mine who got me on them has 2 of them in his real garage, and a Turbo-T for parts. Gotta have a fast one for the track, and a "slow" one for work. Heh.

 

[Rich Parsons]

As stated below they have comfirmed the addition of the Convertible in MY 2010.

PRODUCT NEWS

CHEVROLET CAMARO CONVERTIBLE CONCEPT DEBUTS AT NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW .... The Chevrolet Camaro convertible concept will be unveiled on the eve of the North American International Auto Show at the GM Style event. The Camaro convertible concept, based on the original Camaro concept, shares exterior dimensions with the Camaro concept, with a slight change in the windshield surround to accommodate the convertible top. The Camaro convertible is powered by a V-8 engine that sends power to the rear wheels via a manual transmission.
"The best follow-up to last year's award-winning Camaro concept is a Camaro convertible," said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, global design. "The Camaro convertible concept instantly evokes an emotional response - it's a vehicle that you want to make room for in your garage."
Chevrolet already has announced production plans for the Camaro, which will go on sale in the US in 2009. A production convertible model will be added later that year.