New Camaro Launched

[decooney]

And the rest of the drivetrain....

[Rick Parker]

Dealers began ordering cars Monday 10/13/08. Production starts in February. No prices released yet. The Convertable is a 2011 model available begining approx June of 2010.

[Don]

AutoWeek:

" Chevrolet's 2010 Camaro LS with a V6 engine will carry a base sticker of $22,995.

The 6.2-liter V8-powered SS performance version will have a base sticker price of $30,995 "

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...FREE/810139997

[TerrysSPF]

I just don't understand why all of these new retro "sports" cars (Camaro, Mustang, Challenger) have to be so damn heavy. I'm sure it has to do with inexpensive parts. I suppose if GM built the Camaro to be as light as the Corvette, it would nearly cost as much as well.
But c'mon................all 3 of these cars are pushing 4000lbs! -They couldn't do any better than that?
Heck, my wife's 4-door BMW 540I weighs the same as these "sports" cars do.
-Probably handles better too!

[Don]

AutoWeek:

" Nearly 3,000 people stepped up for a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro during the first three days since General Motors opened up the order bank.

And those people will be waiting at least four months before they get a car, as production isn't scheduled to start until February. Those who have placed an order will get updates from GM, including notification of the target production week for their car."


http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...1/newsletter01

[Greg Curtis]

I really don't like the look of the new camaro. If they were trying to replicate the older models they failed. Ford and Dodge did a much better job on the Challenger and Mustang than Chevy did. The 2 gauges on the instrument panel look like they were just stuck on as an afterthought. And the rear of the car does look like a Saturn. Way too heavy too.

[Rick Parker]

I had the opportunity to view a live broadcast last summer that was available exclusively to Chevrolet Dealerships. Part of the broadcast after they presented the meeting was a question and answer session where dealership personel had the ability to direct live questions to the panel. The panel was primarily addressing questions regarding colors, trim options and what combos and such were going to be available at launch. Because the dealers were to begin placing preliminary orders for the car shortly not long after the broadcast (few weeks) They made it clear that they intended to have all engines available, and the SS and base model would both be available although if I remember there was some limitation on color or trim availability with the stripes.
The demographics for the intended market were college educated in their mid 40's and older in $70,000+ income bracket. They did not anticipate or perceive the market to be 20's & 30's, the price point is a little high.
The lead time for this type of project is quite long, and they certainly did not anticipate the financial crash that has happened. Too much money AND R&D involved to shelve the project it once it was really rolling. They enlist the help of major contributors for sub assemblies that themselve have their own timeline. If they bowed out it would take too long to relight the flame. I mentioned this a few weeks ago that I met an engineer for GM who said they did a large part of the chassis and suspension work at a business in Manteca Ca, nearby and they worked on the project for most of a year. Never heard a word!

[RedBarchetta]

How come I haven't seen one of these cars on the road yet? We ALWAYS see the new stuff in So Cal before most of the other parts of the country (except Detroit). Commericials galore on TV and every magazine has had their reviews and comparisons, but no cars! And typical C&D snubbed the 400+HP SS vs a 300HP Rustang. I had to just laugh at their comments before I threw the rag into the recycle bin. They really know how to kick GM when they are down. This sloooooooow release is not helping them at all. My kid wants an '10 but I might wait for the '11's to come out so the shakes and rattles are gone (not to mention the dealer mark-ups).

-Dean

[map]

I think it's history, there just keeping the Vette..

[Sharroll Celby]

There were TWO '10 Camaros at Village Roasters in Calabasas this past Sunday. The Camaros are BIG like the Challenger, and the rear of the car is WAY too "busy" for my tastes. AND there is a new Mustang/Challenger/Camaro comparison test in the new Car abd Driver, and the Mustang wins by a considerable margin.

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by Sharroll Celby

AND there is a new Mustang/Challenger/Camaro comparison test in the new Car abd Driver, and the Mustang wins by a considerable margin.

Because:

1. C&D has it in for GM and always has (and well beyond the well known fact that the C&D staffers are a bunch of pipe smoking Bimmer huggers).
2. 300HP GT vs 425HP SS. No comparison is necessary, yet they made it sound like the lesser powered 'Stang with its straight axle was the overall better choice.
3. The Challenger finished 3rd in the comparison, although you ask most people looking at all three in the same parking lot, the 'Stang would get the least amount of attention.

That whole article was so lopsided that I threw away the rest of the magazine before finishing it. Poor automotive journalism (read some of their remarks) and it was done to kick GM when they are already down.

-Dean

[JWilly]

For what it's worth: Motor Trend did a comparison and ranked 1. Camaro, 2. Mustang,
3. Challenger.

[puppster]

I rode in a 6 cylinder Camaro with the RS package 20" wheels among other things. It had plenty of omph to be entertaining for a daily driver, with loads of grip. I don't think I'd ever find the limit of adhesion on public roads. Really well balanced car, and tons of fun (it is close to 2 tons). If you think you'll really go to the drag strip and turn in some 14 second passes more than 1 time, then get a Mustang. The suspension in the Stang will really respond to modifications. Guys run stock suspension Fox bodied cars into the 8's