Automotive News, Media & Press - If the new Camaro does go into production...

Do you all think we can expect it to look much like the concept? That concept of the Camaro that was shown at the show, was that an actual working vehicle, or just a model? I admit to liking the concept of the new Mustang when it first came out, at the show and in pictures. But when it was actually on the showroom flows. I didn't like it. The small wheels and big fender gap, overall height and lack of width. It just didn't look cool anymore. I think the majority of boardmemebers here like the Camaro concept, but I think if it is actually produced, we're all going to be really disappointed in the way it really looks much the same way with the Mustang. That concept was huge, wide, low, and had huge wheels and tires. The wheels and tires were wider and taller than is what is on the new Z06. Chevy may release the Camaro, but I don't think it's going to look much like what we've seen so far.

Of course it is not going to look like the concept.

Of course it is not going to look like the concept.

I'm just thinking it's going to look alot not like the concept. Bearing very little similar resemblance.

It will look quite a bit similar.

the concept will be very similar to production. GM, and most of the other manufacturers, have for the most part gotten away from the styling concept mentality and only put out concepts that will be or closely resemble the production model.
both of teh cars on tour are working models. they are not completely equiped yet. things like the dual zone climate control and anit lock brakes and all that jazz still needs to be worked into the engine compartment.
for the most part what you are seeing will be production as far as styling though.
one change i hope they make is getting the gas cap off of the deck area and putting in down on the side like everything else has it. it looks cool up there, but so does the paint the jackasses at jersey gas stations will be pouring fuel on.

Every comment through video or transcript from any of GM management or the designers has ephasized that many of the key components of the design are/would be mandatory on a production model. Each of them has eluded that the most you would see is a different interior and wheels, both due to cost (even the location of the gas cap was described as being instrumental to the design, though I do feel similarly to NJSPDER).

When it goes into production it will have many of the same styling cues but I think they will make some changes. I agree in saying they screwed the Mustang. You have to buy a GT500 to get what you saw as a concept. I hope the guys at Chevy do some work to the interior of the Camaro first.

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=429243

My main gripe is the fact that GM didn't build a prototype. They built a concept that may or may not be anything like the production car. That's why I liked the Challenger. It looked like a production car, interior included, which will provide DCX with accurate feedback for making a decision to build the car or not. Didn't Ford do the same with the Mustang?

I worry that GM will build their typical plasto-crap type of production car, based on the fedback from the concept, that barely resembles the concept. Then all those people who liked the concept have to fall in love all over again...if at all. I wish GM nothing but success although sometimes I have to question their strategies.

It will probably resemble the production version the way the '89 Camaro California Concept resembled the 4th gen. You can see the evolution, where it got its looks from, but the two cars look very different overall.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=109195

Will they build it?
As we inquire about production plans, each GM designer responds optimistically, and with slightly different information. Tom Peters' answer is, "It's producible just the way you see it, even with 21- and 22-inch wheels." Peters noted that they could have gone even larger, but the bigger wheels made the concept look cartoonish.

Lee echoes Peters' optimism for the concept's future. "When we designed it, we wanted it to be producible, so if it went into production, it wouldn't need many changes."

Regarding the interior, Roustemis couldn't have been any clearer. "Our design even takes into account the need for airbags."

The big thing I see that they will have to change is the high belt-line (line around the bottom of the windows). It is going to have to come down, and with it the top of the hood and so on. There are no current architectures with a belt-line that high. If they make a complete new architecture, dont plan on seeing a Camaro until about 2012.

-Geoff

Sure anything is producible. Even the concept as is can be produced, but at what cost?

It is usually understood that the production car won't be exactly like the concept, but we can almost be positive the interior, for example, will look nothing like the concept. Some exterior cue won't either. The question would be how will these relatively independently small changes culminate into the final look and will people still like it.

The Camaro enthusiasts feel that GM should cater to their interests unfortunately there weren't enough enthusiasts to sustain the sales of the F-body pre-2002. If GM cannot tempt the non-enthusiast buyer the Camaro just won't be profitable. Feedback has been very positive, but GM cannot translate each "thumbs up" into a sale. Even if every one of ls1tech's 50k members bought a new 5th gen each year the sales numbers would be only slightly better then the last few years of the 4th gen.

I guess I was expecting to be blown away by the 5th gen. I still wish I was. :(

I think GM is going to make the new Camaro look like the concept car, exept for the 22" wheels, it will be too spensive to produce. Maybe I'm wrong.

The Camaro enthusiasts feel that GM should cater to their interests unfortunately there weren't enough enthusiasts to sustain the sales of the F-body pre-2002.

There is more to it than that. Sure it was only 60,000 per year. but look what GM has put into production recently - Solstice at <10,000 per year, then the Sky with similar volume. And I won't mention the SSR which was like 4,000 per year. I think closing a plant had more to do with it than anything.

-Geoff

The Camaro will look like the concept only narrower and will have smaller wheels, probably 19 and 20's. Design wise it should be very close to the prototype. The interior will change as it was a show design and not ever intended for production. The gauge layout may be the same but it'll have real gauges that are readable.

The production Solstice stayed pretty true to the concept. I'm guessing the Camaro will ,too.

The production Solstice stayed pretty true to the concept. I'm guessing the Camaro will ,too.
:judge: :judge: :judge:

the concept will be very similar to production. GM, and most of the other manufacturers, have for the most part gotten away from the styling concept mentality and only put out concepts that will be or closely resemble the production model.
both of teh cars on tour are working models. they are not completely equiped yet. things like the dual zone climate control and anit lock brakes and all that jazz still needs to be worked into the engine compartment.
for the most part what you are seeing will be production as far as styling though.
one change i hope they make is getting the gas cap off of the deck area and putting in down on the side like everything else has it. it looks cool up there, but so does the paint the jackasses at jersey gas stations will be pouring fuel on.

I could be wrong, but I believe the silver one is the working concept. I don’t believe the red one that debuted at L.A. actually has/had an engine.

Red car is just a roller with no engine or interior and the doors don't open. Silver is the fully functioning/driving car. I've gotten to see both. Was at the press unveiling in Detroit for the silver one and the red roller was at Detroit Autorama a few weeks ago.

I Really do like eveything from the New Camaro BUT I think GM Can really work on the interior just a bit just my 02.