In 2001, there was a dreadful time when all around the internet, the rumors were turned into truth. GM had come out to say that the Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird were going to be put on hiatus for reasons unexplained. At first, the talk of sales numbers and how it sat in the market place was a big concern. It sure was not gas prices as the cost for a gallon of gas in my fair state of New Jersey was well under a dollar. I had just gotten into this hobby, and just started to fall in love with Camaro when GM killed the car.
But that was all to change come one fateful morning, January 6th, 2006. Live from Cobo Hall, a sleek and sinister Camaro concept car comes roaring out from behind the curtains. From that day forward, talks started about how this car was going to play a big part in GM. Talks that GM would never make it, talks that if GM did move forward, it will not look near this good. Everyone doubted GM, and GM was hit with several hard times. But GM gave Camaro the green light, and two years later the production Camaro was shown off to the world, looking just like its multi-million dollar concept model.
Chassis
GM has done a fantastic job recreating a classic design, taking parts of Camaro's history as well as injecting modern design into the body lines. This Camaro is much smaller than the last generation, but caries a bit more heft to it, thanks to its complex yet strong independent rear suspension that has been worked on by GM's Holden division, the home of GM's rear wheel drive programs. Up front, the suspension is handled by struts with progressive rate coil springs. The front also allows for full suspension adjustment for all three angles of alignment, something not found on other cars in this segment. The rear suspension uses a multi link set up, again using progressive rate springs like the front, giving Camaro increased handling in hard cornering, as well as full adjustability for the rear suspension.
Braking is handled by 12.64 inch rotors along with single piston calipers front and rear for LS and LT models, while the SS gets massive 14 inch rotors and four piston calipers supplied by world renowned brake manufacture, Brembo. The SS's braking package is similar to the last generation CTS-V's system which hauled that two plus ton performance sedan with enough force to smash your head into the steering wheel.
Interior
Inside, its standard Camaro as it has been for years. This fifth generation gets a larger interior then the last few generations, supplying a cozy yet comfortable interior for a car of this size. Its large wheel base and wide stance gave Camaro interior designers much more room to work with. Camaro will sport the first non-parts bin radio and HVAC this side of Cadillac, as the designers tried to make the interior just as retro inspired as the exterior. Highlighted by LED light tubes, the interior is lit with ambient lighting, giving a much more up-scale feel compared to other cars in this class. Giving you the info you need, the Camaro has two very large gauge pods dead ahead, going back to the speedometer on the left, tachometer on the right with gauges for coolant and fuel sitting just below. Camaro designers also brought back Camaro's auxiliary gauges in front of the shifter. These gauges do not display need to know info, but good info to know on the fly. The four gauges display oil pressure, oil temp, voltage and a little gimmicky torque gauge with a 370ftlbs "redline". Controlling this pony car is a unique steering wheel with radio and cruise controls built into the steering wheel. Another control you might have on your steering wheel are paddle shifters if the car is selected with an automatic transmission. Manuals get a quick shifter to row your own. Seats are designed to hold you in tight as you take tight turns through a chicayne, or take a blast down Main Street. The position of the seats will be much more upright then last generation's low slung feel. When you are doing corner carving or racing your neighbors SRT8, what better way to keep an eye on vital info then with a Corvette inspired heads up display showing you speed and rpms.
This car is a direct copy of the concept in just about every way shape and form. From its deeply carved full length grill, bulging fender flares, and sculpted door panels. This car looks like it if it could fly, it would have a low radar cross section. Taking design cues from past Camaros, injected in with Corvette, and a splash of F-22 Raptor, Camaro brings a modern twist on an old idea: long nose, short deck. Camaro LS and LT have will start off with large 18 inch wheels with all season tires. GM has brought back another classic trim level, the Rally Sport model. In the past, RS has given a much more attractive appearance package for Camaros. With the first generation, we had hideaway headlights and different tail lights. With the second generation, we had smaller grill, split bumpers, and parking lights moved from under to the side of the headlights as well as more chrome trim around the tail lamps. This generation's RS package brings the concept's popular halo/HID projector lights as well as larger 20 inch wheels with offset tires sizes as well as attractive RS badging in the grill and rear deck.
Another return to Camaro is the use of a traditional trunk, instead of the hatchback. Trunk space is smaller, but I do not think anyone will be using this to bring home the family groceries.
Stepping up away from the V6 model is the big honk’n 6.2 liter SS version. SS cars will carry 20's standard, as well as be equipped with the RS package's styling enhancements. SS also gets the "mail box" slot in the nose, something to separate the V6 vs. V8 models. All the cars get the same 1969 inspired "gills" forward of the rear wheel, only this time...no chrome trim. SS interior gets upgraded quality and materials, along with SS badging throughout. Camaro will be offered in ten colors, from the concept's Silver Ice paint, to the "arrest me" Victory Red. Other noticeable mentions are Rally Yellow, Inferno Orange Metallic, and Aqua Blue Metallic. Red Jewel Tincoat will be an extra cost color.
Performance
Performance starts off at an astounding 300hp from GM's amazing 3.6 DOHC VVT V6 using Direct Fuel Injection. Yes, that is the V6. Offering 50 more hp than its nearest domestic competitor, and on par with a certain Pony's V8, the V6 Camaro is standard on LS and LT models. The 300hp V6 is directly from Caddy's CTS and STS sedans, making the V6 car something a bit more than a pedestrian sports coupe. Power can be sent to the multilink rear end via a six speed auto, or six speed manual transmissions. Neither Ford nor Dodge offers such depth in transmissions. The RS package upgrades the LS's 18's or the LT's staggered 18/19 inch options with 20 inch wheels wearing Pirelli PZero summer tires, increasing the Camaro V6's handling even more so. With fat rubber in the rear, finding traction should be no problem.
Camaro SS will be the pick of the enthusiast, offering 400 or 422hp depending on transmission choice. The Camaro SS Auto gets a lay out similar to the concept. 400hp will come from a 6.2 L99 which employs GM's Active Fuel Management which does reduce the power versus the manual model. The automatic is part of GM's new six speed auto transmissions. The 6L80E has produced faster times then manual equipped Camaros in preliminary testing done by GM. The Active Fuel Management will help boost fuel economy on the highway, but when you press the Go pedal, the car snaps back to V8 mode faster than you can say "Buh-bye Mustang/Challenger." Manual transmission equipped SS’s get the Corvette's 6.2 LS3 making a slightly detuned 422hp through a Tremec TR6060 which replaced the old T-56 from last generation. Faster and quicker shifts as well as being able to hold up to the abuse dished out, the new six speed manual trans can be found in everything from the CTS to the ZR1. All SS's get 20 inch wheels with staggered tire sizes similar to that of the RS. All season and summer tires will be offered. All SS's also get the above mentioned 14 inch brakes and 4 piston Brembos, hauling down Camaro in due time.
Even with rumors starting to come out from several sources, GM has yet to officially announce that Camaro will not receive a Z28 model. GM does not and has never liked to discuss future product, but from the Fbodfather to Cheryl Pilcher, there has been zero claim that the Z28 will not be part of Camaro's history yet again. Rumors are that the Z28 model will get a version of the CTS-V's supercharged 6.2 liter V8 making 500 or more horsepower. Info is hard to come by as Z28 testing is being left up to GM Performance Division, the same people that brought you cars like the Corvette Z06 and ZR1, Cobalt SS, CTS-V and Trailblazer SS. Other rumors including light weight body panels, as well as upgrades in suspension and braking. Some have even reported of Z28 getting the ZR1 and CTS-V's Magnaride magneto rheological shock set up. Those not familiar with it, it uses a fluid that contains tons of iron particles that are suspended in a this thick fluid. When electrical current is passed through the fluid, it can change the stiffness of the fluid, going from a soft around town ride, to cranking it up and having super stiff track-ready suspension that will keep you flat in the turns. Similar systems can be found on cars like the Ferrari 599 GTB and the new Audi TT as well as the above mentioned GM cars. This will be a low volume unit, said to number in the five to ten thousand units a year. Pricing is also up in the air, but again expect it to be priced between the SRT8 and GT500.
While pricing has yet to be announced, I believe its safe to assume that Camaro will be priced similar to the Mustang and Challenger. Pricing will be critical to make this car even more attractive than it already is. GM plans to sell 100,000 units a year, and from this angle I think GM can do that. It is funny how when gas prices were at their highest, Camaro sold its best, but when gas prices were at their lowest, Camaro saw massive drop in sales and eventually its death. The Camaro has returned to avenge its death, to shake up the Mustang's domination of the market. It is time that Camaro put Mustang back in its place, about 4-5 car lengths back. Let us hope that this time around, Camaro can capture more then the win in the performance race, but gain a sales lead over the mighty Mustang. If Camaro was born from Mustang's ideas and popularity, there is always a point at when the student becomes the teacher. For 35 years, it was a close race, but now Camaro comes back from retirement, straps on an all new suit, and gets ready to do combat yet again on the streets of America. Even with gas prices at highs, the Muscle Car will still stand in defiance, displaying American power and design. Camaro defines every single aspect of what an American sports coupe is. Style, presence, and of course, tons and tons of power. Camaro returns to the throne first quarter of 2009, ready to do battle with not only domestic, but foreign competition, and its ready for the fight. And just in case someone wants to raise the bar, the Trans-Am born Z28 model will lurk for another year till its power is presented before the world.
