The Vette new Camaro comparisons are in some ways inappropriate. If you removed the rear seats from a Camaro the weight would come down -- within a couple of hundred pounds. As it stands it is 700 pounds more than the Vette. The Camaro is a much larger vehicle.
Body 16" Longer
Wheel Base 6" Longer
Track 1" Wider
These are all rounded numbers.
What do you get for 700 pounds? You get a much larger interior and trunk would be the shallow reply. The more in depth reply would be the new Camaro is more luxury GT than two seat super car -- BUT the Camaro will perform in many ways like the smaller and lighter Vette. GM invested almost two billion dollars to bring the new Camaro to the showroom between the development of ZETA and and the update of the line to build the Camaro. The chassis is solid as a rock. The most structurally sound monocoque chassis in the GM car family is either ZETA or 322 (CTS) depending on who you talk to. The Camaro is a revised ZETA. ZETA II is tighter than ZETA -- more structurally sound with small refinements to handle more powerful engines, brakes and larger tire and wheel packages. It will deliver with higher spring and damping rates than the Pontiac G8 with a lower stance. It will handle very well in the twisties and feel much lighter than the curb weight.
Unlike any other Camaro ever built the car will be rock solid. The virtual pivot points in the front suspension move the front wheel pivot to the outer side of the wheel. This increases the stability of the front wheels in aggressive manoeuvres. The IRS has NO wheel hop -- NONE. In OE trim the Camaro will be the best hand lining Camaro ever built by GM. It is a stunning performer.
A reference was made earlier in the thread to suspension modifications. Something along the lines of why buy a new car that needs suspension work? Good question. The need is relative. The car will drive like a dream from the factory. With some suspension tweaks it drives like the same dream on steroids. I have probably said this before so excuse me for saying it again. Until you actually drive a ZETA vehicle you can't imagine what you will be getting in a Camaro. Test drive a G8 at your local Pontiac store to get an idea. Keep in mind the Camaro will wear larger tires and wheels, with more aggressive suspension tuning so it is only a hint at what the Camaro will be. GM may be slow to market with the ZETA II Camaro, but it will be worth the wait and the price of admission. You'll get a Camaro that is solid, stable and fast -- easy to drive fast -- very fast. You'll be able to run a road course with a Camaro and three of your best friends -- almost as fast as a Vette.
