Drove one! Orange SS! Quick review, and Q&A (Austin Auto Show) - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

SemperFi · 04-18-2009, 11:51 AM

Yeahhh... sooo. I just got to drive the orange SS L99 with the white stripes. No joke. At the austin auto show. Casey is going to put a vid of it up today, i think on 5th gen. But WOW!!!! Unbelievable. Suspension is great. Sight lines are not as bad as you might think. The "button" shifters are.. not the best, but still usable and fun. Gas pedal is sensitive, the engine is ready to be utilized at the slightest touch. Yet it is surprisingly quiet unless you really get on it. The idle is almost silent... unfortunate. Thats what the aftermarket is for. Standard sound system was pretty great, Boston Acoustics was magical. The audio display and system was as easy to use as i have heard. Lots of interesting and usefull settings such as "max startup volume", so if your blasting the tunes when you get out, you wont be given a heart attack when you turn the key again. The seats are very comfortable. Have to admit, the cloth was a little disappointing, fairly low quality. Not durability, but they just didnt feel very nice, maybe low thread count or something? Anyway, the leather felt great! Headroom is going to be an issue if you're much over 6'. There was a guy that was 6' 5" that had one on pre-order there that had to recline the seat pretty far to fit in. Thatl get old. Back seats=worthless. Cross town hop might be ok, and even that will be in extreme discomfort for any grown adult. Im 6' and I had to angle my legs uncomfortably and my head was pressed heavily against the roof. An interesting note, however, is that the sunroof really doesnt change the headroom situation much. Ummmm... what else? Brakes were responsive and confidence-inspiringly quick. Oh yeah, and the camaros really do look great in person. All of the colors look fantastic, and the one that seemed most improved in person was yellow. One small gripe about the in-person look is the gills, as i would call them, they look strangely pointless. Ive heard the reverse lights called an "after-thought", but they looked all right. These gills look like an after-thought if you asked me. With dark colors, though, they dont stand out as much. Anyway. Beautiful car. Its great. Cant think of much else. Im about to go back to the show, but if anyone has anymore questions about handling or sound or anything about the car, id be happy to answer all.

perfxn · 04-18-2009, 12:43 PM

howd you get to drive it!!! where did you drive it? how long? what did you think if the aqua blue? my folks are trying to get me switch to it from black. Some said it looks better with the light on it?

Melson · 04-18-2009, 01:18 PM

Did you get a chance to crank up the audio? How does it sound?

ArcAngel · 04-18-2009, 02:26 PM

" Boston Acoustics was magical. " I'm guessing he means it was awesome!

*TAG UR IT* · 04-18-2009, 02:44 PM

Hey guys...just got home too.

Boston Acoustics was REALLY impressive. I turned it up and again, was impressed. My wife really liked it too and said it sounded great. That means a lot coming from her. This is why I always wanted BA for the sound system. GM kicked @ss and listened on this one!

Throttle response really is AWESOME in the auto...I mean....woah!

Ambient lighting was working in the SS's. During the day, you can't see it. At night, it's a soft glow. You had to cup your hands around or put something above the light to create a shadow in order to see the light. It did look GOOD! ABL won't be available on the first year run, but the team is still working on the issue with the dash to have it available for the next year run. They also realize that first year buyers will want to upgrade/retrofit their ABL to have it installed in the dash....they are working on making this transition possible for first year buyers.

I was very impressed with the cars at the show. Even through I got to drive Dons yellow SS here in San Antonio last month, I must say....... That OM 2SS was a HUGE refreshment!!!

ON another note.....

At first sight (and on a Solstice), I didn't really like the Inferno Orange Metallic. Now? I LOVE IT. IT IS FREAKIN' AWESOME!!!! All you guys who think it's a color that is just a bit off REALLY need to see it IN PERSON on the Camaro. Holy.....

2SSRS@Gen5diy · 04-18-2009, 02:53 PM

Quote:

At first sight (and on a Solstice), I didn't really like the Inferno Orange Metallic. Now? I LOVE IT. IT IS FREAKIN' AWESOME!!!! All you guys who think it's a color that is just a bit off REALLY need to see it IN PERSON on the Camaro. Holy.....

Thanks for that, i ordered it but wanted CGM, but did not want to wate for CGM.

SemperFi · 04-18-2009, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perfxn

howd you get to drive it!!! where did you drive it? how long? what did you think if the aqua blue? my folks are trying to get me switch to it from black. Some said it looks better with the light on it?

It was an event for camaro fans early in the morning. They had said they were driving one around. So as we were about to leave.. we asked if they were still driving around, so we could hear it. We were surprised to recieve a hushed reply telling us to slip out the side doors, and we could get a few minutes behind the wheel! Woo Hoo! As for the blue, didnt see one, so I really couldnt tell you. Certainly would be more unique. Up to you man.

SemperFi · 04-18-2009, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAG UR IT

Hey guys...just got home too.

Boston Acoustics was REALLY impressive. I turned it up and again, was impressed. My wife really liked it too and said it sounded great. That means a lot coming from her. This is why I always wanted BA for the sound system. GM kicked @ss and listened on this one!

Throttle response really is AWESOME in the auto...I mean....woah!

Ambient lighting was working in the SS's. During the day, you can't see it. At night, it's a soft glow. You had to cup your hands around or put something above the light to create a shadow in order to see the light. It did look GOOD! ABL won't be available on the first year run, but the team is still working on the issue with the dash to have it available for the next year run. They also realize that first year buyers will want to upgrade/retrofit their ABL to have it installed in the dash....they are working on making this transition possible for first year buyers.

I was very impressed with the cars at the show. Even through I got to drive Dons yellow SS here in San Antonio last month, I must say....... That OM 2SS was a HUGE refreshment!!!

ON another note.....

At first sight (and on a Solstice), I didn't really like the Inferno Orange Metallic. Now? I LOVE IT. IT IS FREAKIN' AWESOME!!!! All you guys who think it's a color that is just a bit off REALLY need to see it IN PERSON on the Camaro. Holy.....

Agree with all. The IOM is more like Burnt Orange in person, unlike how it seems in pictures. Looks fantastic!! Something else I noticed that I havent seen people mention, is the ambient lighting that comes from around the gauges. Pretty sweet touch there.

SemperFi · 04-18-2009, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melson

Did you get a chance to crank up the audio? How does it sound?

Like Tag said, and in accordance with my "magical" comment, it was fantastic. You wouldnt be disappointed with the base system, but I would certainly say the BA is worth the 500 bucks. Just me being an audio man.

*TAG UR IT* · 04-18-2009, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SemperFi

Agree with all. The IOM is more like Burnt Orange in person, unlike how it seems in pictures. Looks fantastic!!

Toss some gold flake in there as well. Honestly, and this is IMO, it just didn't look good on the Solstice. But, the lines on the Camaro sure aren't like the lines on the Solstice...... and that's why I think it really looked good.

...and if anyone is contemplating the BA system....DO IT.

bobby35ny · 04-18-2009, 03:19 PM

"They also realize that first year buyers will want to upgrade/retrofit their ABL to have it installed in the dash....they are working on making this transition possible for first year buyers."

That is REALLY nice to hear!!

=bobby

PQ · 04-18-2009, 03:20 PM

I'm guessing Tag liked the radio.

SemperFi · 04-18-2009, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAG UR IT

Toss some gold flake in there as well. Honestly, and this is IMO, it just didn't look good on the Solstice. But, the lines on the Camaro sure aren't like the lines on the Solstice...... and that's why I think it really looked good.

...and if anyone is contemplating the BA system....DO IT.

Certainly. After getting in and out of the SKY amd the Solstice, I wasnt overly impressed by build quality, the doors rattled when you closed them and such. Possibly pre-pro problems, but it just made me even more pleased with the camaro's quality.

SemperFi · 04-18-2009, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobby35ny

"They also realize that first year buyers will want to upgrade/retrofit their ABL to have it installed in the dash....they are working on making this transition possible for first year buyers."

That is REALLY nice to hear!!

=bobby

Also talked about integrating in the coming HUD system as well. Thatl be really awesome as well.

04-18-2009, 11:51 AM	#1
SemperFi U.S. Marine Corps Drives: 2009 Ducati Streetfighter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Central Texas Posts: 407	Drove one! Orange SS! Quick review, and Q&A (Austin Auto Show) Yeahhh... sooo. I just got to drive the orange SS L99 with the white stripes. No joke. At the austin auto show. Casey is going to put a vid of it up today, i think on 5th gen. But WOW!!!! Unbelievable. Suspension is great. Sight lines are not as bad as you might think. The "button" shifters are.. not the best, but still usable and fun. Gas pedal is sensitive, the engine is ready to be utilized at the slightest touch. Yet it is surprisingly quiet unless you really get on it. The idle is almost silent... unfortunate. Thats what the aftermarket is for. Standard sound system was pretty great, Boston Acoustics was magical. The audio display and system was as easy to use as i have heard. Lots of interesting and usefull settings such as "max startup volume", so if your blasting the tunes when you get out, you wont be given a heart attack when you turn the key again. The seats are very comfortable. Have to admit, the cloth was a little disappointing, fairly low quality. Not durability, but they just didnt feel very nice, maybe low thread count or something? Anyway, the leather felt great! Headroom is going to be an issue if you're much over 6'. There was a guy that was 6' 5" that had one on pre-order there that had to recline the seat pretty far to fit in. Thatl get old. Back seats=worthless. Cross town hop might be ok, and even that will be in extreme discomfort for any grown adult. Im 6' and I had to angle my legs uncomfortably and my head was pressed heavily against the roof. An interesting note, however, is that the sunroof really doesnt change the headroom situation much. Ummmm... what else? Brakes were responsive and confidence-inspiringly quick. Oh yeah, and the camaros really do look great in person. All of the colors look fantastic, and the one that seemed most improved in person was yellow. One small gripe about the in-person look is the gills, as i would call them, they look strangely pointless. Ive heard the reverse lights called an "after-thought", but they looked all right. These gills look like an after-thought if you asked me. With dark colors, though, they dont stand out as much. Anyway. Beautiful car. Its great. Cant think of much else. Im about to go back to the show, but if anyone has anymore questions about handling or sound or anything about the car, id be happy to answer all. __________________ Texas Residents: Join the Texas social group! Semper Fi! Last edited by SemperFi; 04-18-2009 at 03:32 PM. Reason: Specify L99

04-18-2009, 02:26 PM	#4
ArcAngel Drives: 07 Black Cobalt SS/SC Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Manalapan-NJ Posts: 2,872	" Boston Acoustics was magical. " I'm guessing he means it was awesome! __________________ Through HIM you believe in GOD, who raised HIM from the dead and Glorified him..

04-18-2009, 03:19 PM	#11
bobby35ny Drives: 18 ZL1 A10 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: South East, FL Posts: 3,024	"They also realize that first year buyers will want to upgrade/retrofit their ABL to have it installed in the dash....they are working on making this transition possible for first year buyers." That is REALLY nice to hear!! =bobby __________________ 2017 ZL1 M6 Bog City, 2013 ZL1 M6, 2010 2SS M6 ZL1::J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS

04-18-2009, 03:20 PM	#12
PQ Booooosted. Drives: 2010 Supercharged SS Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 36,716 View My Garage	I'm guessing Tag liked the radio. __________________

04-18-2009, 12:43 PM	#2
perfxn Drives: 2SS RS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: portland, OR Posts: 305	howd you get to drive it!!! where did you drive it? how long? what did you think if the aqua blue? my folks are trying to get me switch to it from black. Some said it looks better with the light on it?

04-18-2009, 01:18 PM	#3
Melson Drives: Wild Cherry Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Keller, Texas Posts: 430	Did you get a chance to crank up the audio? How does it sound?

04-18-2009, 02:44 PM	#5
TAG UR IT www.Camaro5store.com Drives: 2014 ZL1 #705 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: SA, Texas Posts: 26,558 View My Garage	Hey guys...just got home too. Boston Acoustics was REALLY impressive. I turned it up and again, was impressed. My wife really liked it too and said it sounded great. That means a lot coming from her. This is why I always wanted BA for the sound system. GM kicked @ss and listened on this one! Throttle response really is AWESOME in the auto...I mean....woah! Ambient lighting was working in the SS's. During the day, you can't see it. At night, it's a soft glow. You had to cup your hands around or put something above the light to create a shadow in order to see the light. It did look GOOD! ABL won't be available on the first year run, but the team is still working on the issue with the dash to have it available for the next year run. They also realize that first year buyers will want to upgrade/retrofit their ABL to have it installed in the dash....they are working on making this transition possible for first year buyers. I was very impressed with the cars at the show. Even through I got to drive Dons yellow SS here in San Antonio last month, I must say....... That OM 2SS was a HUGE refreshment!!! ON another note..... At first sight (and on a Solstice), I didn't really like the Inferno Orange Metallic. Now? I LOVE IT. IT IS FREAKIN' AWESOME!!!! All you guys who think it's a color that is just a bit off *REALLY* need to see it IN PERSON on the Camaro. Holy.....