Open Letter from Al Oppenhieser to the Camaro Nation and Ford. - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

*tribone* · 11-16-2011, 02:57 PM

Camaro Nation:

As you know, the blogs lit up with the announcement of the new 650-horsepower Mustang GT500, and I wanted to give you my perspective on the latest challenge from Dearborn.

The Mustang has been playing catch up since the moment the fifth-gen Camaro arrived in 2009. Since then, Camaro has been the best-selling sports car in America, indicating that consumers know which car offers the best performance, style and safety.

It is no coincidence that Mustang has introduced three 100-horsepower increases to keep pace with Camaro: First their V-6 was bumped to 305; then their V-8 went to 412, and now the GT500.

Even with the 100-hp increase, the 2013 GT500 will still not match the technology and sophistication of the 2012 Camaro ZL1.

The days of “no replacement for displacement,” are over, and it’s not enough to be fast in a straight line. With the Camaro ZL1, we set out to deliver integrated performance, and be equally good at acceleration, braking, grip, and turning. As you will soon see, that’s why the Camaro ZL1 will set the performance benchmark for the segment.

Our approach was to make every Camaro ZL1 fully track-capable, from the factory. As we announced today, the ZL1 Coupe will start at $54,995 with standard Magnetic Ride Control, standard Performance Traction Management, and standard track-capable equipment such as a rear-differential cooler, brake cooling ducts, and an engine and transmission cooler.

None of our customers will have to buy extra options – or modify their ZL1 – for track-day usage. That is not the case for the current GT500, or their new car.

For Mustang fans, you’re welcome. Clearly the Camaro has encouraged Ford to throw everything they can at us.

For Camaro fans, trust me, we are always listening to your feedback, and working hard to keep the Camaro in the lead.

Al O.

KKreme15 · 11-16-2011, 03:00 PM

Classy

IOMZL1 · 11-16-2011, 03:00 PM

Disco · 11-16-2011, 03:01 PM

Nicely done!

toilets · 11-16-2011, 03:01 PM

Is this a real letter? If so THATS WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT!!

armysig · 11-16-2011, 03:04 PM

WHOOA!!! I hope he had a typo...I thought MSRP was 54,095 not 54,995? Not that it matters to me, I'm waiting.

babaron · 11-16-2011, 03:04 PM

with destination chg

babaron · 11-16-2011, 03:06 PM

nice words but I'd like to see more proof of the capabilities of the 2 compared side-by-side. You know...trust but verify.

Rock36 · 11-16-2011, 03:06 PM

Great letter

Rice Killer · 11-16-2011, 03:11 PM

Well put. I don't know why but I feel better after reading that. Thanks for posting.

*radz28* · 11-16-2011, 03:21 PM

Great read, G'! Thanks for sharing

Z4me · 11-16-2011, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tribone

Camaro Nation:

As you will soon see, that’s why the Camaro ZL1 will set the performance benchmark for the segment.
For Camaro fans, trust me, we are always listening to your feedback, and working hard to keep the Camaro in the lead.

Al O.

Reading these two paragraphs makes me wonder if there is till more to come with the 2012 ZL1 before there finished and out the door.

Nessal · 11-16-2011, 03:24 PM

Source?

Scott@Bjorn3D · 11-16-2011, 03:25 PM

Nice,

Now give us a 7.0 Litre LS7 for the Z28 and lets ROCK!!

lbls1 · 11-16-2011, 03:29 PM

Its good to hear from the Chevy team; I am glad that they're listening.

djsnoflake · 11-16-2011, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tribone

The days of “no replacement for displacement,” are over

.... as proven by the 'stang making 80 more horsepower from a 5.8 when the ZL-1 is a 6.2?

Sorry, I'm a Camaro guy, but you might wanna change the wording a bit.

EvoWake · 11-16-2011, 03:30 PM

Very well written, kudos.

IcePick06 · 11-16-2011, 03:31 PM

good to hear these words, but I was already reassured yesterday by using simple logic. Lots of things were missing from Ford's media blast on the new GT500...important things like: TIRE SIZE, MSRP + COST FOR ADDED OPTIONS, AND 0-60 MPH/QUARTER MILE TIMES, etc. WITHOUT THIS INFO, one can't make a valid statement as to which car performs better (around a track or in a straight line). I have faith in the ZL1...and like I posted elsewhere, if you want more power either for bragging rights or because you actually think you will be able to put it down to the ground, there are plenty of tuners ready to oblige (e.g. Lingenfelter) to easily bump you to 650hp or more for less than $5k

syr74 · 11-16-2011, 03:36 PM

Wow, Al is putting his money where his mouth is, that shows confidence in the product. Now, we'll have to wait and see what shakes out between these two, because his credibility now rests on the ZL1's ability to do what he says that it can.

ShnOmac · 11-16-2011, 03:36 PM

2010SSRSM6 · 11-16-2011, 03:36 PM

G,

Thanks for sharing!

Al just responded to the hype. It is clear that GM sees the challenge being answered and will do all they need to to keep the Camaro on top of this segment.

I've seen 700 hp Super Snakes fall to much lower powered Camaros and I'm very much looking forward to the chance to do the same to the new 650hp GT 500. Put the power to the pavement or the race is over before it begins. Until Furd proves this is being done, I'm not worried about it.

"For Mustang fans, you’re welcome. Clearly the Camaro has encouraged Ford to throw everything they can at us" <------ This is awesome!

Thanks Al!

n2oSS · 11-16-2011, 03:38 PM

hmm public service announcement. im not a mustang fan but when i see a letter pop up with reassurance to evade buyers remorse. it makes me wonder if they are worried bout the bottom line

kannon · 11-16-2011, 03:41 PM

Source of the letter or it's fake.

BeckyD@RodgersChevrolet · 11-16-2011, 03:49 PM

HEMI DAVE · 11-16-2011, 03:53 PM

I think the letter is great...but

....as long as Chevy has the Vette there will be limits......

...Ford doesnt have that burden.....

11-16-2011, 02:57 PM	#1
tribone Talking to Davey Jones .. Drives: Sunken Ship ..... Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Camaroland Posts: 6,045 View My Garage	Open Letter from Al Oppenhieser to the Camaro Nation and Ford. Camaro Nation: As you know, the blogs lit up with the announcement of the new 650-horsepower Mustang GT500, and I wanted to give you my perspective on the latest challenge from Dearborn. The Mustang has been playing catch up since the moment the fifth-gen Camaro arrived in 2009. Since then, Camaro has been the best-selling sports car in America, indicating that consumers know which car offers the best performance, style and safety. It is no coincidence that Mustang has introduced three 100-horsepower increases to keep pace with Camaro: First their V-6 was bumped to 305; then their V-8 went to 412, and now the GT500. Even with the 100-hp increase, the 2013 GT500 will still not match the technology and sophistication of the 2012 Camaro ZL1. The days of “no replacement for displacement,” are over, and it’s not enough to be fast in a straight line. With the Camaro ZL1, we set out to deliver integrated performance, and be equally good at acceleration, braking, grip, and turning. As you will soon see, that’s why the Camaro ZL1 will set the performance benchmark for the segment. Our approach was to make every Camaro ZL1 fully track-capable, from the factory. As we announced today, the ZL1 Coupe will start at $54,995 with standard Magnetic Ride Control, standard Performance Traction Management, and standard track-capable equipment such as a rear-differential cooler, brake cooling ducts, and an engine and transmission cooler. None of our customers will have to buy extra options – or modify their ZL1 – for track-day usage. That is not the case for the current GT500, or their new car. For Mustang fans, you’re welcome. Clearly the Camaro has encouraged Ford to throw everything they can at us. For Camaro fans, trust me, we are always listening to your feedback, and working hard to keep the Camaro in the lead. Al O. __________________ -Guillermo Camaro5 Fest 3 Pictures

11-16-2011, 03:00 PM	#3
IOMZL1 Drives: 1991 Z28; 2008 SRT 10 Viper Coupe Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 901	__________________ Quick to judge, quick to anger, slow to understand. Ignorance, prejudice, and fear walk hand in hand... http://dougshelbyengineering.com/Viper.html

11-16-2011, 03:01 PM	#4
Disco Drives: Not Available yet Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Eastvale, CA Posts: 199	Nicely done! __________________ QBDRH0 1100 11/25/11 2030 12/13/11 2050 01/24/12

11-16-2011, 03:04 PM	#6
armysig Catch me if you can Drives: 2012 IOM ZL-1 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 2,404 View My Garage	WHOOA!!! I hope he had a typo...I thought MSRP was 54,095 not 54,995? Not that it matters to me, I'm waiting. __________________

11-16-2011, 03:06 PM	#9
Rock36 I just like V8s Drives: 2007 Corvette Z06 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Stuttgart, Germany Posts: 892	Great letter __________________ "Anyone know who sells the driver mods?" 2007 Corvette Z06: Le Mans blue, 2LZ

11-16-2011, 03:00 PM	#2
KKreme15 Drives: 2012 ZL1 #1274 - IOM Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dayton, MD Posts: 1,482	Classy

11-16-2011, 03:01 PM	#5
toilets Drives: 2010 camaro Join Date: May 2011 Location: Southeast, Posts: 842	Is this a real letter? If so THATS WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT!!

11-16-2011, 03:04 PM	#7
babaron Totally into it Drives: '67 427vette/'11 Pacecar/'02 BMW ci Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 493 View My Garage	with destination chg

11-16-2011, 03:11 PM	#10
Rice Killer Cooter Drives: my wife crazy Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: SW WI Posts: 572	Well put. I don't know why but I feel better after reading that. Thanks for posting. __________________ #1451 - 2012 ZL1 - White, Black Wheels, Manual, Suede Package, and Exposed Hood Insert. Delivered on 6/20/12. Thanks to Jason from Symdon Motors in Evansville, WI.

11-16-2011, 03:21 PM	#11
radz28 Petro-sexual Drives: Ultra-Grin Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Crapramento, Crapifornia Posts: 12,949 View My Garage	Great read, G'! Thanks for sharing __________________ "...What IS true: We anticipated that this would happen - we are never finished - and yes, Ford DOES deserve to win now and then. To think that GM can come out with a car to make ford throw in the towel is simply foolhardy..." - fbodfather

11-16-2011, 03:24 PM	#13
Nessal Drives: 2011 SS/RS Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: CA, Bay Area Posts: 2,220	Source?

11-16-2011, 03:25 PM	#14
Scott@Bjorn3D Drives: Kami, 2013 2SS LS3 Luvin Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Eufaula, Alabama Posts: 5,389	Nice, Now give us a 7.0 Litre LS7 for the Z28 and lets ROCK!! __________________

11-16-2011, 03:29 PM	#15
lbls1 Drives: 2002 Camaro SS SOM; 2009 Malibu LT Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 799	Its good to hear from the Chevy team; I am glad that they're listening. __________________ '02 CAMARO SS SOM; 5.7L LS1/FLS6B '08 TBSS AWD Black Granite Metallic '09 Malibu LT Dark Gray Metallic

11-16-2011, 03:30 PM	#17
EvoWake SSTOCK Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Midwest Posts: 425 View My Garage	Very well written, kudos. __________________ 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS

11-16-2011, 03:31 PM	#18
IcePick06 Drives: '12 AGM ZL1; '07 Ducati 1098 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tha OCizzle Posts: 648	good to hear these words, but I was already reassured yesterday by using simple logic. Lots of things were missing from Ford's media blast on the new GT500...important things like: TIRE SIZE, MSRP + COST FOR ADDED OPTIONS, AND 0-60 MPH/QUARTER MILE TIMES, etc. WITHOUT THIS INFO, one can't make a valid statement as to which car performs better (around a track or in a straight line). I have faith in the ZL1...and like I posted elsewhere, if you want more power either for bragging rights or because you actually think you will be able to put it down to the ground, there are plenty of tuners ready to oblige (e.g. Lingenfelter) to easily bump you to 650hp or more for less than $5k

11-16-2011, 03:36 PM	#19
syr74 Account Suspended Drives: Thunderbird Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 951	Wow, Al is putting his money where his mouth is, that shows confidence in the product. Now, we'll have to wait and see what shakes out between these two, because his credibility now rests on the ZL1's ability to do what he says that it can.

11-16-2011, 03:36 PM	#20
ShnOmac Drives: 2006 Silverado SS, 2009 G8 GT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: WA Posts: 11,943

11-16-2011, 03:36 PM	#21
2010SSRSM6 SoCal C5 Family Member Drives: My wife crazy with my C5 usage. Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: SoCal Posts: 5,194 View My Garage	G, Thanks for sharing! Al just responded to the hype. It is clear that GM sees the challenge being answered and will do all they need to to keep the Camaro on top of this segment. I've seen 700 hp Super Snakes fall to much lower powered Camaros and I'm very much looking forward to the chance to do the same to the new 650hp GT 500. Put the power to the pavement or the race is over before it begins. Until Furd proves this is being done, I'm not worried about it. "For Mustang fans, you’re welcome. Clearly the Camaro has encouraged Ford to throw everything they can at us" <------ This is awesome! Thanks Al! __________________ Powered by Cunningham MotorSports

11-16-2011, 03:38 PM	#22
n2oSS Drives: 2010 SS2 Camaro Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 426 View My Garage	hmm public service announcement. im not a mustang fan but when i see a letter pop up with reassurance to evade buyers remorse. it makes me wonder if they are worried bout the bottom line __________________ Mods: Dynatech Headers, High flow cats, MSD 8.5 wires, magnaflow bullits, Halltech intake, SCT tuner, maggie tvs 2300, Jannetty Tune, BMR driveshaft safety loop, Pfadt drop springs, Pfadt rear trailing arms, Pfadt rear tie rod, ACT Twin Disc Clutch, DSS Aluminum Driveshaft. Appearance Mods: AAC Concept Sidemarkers, P13W Plasma LED Bulbs, Iforged Classics 20". Next Mods: Cam and Fuel System.

11-16-2011, 03:41 PM	#23
kannon Drives: 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS/M6 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 203	Source of the letter or it's fake. __________________ Suck Squeeze Bang Blow

11-16-2011, 03:49 PM	#24
BeckyD@RodgersChevrolet Drives: '10 2SS/RS SW 6spd, Pace Car, & ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Woodhaven, Mich Posts: 21,166	__________________ Don't forget, I honor ALL DISCOUNTS THAT APPLY! *BeckyD@RodgersChevrolet* Woodhaven, Mi ..only 20 min from Detroit Metro Airport! 734-479-7117 ... BeckyD@RodgersChevrolet.com Available Camaro Inventory///Body Color XM Antenna My Summit White SS///My Pace Car

11-16-2011, 03:53 PM	#25
HEMI DAVE Drives: GWE 392/Super Bee SRT8/Turbo 350Z Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: LONG ISLAND,NEW YORK Posts: 485 View My Garage	I think the letter is great...but ....as long as Chevy has the Vette there will be limits...... ...Ford doesnt have that burden..... __________________

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