Insights from Ed Peper (General Manager of Chevy) regarding the production coupe/vert - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Tran · 01-11-2007, 10:19 AM

In an interview conducted at the Detroit autoshow, Ed Peper discusses how closely the production camaro will match the concept, and also the possible powertrains:

Autoblog: Let's change gears and talk performance. Obviously, there's Corvette, but let's stay away from that for the moment and focus on the Camaro. You've already mentioned the convertible concept which obviously telegraphs your intent to do a production version.

Ed Peper: Yes.

Autoblog: The styling's been a hit for both the coupe and the convertible. How closely are you looking to match the concept's styling -- especially the interior -- on the production version of the Camaro.

Ed Peper: It's going to be very, very close. I have seen the production coupe, and if you saw the two of them side by side -- the production coupe and the concept coupe we introduced last year -- you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. It is very minute. I mean, obviously you have to make some exceptions when translating a concept to production, but it's going to be very, very close. This is not like a wild concept that we come back and can't realistically build the same sort of vehicle for production. No, it is going to be very close.

Autoblog: Have you guys arrived at a final decision for the top powertrain?

Ed Peper: No, not yet. We will have a V8, a couple of V6s -- you know, we'll have a fuel efficient V6 and we'll have a high performing V6 and we will have a high performing V8 but we haven't settled on the engine in that yet.

Autoblog: 500 horsepower appears to be the magic number with the musclecars that the other manufacturers are coming out with, so is that your target?

Ed Peper: Certainly we haven't made a decision yet, but it's in our scheme – it's in our scheme of thoughts, yes.

Autoblog: Is there concern about stepping on the Corvette, power-wise?

Ed Peper: No. Because again, the capabilities of a Corvette are world class. I mean, we are talking about a vehicle that competes in the American Le Mans Series with Aston Martins and all –no, there is no concern because what the Camaro is going to be is what it has always been, which is a really great looking vehicle that will have a muscle car or muscle car set of derivatives with it, but that will also have a fuel efficient version. It's a vehicle that you really, really can drive every single day -- a four seater and so forth, while Corvette is in a class all by itself. It's one of our ultimate brands at the company that just continues to do well. We try to keep the production, you know, in line and not build too many so it keeps a very strong demand. The Z06s are some of the fastest turning vehicles that we have.

Tran · 01-11-2007, 10:29 AM

Summary

Styling:

- he reiterates that the production Camaro will be "very, very close" to the production coupe (which he has seen).

Powertrain:
- a V8 will be available, as well as a couple of V6 options (fuel efficient and high performing versions).
- 500 hp is certainly in consideration as the top horsepower version

LowRider · 01-11-2007, 10:31 AM

cool sounds good to me.

maro&bird · 01-11-2007, 11:19 AM

music to my ears

Zyreal · 01-11-2007, 12:39 PM

Excellent!

*Moose* · 01-11-2007, 01:38 PM

Thanks for posting that!

It confirms too what I've heard about the production model being very close to the concept.

rray200 · 01-11-2007, 02:21 PM

All of this sounds great. But how are they going to be able to get the price in line with, or close to the Mustang by dropping in such powerful engines and big rims on the car, and an IRS?

Most of us folks on this board are shooting for a V8 model, I'm assuming. With all this stuff, the car is looking more like a 30-35k US car. In Canada, where I am, that translates to $40-$45K Canadian. Have to wait and see. But this car may turn out to cost as much, if not more than the GTO.

truvkngfan · 01-11-2007, 03:54 PM

What some may have missed reading that is he has seen the production coupe. It may be closer than we think...

Urthman · 01-11-2007, 04:45 PM

True.

ChevyNut · 01-11-2007, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truvkngfan

What some may have missed reading that is he has seen the production coupe. It may be closer than we think...

That is a very great point. And a very exciting point.

Badger · 01-11-2007, 07:00 PM

I agree...now all we need is someone inside the Oshawa Plant to tip us off when the action starts...can't wait to get my paws on one of these..wooooo

*TAG UR IT* · 01-11-2007, 11:57 PM

Did someone mention 2 V6 models??? Not that I'm going for a V6, but that is great news for those on a budget but still want the hp of an LS1 while in a 6er package. Insurance rates going down just a little...maybe...possibly???

Hyperknight · 01-13-2007, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tran

Summary

Styling:

- he reiterates that the production Camaro will be "very, very close" to the production coupe (which he has seen).

Powertrain:
- a V8 will be available, as well as a couple of V6 options (fuel efficient and high performing versions).
- 500 hp is certainly in consideration as the top horsepower version

I predict an early 08' release with the production verison debuting near the end of this year.

Mestizo · 01-15-2007, 10:01 PM

This is a disappointment to the common man.

Now, I'm not trying to be a downer or anything. Chevy still has 2 yrs to change since nothing is final yet.

If I'm reading this right, there will be no Z/28 & SS. There will only be 1 V8, but multiple V6s. Ok, now if there is 1 V8 engine with 2 different tunes aggresive and sporty, that would be cool. I mean if the common man is forced to buy either a V6 or a 40K V8 Camaro....that kills the whole vibe.

Like I said, I'm not trying to bash Chevy, but does anyone else read that the same way? I'd say it's highly unlikely they're screwing with us on the engine thing.

*TAG UR IT* · 01-15-2007, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mestizo

This is a disappointment to the common man.

Now, I'm not trying to be a downer or anything. Chevy still has 2 yrs to change since nothing is final yet.

If I'm reading this right, there will be no Z/28 & SS. There will only be 1 V8, but multiple V6s. Ok, now if there is 1 V8 engine with 2 different tunes aggresive and sporty, that would be cool. I mean if the common man is forced to buy either a V6 or a 40K V8 Camaro....that kills the whole vibe.

Like I said, I'm not trying to bash Chevy, but does anyone else read that the same way? I'd say it's highly unlikely they're screwing with us on the engine thing.

I see exactly what you are saying. V6 @ 21K MSRP...high performing V6~25K??? high performace V8 ~30-35K+??? Maybe even 40K??? I for one would have a problem dishing out that kind of cash for the ONLY V8 offered being in that price range. Personally, I won't settle for something due to price.

In other words, if they only make one V8 which is in the 35 to 40K price range, I won't be able to afford it. And I DON'T want to say, "yeah...I bought the new Camaro....and my musclecar has a V6....." :o Nah, I'll pass and have to try to see what's offered the next year........or something. I don't want a V6...period.

The way I initially read it was like this.
1. V6
2. V6 high performance
3. V8
4. V8 high performance

Who knows....only time will tell....

Luna · 01-15-2007, 10:33 PM

I was really hoping for my first V8. I still have my fingers crossed. I guess if they only come out with one I can take another year to save for the 40K. I dunno if my poor lil Tiburon can last another year past that, she'll be over 10 yrs old by then. :(

boxmonkeyracing · 01-16-2007, 10:11 AM

thank god I'm deploying soon and I'll have the bulk of my down payment saved up where I can finance a 40k car. lol. hopefully by the time it comes out if that's the case all i'll have to finance is 20k or so. lol. but I see it as 1 V8 tuned differently like the 4th gens. if not oh well. I'm still gunning for the top V8 no matter what. hopefully it will have 500+ horses.

*TAG UR IT* · 01-16-2007, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxmonkeyracing

Hopefully it will have 500+ horses.

Amen to that, buddy! You be careful over there so when you get back, you get to enjoy this new bad boy...

boxmonkeyracing · 01-16-2007, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAG UR IT

Amen to that, buddy! You be careful over there so when you get back, you get to enjoy this new bad boy...

I will. but if I do get that one I'll be like the guy in the gt500 comercial. . .I'm going to be putting in for orders to germany right away. lol.

LowRider · 01-17-2007, 10:47 AM

idk but I agree I can't afford that, I'll justy have to wait for a while.

robbie9999 · 04-18-2007, 02:51 PM

Hey guys I got a 1966 GTO and I am awaiting the arrival of this new Camaro
I was just talking to a Gm rep for GM Canada. I am pretty convinced that this car is going too priced really high.

1. Gm cars deprecate more rapidly (less than ford) than others
2. It being a sport car and the fuel economy on it, will be a hard hit when you go to sell.

I think GM and some what Dodge are missing out on the market for retro muscle cars by coming into late, the mustang has done really well, and looks good too (I would not buy one though). But the one thing I think Ford is doing well, is there not pricing the car way out of range

Lets hope that GM makes this car reasonable ... here in Canada we always get ripped off by paying 10 to 15 grand more for the same product you boys will pay for down in the states. I know I will wait for the different model types like a Z or Z28 and not jump at the first offering,

But not to state the obvious the loss on these rides will be the same or more than the mustangs you see used in the auto traders around your parts and mine, think I shall let someone else take the hard hit first and by used

Ps the car looks sick ... please lord I only make 9 dollars an hour...

Casull · 04-18-2007, 04:27 PM

I think it depends on what you consider priced too high. I honestly think that we will see a V8 offered below $30,000. I am holding out hope that it comes with an LS designation and not just an L. Evenif it is the L76 that is offered at below $30,000, that is still a near 400HP V8 engine for under 30k - not bad IMO.

Either way, I don't think that the new Camaro is going to be priced such that anyone making $9/hr will be able to comfortably afford it. I mean, $9/hr is not the kind of salary that is going to get you a new, or even slightly used, high performance sports car.

Camvert2010 · 04-18-2007, 10:44 PM

I know many have been talking right now about the engine options that might be viable to purchase or not depending on your $ range.

I was hoping there would be a retro look with some of todays modern electronics. I really dont like the radio and was hoping for some other sudtle changes in the interior.

Savings for GM will come with the interior. So more HP might be offered at the expense of great retro interior accessories with modern capabilities.

Wait and see is all we can do, besides I dont plan to buy till most likely 2nd or maybe (not likely) even 3rd year.

muscleman · 05-30-2007, 06:44 PM

Am i hearing this right or wouldn't the V8 model have the four cylinder shut off when your at a cruising speed? U guys are right, though. Why settle with anything less than a V8? Especially on the sickest muscle car out there!!!!

*TAG UR IT* · 05-30-2007, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muscleman

Am i hearing this right or wouldn't the V8 model have the four cylinder shut off when your at a cruising speed? U guys are right, though. Why settle with anything less than a V8? Especially on the sickest muscle car out there!!!!

You betcha. Cylinder Deactivation will cut off 4 of the 8 to save on gas. GM already has this on many new vehicles to save on the gas. The Camaro will be one more...but add the VVT on there and the engine will have maximized potential w/ the best gas milage you can get!

Oh, and welcome to the site!

01-11-2007, 10:19 AM	#1
Tran Administrator Drives: 2010 Camaro of course.... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NE baby Posts: 4,380	Insights from Ed Peper (General Manager of Chevy) regarding the production coupe/vert In an interview conducted at the Detroit autoshow, Ed Peper discusses how closely the production camaro will match the concept, and also the possible powertrains: Autoblog: Let's change gears and talk performance. Obviously, there's Corvette, but let's stay away from that for the moment and focus on the Camaro. You've already mentioned the convertible concept which obviously telegraphs your intent to do a production version. Ed Peper: Yes. Autoblog: The styling's been a hit for both the coupe and the convertible. How closely are you looking to match the concept's styling -- especially the interior -- on the production version of the Camaro. Ed Peper: It's going to be very, very close. I have seen the production coupe, and if you saw the two of them side by side -- the production coupe and the concept coupe we introduced last year -- you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. It is very minute. I mean, obviously you have to make some exceptions when translating a concept to production, but it's going to be very, very close. This is not like a wild concept that we come back and can't realistically build the same sort of vehicle for production. No, it is going to be very close. Autoblog: Have you guys arrived at a final decision for the top powertrain? Ed Peper: No, not yet. We will have a V8, a couple of V6s -- you know, we'll have a fuel efficient V6 and we'll have a high performing V6 and we will have a high performing V8 but we haven't settled on the engine in that yet. Autoblog: 500 horsepower appears to be the magic number with the musclecars that the other manufacturers are coming out with, so is that your target? Ed Peper: Certainly we haven't made a decision yet, but it's in our scheme – it's in our scheme of thoughts, yes. Autoblog: Is there concern about stepping on the Corvette, power-wise? Ed Peper: No. Because again, the capabilities of a Corvette are world class. I mean, we are talking about a vehicle that competes in the American Le Mans Series with Aston Martins and all –no, there is no concern because what the Camaro is going to be is what it has always been, which is a really great looking vehicle that will have a muscle car or muscle car set of derivatives with it, but that will also have a fuel efficient version. It's a vehicle that you really, really can drive every single day -- a four seater and so forth, while Corvette is in a class all by itself. It's one of our ultimate brands at the company that just continues to do well. We try to keep the production, you know, in line and not build too many so it keeps a very strong demand. The Z06s are some of the fastest turning vehicles that we have.

01-11-2007, 11:19 AM	#4
maro&bird Drives: ls3 ss Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: fresno Posts: 21	sounds like music to my ears

01-11-2007, 11:57 PM	#12
TAG UR IT www.Camaro5store.com Drives: THRSS #2 / CGM#1 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: SA, Texas Posts: 24,402 View My Garage	Did someone mention 2 V6 models??? Not that I'm going for a V6, but that is great news for those on a budget but still want the hp of an LS1 while in a 6er package. Insurance rates going down just a little...maybe...possibly??? __________________

04-18-2007, 02:51 PM	#21
robbie9999 Drives: 1966 GTO Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: toronto Posts: 2	my thoughts Hey guys I got a 1966 GTO and I am awaiting the arrival of this new Camaro I was just talking to a Gm rep for GM Canada. I am pretty convinced that this car is going too priced really high. 1. Gm cars deprecate more rapidly (less than ford) than others 2. It being a sport car and the fuel economy on it, will be a hard hit when you go to sell. I think GM and some what Dodge are missing out on the market for retro muscle cars by coming into late, the mustang has done really well, and looks good too (I would not buy one though). But the one thing I think Ford is doing well, is there not pricing the car way out of range Lets hope that GM makes this car reasonable ... here in Canada we always get ripped off by paying 10 to 15 grand more for the same product you boys will pay for down in the states. I know I will wait for the different model types like a Z or Z28 and not jump at the first offering, But not to state the obvious the loss on these rides will be the same or more than the mustangs you see used in the auto traders around your parts and mine, think I shall let someone else take the hard hit first and by used Ps the car looks sick ... please lord I only make 9 dollars an hour...

01-11-2007, 10:29 AM	#2
Tran Administrator Drives: 2010 Camaro of course.... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NE baby Posts: 4,380	Summary Styling: - he reiterates that the production Camaro will be "very, very close" to the production coupe (which he has seen). Powertrain: - a V8 will be available, as well as a couple of V6 options (fuel efficient and high performing versions). - 500 hp is certainly in consideration as the top horsepower version

01-11-2007, 10:31 AM	#3
LowRider LowRider Drives: 1992 Camaro Z28 & 1996 S-10 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: WV Posts: 390	cool sounds good to me.

01-11-2007, 12:39 PM	#5
Zyreal Long Arm Drives: Dodge Neon Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 80	Excellent!

01-11-2007, 01:38 PM	#6
Moose Moderator Drives: '99 Camaro SS #1392 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Newtown, Pa. Posts: 4,016	Thanks for posting that! It confirms too what I've heard about the production model being very close to the concept.

01-11-2007, 02:21 PM	#7
rray200 Drives: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Trac Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 287	All of this sounds great. But how are they going to be able to get the price in line with, or close to the Mustang by dropping in such powerful engines and big rims on the car, and an IRS? Most of us folks on this board are shooting for a V8 model, I'm assuming. With all this stuff, the car is looking more like a 30-35k US car. In Canada, where I am, that translates to $40-$45K Canadian. Have to wait and see. But this car may turn out to cost as much, if not more than the GTO.

01-11-2007, 03:54 PM	#8
truvkngfan Drives: Porsche928,AMV8,Acadia,Accord Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Elk River, MN Posts: 66	What some may have missed reading that is he has seen the production coupe. It may be closer than we think...

01-11-2007, 04:45 PM	#9
Urthman Future Camaro Owner Drives: 2010 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4dr Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 555 View My Garage	True.

01-11-2007, 07:00 PM	#11
Badger Drives: 2010 ABM SS Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New York Posts: 1,163	I agree...now all we need is someone inside the Oshawa Plant to tip us off when the action starts...can't wait to get my paws on one of these..wooooo

01-15-2007, 10:01 PM	#14
Mestizo Drives: American V8 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 52	This is a disappointment to the common man. Now, I'm not trying to be a downer or anything. Chevy still has 2 yrs to change since nothing is final yet. If I'm reading this right, there will be no Z/28 & SS. There will only be 1 V8, but multiple V6s. Ok, now if there is 1 V8 engine with 2 different tunes aggresive and sporty, that would be cool. I mean if the common man is forced to buy either a V6 or a 40K V8 Camaro....that kills the whole vibe. Like I said, I'm not trying to bash Chevy, but does anyone else read that the same way? I'd say it's highly unlikely they're screwing with us on the engine thing.

01-15-2007, 10:33 PM	#16
Luna Own one, dont date one!!! Drives: Tiburon Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: S.A. TX Posts: 79	I was really hoping for my first V8. I still have my fingers crossed. I guess if they only come out with one I can take another year to save for the 40K. I dunno if my poor lil Tiburon can last another year past that, she'll be over 10 yrs old by then. :(

01-17-2007, 10:47 AM	#20
LowRider LowRider Drives: 1992 Camaro Z28 & 1996 S-10 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: WV Posts: 390	idk but I agree I can't afford that, I'll justy have to wait for a while.

04-18-2007, 04:27 PM	#22
Casull Drives: Chevy Silverado Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 754	I think it depends on what you consider priced too high. I honestly think that we will see a V8 offered below $30,000. I am holding out hope that it comes with an LS designation and not just an L. Evenif it is the L76 that is offered at below $30,000, that is still a near 400HP V8 engine for under 30k - not bad IMO. Either way, I don't think that the new Camaro is going to be priced such that anyone making $9/hr will be able to comfortably afford it. I mean, $9/hr is not the kind of salary that is going to get you a new, or even slightly used, high performance sports car.

04-18-2007, 10:44 PM	#23
Camvert2010 Drives: 68 camaro Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: new york Posts: 11	I know many have been talking right now about the engine options that might be viable to purchase or not depending on your $ range. I was hoping there would be a retro look with some of todays modern electronics. I really dont like the radio and was hoping for some other sudtle changes in the interior. Savings for GM will come with the interior. So more HP might be offered at the expense of great retro interior accessories with modern capabilities. Wait and see is all we can do, besides I dont plan to buy till most likely 2nd or maybe (not likely) even 3rd year.

05-30-2007, 06:44 PM	#24
muscleman Drives: don't have a camaro....yet Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Marcos Posts: 1	Am i hearing this right or wouldn't the V8 model have the four cylinder shut off when your at a cruising speed? U guys are right, though. Why settle with anything less than a V8? Especially on the sickest muscle car out there!!!!