Why I don't think the interior has mass market appeal

[Eich]

First of all, don't get me wrong. I love this car. I'll most likely own one. The exterior could not possibly be more incredible. It's the car I always hoped GM would build.

I have concerns about the interior though. The car is supposed to have mass market appeal. But in my opinion, they went too far with the interior, trying to make it so different. I think the interior will appeal well to younger buyers. But for 40-something professionals like myself, the interior has some shortcomings. I would have liked to have seen a little more class in the interior. Maybe I'll feel better when I see it in person.

In some respects, I think they did well. I like the guage pods, though I'd like to see a brushed aluminum trim option instead of carbon. Seats look great, particularly with the stitching. Steering wheel is attractive. But below is a few places where I think they went wrong:

1. Door handles.
Why the clunky loop door handles ? They look bulky, clumsy and a little out of place. A nice, small, L-Shaped handle would be much more appealing. Note G8 handles below.


2. Large area of Shiny plastic on the doors.
I like the idea of color options. But if shiny plastic is the only option for every color, I think it comes off a little cheesy looking. Something wrapped in leather/pleather would have much better mass appeal. Maybe the pics from Indy don't represent the final material ?



3. Radio/HVAC center stack.
In my opinion, this is the least attractive part of the interior. I'll admit that the looks have grown on me somewhat since I first saw the spy shots but I still can't say I like it much. The design seems to have been driven by the desire to keep the center stack separate from the console to allow for those retro gauges. But wrapping it under the dash looks odd. The playstation looking HVAC controls look gimmicky and the radio itself doesn't easily lend itself to adding an option for Navigation or any aftermarket replacement.

I'm generally happy when a manufacturer doesn't take everything from a general parts bin. But this is one case where I think they should have. The center stack and radio/navigation/HVAC controls in the G8, Malibu and Corvette are perfectly fine and have mass market appeal. It's what people have come to expect.... a typical double-dinn size head unit that can easily offer Navigation and reverse cameras as options. Why custom make a head unit that is less attractive than a standard double dinn type unit in other GM cars ?



By contrast, look at the interiors of the Malibu and G8. I think they hit the nail on the head with these interiors. Lots of mass market appeal IMO, particularly with the center stack radio/HVAC area:

[kanys]

Wow, excellent post! I could not agree more. I too love this interior more than any car I have looked at, however I realize that this will not appeal to as many people as GM would like. Parts come off as a little "cheesy" or may look a little cheap. I know this is not a luxury car and it should not be a CTS coupe clone as far as interior goes since it is a different class of car. But even cars like the V6 Accord look quite professional inside and at the same time they are practical and sporty.

Again I think they did an amazing job on the interior, I just feel (although I know that it is probably not happening before launch) they should make many of these things like the plastic on the doors a cheap option or something. I do not have as much as a problem with the radio/controls but they may come across as unsophisticated and/or bulky to some people. Heck maybe I am just wanting this car to be a great sucess so badly that I am completely overanalyzing the little details, but that is just my $.02.

[headpunter]

lets go one by one

i dont think the door handles are clunky at all i have touched then with my own hands

Secondly the door panels are optional, they come with a interior colored trim piece standard

third they had test groups and the center stack style of the concept rated very high. thats why they kept it.

i have sat in the G8 and seen the camaro interior in person and the camaro is much nicer. the placement of the switches is better, the stereo controls are placed better, but i am a little concerned about the AC controls.

but you have to look at the fact that the car has an ecentric interior, it has a radical exterior that cant be mixed with a bland interior.

[Caliman93230]

I do agree that the colors can be improved. maybe by brushed aluminum or some type on chrome in the gauge covers will help. i will definitely change the color in the radio knobs with darker color and chrome touches like the pictures of the above other cars. I also liked the shifter on the concept, the base housing was also nice. Oh well, ill have to wait and see what after market products will be available. Also i very much like the seats on the above picture, the red and black are coordinated, i don't like red seats on the camaro they have to much red.

[TAG UR IT]

Originally Posted by headpunter

lets go one by one

i dont think the door handles are clunky at all i have touched then with my own hands

Secondly the door panels are optional, they come with a interior colored trim piece standard

third they had test groups and the center stack style of the concept rated very high. thats why they kept it.

i have sat in the G8 and seen the camaro interior in person and the camaro is much nicer. the placement of the switches is better, the stereo controls are placed better, but i am a little concerned about the AC controls.

but you have to look at the fact that the car has an ecentric interior, it has a radical exterior that cant be mixed with a bland interior.

and....the entire dash and controls were molded/modeled after the IPOD.

replacing the head unit for nav was also explained by GM...not too many people are buying in dash nav since not everyone supplying them can offer up to date downloads. ....hence why GM went with the turn by turn navigation through onstar. I know not a lot of people are going to like that....like me....but, there's always TOM TOM, WHICH is awesome, if I may say. And, you get all sorts of downloads with that.

So, GM didn't want the nav put in there...or to make the opening like that. Just factors in what more people want.

I think it was more of a weigh in deal....do we want nav or a head unit capable of that? Or, do we want to offer bluetooth capability and ambient lighting? Cost situation.

I see what you are saying about the interior. I've been in the G8 and think GM did a PHENOMENAL job on it. I will agree 100% on that!!!!!!!!!!!!

But, they had reasons for doing certain thing on the Camaro like this. Some, we'll like...and some we won't. I know I would have changed a few things too....so, maybe the parts I don't like will grow on my like the front end did (OF THE ORIGINAL CONCEPT shown in Detroit!)....(love it now!).

[Dragoneye]

Sat in it, loved it. Even the HVAC/Radio...it didn't thrill me when I first saw them. The common critique about it looking like Nintendo controller comes up...but when you actually sit in the car, and reach for it....it all just fits. The handles were actually one of my favorite parts of the door. They seem very upscale to me.

I'm very glad they took this risk, because as much as some would prefer it -- once you sit in it for a minute or two, this interior begins to grow on you. And very soon you realize that it's just far and away from your standard Malibu or G8-style inside.

[headpunter]

how many of you have actually sat in the g8? i love the car but it has no switches on the door so it has everything in the center from windows to door locks to mirrors, and i dont like that

[TAG UR IT]

Originally Posted by headpunter

how many of you have actually sat in the g8? i love the car but it has no switches on the door so it has everything in the center from windows to door locks to mirrors, and i dont like that

sat in it...was strange, but i could get used to it

[fbird777]

My buddy at work got a G8 a while back. It's a very nice car but having all the button in the center console is a little strange.

[Camaro_Corvette]

I guess i am one of those examples that doesn't like the interior, don't get me wrong i don't hate it, it is liveable for me, but it just isn't visually appealing to me. I cannot stand the center radio and air controls. i love the ambient lighting, if that wasn't there then this interior would not settle well with me at all.

this is what i want, i want the G8 seats, console, and radio/air controls, but i want the corvette guage cluster, and steering wheel.

Originally Posted by headpunter

how many of you have actually sat in the g8? i love the car but it has no switches on the door so it has everything in the center from windows to door locks to mirrors, and i dont like that

Thats actually one of the things i like about the car, to each his own i guess.



i will Throw in a corvette interior pic.

[franknbeans]

thanks for the vet picture. . . I've made up my mind now. . . My goal is to take the colored panels from the Camaro and cover them in leather. . .

[Shifty 6]

Eich,

You are driving a Audi A4. You may have to lower your standards a bit, unless you plan on another Audi. I like the interior of the Camaro, like several have said the radio and HVAC were a concern. I am trusting you guys who have sat in the car that it is nice. I hope the materials are first rate. I really like the G8 in comparison to other GM cars. The Mailbu has come a long way also. I am coming from a VW passat, the fit and finish is impeccable. IMO fit, finish and materials can make up for a lot if the interior has a few "issues". I will be very happy if it is on par or exceeds the G8 or the GTO regarding materials and fit.

[pinkcamaro10]

I love the interior of the camaro, Im glad that they did something unique that fits with the outside of the car.. When you sit in it, it all just feels right, nothing looks or feels cheap. I opened the door from the inside, and i thought the handle was nice.

My advice is to just see and feel it in person, and then judge it.

[The_Blur]

You're wrong.









Actually, you bring up some good points; however, I think it has the best-looking interior I've seen in a long time. It is very unique and provocative when it comes to shapes and designs. I, personally, feel that the radio controls are very classy and compact, which is much better than a button-busy center console. I'm a huge fan of the Camaro's interior. Had it been substantially less than what it ended up being, I might not have been so enthusiastic about the car.

[SS4EVER]

Yeah, I too disagree.

But I don't drive an Audi, I drive a Cobalt SS, so maybe that's why I think the interior of the Camaro looks fantastic...

[camaro5]

First off - Thank you for posting, to each his own.

Let's face it; The Camaro and the Corvette are freak-mobiles. They are a total disregard for automotive design as we knew it. They are as far from mainstream as you can get. Always have been.

Precisely why I literally dream about both of them. It's why my blood boils when I think of them.

Chevy has something for everyone. Mainstream is the Malibu with an excellent interior. They're selling them as fast as they can make them. Unusual these days.

[DntWrryBeHappy21]

Originally Posted by Shifty 6

Eich,

You are driving a Audi A4. You may have to lower your standards a bit, unless you plan on another Audi. I like the interior of the Camaro, like several have said the radio and HVAC were a concern.

lol i think thats his main problem right there, Audi interiors are sexy....the camaro interior is sexy as well IMO (now granted ive been in audis but not in the new camaro) Both look great in my opinion i love being unique its fun to be different (except when cops are able to nail you because you are the only one with that car in the town but you take the godo with the bad)

Once again, you are entitled to your opinion but the interior has grown on me and i like it. I guess you gotta get used to it....

[toesuf94]

I have to disagree with you on certain points you made;

The door handles being circular give you more to grasp and are less likely to rip your nails off when you open the door and slip. Plus, visually they give the eye a continuous shape to enjoy. The L-shape would end abruptly.

The interior of the car is NOT DESIGNED to appeal to MASS MARKETS. It is designed to appeal to CAMARO/Muscle Car people. You want a mass market interior, go to AVIS and rent a MASS MARKET CAR: ie: Camry, Malibu, Pontiac G6, Mazda 6. All are bland to meh at best (The new 'Bu is sweet, though). The Camaro is NOT a mass market car - not everyone will want one - but those of us that do sure do NOT want to park the Malibu Friday at 5 to hop into our RS/SS with the EXACT same interior stack in it, do we? I am glad that GM took this to the board and had it built. I met with Mr. Settlemire back after the release of the silver concept, and we sat in the car and discussed the interior. The first thing we talked about was NOT destroying the interior with the Bow Tie center stack. He was telling me just how hard of a fight he was having to get corporate to give him the money to keep the Concept style steering wheel! The bean counters were trying to FORCE the parts bin steering wheel into the car (Cobalt/Corvette/Malibu-same steering wheels!). Did not happen, did it? Know why? PASSION by those who were involved in the car's development kept the PARTS BIN ENGINEERING out of the car. This is a good thing. An example: Every time I push the trunk release on my $56k convertible Corvette, I am pushing the image of a Cobalt or some melted bar of soap car that was screened onto the button - and it pisses me off. Same goes for the stereo and other controls in the car (2004). So, it is refreshing to me to see a NEW interior going into EVERY car in the place of the parts bin center stacks we have seen for the past 30 years out of GM. (See also Chevy Cruise, the new Buick, and a few others that have leaked out...no longer sharing interior components.) The Camaro is a first in a long line of changes coming from GM. Rant over.

The plastic door panels DO look a bit shiny and cheesy. I will agree with you on that. Some nice leather wrap will be covering mine after I take delivery.

[DntWrryBeHappy21]

Originally Posted by toesuf94

The plastic door panels DO look a bit shiny and cheesy. I will agree with you on that. Some nice leather wrap will be covering mine after I take delivery.

or you COULD get it without them the door panels are an option with ambient lighting no?

[EllwynX]

The only point I'll agree on is the orange interior panels. But I don't think what was seen on that model was the final materials. The base version we've seen in pics has been much more attractive.

The handles look fine. No better or worse than any other car on the market. Ok, maybe they're better than the handles in my Aveo that resemble those of a La-Z-Boy recliner. LOL

I for one hate having the controls in the center. Our Equinox has the window controls in the center. After months I still reach on the door when I want the window down...

I like the radio/HVAC area of the Camaro. Nice to see something out of the ordinary. I will agree the interior of the Malibu is fantastic though. The G8 is just average imo.

[fldrummer]

I think I'll like the 'maro interior more when I see it in person, as long as it doesn't have the cheesy, shiny panels. I'm not nearly as excited about the interior as I am about the exterior, but it looks a lot better than the G8's interior. I personally think the G8 interior is boring and I've sat in a couple. The Malibu's looks great though. Like others said, this is no Audi, which is known to have some, if not the best, interiors and, while I'd love to have an interior like that, it probably wouldn't work in this car. Of course, once I hit the gas and feel/hear the LS3 rush, I bet I'll quickly forget about any nit-picks I may have about the interior, unless it rattles like some of my past GM cars (knocking on wood that those days are over).

[Nickdago]

Originally Posted by kanys

Wow, excellent post! I could not agree more. I too love this interior more than any car I have looked at, however I realize that this will not appeal to as many people as GM would like. Parts come off as a little "cheesy" or may look a little cheap. I know this is not a luxury car and it should not be a CTS coupe clone as far as interior goes since it is a different class of car. But even cars like the V6 Accord look quite professional inside and at the same time they are practical and sporty.

Again I think they did an amazing job on the interior, I just feel (although I know that it is probably not happening before launch) they should make many of these things like the plastic on the doors a cheap option or something. I do not have as much as a problem with the radio/controls but they may come across as unsophisticated and/or bulky to some people. Heck maybe I am just wanting this car to be a great sucess so badly that I am completely overanalyzing the little details, but that is just my $.02.

Agree totally

[Eich]

Originally Posted by toesuf94

I have to disagree with you on certain points you made;

The door handles being circular give you more to grasp and are less likely to rip your nails off when you open the door and slip. Plus, visually they give the eye a continuous shape to enjoy. The L-shape would end abruptly.
.

There are TONS of cars in the industry with L-Shaped handles. My Audi has them, our Ford Edge has them, my former mercedes had it. The circular handles, in my opinion, just don't look right.

Originally Posted by toesuf94

The interior of the car is NOT DESIGNED to appeal to MASS MARKETS. It is designed to appeal to CAMARO/Muscle Car people. You want a mass market interior, go to AVIS and rent a MASS MARKET CAR: ie: Camry, Malibu, Pontiac G6, Mazda 6. All are bland to meh at best (The new 'Bu is sweet, though). The Camaro is NOT a mass market car
.

Don't tell that to GM. They are hoping this car appeals to a LOT more people than Camaro / Muscle Car people. It's survival depends on it. That's why I'm so surprised that the interior doesn't have more mass appeal. The exterior is gorgeous. And I think a lot of people who were never "Camaro people" but want a sports car will really like it.

Originally Posted by toesuf94

The plastic door panels DO look a bit shiny and cheesy. I will agree with you on that. Some nice leather wrap will be covering mine after I take delivery.

Most people looking to buy a car don't want to wrap anything with aftermarket materials.

I want this car to be a success. I don't hate the interior. But when I purchase, it will be despite the interior.

[Eich]

Originally Posted by DntWrryBeHappy21

lol i think thats his main problem right there, Audi interiors are sexy....the camaro interior is sexy as well IMO (now granted ive been in audis but not in the new camaro) Both look great in my opinion i love being unique its fun to be different (except when cops are able to nail you because you are the only one with that car in the town but you take the godo with the bad)

Once again, you are entitled to your opinion but the interior has grown on me and i like it. I guess you gotta get used to it....

It really has nothing to do with what I'm driving now. I've driven a TON of cars in my 25 year driving history. I've owned Camaros, Corvettes, Benz', Audi and I also drive a Ford Edge as our primary family vehicle.

The center stack area of the Camaro concept car rated so highly because it looked very nice / cool. But its quality metal-like construction didn't translate well into a plastic production piece in my opinion.

Again - I don't hate the interior. But there are a lot of interiors that I prefer over the Camaro's interior. I want the car to be a success so it doesn't die again. Thankfully, the exterior is amazing enough that most people should overlook a few things in the interior if they don't like them.

Personally, as a 40-something professional, I wanted an interior that was a little less "fun" and a little more professional. The Corvette is a good example. I've owned Corvettes for years and with the C6, they really arrived at a nice interior. And with the Malibu, Chevy proved they could build a first class interior without a Corvette/Caddy price tag. Unfortunately, my 2 year old can't ride in a Vette, so I'm looking at the Camaro for my next sports car.

It will be interesting to see how they incorporate a navigation unit into this car. It seems like the center stack area will have to be completely redesigned to do it. Either that, or they're going to design are really funky looking navigation unit to fit into the Camaro's existing center stack.

[Design1stCode2nd]

I'm not a Camaro or Muscle car person and it appeals to me. I find the interior very unique which is very refreshing. I actually like the HVAC controls and I expect from an ergonomic standpoint that they will prove to be very functional. The only thing I'd agree with you on is the plastic inserts in the door. Regardless of if they are colored or not I'd expect them to be made of the same material.

For those at Indy did the yellow RS and the silver SS door panels feel the same?

I still would like an optional interior upgrade package like you have on the vette. If I can and want to spend another 1-2k on a higher grade interior why not offer that choice? I'd love for a GM Individual option and be able to select from a wide variety of interior leather colors and styles. Many Euro manufacturers do this including Audi, VW and BMW.