Camaro SS driving experience like a BMW?

[Supermans]

http://jalopnik.com/5094964/2009-pon...xp-first-drive

If I were to tell you GM is the new BMW you’d probably laugh at me. But driving the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP just a couple of months after the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V and Corvette ZR1, that’s exactly what I’m thinking. Equipped with a 6.3-liter, LS3 V8 making 415 HP and 415 lb-ft of torque, the G8 GXP isn’t just the fastest car Pontiac's ever made, but based on GM’s new global rear wheel drive platform (the same one as the new Camaro) and fitted with lower, stiffer suspension and a six-speed manual gearbox it strikes the right balance between supercar performance and real world practicality. Think E39 M5, but with a Corvette engine and better steering.

This should bring our hopes up..

[CDBiker220]

I was just looking at the specs for the car, 4.7 0-60 and 13.0 quarter miles, at 415hp and 4023lbs. It has been said the Camaro can do 4.5 0-60 by the engineers. And at 3860lbs, 150 lbs lighter then the GXP with a tad more horsepower, i don't see why 12.7 or 12.8 is'nt possible. Sounds good to me, and that does'nt even get into how great I'm sure it will handle after reading this.

[Supermans]

Originally Posted by CDBiker220

I was just looking at the specs for the car, 4.7 0-60 and 13.0 quarter miles, at 415hp and 4023lbs. It has been said the Camaro can do 4.5 0-60 by the engineers. And at 3860lbs, 150 lbs lighter then the GXP with a tad more horsepower, i don't see why 12.7 or 12.8 is'nt possible. Sounds good to me, and that does'nt even get into how great I'm sure it will handle after reading this.

The Camaro is going to get amazing reviews if this is any indication and GM needs them.... Nice little mini-review jalopnik..

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by Supermans

http://jalopnik.com/5094964/2009-pon...xp-first-drive

If I were to tell you GM is the new BMW you’d probably laugh at me. But driving the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP just a couple of months after the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V and Corvette ZR1, that’s exactly what I’m thinking. Equipped with a 6.3-liter, LS3 V8 making 415 HP and 415 lb-ft of torque, the G8 GXP isn’t just the fastest car Pontiac's ever made, but based on GM’s new global rear wheel drive platform (the same one as the new Camaro) and fitted with lower, stiffer suspension and a six-speed manual gearbox it strikes the right balance between supercar performance and real world practicality. Think E39 M5, but with a Corvette engine and better steering.

This should bring our hopes up..

oops. Its 6.2L, Jalopnik: please proofread.

[garagelogic]

And they take to mods pretty well too...

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/W...b-9b5a00ce7efe

[frank99ta]

When I sat in the G8, it felt just like my 04 GTO. The G8 is basically an updated version of the GTO. Makes you wonder how well the GTO would have sold had they called it a G8 back then.

[Supermans]

Originally Posted by frank99ta

When I sat in the G8, it felt just like my 04 GTO. The G8 is basically an updated version of the GTO. Makes you wonder how well the GTO would have sold had they called it a G8 back then.

The G8 is not an updated version of the GTO... It is a whole new platform so it is a different feeling ride.

[garagelogic]

Originally Posted by Supermans

The G8 is not an updated version of the GTO... It is a whole new platform so it is a different feeling ride.

And it looks a ton better too, IMHO. (That's coming from someone who owned a 2006 GTO). Why is it so hard for some GM fanboys to just admit that the styling on the '04-'06 GTO's left a LOT to be desired?

[The_Blur]

It's apparent that GM's recent business strategy with all of its brands has been to show that American engineering is on par with German engineering. I remember the recent G8 ads comparing it to a 5-series. I think that associating Chevrolet and Pontiac with the feel of a BMW will do wonders for GM's image and future.

[Hesh]

Ill be the first to admit that the GTO was one of my favorite muscle cars of the 60's but the last attempt at one was not the best. The only thing I can say it did right was go back to the original idea of the GTO. Drop a motor with more hp in a family sedan and drive the hell out of it. The looks tho where not the best.

[CWIweldace]

Quote from Jalopnic revue: "So where does BMW come into this? There was a time when — before exclusively focusing on overweight, overcomplicated, boring-to-drive, ugly cars — that it produced vehicles that rightfully deserved the “Ultimate Driving Machine” title. They were simple, well-engineered and put driving first. They had solid, well-built black plastic interiors, manual transmissions and pretty big engines driving only the rear wheels. They don’t any more. They used to combine practicality with fun in just the right proportions. They don’t any more. This Pontiac does. So do the Cadillac CTS, the CTS-V, the G8 GT, the Corvette and the best car in the world, the ZR1. But, unlike even the old BMW, all of the above are, for their classes, very affordable. GM isn’t just the new BMW; it’s better than that."

"It's better than that." That says a lot. I can't wait to see how they revue the SS Camaro. Nice to see the G8 got the FE3 suspension. If I was in need of a family sedan I would probably have to go with a G8 or CTS. Fortunately I don't need to make that decision and I will have my new SS Camaro.

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by CWIweldace

Quote from Jalopnic revue: "So where does BMW come into this? There was a time when — before exclusively focusing on overweight, overcomplicated, boring-to-drive, ugly cars — that it produced vehicles that rightfully deserved the “Ultimate Driving Machine” title. They were simple, well-engineered and put driving first. They had solid, well-built black plastic interiors, manual transmissions and pretty big engines driving only the rear wheels. They don’t any more. They used to combine practicality with fun in just the right proportions. They don’t any more. This Pontiac does. So do the Cadillac CTS, the CTS-V, the G8 GT, the Corvette and the best car in the world, the ZR1. But, unlike even the old BMW, all of the above are, for their classes, very affordable. GM isn’t just the new BMW; it’s better than that."

"It's better than that." That says a lot. I can't wait to see how they revue the SS Camaro. Nice to see the G8 got the FE3 suspension. If I was in need of a family sedan I would probably have to go with a G8 or CTS. Fortunately I don't need to make that decision and I will have my new SS Camaro.

[Supermans]

Now the public needs to read this from other magazines to make it official Coming from just one will not be enough unfortunately even if it is true...

[headpunter]

Originally Posted by garagelogic

And it looks a ton better too, IMHO. (That's coming from someone who owned a 2006 GTO). Why is it so hard for some GM fanboys to just admit that the styling on the '04-'06 GTO's left a LOT to be desired?

i can admit it, the gto sucked looks wise.


I am going to read this article to my uncle who owns an M5 and see what he thinks.

[Eighty-Six Z]

Originally Posted by garagelogic

And they take to mods pretty well too...

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/W...b-9b5a00ce7efe

That g8 looked pretty good out on there on the track. Pretty amazing what it could with just a few mods and boost. Did you notice the plates on the purple charger? PLMCRZY

Also on the looks of the 04-06 GTO..... To me it just didn't have the vibe that is was a GTO. Everytime I would see one, it would take a second or two to register that it was a GTO.

[roadtripper]

More from Austraila. The 2008 Holden Coupe 60 Concept. Hmmm..... A 2011 G8 coupe.

[blackZbandit]

Originally Posted by roadtripper

More from Austraila. The 2008 Holden Coupe 60 Concept. Hmmm..... A 2011 G8 coupe.

OMG that is absolute sex!

[JEFF2010SSMANUAL]

Compare the Camaro to a BMW on a BMW forum and get ready to be laughed at from thousands. I think it will be a good comparison.

[Dragoneye]

Originally Posted by JEFF2010SSMANUAL

Compare the Camaro to a BMW on a BMW forum and get ready to be laughed at from thousands. I think it will be a good comparison.

Laughs of contempt...or nervousness? Muhahahaha!!

[SS4EVER]

Originally Posted by JEFF2010SSMANUAL

Compare the Camaro to a BMW on a BMW forum and get ready to be laughed at from thousands. I think it will be a good comparison.

GM's improving... I'll give them that and hopefully it's not too late for them.

But really? Comparing a Camaro or a GM product to a BMW? Sorry to burst your bubbles' people the BMW's have much greater quality than pretty much anything GM makes, and this is coming from a GM fanboy...

Now I'm not saying that GM can't match the quality of BMW, they can but in order to do so they're going to have to spend more money in using better quality components to really rival BMW, and then you'd be paying BMW prices for a GM car...

The G8 clearly rivals the BMW 5 series in value and performance that it has, but in overall quality? Don't think I'd quite say that...

I believe the Camaro is going to be one of GM's best quality vehicles to come out in a long time from GM, only time will tell.

But I was told by someone that just drove a Camaro SS last week that the FE3 suspension in the Camaro SS was pretty stiff. Which obviously will be better suited for handling, but if GM wanted to match the ride of a BMW then they would have had to soften the suspension a little or offer the Magnetic Ride Control that is offered on such cars as the Corvette, Corvette ZR1, and the various Cadillacs that it's offered on. But that would clearly drive up the cost and price of the Camaro, which we don't want.

[Crowley]

Originally Posted by SS4EVER

GM's improving... I'll give them that and hopefully it's not too late for them.

But really? Comparing a Camaro or a GM product to a BMW? Sorry to burst your bubbles' people the BMW's have much greater quality than pretty much anything GM makes, and this is coming from a GM fanboy...

Now I'm not saying that GM can't match the quality of BMW, they can but in order to do so they're going to have to spend more money in using better quality components to really rival BMW, and then you'd be paying BMW prices for a GM car...

The G8 clearly rivals the BMW 5 series in value and performance that it has, but in overall quality? Don't think I'd quite say that...

I believe the Camaro is going to be one of GM's best quality vehicles to come out in a long time from GM, only time will tell.

But I was told by someone that just drove a Camaro SS last week that the FE3 suspension in the Camaro SS was pretty stiff. Which obviously will be better suited for handling, but if GM wanted to match the ride of a BMW then they would have had to soften the suspension a little or offer the Magnetic Ride Control that is offered on such cars as the Corvette, Corvette ZR1, and the various Cadillacs that it's offered on. But that would clearly drive up the cost and price of the Camaro, which we don't want.

I'm not sure that they were refering to just Quality though ... I think it is the driving experience that seems to have gotten away from some BMWs and they are saying that experience has been felt in the car they test drove (a GM car), but unlike most BMWs the experience came at a lower price and is more affordable to the masses. Quality of domestics have come a long way though.

I do think you can compare first hand though how quality or certain quality parts can drive cost up. For example, I drive a BMW 135i ... Sort of in the price range of the Camaro SS/RS with maybe a few options added on... I don't think I could compare the quality of certain parts of the 135i with say the M3 (guessing here as I have not driven in one of these) or any 5 series plus. I do think it can compare with the quality of lower priced 3 series though (as I have had some of these as loaners and I would hope that the quality of the M3 parts is a little higher standard).

Just my 2 cents ..

Crowley

[Chewy]

Originally Posted by JEFF2010SSMANUAL

Compare the Camaro to a BMW on a BMW forum and get ready to be laughed at from thousands. I think it will be a good comparison.

i searched my other forum real quick and found some interesting results!

a lot of BMW elitists who think they're better than everyone, a handful of redneck and mullet jokes. but theres actually a lot of people who recognized the camaro as a capable car and comparing it to their current BMWs or future purchases

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...ht=2010+camaro

[andyrew]

I have driven a few BMW's including the BMW that Pontiac went for in making the G8 GT, the 5 series w/ the big engine.
I have to say that the g8 was a very similar rid but it felt much simpler, in a good way. I compare the G8 much with the BMW, it just felt so poised and ready for action, I was very impressed.

BMW owners will nay say you in terms of electronic goodies, luxury, and quality of materials and fit and finish. With good right. But I was very happy with the quality and feel of the G8, and for half the price it certainly preforms.

[MatthewSFrawley]

Originally Posted by SS4EVER

GM's improving... I'll give them that and hopefully it's not too late for them.

But really? Comparing a Camaro or a GM product to a BMW? Sorry to burst your bubbles' people the BMW's have much greater quality than pretty much anything GM makes, and this is coming from a GM fanboy...

Now I'm not saying that GM can't match the quality of BMW, they can but in order to do so they're going to have to spend more money in using better quality components to really rival BMW, and then you'd be paying BMW prices for a GM car...

The G8 clearly rivals the BMW 5 series in value and performance that it has, but in overall quality? Don't think I'd quite say that...

I believe the Camaro is going to be one of GM's best quality vehicles to come out in a long time from GM, only time will tell.

But I was told by someone that just drove a Camaro SS last week that the FE3 suspension in the Camaro SS was pretty stiff. Which obviously will be better suited for handling, but if GM wanted to match the ride of a BMW then they would have had to soften the suspension a little or offer the Magnetic Ride Control that is offered on such cars as the Corvette, Corvette ZR1, and the various Cadillacs that it's offered on. But that would clearly drive up the cost and price of the Camaro, which we don't want.

Please look seriously at the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe! And tell me BMW is not WHOOPED!!

-Chevy Salesman (me)

[acamellis]

It is. Just some people like having the German/European namesake. It's the "Well if it's European it must be better. I mean, I paid more for it."
I have a Mercedes SL550 AMG and it was a waste of money. The wife said no to a CTS-V or Z06