[fbodfather]

Originally Posted by Norm Peterson

This ↑↑↑ .

For this particular thread, keep in mind that auto climate control typically robs you of the ability to select a forced fresh air mode when neither A/C nor heat is particularly desired, and the wind noise from wide-open side glass is actively unwanted.


Your other list of features (AC, power windows, power mirrors, auto dim mirrors, onstar, dual power seats, heated seats, HUD, MYLink with satellite and NAV, remote start, ambient lighting) that have gradually become common over time - one of the problems with "feature creep" is that it is not self-limiting. Too many people want ever more luxury and too much done for them in a flashier or fancier way than necessary. How did we get so spoiled?

A few features do have recognizable safety benefits - A/C for windshield defogging, power windows because it is unreasonable (or in some cases flat-out physically impossible) for the driver to reach a passenger side window crank being two easy examples.

But the rest are largely irrelevant to the tasks of driving, which can be a rewarding experience in its own right if you choose to let it. So bottom line yes, you could very reasonably pack auto climate along with the rest of the irrelevants into a Berlinetta (or whatever) package.


A Z/28 would absolutely be an option for some, maybe even me if I felt financially irresponsible enough to raid my retirement fund to get it and risk all of the downstream consequences of doing so. But all things considered, that would make a 1LE stripped to nearly the same hardcore level the top Camaro option overall, at least for people like me.


Flip side dep't:
I really have to wonder what the "must have all the features/performance mostly secondary" crowd would feel if for some unknown reason it became impossible to buy a Camaro or other muscle car/ponycar without having them equipped with 1LE or higher levels of performance - and that that equipment and performance was all built into the base price of the car with no way to opt out. If that makes anybody squirm a little, maybe I've made my point.


Norm

always interesting to read your thoughts, Norm!

....and I think you made a very good point!