It was 4 years ago today........ - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

fbodfather · 01-09-2010, 04:13 PM

It was four years ago today...........

.......at the North American International Autoshow in Detroit --

-- That Chevrolet unveiled the Camaro Concept to the world.

Many of our fellow Camaro/Firebird Enthusiasts were invited to Detroit to be a part of the unveiling -- and as they can tell you, the Camaro Concept stole the show.

I'll never forget watching the faces of so many as the Silver Concept made its way out onto the stage - and then down the aisle -- surrounded by thousands of cheering men and women......

I'll never forget watching a few Chrysler Executives walking over to the Camaro -- and one saying -- (very simply) "Ouch...."

It was a great day to be a Camaro guy or gal.......and my email inbox filled very quickly with comments.

And nearly every message was the same: "BUILD IT!"

followed by "...and it had BETTER look like the concept!!! Don't you DARE screw it up!!!!"

I know January 9th, 2006 was a day I will never forget --

Eight months later, in August of 2006, we announced (in front of Camaro/Firebird Enthusiasts at the General Motors Technical Center) that we had just 'green-lighted' the Camaro - and that it would go into production in the 2010 model year.

We started work in earnest in September of that year --

Fast forward to today, January 9, 2010 -- and our dreams have been realized.

I'm sitting in the Chevy Exhibit as workers frantically rush around getting ready for NAIAS 2010 -- and I'm looking at some Camaros on the floor -- and I still have "Perma-Grin"................

For the seventh month in a row, the new Camaro has outsold Mustang and Challenger combined........

.........and while I want to recognize the date, January 9, 2006 -------

..........I guess I REALLY want to say 'Thank You' --once again (and I can never do it enough) -- for "Keepin' the Faith" --

It would have been very easy for many of you to simply "abandon ship" --

But you didn't.........

Yes, Camaro went on 'Hiatus'...........

-- and when it did, a peculiar thing happened:

Camaro Enthusiast Events continued to be held -- (and many of you put thousands of hours into bringing us memorable times together....) -- and attendance increased!

-- and Websites continued to support us -- (...and I must thank Jason Debler and Chris Frezza for 15 years of hard work in bringing us CamaroZ28.com) -- (...and Jason Ory and his group for a decade of hard work at Z28.com) -- and then there are the hundreds of other Camaro and Camaro/Firebird sites...........

And of course, your letters and emails continued to flood into GM Headquarters -- making it clear that we MUST build a 5th gen.........

Does every Camaro enthusiast love the new Camaro? .....no, I'm afraid not -- but those that don't are in the minority. Frankly, no matter what design we would have chosen, we know that not everyone's gonna love what they see.

But what DOES let me know that the new Camaro hit it's mark is simply this: When you drive the new Camaro, the public treats it like a Rock Star - nearly a YEAR after they hit the road -- and 4 years since the Concept was unveiled.

-- and then there are the emails and notes we continue to receive from those who have just taken delivery of a new Camaro........telling us how much they love their new Camaro........and how many of them have become so emotionally attached to their new Camaro..............

In fact, the new Camaro has spurred a whole host of "New" Camaro sites - "moderncamaro.com" "5thgen.org" and "camaro5.com" to name just to name a few......bringing us a whole 'new' set of Camaro enthusiasts............

So...........on behalf of "Team Camaro" --

..........Thank You -- Thank You -- Thank You --

.................for all you've done for this Legendary Brand...........

........and know that "We aren't done yet!" -- there is much more to come.....................

Now - -go hug your Camaro!

Captain Awesome · 01-09-2010, 04:14 PM

Awesome and inspiring, as usual!

shawn18 · 01-09-2010, 04:20 PM

So...........on behalf of "Team Camaro" --

..........Thank You -- Thank You -- Thank You --

No fbodfather............. Thank You and all of Team Camaro this is not a car its a family member and I am forever grateful for all of the hard work thats went into making this dream a reality

sasquash1984 · 01-09-2010, 04:21 PM

nice

*The_Blur* · 01-09-2010, 04:25 PM

For as much of an impact as the designers and engineers had at making this a success, it is the responsible, loyal GM insiders who have given so much to their communities that make Camaro5 and other communities so successful. The loyalty we have to the brand reflects the loyalty GM has shown its clientele by offering COPO products years ago, producing performance products like the 1LE at an affordable price, by spending countless hours sharing information with those of us who, despite listening, may never understand, and by coming back to us despite the criticisms returned for an excellent job.

It is your peers and you, fbodfather, who have made the Camaro, the Corvette, and every Super Sport great. Without your investment of time in fighting for our product to make production and further investment in our community, there might not be over 21,000 loyal Camaro5 members discussing, speculating, and enhancing GM's newest epic, the fifth generation Camaro.

ljustin293 · 01-09-2010, 04:27 PM

very cool, hard to believe it has been 4 years!

zerolm · 01-09-2010, 04:29 PM

1700 Miles and I can honestly say this car has me feeling confident that GM will rise again to it's once enjoyed prominence in the automotive world. This is the first american car my wife and I have purchased since we married (7 years). My wife was sceptical, but I really wanted the car for the "muscle" value. Now she is saying how surprised she is of the fit/finish ride quality etc. "Build it, and they will come". This car to me represents the niche that the american car manufacturer has always dominated and isn't it amazing how if you build what exites people, they will go out and buy it!!
I am 37 years old and honestly thought I would never get my chance to stroll down to the local chevrolet dealership and buy my new muscle car I have been drooling over. Thanks to your hard work I was able to and I want to thank you for that. Keep it up and not only will GM be better for it, so will the other american manufacturers, and the country as a whole!!

CatiaJockey · 01-09-2010, 04:31 PM

A big thanks back atcha Fbod! This car is an outta the ball park home run!

Moose · 01-09-2010, 04:41 PM

I remember seeing the Concept for the first time in '06.

My brother and I were invited to N.Y. to see it, and we both just about ran to it!

"Thank You" just seems inadequate to me at times...Scott, John, Cheryl, and so many more whom we'll never know/meet have done so much for our beloved Camaro.

Because of the Camaro, I've been able to become a part of an incredible group of people. People like Scott just don't "grow on trees", and I feel honored to call him my friend.

If you ask me, the Camaro's greatest asset is the people you meet from owning one, the experiences and memories you have from owning one, and the friends you make by owning one.

So, I'd like to say, "THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU!"

Ed

super60 · 01-09-2010, 04:43 PM

And everyone here in Oshawa sends a big Thank You to all of the new Camaro owners for keeping the faith.

Super60

JoeP@TeamBeckyD · 01-09-2010, 04:57 PM

I can honestly say after 20+ years as a Chevrolet salesperson, I have never gotten so emotionally attached to a car. This cars thrills the soul. Thank you GM for having the guts to do it.

Angrybird 12 · 01-09-2010, 05:04 PM

Although we have only had ours a week, and only got to drive it 3 days before the snow set in, I want to thank Scott and all the Camaro team of engineers and designers along with the Builders of these fine cars for making this old man happy.

JOB WELL DONE!!!

qbert48 · 01-09-2010, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawn18

So...........on behalf of "Team Camaro" --

..........Thank You -- Thank You -- Thank You --

No fbodfather............. Thank You and all of Team Camaro this is not a car its a family member and I am forever grateful for all of the hard work thats went into making this dream a reality

+1

Class1E · 01-09-2010, 05:44 PM

Hard to believe it has been that long already! All I can say is awesome job GM and thanks to Scott and the Camaro team for seeing the fifth Gen through from concept to production. Can't wait til I get to drive mine off the dealer lot!

01-09-2010, 04:13 PM	#1
fbodfather Drives: Camaros................ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Seven Fields, PA (Pittsburgh) Posts: 4,523	It was 4 years ago today........ It was four years ago today........... .......at the North American International Autoshow in Detroit -- -- That Chevrolet unveiled the Camaro Concept to the world. Many of our fellow Camaro/Firebird Enthusiasts were invited to Detroit to be a part of the unveiling -- and as they can tell you, the Camaro Concept stole the show. I'll never forget watching the faces of so many as the Silver Concept made its way out onto the stage - and then down the aisle -- surrounded by thousands of cheering men and women...... I'll never forget watching a few Chrysler Executives walking over to the Camaro -- and one saying -- (very simply) "Ouch...." It was a great day to be a Camaro guy or gal.......and my email inbox filled very quickly with comments. And nearly every message was the same: "BUILD IT!" followed by "...and it had BETTER look like the concept!!! Don't you DARE screw it up!!!!" I know January 9th, 2006 was a day I will never forget -- Eight months later, in August of 2006, we announced (in front of Camaro/Firebird Enthusiasts at the General Motors Technical Center) that we had just 'green-lighted' the Camaro - and that it would go into production in the 2010 model year. We started work in earnest in September of that year -- Fast forward to today, January 9, 2010 -- and our dreams have been realized. I'm sitting in the Chevy Exhibit as workers frantically rush around getting ready for NAIAS 2010 -- and I'm looking at some Camaros on the floor -- and I still have "Perma-Grin"................ For the seventh month in a row, the new Camaro has outsold Mustang and Challenger combined........ .........and while I want to recognize the date, January 9, 2006 ------- ..........I guess I REALLY want to say 'Thank You' --once again (and I can never do it enough) -- for "Keepin' the Faith" -- It would have been very easy for many of you to simply "abandon ship" -- But you didn't......... Yes, Camaro went on 'Hiatus'........... -- and when it did, a peculiar thing happened: Camaro Enthusiast Events continued to be held -- (and many of you put thousands of hours into bringing us memorable times together....) -- and attendance increased! -- and Websites continued to support us -- (...and I must thank Jason Debler and Chris Frezza for 15 years of hard work in bringing us CamaroZ28.com) -- (...and Jason Ory and his group for a decade of hard work at Z28.com) -- and then there are the hundreds of other Camaro and Camaro/Firebird sites........... And of course, your letters and emails continued to flood into GM Headquarters -- making it clear that we MUST build a 5th gen......... Does every Camaro enthusiast love the new Camaro? .....no, I'm afraid not -- but those that don't are in the minority. Frankly, no matter what design we would have chosen, we know that not everyone's gonna love what they see. But what DOES let me know that the new Camaro hit it's mark is simply this: When you drive the new Camaro, the public treats it like a Rock Star - nearly a YEAR after they hit the road -- and 4 years since the Concept was unveiled. -- and then there are the emails and notes we continue to receive from those who have just taken delivery of a new Camaro........telling us how much they love their new Camaro........and how many of them have become so emotionally attached to their new Camaro.............. In fact, the new Camaro has spurred a whole host of "New" Camaro sites - "moderncamaro.com" "5thgen.org" and "camaro5.com" to name just to name a few......bringing us a whole 'new' set of Camaro enthusiasts............ So...........on behalf of "Team Camaro" -- ..........Thank You -- Thank You -- Thank You -- .................for all you've done for this Legendary Brand........... ........and know that "We aren't done yet!" -- there is much more to come..................... Now - -go hug your Camaro! __________________ Last edited by fbodfather; 01-09-2010 at 06:54 PM.

01-09-2010, 04:20 PM	#3
shawn18 OWTATIME Drives: 1969 CaRaMo Join Date: May 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 3,080	So...........on behalf of "Team Camaro" -- ..........Thank You -- Thank You -- Thank You -- No fbodfather............. Thank You and all of Team Camaro this is not a car its a family member and I am forever grateful for all of the hard work thats went into making this dream a reality __________________

01-09-2010, 04:21 PM	#4
sasquash1984 502 RWHP N/A Drives: The yeti Join Date: May 2009 Location: Saginaw/ Ft Worth TX Posts: 3,085 View My Garage	nice __________________ factory motor factory trans, Gpi ss4 cam stock heads ported and milled, full exhaust, circle d 5c 4000 triple disk, 3:91 rear end with posi mod, cai, bmr derlin rear diff bushins, bmr derlin cradle bushins, bmr trailing arms, toe rods with bushings, and bmr anti extreme sway bar. Weld rt-s 17x5 fronts and 17X10 rears on mickey thompson et street r's

01-09-2010, 04:25 PM	#5
The_Blur Moderator Drives: 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Bob Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 14,768	For as much of an impact as the designers and engineers had at making this a success, it is the responsible, loyal GM insiders who have given so much to their communities that make Camaro5 and other communities so successful. The loyalty we have to the brand reflects the loyalty GM has shown its clientele by offering COPO products years ago, producing performance products like the 1LE at an affordable price, by spending countless hours sharing information with those of us who, despite listening, may never understand, and by coming back to us despite the criticisms returned for an excellent job. It is your peers and you, fbodfather, who have made the Camaro, the Corvette, and every Super Sport great. Without your investment of time in fighting for our product to make production and further investment in our community, there might not be over 21,000 loyal Camaro5 members discussing, speculating, and enhancing GM's newest epic, the fifth generation Camaro. __________________ RDP Motorsport//GEN5DIY//Cultrag Performance//JPSS//Rodgets Chevrolet// Operation Demon//Buy at Invoice//RACECARWEAR RESPECT ALL CARS. LOVE YOUR OWN. warn 145:159 ban

01-09-2010, 04:31 PM	#8
CatiaJockey Drives: 2010 2LT RS Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ocean Springs, Ms Posts: 2,799 View My Garage	A big thanks back atcha Fbod! This car is an outta the ball park home run! __________________

01-09-2010, 04:14 PM	#2
Captain Awesome Account Suspended Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New York Posts: 3,746	Awesome and inspiring, as usual!

01-09-2010, 04:27 PM	#6
ljustin293 Drives: 2010 VR CAMARO 2SS/RS Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: GA Posts: 15,060 View My Garage	very cool, hard to believe it has been 4 years!

01-09-2010, 04:29 PM	#7
zerolm Drives: Ford F-350/ 2SS/RS M6 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Anthony, Fl Posts: 137	1700 Miles and I can honestly say this car has me feeling confident that GM will rise again to it's once enjoyed prominence in the automotive world. This is the first american car my wife and I have purchased since we married (7 years). My wife was sceptical, but I really wanted the car for the "muscle" value. Now she is saying how surprised she is of the fit/finish ride quality etc. "Build it, and they will come". This car to me represents the niche that the american car manufacturer has always dominated and isn't it amazing how if you build what exites people, they will go out and buy it!! I am 37 years old and honestly thought I would never get my chance to stroll down to the local chevrolet dealership and buy my new muscle car I have been drooling over. Thanks to your hard work I was able to and I want to thank you for that. Keep it up and not only will GM be better for it, so will the other american manufacturers, and the country as a whole!!

01-09-2010, 04:41 PM	#9
Moose Moderator Drives: '99 Camaro SS #1392 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Newtown, Pa. Posts: 3,982	I remember seeing the Concept for the first time in '06. My brother and I were invited to N.Y. to see it, and we both just about ran to it! "Thank You" just seems inadequate to me at times...Scott, John, Cheryl, and so many more whom we'll never know/meet have done so much for our beloved Camaro. Because of the Camaro, I've been able to become a part of an incredible group of people. People like Scott just don't "grow on trees", and I feel honored to call him my friend. If you ask me, the Camaro's greatest asset is the people you meet from owning one, the experiences and memories you have from owning one, and the friends you make by owning one. So, I'd like to say, "THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU!" Ed

01-09-2010, 04:43 PM	#10
super60 Built with Pride "Oshawa" Drives: 2011 Chev Silverado Z71 Crew Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Camaro Build Team , Oshawa Posts: 1,445	And everyone here in Oshawa sends a big Thank You to all of the new Camaro owners for keeping the faith. Super60

01-09-2010, 04:57 PM	#11
JoeP@TeamBeckyD Drives: SS,PaceCar,ZL1,1LE,C7Z51,Z06,17-ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Detroit, Mich Posts: 68,623	I can honestly say after 20+ years as a Chevrolet salesperson, I have never gotten so emotionally attached to a car. This cars thrills the soul. Thank you GM for having the guts to do it. Attached Images

01-09-2010, 05:04 PM	#12
Angrybird 12 7 year Cancer Survivor! Drives: 17 Cruze RS, 07 G6 GT, 99 Astro Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 21,546	Although we have only had ours a week, and only got to drive it 3 days before the snow set in, I want to thank Scott and all the Camaro team of engineers and designers along with the Builders of these fine cars for making this old man happy. *JOB WELL DONE!!!* __________________ Cancer's a bitch! Enjoy life while you can! LIVE, LOVE, DRIVE... The Bird is the word!

01-09-2010, 05:44 PM	#14
Class1E Drives: 2010 Camaro SS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Big Lake, MN Posts: 392	Hard to believe it has been that long already! All I can say is awesome job GM and thanks to Scott and the Camaro team for seeing the fifth Gen through from concept to production. Can't wait til I get to drive mine off the dealer lot! __________________

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