A Long Rant, But Some Things To Consider...

[The_Blur]

The new Camaro is an all-around amazing machine. I can't wait to drive one.

[Nickdago]

Originally Posted by boxmonkeyracing

it's an optical illusion if it looks skinnier in back it could be because they widened the middle.

Maybe but there is something different about that rear quarter panel It does not jaunt out as much and the rear tire is thinner as well. It is definantly different I just can not put my finger on it yet but it changes the car and it's stance in the back quite a bit.

[96CAMaro]

Originally Posted by Warghost

I've noticed a few people complaining about some very silly "issues" like the thickness of the rear bumper, the color of the turn signals in the front grill, the non-functional scoop (I refuse to call it a "mail slot"), etc. Yeah, it's unfortunate that some things had to change, but that doesn't change the fact that they had to. There is a reason why we can't all drive exact replicas of the Camaro concept, and that reason is because the government has regulations which force automakers to adhere to certain rules. You should all know by now that the bumper was thickened to protect you and your back seat passengers (like children and infants) from rear-end impacts. Get over it. The turn signals have to be amber because that is what the government has deemed best for safety. If you don't like them, change them.

Regarding the front scoop, I can't help but laugh when people complain about it. Some of the same people who are whining because the production model doesn't look identical to the concept are also unhappy that there's a front scoop. Some people are unhappy because the scoop isn't functional. Who cares? It's an aesthetic feature that was never designed to have a real function. The alternative in Mustangs is a hideous plastic box with a cheesy honeycomb grill that's taped on to the center of the hood. If you're standing closer than 15 feet from the Mustang, you can see a line between the scoop and the hood itself. I think the Camaro's scoop looks great, and it does add character to the car. If you don't like it, then have someone bondo it and re-paint it. Compared to the other performance cars available, there's no comparison in quality and options available.

There are some things that you guy should know before you threaten anyone with buying a Mustang or Challenger, like the fact that the Camaro (in SS V8 form) is getting 23MPG. Now, you should all understand that any car made before 2008 does NOT have an accurate MPG rating. It's not uncommon to see a 20-30% overestimation in the MPG of cars. That means that when your vehicle claims to get 25MPG on the highway, you are probably getting closer to 20MPG. When you add in imperfect road conditions, AC usage, drag from open windows, and heavy-footed acceleration, the estimated MPG claims are null and void. Starting this year all cars are much more accurate with this rating than ever before. So, the SS Camaro has 400-420 HP and still manages to get 23MPG, which is more like what older cars get when they claim to have 27-30MPG. Think about that.

Another thing that I see some people unhappy about is the models that GM is offering for the Camaro. We all want a Z28, and to think we'll never see another one is stupid. Scott has said that the Z28 isn't dead. If you like the Camaro, then buy one! Don't worry about missing out on a Z28. If one comes out, you can trade in your SS. You people do understand this concept, right?

Regarding the option packages available for the car, some of you need to lighten up a bit. Yes, the LED lighting isn't something that's most people consider a must-have feature, but I personally think it's a badass option that I really look forward to having. However, I'm a huge fan of Auto Meter's Cobalt series race gauges, and they are the same color. So, I'm biased. Regardless, if you don't like the interior lighting, turn it off. Don't complain about being given another option that you may want to disable. Some of us are capable of affording luxury options. As far as whether or not the lighting option should have been included with the leather upholstery, you should look at any car manufacturers' options packages. They are all the same, and this is a trend that will continue. My best advice is to convince yourself that you're really gonna love the LED lighting.

Sorry if this post comes off as harsh, but look at how much work went into this car, how hard everyone tried to reintroduce a legend, including a few GM folks who take time out of their day to keep us "in the loop" here on this forum. It seems like some people are being asses just because they're not being catered to. To all of you who feel that way, feel free to buy something other than a Camaro. Just keep in mind that this car is being built better than the competition, and offering the most bang for the buck.

What about the weight ( ) of the Camaro, I need to feel better about the weight ( ).

[Warghost]

Originally Posted by MattG

It's easy to see something as silly when it's not important to you. I would suggest that you don't assume that just because something isn't important to you, that doesn't mean it isn't important at all.

The speedometer displaying digits in increments of 5 instead of 20 is important to me, and there's no reason why GM had to leave spaces between the digits, but they did. And it's too late to change it, so why let it bother you?

I also reeeally liked the rear end that was flatter, like the Corvette. However, I understand why it had to change. I also understand that every car ever made has something, at least one thing that I would want to change. And no car will ever be perfect. Kinda like people I guess.

[Warghost]

Originally Posted by Nickdago

Since were on the topic of changes, can you tell me why they slimmed down the backend of this car from the concept.

They didn't slim the car, they made the cockpit wider on the back end, so adults could fit in the back seat.

[jmliptak]

Originally Posted by 96CAMaro

What about the weight ( ) of the Camaro, I need to feel better about the weight ( ).

DO some research on the new side impact standards and you will find the main culprit. For 2009, you only require side airbags, but after that things get more extensive and require substantial improvements in the structure itself. There is a reason there is going to be 2010 Mustang, because the current version was designed BEFORE those standards. The requirements continue to increase through 2012, so the new Camaro was engineered to meet those requirements today.

[Warghost]

Originally Posted by 96CAMaro

What about the weight ( ) of the Camaro, I need to feel better about the weight ( ).

Errr....uhhh....it's still lighter than the Challenger?

I do share your concerns regarding the weight of the car, but I have always been a firm believer that you get a lot of nice options and bells & whistles with added weight. The Mustang GT hasn't impressed me since 2004, and the interior looks very boring. Still, it's pretty light at 3550lbs. The Challenger is 4150lbs and the interior looks boring (imho), so where's the weight? In the engine. The same goes for the Camaro. The SS engine is a lot bigger than the Mustang GT's, and the interior is more....full.

Also, I think the new Camaro has six airbags, right? I think I remember reading about two knee air bags as well as two should/head curtain bags. And of course the two front airbags.

[Nickdago]

Originally Posted by Warghost

They didn't slim the car, they made the cockpit wider on the back end, so adults could fit in the back seat.

OK. Well I guess that explains the different look. I knew something was way different just could not quite figure it out but that makes sense, although I still do not like it and I would guess that it would not be a look that would change with the SS or Z28 either.

[jmliptak]

Originally Posted by Warghost

Also, I think the new Camaro has six airbags, right? I think I remember reading about two knee air bags as well as two should/head curtain bags. And of course the two front airbags.

All cars will require the side airbags for head protection in 2009 and the side impact requirements increase every year till 2012. The Camaro is designed to meet those standards. The Mustang is built on an older platform and I do not think it is COINCIDENCE that there will be a new model in 2010 which is the year that the side impact requirements go beyond simply having the additional airbags.....

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by Warghost

The same goes for the Camaro. The SS engine is a lot bigger than the Mustang GT's

bigger in displacement, but the dimensions of the engine as a whole probably aren't that different. And the 4.6 in the GT is also sohc and that will add weight. The LS engines are very lightweight considering their power. But the 6.1L hemi is heavy, still an iron block.

[lordfriday2]

i love this post, you're never going to please everyone.. thanks for this information!

[Ctrain24]

Originally Posted by jmliptak

All cars will require the side airbags for head protection in 2009 and the side impact requirements increase every year till 2012. The Camaro is designed to meet those standards. The Mustang is built on an older platform and I do not think it is COINCIDENCE that there will be a new model in 2010 which is the year that the side impact requirements go beyond simply having the additional airbags.....

I won't be giving a shit about a few extra pounds if all those airbags save me some money on my insurance.

[jmliptak]

Originally Posted by Ctrain24

I won't be giving a shit about a few extra pounds if all those airbags save me some money on my insurance.

I agree with you, but as 2009, the protection is required BY LAW. And the requirements keep going up through 2012. I don't care about a few pounds either if they happen to save my life someday.....

[68RS]

I can't disagree more. I think Chevy completely missed the boat on the new Camaro. After all, when they talk about "after-burner tail lights", I thought we would be getting actual twin General Electric General Electric F414 afterburning turbofan engines with 22,000 lbf (85 kN) thrust. I mean, anything less in the Z-28 could not possibly tear the doors off a GT Mustang as you whip past at a ground speed of Mach 1.8.

And no functional air intake? How am I supposed to feed air to those babies? Everyone knows that a jet engine requires massive amounts of air for full engine compression ratios. Am I supposed to get that from the front grill? I need a massive scoop on the front hood of that car.

And then there is the gas cap! You plebs may not have your own KC-135R to refuel your vehicles from the air, but with my large jet engines and my mach 1.8 ground speed, stopping at a gas station is simply out of the question. Moving the gas cap to the side essentially eliimates my inflight refueling options.

And the HUD option? Don't even get my started. Massive readouts to clutter my windshield, no enemy target acquistion option, no audio missle lock confirmation. That whole thing is a complete joke!

Please, with all the new faults of the production Camaro, I'm left with no other option then to simply bite the bullet and call up my local Lockheed Martin rep and buy the F-22. At least HE will listen to my request for some bitchen-ass hockey stripes PAINTED down the side!

Sorry Chevrolet, but you just can't compete in the global arms market. Better luck selling your wimpy butt SS to my grandmother. She can hand knit a doiley to cover up those wimpy things you call in-cabin LED lighting...