Open Letter from Al Oppenhieser to the Camaro Nation and Ford.

[rayhawk]

Originally Posted by assasinator

one last comment. IF and i say If the gt500 has integrated stability control and traction/launch control, the s197 chasis has already proven to dominate the camaro in racing.


if the new gt500 launches its 650hp the race is over before it starts.

To me, it comes down to physics. A solid axle is a superior configuration for drag racing, hands down. There really is no debate on this. There are a lot of things you can do to an IRS, and it appears the camaro team has done about as good as you can, but it will never be ideal for drag racing.

Corvette guys didn't really care that the LS1 Camaro could easily out launch the Corvette because the image of the Corvette is one of a sports car, not necessarily a drag strip hero. The Camaro, for the first time in its history, does not have an ideal setup for drag racing, and is aiming more to be an all around (although admittedly heavy) sports car.

[Treefrog]

Originally Posted by fbodfather

You don't like that and WE don't like that - but that doesn't matter to our elected officials in Washington.

A lot of folks prolly don't like the CAFE stuff.. I think its great, to an extent, as I can drive my LS3 that makes 420rwhp on the interstate with average speeds ~75mph and get better than 26mpg... The gov can give some good competition too! Just sayin..

and ty fbodfather for your time spent on our forum.. your dedication and passion are not lost here.

[den318]

Originally Posted by MY68RS

What upgrade/updates does your camaro need?

You don't think the Camaro needs any upgrades/update?
How about a little more Power or better suspension so it can beat the 5.0?
How about an update/refresh front end or rear?
How about a lower gearing options or lose a couple pounds?
How about an updated dashboard or interior?
2010,2011,2012 pretty much the same car
Look what Ford did from 2010 to 2013 Mustang.
I am leaning toward a Camaro, but i want an updated one. I want one that can beat the 5.0 on the drag or track. Is that too much to ask?

2010 Camaro kills the 2010 Mustang. What did Ford do....5.0 right back at you. What did Chevy do? Nothing, because Camaro is out selling the Mustang 5.0. Ford is updating the 2013 either further.
2012 ZL1 announced. What did Ford do? I don't think i need to answer that one. I am sure the ZL1 will be the same in 2013 if it is out selling the Gt500.

My point to all this is. It's great to be in 1st place Chevy but it doesn't mean you can relax. You can still make the Camaro better instead of letting Ford steal all your thunder.

[rez333]

Seriously? I don't know why you guys think this is a "classy" letter. It is in fact the opposite. When you wax lyrical about your product, you don't talk about your competitor's product - go read ANY literature from a similar executive of any class leading product and you won't find any mention of the competitor's product.

Comparisons are for journalists - not for the product's executives. Oppenheimer's letter is quite frankly embarrassing, and it is no wonder that other journalists cannot help but mention the GT500 in every segment on the ZL1 in kind.

[assasinator]

Originally Posted by rayhawk

To me, it comes down to physics. A solid axle is a superior configuration for drag racing, hands down. There really is no debate on this. There are a lot of things you can do to an IRS, and it appears the camaro team has done about as good as you can, but it will never be ideal for drag racing.

Corvette guys didn't really care that the LS1 Camaro could easily out launch the Corvette because the image of the Corvette is one of a sports car, not necessarily a drag strip hero. The Camaro, for the first time in its history, does not have an ideal setup for drag racing, and is aiming more to be an all around (although admittedly heavy) sports car.

if you buy a ZL1 and a 2013 GT500 kills you at the stop light, you wont care about all of that handling/image/chasis/IRS. likewise, if you own a 2013GT500 and a ZL1 kills you at the stoplight you will hate it.

you will never race a gt500 at the 'Ring in your life.

[Rice Killer]

Originally Posted by den318

You don't think the Camaro needs any upgrades/update?
How about a little more Power or better suspension so it can beat the 5.0?
How about an update/refresh front end or rear?
How about a lower gearing options or lose a couple pounds?
How about an updated dashboard or interior?
2010,2011,2012 pretty much the same car
Look what Ford did from 2010 to 2013 Mustang.
I am leaning toward a Camaro, but i want an updated one. I want one that can beat the 5.0 on the drag or track. Is that too much to ask?

2010 Camaro kills the 2010 Mustang. What did Ford do....5.0 right back at you. What did Chevy do? Nothing, because Camaro is out selling the Mustang 5.0. Ford is updating the 2013 either further.
2012 ZL1 announced. What did Ford do? I don't think i need to answer that one. I am sure the ZL1 will be the same in 2013 if it is out selling the Gt500.

My point to all this is. It's great to be in 1st place Chevy but it doesn't mean you can relax. You can still make the Camaro better instead of letting Ford steal all your thunder.

I think the Camaro stole the Mustang's thunder so Ford had to imrove their Mustang. The Mustang just caught up to the competition and may have surpassed in a couple areas, but I would say no thunder was stolen. GM will answer to that when they feel necessary, but I don't see a rush.

The Camaro speculatively will be getting a complete redesign in a few model years. I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for them to make any drastic changes before hand. And the Camaro is still pretty fresh, especially compared to the Mustang. The Mustang has used it's D2C platform since 2005. Not relevant to our discussion but before that they used the same Fox platform for 26 years but did see an update in 1994 before they it used for 10 more years. Chevy is slated to switch to the alpha platform when it gets it's redesign, which is said to be smaller, lighter, and just as strong. The zeta platform is from 2006 but was new to the Camaro in 2010. If memory serves, I believe Camaro got an updated version of the platform.

I know Mustang has seen drivetrain, suspension, and cosmetic upgrades. But they are just that, upgrades. I applaud GM for even considering doing a redesign after 5 model years. That's how you stay fresh IMO.

[ffrcobra_65]

Originally Posted by rez333

Seriously? I don't know why you guys think this is a "classy" letter. It is in fact the opposite. When you wax lyrical about your product, you don't talk about your competitor's product - go read ANY literature from a similar executive of any class leading product and you won't find any mention of the competitor's product.

Comparisons are for journalists - not for the product's executives. Oppenheimer's letter is quite frankly embarrassing, and it is no wonder that other journalists cannot help but mention the GT500 in every segment on the ZL1 in kind.

.....kinda what I was trying to say before but I was trying to be "polite" about it. I would hate to be in his shoes if the new GT500 dominates the ZL1. If that happens to be the case, the ZL1 will be my 7th and last Camaro. I simply do not take executive BS to my face. I wish he just said "it doesn't matter what happens, maybe this will happen and maybe that will happen but we at Chevy will continue to pursue whatever it takes to deliver the best pony car money can buy." Seriously, how can an exec make such bold statements when the competition has not shown his full hand yet? 650hp with upgrades to handle that power is nothing to sneeze at.

[Uneducated Guess]

Originally Posted by ffrcobra_65

how can an exec make such bold statements when the competition has now shown his full hand yet

probably because he's an engineer and not an exec.

[radz28]

Originally Posted by ffrcobra_65

.....kinda what I was trying to say before but I was trying to be "polite" about it. I would hate to be in his shoes if the new GT500 dominates the ZL1. If that happens to be the case, the ZL1 will be my 7th and last Camaro. I simply do not take executive BS to my face. I wish he just said "it doesn't matter what happens, maybe this will happen and maybe that will happen but we at Chevy will continue to pursue whatever it takes to deliver the best pony car money can buy." Seriously, how can an exec make such bold statements when the competition has now shown his full hand yet? 650hp with upgrades to handle that power is nothing to sneeze at.

After that challenge - keeping faith blindly, like many have, could prove difficult to continue to do. There is assurance, though, that I'm sure development just won't stop, however, the CAMARO-Faithful could be dealt quite a blow if this backfires...

[Treefrog]

Originally Posted by ffrcobra_65

.....kinda what I was trying to say before but I was trying to be "polite" about it. I would hate to be in his shoes if the new GT500 dominates the ZL1. If that happens to be the case, the ZL1 will be my 7th and last Camaro. I simply do not take executive BS to my face. I wish he just said "it doesn't matter what happens, maybe this will happen and maybe that will happen but we at Chevy will continue to pursue whatever it takes to deliver the best pony car money can buy." Seriously, how can an exec make such bold statements when the competition has now shown his full hand yet? 650hp with upgrades to handle that power is nothing to sneeze at.

Maybe he didn't say it does not matter because it does matter to him. Obviously the man has some feelings on the subject or we would not have heard from him. He clearly stated his faith in his product as he should. I don't question that faith b/c I drive a 2010SS that i consider has more badassery(tm) than any other car I've owned.. If the ZL1 is your 7th Camaro and you have yet to be satisfied, imo, you need to change your verse or at least your forum.

[ffrcobra_65]

Originally Posted by Uneducated Guess

probably because he's an engineer and not an exec.

Al is a CHIEF Engineer at GM..you can bet your A$$ he is an "executive."

[snizzle]

99% of you won't be able to drive these cars to the limit anyway

[ffrcobra_65]

Originally Posted by Treefrog

Maybe he didn't say it does not matter because it does matter to him. Obviously the man has some feelings on the subject or we would not have heard from him. He clearly stated his faith in his product as he should. I don't question that faith b/c I drive a 2010SS that i consider has more badassery(tm) than any other car I've owned.. If the ZL1 is your 7th Camaro and you have yet to be satisfied, imo, you need to change your verse or at least your forum.

You misunderstand me. If the 5th Gen Camaro is the most badass car you have owned, . I am not dissatisfied with the Camaro at all, I am a car enthusiast. Just like I am sure you don't like anyone lying to you or blowing smoke up your bum, a Chief Engineer making such absolute statements when, like I said, Ford has not made known the GT500's true abilities yet...is simply not too smart. Put it this way, say the GT500 craps all ovet Al's ZL1, what the F is he gonna tell us then? Wouldn't it have been better had he taken a more "political" damage control reply? Then later on, at best, he can say "I told you guys!". Then at worst, he doesn't have to back-pedal. By taking the line he took, if his ZL1 eats GT500 dust, will you ever trust anything that comes outta his mouth?

[Uneducated Guess]

Originally Posted by ffrcobra_65

Al is a CHIEF Engineer at GM..you can bet your A$$ he is an "executive."

I know he's Chief Engineer, and I know that it's an executive title. Engineers are a different breed though. Good for him for having faith in the product that he and his team put out and to stand behind it 100% regardless of what the competition unveils.