First Drive Video Review: 2008 Chevrolet Camaro Concept
#1
First Drive Video Review: 2008 Chevrolet Camaro Concept
http://www.caranddriver.com/previews...o-concept.html
Csaba Csere, editor-in-chief, interviews Tom Peters, Camaro design director, during a day of driving this hot concept at GM's proving grounds.
BY TONY QUIROGA
June 2006
Five months have passed since the Camaro concept made its debut. GM has paid attention to the industry’s reaction and given the journalist community its first drive of this hot coupe. Have you been wondering what inspired the comeback, or when it might be put into production? If you have, then click on our video icon above to see that and more.
Some of the most important and captivating debuts of the Los Angeles and Detroit auto shows came from beleaguered automaker General Motors. Chevrolet's Camaro, GM's long-awaited response to the successful 2005 Ford Mustang, arrived at the Detroit show in concept form. Officially, the Camaro is only a design exercise to gauge public reaction, but we believe this pony car is on the fast track to production.
After the Camaro went out of production in 2002, Chevy faithful immediately began creating rumors of its eventual return. Just as the success of the original Mustang spawned a cadre of pony-car imitators, sales of the retro-styled Mustang have generated quite a bit of interest in the segment. Detroit was host to two Mustang competitors, the Dodge Challenger and the Camaro.
Unlike the modern Camaro that bowed out in 2002, the concept Camaro is a car that is clearly inspired by the Camaros of the late 1960s. But the retro look is only skin-deep, as the Camaro has a fully independent suspension, a six-speed manual, and a 400-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 with cylinder deactivation-now known as active fuel management in GM-speak. Speculation about a possible platform centers on GM's rear-drive Zeta architecture that was shelved last year after being deemed too expensive.
Csaba Csere, editor-in-chief, interviews Tom Peters, Camaro design director, during a day of driving this hot concept at GM's proving grounds.
BY TONY QUIROGA
June 2006
Five months have passed since the Camaro concept made its debut. GM has paid attention to the industry’s reaction and given the journalist community its first drive of this hot coupe. Have you been wondering what inspired the comeback, or when it might be put into production? If you have, then click on our video icon above to see that and more.
Some of the most important and captivating debuts of the Los Angeles and Detroit auto shows came from beleaguered automaker General Motors. Chevrolet's Camaro, GM's long-awaited response to the successful 2005 Ford Mustang, arrived at the Detroit show in concept form. Officially, the Camaro is only a design exercise to gauge public reaction, but we believe this pony car is on the fast track to production.
After the Camaro went out of production in 2002, Chevy faithful immediately began creating rumors of its eventual return. Just as the success of the original Mustang spawned a cadre of pony-car imitators, sales of the retro-styled Mustang have generated quite a bit of interest in the segment. Detroit was host to two Mustang competitors, the Dodge Challenger and the Camaro.
Unlike the modern Camaro that bowed out in 2002, the concept Camaro is a car that is clearly inspired by the Camaros of the late 1960s. But the retro look is only skin-deep, as the Camaro has a fully independent suspension, a six-speed manual, and a 400-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 with cylinder deactivation-now known as active fuel management in GM-speak. Speculation about a possible platform centers on GM's rear-drive Zeta architecture that was shelved last year after being deemed too expensive.
#3
Originally Posted by snizzle
This thing is so sweet. I feel like it has to be very close to the concept to be a success though.
Living in the US for 10 yrs now, i have grown alot of respect to the 60-70 Us cars. I think this time perid of cars truly rocked
#5
Bummed, but bring on OU!
Originally Posted by Glyphon
everyone is always saying [insert manufacturer here] stole the rx8 rims! i think that gm for this concept, went to a mazda dealership, and bought 4 rx8 wheels.
Chevy's SS concept car used this style wheel (early 2003).
The Rx-evolve did not.
On a more relevant note. I will buy this car when it is available. It doesn't even have to be identical to the concept. Just keep the independent suspension and power train intact, and give me some of the interior acoutrements from the concept.
They would be better off getting it out for the '08 MY in my opinion, but it'll be a huge hit either way.
Last edited by therm8; 06-22-2006 at 06:52 PM.
#6
Int'l Man of Mystery
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If it has a better seating position than previous Camaros, keeps the IRS and powerplant... I just might be in for this one. Although I do have to note that styling is important... that is the biggest drawback to the GTO for me... if all things were the same, but it looked like this Camaro... I'd easily be all over the GTO (and GM would have had a hard time meeting demand for the car).
#8
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Originally Posted by snizzle
I have a question. Didn't GM shelve Zeta b/c it was too expensive? If so, I hope the Camaro isn't based on that platform.
#9
Go Texas Longhorns!
the concept was actually based on a "STS" that was highly modified. Not sure what platform the realc ar will be built on but it will be very similar to the ones coming out of Holden
#12
Bummed, but bring on OU!
Originally Posted by JeRKy 8 Owner
Half of the new sports cars bought in the US today are retro Mustangs.
GM finally decides to respond 3 years later. Brilliant.
GM finally decides to respond 3 years later. Brilliant.
Right about the time alot of those people will be trading their Mustangs...maybe more brilliant than you give them credit for .
#15
Shakezula, the Mic Rula
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I doubt the 6.0L 400HP V8 will be the base model 8 cyclinder though unless the competition forces that hand.
Obviously it'll look different (example: concept Stang) but hopefully not quite as much.
Obviously it'll look different (example: concept Stang) but hopefully not quite as much.
#17
i pwn therefore i am
With the new look of the Mustang and Camaro I worry about what our mullet-sporting friends will do. I won't go as far to say the new designs are classy, but definately more refined. What will be the new Rustang?
#19
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^you all know I love this car, I love it's rear end...very tough.
I recently heard it might weigh as much as a Mustang GT (which is a disapointment) but if the interior space is better used and the rear seats are respectable I might just HAVE TO get one of these when the time comes.
I got to get my Chevy V8 fix before it's too late....
I recently heard it might weigh as much as a Mustang GT (which is a disapointment) but if the interior space is better used and the rear seats are respectable I might just HAVE TO get one of these when the time comes.
I got to get my Chevy V8 fix before it's too late....
#22
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We all have our different "tastes" hence the reason we see so many married "repulsive" looking men and women walking the streets. BUT, in my opinion, this car is gorgeous, sexy, and as much eye candy as my eyes can stomache.
GM, produce this car, as I have already signed my check.
(oooh, and thin of the aftermarket goodies. )
GM, produce this car, as I have already signed my check.
(oooh, and thin of the aftermarket goodies. )
#23
Shakezula, the Mic Rula
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Originally Posted by theCATALYST
(oooh, and thin of the aftermarket goodies. )
#24
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^AMEN to that, bolt on something and find 50-100 HP WITHOUT FI.
Besides the radio, the 8's aftermarket aint part of it's selling points. Personally, I'd like to keep my 8 and get the new Camaro also but who knows, I just might go the 5psi/Scott Turbo way and keep the 8 for keeps.
Besides the radio, the 8's aftermarket aint part of it's selling points. Personally, I'd like to keep my 8 and get the new Camaro also but who knows, I just might go the 5psi/Scott Turbo way and keep the 8 for keeps.