Did you guys see the pictures of the 09 Camaro? Options

[KeithO]

I don't care what the car looks like. I don't car if it is solid axle or IRS, though I would prefer solid axle.

What I do care about is:
1) Price - the V8 version needs to be around $25k
2) Weight - it needs to weigh less than 3,400

If they get either of these wrong, we just have another GTO. The GTO blew it in both categories above.

[trackbird]

Lots of enthusiasts are clamoring for a solid axle, but we have to be realistic.

I'm realistic, that's why I titled that "wish list"..... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

It's sad that Ford had such good luck with the Mustang that GM feels compelled to show up 4 years late with their version (I mean, hey, the just finally knocked off the PT cruiser....how many years did it take?). Again, I think it's great that they are considering bringing back an F-body. I just wish they were not 4 years behind the trend when they do it. It's a bit of a GM tradition to be "too little, too late" when they do things. It's unfortunate that they keep following what works for everyone else, but by the time they do it, people are getting over that trend. GM keeps boarding up the windows after the hurricane has already hit the beach.....

....this car has to appeal to the masses, and the refinement of IRS, whether actual or just perceived, is important to hooking new buyers as well as getting women buyers, who make up 60% of Mustang sales and who walked away from V6 4th gens in droves.

We need female buyers. I think Karen said it's pretty tough to get out of one of the current cars in a skirt/dress. To fix that, the new car will need to be taller, like a Mustang, and packaged in a more upright sedan chassis (not my choice, but that's the way things are). It needs room for groceries/shopping bags.

Gee, it needs to be a Mustang..... Didn't something like this happen in 1964 1/2?

.....and its going to be retro at this point.

True, but we don't have to buy it (which will promptly kill it again....possibly for good). I refuse to buy a car that I seriously dislike in the name of the "greater good". I'll buy a Corvette (and I've already been looking, I've been considering turning my Camaro into a C5 Z06 or a C6 Z51 car and if it wasn't for the stupid 19" wheels, I'd possibly already own a C6 Z51).

[conemark]

In a word, I'm not too much of a fan of the "retro" theme. In all honesty, I was hoping for a bit more third and fourth generation influence on the design.

Thing I like:
Independent Rear Suspension - Sorry quarter miler's, but that IRS should do wonders to associate the words 'Camaro' and 'sophistication' together. Here's hoping that it's at least decently thought out though.

Seating renditions - In all honesty though, will the "new" F-body see seats as 'wingy' as those?

Also, does anyone think the more upright form may make living with this car a little easier on a day to day basis?


All in all, I can't wait to see what will materialize at the Detroit Auto Show.

[ws6transam]

I'm planning on attending the auto show to check it out in person. I'm thinking that I may even begin stashing a couple hundred bucks away each month until fall of '08 "just in case". I've averaged $250 / mo. for the last six years on mods for the third gen anyway and I'm almost at the bottom of the wish list.

Time to start a new list. Now, what will it be? New Camaro? New Challenger? I'm liking the spy photos for the Challenger more than these clay models. one this is for sure, RWD domestics are not dead yet!

[robz71lm7]

It looks incredibly ghey, IMO. I was sick of the '05 mustang after a month. Retro is dying in my opinon. I predict an overpriced 4K lb car with IRS.

GM is dead.

If they want to make the 4th gen more appealing they need shorter doors and a taller roof line so the car is easier to get in and out of and so people like me can sit upright. IRS? If we get it it would most likely be botched, but it would be nice and is needed if you want it to sell well. Unfotunately nobody will realize that a well engineered solid axle rear suspension is better than a mediocre IRS, so it'll need to be IRS. Remember the guys on LS1Tech that think the reason their car handles poorly is the solid rear axle and not the decarbon's? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[trackbird]

I can save GM a fortune on this thing.

Just re-skin the GTO.

Why? I don't think it's going to sell anyway (without signifigant changes), so why put a fortune into building another GTO (which is where I think they are headed....heavy, bloated, sedan). Just reskin the pig they have and when it doesn't sell, they can kill it off again (and nobody will miss it after going out on such a poor note...or almost nobody).

Not that I have a negative opinion or anything..... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/banghead.gif)

[Chris 96 WS6]

I think the hot rumor is that it IS going to share a chassis with the next GTO. The GTO will be a little larger/longer though.

The concept may very well ride on a current GTO chassis just for the sake of convenience.

[Rob Hood]

Yeesh?!?!? A larger GTO??? That's not good at all!

OTOH, maybe GM could "morph" the existing GTO chassis to accept a lower-slung bodystyle that will allow the engine to remain COMPLETELY visible in the engine compartment.

I'd be OK with an IRS as long as it will withstand LS7-level HP. Otherwise, a real rearend would be better, at least an 8.5" 10-bolt with 30 or 31-spline axles.

And the 1LE package should be ready to win right off the showroom floor. If you're going to a gunfight, don't show up with a knife. Koni DAs, LOTS of spring rate, rear gear options, lots of deleted items, coupe only, killer brakes (w/o going to 18 or 19 inch wheels), etc. The 1LE should be able to run 12.6 or 12.7 off the floor and absolutely destroy the Mustang on the road course. And for that matter, a WRX or Evo as well.

[rmackintosh]

...don't know why all you guys are complainin' about being able to SEE THE ENTIRE ENGINE of your cars.....I CAN...












.....of course that required cutting off about 7 inches off of the cowl.....I LOVE IT NOW.....I can reach AND touch the back of the motor with my hands now.... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) :leaving:

[Absolut Speed]

I'm realistic, that's why I titled that "wish list".....

That whole post is dead on Kevin.