A Word about pictures past/present/future....

[Fbodfather]

I've always said that one of the best parts of owning a Camaro is the 'people' part........we are blessed to have so many people who feel so passionate about this great nameplate.

I've spent a lot of time on this (and many other) sites over the past dozen years because I felt that it was important to have the 'pulse' of the enthusiast. I also feel it's appropriate at times to give some hints (wink, wink) and answer questions.

Now -- all that said -- I can also tell you that --at times -- it's been a huge source of frustration as well.

We (that's you and me) need to remember that we (that's you and me) are not the 'end all' of what is and is not Camaro.

I have said in many meetings over the years that those of us within GM that work on Camaro/Firebird/Corvette are but the custodians of the brand.

We are not the brand.

We are the CUSTODIANS of the brand.

And I can tell you that it's something that every person who has worked on -- or is working on -- these brands understands that idea.........

I'd ask everyone on this site to keep the same thing in mind. Yes -- you may be an absolutely "dyed in the wool" enthusiast -- but please understand that while there are things you many not like -- we must keep ALL enthusiasts in mind as we design/engineer/build these wonderful cars.

You may not like, say, a seat fabric -- and that's fine -- but at the same time, 95% of our other enthusiasts may love it or find it acceptable...............in fact, it doesn't take you long on this site or any other site to realize that there is no way we -- or any other manufacturer -- will ever get 100% agreement on anything!

We must balance everything so that the enthusiast will love it -- but so will vast numbers of other people who may not be an enthusiast -- but take one look at a new Camaro and fall in love with it....and just HAVE to have one in their garage.......

Yes -- we'd love to give you a 900 horsepower Camaro that gets 35mpg and has 25 available exterior colors with 20 interior colors -- all for $19,995..........but that is about as realistic as me marrying Sandy Bullock or Daisy Fuentes or Christie Brinkley...........

The Camaro MUST be realistically priced so that most -- if not all -- of you can afford one.........

That's why I constantly ask people to keep a sense of 'decorum' as we (that's you and me) discuss the Camaro (and other cars...)

I'm sorry, but "That looks like *ss" is NOT appropriate for this site or any other (Jason/Chris - correct me if I'm wrong....) ....because, you see -- when you type something like that, you insult many people...and while you may not like it, 80 percent of other enthusiasts may think it's great and like it.

(and please -- to a certain person in the state of Illinois ...please don't post an unscientific survey because of this post.......)

Now....with that said -- I talked with John F. (Fbodfather 2.0) today after the interior pics leaked from the car carrier..........and we both believe it's important to talk about where these cars are in terms of production intent.

As you look at the uncammo'd cars (and yes, we will be posting some other pictures in the near future) -- and as you look at the unauthorized pictures of the interior........PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING IN MIND:

1. None of these mules are anywhere near complete. Most parts are pre-production parts. If I had to assign a 'percentage' -- I'd say the cars are at 65% of production intent........

2. Some of the parts you see aren't even close to what you'll see on the production Camaro. For instance -- if you were to suddenly see a Camaro without the front bra in place -- you'd see some 'horrible' headlamps. There's a good reason for that...the production lamps are not ready - -and as a result - many of the mules have what I call....
" ..hey Joe - go run down to the local autoparts store and grab us a buncha headlamps and then go hot-glue 'em in place on those Camaro mules over there!!!!".........headlamps.............

..........see what I mean? So -- see something that doesn't look right? Hang in there -- it's likely to change!!!

3. Mules are usually painted white for a good reason -- I'll get into that one of these days -- but yes -- we know some of you don't want white -- but we aren't about to paint 'em every shade of the rainbow for testing.....patience, my friend -- patience!

4. Interior pictures are very misleading. As I said above, many of the parts are either pre-production -- 'off the shelf' parts to serve as placeholders -- or hard plastic and used only as a 'stand in.'
(Remember when I said a few weeks ago that the hips didn't disappear? Remember that a few of you didn't believe me? )

Keep something in mind today and tomorrow and next week and next month and next year.........................

........If one of us (John, Cheryl, myself, etc) say something -- we mean it. I plan to be on this and other sites for a long time to come. We don't intentionally lie. That's not our style.


Sooooooooo...............

let's keep the conversation going. Let's keep the faith..... (remember when I said that wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy back in August of 2001 when I said "the Camaro WILL be back??".......

Please -- I'm begging you -- please hold off in final judgement until you see the finished product. If there's something you see that you don't like -- it's OK to discuss -- but let's hold off with the insults -- and let's also respect each others' opinions.

Finally -- you can be ASSURED that the final production Camaro is the most researched and most 'Camaro enthusiast injected' (sorry - couldn't quickly think of how to put that....) Camaro ever.......

.......and when the smoke clears sometime in 2008 -- I think 99% of you are gonna love it. To the other 1% -- sorry -- we tried!

(and NO, the production Camaro will not be at NAIAS -- Bumblebee, however, WILL be there ....and just mebbe wearing a new set of wheels to replace the plastic wheelcovers......)

[NVMY68SS]

Thanks Scott.......I know I'm looking forward to the best Camaro year in several years. This just gets it started with a bang.

[01pewterz28]

Thanks Scott it's a Camaro no matter what people think about it I will have a place for one if not two in my garage parked next to the other Chevrolet vehicles in our family

Sean

[99SilverSS]

So where is the new pics your going to put up? I'll look forward to the wheels on the bumblebee, production looking??

I can't remember a more spy pictured and uncovered car that this Camaro. I've never seen this many pics and ones without camo ever being exposed of any car prior to launch. I'm also shocked at the blantant gal to open the door of the Camaro on the car hauler to see into the interior. I hope it's because of the strong interest in the car but I've never seen it like this.

Thank Mr. Pepper for putting up the picture of the white car to put many fears to rest on the exterior shape.

[cjmatt]

good writeup scott, no matter what, the car wont be as Bad as the 1982 Pacecar!!!

[Morgan SS]

Cant wait to see the finished product

[HooliganZ]

Add me to the list of "patiently anticipating the day that I can drive to the local dealership and pick up my brand new 2010 Camaro Z28"!

[dangalla]

Originally Posted by HooliganZ

Add me to the list of "patiently anticipating the day that I can drive to the local dealership and pick up my brand new 2010 Camaro Z28"!

you must not have gotten the memo, the interior is horrible, no one is buying them anymore

[01pewterz28]

Originally Posted by dangalla

you must not have gotten the memo, the interior is horrible, no one is buying them anymore

Good that means I get both of mine sooner

Like Scott always says "Keep the faith" until a 100% finished product is released "don't judge a book by it's cover" I belive by Sept/October we will all be happy with the finished product.

[willz]

Thanks a lot Scott for always being willing to share what you can. I for one am thrilled. I loved the exterior and interior of the concept, and am so pleased at how well the production car is shaping up, and keeping true to the design. I am confident now that it will be the best looking, best engineered, and best performing Camaro ever, and I'm sure I will love it second only to my much loved '69 Sport Coupe. I plan to have a 2010 stablemate for her and can't wait!

[wildpaws]

Thank you Scott for injecting a much needed dose of reality! I personally am very pleased with what Chevy has done so far on the 2010 Camaro, I'm eagerly awaiting the final production model and the final exterior colors, if the color I really want is not available I'll make do with my favorite standby, a GM red!
Clyde

[Pentatonic]

Let the records show, that I like the interior.

And since when did pony car enthusiasts give that much of a sh*t about interiors? As long as the seat is comfortable and the sound system good, I don't give a rat's ass what the interior looks like. As long as the exterior styling and engine are badass (which it looks like they are on the Camaro), I'll like the car.

And besides, the car is a retro-themed car, what did people expect? A curvy space-age styled interior? C'mon, that wouldn't go...

Some of you people sound like f*cking soccer moms.

"Oh me oh my! Where are the fancy dancy cup-holders for my starbucks coffee? And look at all the plastic! Oh so cheap! "

Send the interior for a damn "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" makeover if you want some post-modern art era mocha-sipping BMW yuppie-ass interior.

[Bob Cosby]

Ok....how's this:

I, personally, do not care for the interior that was shown in the leaked pics of the pre-production car. At all. However, any buying decision won't be made on said pics, and any sane person would of course wait for the final product before making any type of decision. I shall do the same.

Is that PC enough?

Bob

PS....I guess I should qualify "sane"....as there are some that have already put deposits down on a car that haven't seen....but I digress.

[GM98Z]

Scott......TY for the update..............I am also one of the people that can't wait to see the "real" deal!

That being said, I know that there are many working on this "Camaro" to make it the best it can be. I do hope the bean counters do not totally get their way, as they can take something great and make it so so.

I anxiously await the new Camaro and hope to be able to buy one.

Oh and if you can make it a 1le no options that would be great!!!!!

J/K

Gary

[CLEAN]

What is it w/ you and Sandra Bullock? I should have put her on a plane to DTW when I had the chance .