The 2010 Camaro Super FAQ to answer all questions!
08-20-2006 | 06:26 PM
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The 2010 Camaro Super FAQ to answer all questions!
FACTS
GM memo to dealers regarding 5th Gen
RUMORS / SPECULATION / NOT FACTS YET
When will the car be on sale?
Production starts late 2008. So my guess is that that will be scattered across dealerships in late 2008, but it's safe to say first quarter of 2009 is when they'll be widely available.
Where will the car be built?
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. For those crying that it won't be built in the US, please note that Oshawa is one of GM's highest quality plants, which in turn will make for a better Camaro.
Any words on pricing?
Bob Lutz has stated himself he wants to keep pricing as close to the competition as possible (This being the Mustang).
I haven't seen a convertible yet, will there be one available?
A 'vert is rumored to show up some time in the 2007 auto show season. If one makes it too production, it likely that it wouldn't be available several months after production has started.
Will there be a Firebird?
UNlikely. The GTO is expected to take over as Pontiac's halo car. It's a better bet for Pontiac, since it will be the larger, more "upscale" RWD V8 coupe. Thus, not competing with the Camaro.
For more information, see these threads:
http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=453914
http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=537798
What are rumored engine options?
There have been several engines thrown out there for use in the Camaro. The only thing we know is that these engines are NOT in production now.
Rumored:
3.6 Direct Injection DOHC V6
6.2 LS3 (Due to replace the LS2 next year as GM's standard RWD V8 performance engine, aka Corvette engine)
Supercharged 6.2 - Not much is known about the engine other than there will be a positive displacement blower sitting on top of the LS3
Will the Camaro have the 6 speed AUTOMATIC transmission?
Since the 4 speed is supposed to be phased out over the next couple years, its a safe bet that the A6 will be the tranmission behind the LS3.
What will be car trim levels?
Base Camaro featuring the V6. The SS will likely be the base V8. With the Z28 returning as the top level road course king
How much change from concept to production are we going to see?
No one knows as of yet. Scott says we're likely to see the width turned down a bit. (The concepts width is 78 inches, compared with 74 inches of the 3rd/4th gens, and 72 inches of the first gens.)
Bob Lutz himself also said we are likely to see smaller wheels. (18s, 19s standard). A toned down interior, and likely a higher roofline.
How much will the car weigh?
Again, another question with no certainty. The target weight is around 3500lbs. Due to future government regulations regarding safety and gas mileage, don't be suprised if they weigh in around 3600-3700lbs.
What other cars are likely to share the same platform
We will probably see the Impala, GTO, A Chevy GTO (Larger V8 Coupe), Cadillac DTS, Buick Lucerne.
----
Anything anyone would like to add, change, delete? I figured this could be used to cut back on the repetitive threads we will likely be seeing in the future.
GM memo to dealers regarding 5th Gen
Date: June 29, 2007
To: All Chevrolet Dealers
From: Ed Peper
Subject: Chevrolet Camaro
As evident from our current sales event, the upcoming “Transformers” movie is expected to create a lot of buzz for Chevrolet. One of the movie stars who will help create the "buzz" is the Chevrolet Camaro "Bumblebee". The Camaro “Bumblebee” plays a huge role in the movie; and as a result, you may get a number of inquiries from customers regarding the Camaro.
At the conclusion of this letter you will find a list of frequently asked questions and answers that were developed around Camaro's appearance in the movie. In addition to these questions and answers, there are a couple of other Camaro points that have been announced to the public that everyone should be familiar with:
•The Chevy Camaro Coupe will be available for sale in the first quarter of 2009.
•The Chevy Camaro Convertible will be available for sale within one year of the Coupe.
•Customers will be able to choose from a V6 or V8 engine and a manual or automatic transmission.
•Camaro will incorporate an independent rear suspension.
•Production will take place in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
Everyone within General Motors shares in the excitement and anticipation for Camaro's re-entry in to the Chevrolet line-up -- and the movie will only add to that anticipation. It would be great if all the details regarding the Camaro could be announced today; however, given that actual retail production will not begin for well over a year away, it would be competitively unwise to share further details at this time.
If you seek more information about Camaro, "chevylaunch.com" has been updated with previously issued press releases and Camaro Concept Convertible Hero Card. "Chevylaunch.com" will be the primary distribution point for future Camaro announcements to our dealer and wholesale members.
If you have customers seeking information, please direct them to “Chevy.com” or “ChevyNation.com.” Under the "Clubhouse" section of ChevyNation, customers can learn about the history of the Camaro, and various activities leading up to Camaro's start of production. Both sites offer customers a section to sign up for Camaro Hero Card and the opportunity to “stay-in-touch” with Camaro’s development.
The “Transformers” movie provides a great opportunity to start a new relationship with customers seeking the Camaro. Let’s use this opportunity to sell not only a Camaro in 2009, but a current Chevrolet car or truck -- let’s transform some rides now!!!
Sincerely,
Ed J. Peper, Jr.
General Manager
Chevrolet Motor Division
Q. Why is the Chevy Camaro concept starring in the Transformers movie?
A. Camaro is starring in Transformers to keep up the excitement that was first generated at its unveiling in 2006. The Transformers movie will also help the new Camaro gather new fans – women, just as likely as young men. The movie uses the latest graphic, computer-animated detail to visualize the old Camaro transforming into the Camaro concept in a way that no press conference or ad campaign ever could. It’s a powerful way to link the upcoming Camaro to a Camaro of old and tie in the lengthy Camaro heritage for consumers.
Q. Is there a rich heritage surrounding Camaro?
A. Since it roared to life in the fall of 1966, Camaro has given millions a taste of “performance – American style,” with muscular V8s, great road-handling suspension components, and uncompromised styling that really turns heads. And after 35 years, Camaro remains the “purest of the breed” and part of the great American motoring landscape. Camaro has touched many lives – and graced many garages – with nearly 4.8 million produced between 1967 and 2002. More than 1,000 Camaro clubs exist globally and thousands of Camaro web sites pay homage to the sports coupe.
Q. When will the Camaro production vehicle be available for sale to the public?
A. The Camaro production vehicle will be available for sale in the first quarter of 2009.
Q. Why is the Camaro taking so long to launch? Is it late?
A. Back in August of 2006, GM announced that the all-new Camaro will go sale in the first quarter of 2009. Nothing has changed. This is still the target date for production. GM is using this timeframe to further develop its new global rear-wheel-drive architecture and fine tune Camaro’s fuel-efficient powertrain, sophisticated chassis and contemporary design.
Q. Was a production Camaro the plan from the beginning?
A. Camaro production is a direct result of the overwhelming enthusiastic response to the Chevy Camaro concept at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The concept vehicle has spurred consumers to start petitioning drives and begin sending in certified checks in hopes of placing early deposits.
Q. What performance features and engines will be offered in the Camaro production vehicle?
A. The Camaro production vehicle will incorporate an independent rear suspension and offer a manual and automatic transmission. Customers will be able to choose from a V6 engine or a V8 engine to power their production Camaro. Horsepower ratings have yet to be announced for the production Camaro. The Camaro concept houses a small-block V8 engine, rated at 400 horsepower. More Camaro production features will be announced in the future.
Q. Will there be a production Camaro convertible?
A. Yes, there will be a production Camaro convertible. It will be available for sale within one year of the production Camaro coupe.
Q. Where will the production Camaro be built?
A. Production will take place in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
Q. Has pricing been announced for the production Camaro?
A. Pricing for the production Camaro has yet to be announced.
Q. Are vehicles like the production Camaro compatible with growing concerns about fuel economy?
A. GM offers a wide range of fuel saving technologies. Although it is too early for specifics regarding the Camaro production vehicle, it’s safe to say that Chevrolet and GM are continuing to look for ways to improve fuel economy and offer the latest fuel saving technologies. The Camaro production vehicle is being designed with fuel economy concerns in mind.
Q. What vehicles will the production Camaro compete against?
A. Customers interested in the Camaro production vehicle will also be shopping the Ford Mustang and the new 2008 Dodge Challenger. The Camaro production vehicle will be designed to hold a number of product advantages over this competition and surely be able to hold its own against any high-performance competitor out there.
To: All Chevrolet Dealers
From: Ed Peper
Subject: Chevrolet Camaro
As evident from our current sales event, the upcoming “Transformers” movie is expected to create a lot of buzz for Chevrolet. One of the movie stars who will help create the "buzz" is the Chevrolet Camaro "Bumblebee". The Camaro “Bumblebee” plays a huge role in the movie; and as a result, you may get a number of inquiries from customers regarding the Camaro.
At the conclusion of this letter you will find a list of frequently asked questions and answers that were developed around Camaro's appearance in the movie. In addition to these questions and answers, there are a couple of other Camaro points that have been announced to the public that everyone should be familiar with:
•The Chevy Camaro Coupe will be available for sale in the first quarter of 2009.
•The Chevy Camaro Convertible will be available for sale within one year of the Coupe.
•Customers will be able to choose from a V6 or V8 engine and a manual or automatic transmission.
•Camaro will incorporate an independent rear suspension.
•Production will take place in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
Everyone within General Motors shares in the excitement and anticipation for Camaro's re-entry in to the Chevrolet line-up -- and the movie will only add to that anticipation. It would be great if all the details regarding the Camaro could be announced today; however, given that actual retail production will not begin for well over a year away, it would be competitively unwise to share further details at this time.
If you seek more information about Camaro, "chevylaunch.com" has been updated with previously issued press releases and Camaro Concept Convertible Hero Card. "Chevylaunch.com" will be the primary distribution point for future Camaro announcements to our dealer and wholesale members.
If you have customers seeking information, please direct them to “Chevy.com” or “ChevyNation.com.” Under the "Clubhouse" section of ChevyNation, customers can learn about the history of the Camaro, and various activities leading up to Camaro's start of production. Both sites offer customers a section to sign up for Camaro Hero Card and the opportunity to “stay-in-touch” with Camaro’s development.
The “Transformers” movie provides a great opportunity to start a new relationship with customers seeking the Camaro. Let’s use this opportunity to sell not only a Camaro in 2009, but a current Chevrolet car or truck -- let’s transform some rides now!!!
Sincerely,
Ed J. Peper, Jr.
General Manager
Chevrolet Motor Division
Q. Why is the Chevy Camaro concept starring in the Transformers movie?
A. Camaro is starring in Transformers to keep up the excitement that was first generated at its unveiling in 2006. The Transformers movie will also help the new Camaro gather new fans – women, just as likely as young men. The movie uses the latest graphic, computer-animated detail to visualize the old Camaro transforming into the Camaro concept in a way that no press conference or ad campaign ever could. It’s a powerful way to link the upcoming Camaro to a Camaro of old and tie in the lengthy Camaro heritage for consumers.
Q. Is there a rich heritage surrounding Camaro?
A. Since it roared to life in the fall of 1966, Camaro has given millions a taste of “performance – American style,” with muscular V8s, great road-handling suspension components, and uncompromised styling that really turns heads. And after 35 years, Camaro remains the “purest of the breed” and part of the great American motoring landscape. Camaro has touched many lives – and graced many garages – with nearly 4.8 million produced between 1967 and 2002. More than 1,000 Camaro clubs exist globally and thousands of Camaro web sites pay homage to the sports coupe.
Q. When will the Camaro production vehicle be available for sale to the public?
A. The Camaro production vehicle will be available for sale in the first quarter of 2009.
Q. Why is the Camaro taking so long to launch? Is it late?
A. Back in August of 2006, GM announced that the all-new Camaro will go sale in the first quarter of 2009. Nothing has changed. This is still the target date for production. GM is using this timeframe to further develop its new global rear-wheel-drive architecture and fine tune Camaro’s fuel-efficient powertrain, sophisticated chassis and contemporary design.
Q. Was a production Camaro the plan from the beginning?
A. Camaro production is a direct result of the overwhelming enthusiastic response to the Chevy Camaro concept at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The concept vehicle has spurred consumers to start petitioning drives and begin sending in certified checks in hopes of placing early deposits.
Q. What performance features and engines will be offered in the Camaro production vehicle?
A. The Camaro production vehicle will incorporate an independent rear suspension and offer a manual and automatic transmission. Customers will be able to choose from a V6 engine or a V8 engine to power their production Camaro. Horsepower ratings have yet to be announced for the production Camaro. The Camaro concept houses a small-block V8 engine, rated at 400 horsepower. More Camaro production features will be announced in the future.
Q. Will there be a production Camaro convertible?
A. Yes, there will be a production Camaro convertible. It will be available for sale within one year of the production Camaro coupe.
Q. Where will the production Camaro be built?
A. Production will take place in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
Q. Has pricing been announced for the production Camaro?
A. Pricing for the production Camaro has yet to be announced.
Q. Are vehicles like the production Camaro compatible with growing concerns about fuel economy?
A. GM offers a wide range of fuel saving technologies. Although it is too early for specifics regarding the Camaro production vehicle, it’s safe to say that Chevrolet and GM are continuing to look for ways to improve fuel economy and offer the latest fuel saving technologies. The Camaro production vehicle is being designed with fuel economy concerns in mind.
Q. What vehicles will the production Camaro compete against?
A. Customers interested in the Camaro production vehicle will also be shopping the Ford Mustang and the new 2008 Dodge Challenger. The Camaro production vehicle will be designed to hold a number of product advantages over this competition and surely be able to hold its own against any high-performance competitor out there.
RUMORS / SPECULATION / NOT FACTS YET
When will the car be on sale?
Production starts late 2008. So my guess is that that will be scattered across dealerships in late 2008, but it's safe to say first quarter of 2009 is when they'll be widely available.
Where will the car be built?
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. For those crying that it won't be built in the US, please note that Oshawa is one of GM's highest quality plants, which in turn will make for a better Camaro.
Any words on pricing?
Bob Lutz has stated himself he wants to keep pricing as close to the competition as possible (This being the Mustang).
I haven't seen a convertible yet, will there be one available?
A 'vert is rumored to show up some time in the 2007 auto show season. If one makes it too production, it likely that it wouldn't be available several months after production has started.
Will there be a Firebird?
UNlikely. The GTO is expected to take over as Pontiac's halo car. It's a better bet for Pontiac, since it will be the larger, more "upscale" RWD V8 coupe. Thus, not competing with the Camaro.
1. Will the Firebird Return?
If you mean as a clone of the Camaro, nope.
A few people from GM have weighed in on this since the concept came out last January. Although the common thread is never say never, the thing that comes through is that IF GM used the Firebird name, it would be on a car very different from the Camaro.
2. Will the Trans Am name ever return?
To paraphrase Chris Tucker, not only no, but H*LL NO!!!
The problem as mentioned is that the Trans Am name is owned by the SCCA (www.SCCA.org). To make a long story short, John Delorean who had a habit of stealing race course names to apply to Pontiacs earned GM a threatened lawsuit when the Trans Am name was used on a Firebird appearence package. GM settled by giving $5 to the SCCA for each Trans Am sold. GM tried to get out of the deal when the 3rd gen Firebirds came out by naming the performance version T/A, which was dropped when the SCCA again threatened legal action, and GM decided using the full name & paying $5 per car was easier and cheaper than tying up their legal department when there was bigger fish to fry.
With the lapse in production, GM would have to renegotiate the useage of the Trans Am name with the SCCA, who will no doubt demand alot more than $5 per car. After 40 years of inflation and an equally long amount of built up fans, not to mention being locked to a $5 royalty that became relatively worthless by the time "Smokey and the Bandit" came out (we had runaway inflation in the 70s), you can't blame them. With all the other names GM owns and can create, GM would probally rather stick forks in their eyes than give away money to use the Trans Am name again.
To top it off, Pontiac no more wants to be associated with the historic Pontiac Trans Ams any more than Buick wants to be associated with Grand Nationals (another revenue negative name that has zero chance of returning).
3. What is the most likely way the Firebird name will return?
As a mid sized, G6 sedan replacement........ relax, I'm just kidding.
In order, first most likely the Firebird will be a sports coupe version spinoff of GM's upcoming small RWD architecture the way Camaro is a spinoff of Kappa. The next most likely candidate is a GTO-like car based on Camaro. Basically a high content, low-to-no option car that would start well into the $30K range. The $32,000 WS6 Trans Am was the most popular Firebird while the cheap Formula LS1 barely sold 1000 cars it's final year. Firebird customers have been far more willing to pay almost ridiculous amounts of money compared to the prices on the same car in Camaro showrooms.
4. Is it possible that if the Camaro is a success, then Pontiac will have a Firebird the following year or 2 later?
Only in the minds of 2nd tier car rags and never-say-die Pontiac enthusiasts..... as if GM would make a Camaro if they didn't expect it to be a success.
If the coupe market Exploded (as in with a capital "E"!), then we have an entirely different set of circumstances. But even then, expecting a Camaro with a Pontiac nose grafted on and new tail lights ala previous Firebirds and marketed to people who want a "Pontiac Camaro", again isn't going to happen. We'd probally see an upmarket coupe with a different personality and different pricing as I mentioned.
Also, it takes at least 18 months from approval to get a car to showrooms. No automaker is going to bring out a new vehicle, sit around and wait for the 1st year figures, then bring out a model the following year. Anything that comes out within a 2 year timeframe was already planned.
In short, whatever Camaro spinoff that comes along 1 to 2 years later didn't come along simply because anyone waited to see how Camaro would sell.
If you mean as a clone of the Camaro, nope.
A few people from GM have weighed in on this since the concept came out last January. Although the common thread is never say never, the thing that comes through is that IF GM used the Firebird name, it would be on a car very different from the Camaro.
2. Will the Trans Am name ever return?
To paraphrase Chris Tucker, not only no, but H*LL NO!!!
The problem as mentioned is that the Trans Am name is owned by the SCCA (www.SCCA.org). To make a long story short, John Delorean who had a habit of stealing race course names to apply to Pontiacs earned GM a threatened lawsuit when the Trans Am name was used on a Firebird appearence package. GM settled by giving $5 to the SCCA for each Trans Am sold. GM tried to get out of the deal when the 3rd gen Firebirds came out by naming the performance version T/A, which was dropped when the SCCA again threatened legal action, and GM decided using the full name & paying $5 per car was easier and cheaper than tying up their legal department when there was bigger fish to fry.
With the lapse in production, GM would have to renegotiate the useage of the Trans Am name with the SCCA, who will no doubt demand alot more than $5 per car. After 40 years of inflation and an equally long amount of built up fans, not to mention being locked to a $5 royalty that became relatively worthless by the time "Smokey and the Bandit" came out (we had runaway inflation in the 70s), you can't blame them. With all the other names GM owns and can create, GM would probally rather stick forks in their eyes than give away money to use the Trans Am name again.
To top it off, Pontiac no more wants to be associated with the historic Pontiac Trans Ams any more than Buick wants to be associated with Grand Nationals (another revenue negative name that has zero chance of returning).
3. What is the most likely way the Firebird name will return?
As a mid sized, G6 sedan replacement........ relax, I'm just kidding.
In order, first most likely the Firebird will be a sports coupe version spinoff of GM's upcoming small RWD architecture the way Camaro is a spinoff of Kappa. The next most likely candidate is a GTO-like car based on Camaro. Basically a high content, low-to-no option car that would start well into the $30K range. The $32,000 WS6 Trans Am was the most popular Firebird while the cheap Formula LS1 barely sold 1000 cars it's final year. Firebird customers have been far more willing to pay almost ridiculous amounts of money compared to the prices on the same car in Camaro showrooms.
4. Is it possible that if the Camaro is a success, then Pontiac will have a Firebird the following year or 2 later?
Only in the minds of 2nd tier car rags and never-say-die Pontiac enthusiasts..... as if GM would make a Camaro if they didn't expect it to be a success.
If the coupe market Exploded (as in with a capital "E"!), then we have an entirely different set of circumstances. But even then, expecting a Camaro with a Pontiac nose grafted on and new tail lights ala previous Firebirds and marketed to people who want a "Pontiac Camaro", again isn't going to happen. We'd probally see an upmarket coupe with a different personality and different pricing as I mentioned.
Also, it takes at least 18 months from approval to get a car to showrooms. No automaker is going to bring out a new vehicle, sit around and wait for the 1st year figures, then bring out a model the following year. Anything that comes out within a 2 year timeframe was already planned.
In short, whatever Camaro spinoff that comes along 1 to 2 years later didn't come along simply because anyone waited to see how Camaro would sell.
http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=453914
http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=537798
What are rumored engine options?
There have been several engines thrown out there for use in the Camaro. The only thing we know is that these engines are NOT in production now.
Rumored:
3.6 Direct Injection DOHC V6
6.2 LS3 (Due to replace the LS2 next year as GM's standard RWD V8 performance engine, aka Corvette engine)
Supercharged 6.2 - Not much is known about the engine other than there will be a positive displacement blower sitting on top of the LS3
Will the Camaro have the 6 speed AUTOMATIC transmission?
Since the 4 speed is supposed to be phased out over the next couple years, its a safe bet that the A6 will be the tranmission behind the LS3.
What will be car trim levels?
Base Camaro featuring the V6. The SS will likely be the base V8. With the Z28 returning as the top level road course king
How much change from concept to production are we going to see?
No one knows as of yet. Scott says we're likely to see the width turned down a bit. (The concepts width is 78 inches, compared with 74 inches of the 3rd/4th gens, and 72 inches of the first gens.)
Bob Lutz himself also said we are likely to see smaller wheels. (18s, 19s standard). A toned down interior, and likely a higher roofline.
How much will the car weigh?
Again, another question with no certainty. The target weight is around 3500lbs. Due to future government regulations regarding safety and gas mileage, don't be suprised if they weigh in around 3600-3700lbs.
What other cars are likely to share the same platform
We will probably see the Impala, GTO, A Chevy GTO (Larger V8 Coupe), Cadillac DTS, Buick Lucerne.
----
Anything anyone would like to add, change, delete? I figured this could be used to cut back on the repetitive threads we will likely be seeing in the future.
Last edited by DrewSG; 08-21-2006 at 04:30 AM.
08-20-2006 | 06:36 PM
#2
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,028
From: Chicago, IL
Re: The Camaro Super FAQ to answer all questions?
good post.. a lot of speculation there.. but i think this is worthy of a sticky.. to be updated as we learn more and more information over the next couple of years
08-20-2006 | 07:01 PM
#3
Admin Emeritus
Joined: Dec 1997
Posts: 11,157
From: Nashville, TN area
Re: The Camaro Super FAQ to answer all questions?
Awesome, thanks. Stuck. Edit it as necessary.
08-21-2006 | 05:02 PM
#4
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 206
Re: The Camaro Super FAQ to answer all questions?
Originally Posted by DrewSG
What will be car trim levels?
Base Camaro featuring the V6. The SS will likely be the base V8. With the Z28 returning as the top level road course king
Base Camaro featuring the V6. The SS will likely be the base V8. With the Z28 returning as the top level road course king
08-21-2006 | 05:43 PM
#5
Registered User
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 61
From: London, Ontario, Canada
Re: The Camaro Super FAQ to answer all questions?
Originally Posted by dacook
Why would they reverse Z28 & SS levels from what was done before? SS was always a step up from Z28.
08-21-2006 | 07:08 PM
#6
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 250
Re: The Camaro Super FAQ to answer all questions?
Ok, here's one of the best write-ups I've found on the SS/Z28 argument. There's a lot more to this. If you want to read the whole thing or look at particular years, check out:
This is purely my opinion, but I think the SS was the popular option while based on the upgrades listed below, the Z28 was the performance option. This was not the case in later years, due in part to the SLP or GMMG upgrades to the SS cars. I believe that if it was researched enough, we would probably see that the 4th gen SS cars included the Z28 package options.
http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z167/default.aspx
When the car was introduced in 1967, it was available in two bodystyles, a coupe and convertible. It shared many mechanics with the Chevrolet Nova and built atop a unibody chassis. The base engine was a 3.7 liter inline-six cylinder capable of producing 140 horsepower. Power was sent to the rear wheels courtesy of a Saginaw three-speed manual gearbox. A Muncie four-speed manual and a two-speed PowerGlide automatic were offered as optional equipment. Near the end of 1967, a Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 became available on the SS396. In 1969 the TH350 was offered on the Camaro as optional equipment, in place of the PowerGlide which was no longer offered. 14 inch wheels were standard.
To compete in the pony-car arena, General Motors offered a 5.7 liter eight-cylinder engine in 1967 that produced nearly 300 horsepower.
The Camaro was highly customizable, with over seventy factory and forty dealer options available. the z28 option was not mentioned in the sales literature so many buyers were unaware of its existence. Due to the lack of press about the Z28 option, only 602 examples were produced. The package included many performance enhancements such as a 4.9 liter small-block engine, front disc brakes, Muncie 4-speed gearbox, suspension improvements, 15 inch Rallye wheels, and power steering. The aesthetics of the vehicle were segregated from the other Camaro's with racing stripes being placed on the hood. The Z28 package was offered by GM specifically to comply with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans Am racing series that required an engine size of five-liters or less. Also, the vehicle must be sold to the general public.
The SS (Super Sport) package included many performance and aesthetic upgrades and was popular with more than 34400 examples created. Under the hood was a 5.7 liter eight-cylinder engine with a 6.5 liter big-block offered as optional equipment in 1968. On the grille, horn button, and gas cap were SS badging. Non-functional air-inlets adorned the front hood.
The RS (Rally Sport) package was basically a cosmetic upgrade. The headlights were hidden, the taillights received minor alterations, and the exterior rocker trim was revised. RS badging could be seen throughout the vehicle. This was the most popular option ordered in 1967 with over 64840 examples produced.
The RS and SS packages could be ordered together, creating the RS/SS Camaro. The combination included both the aesthetics of the RS and the performance of the SS. A Camaro RS/SS convertible with a 6.5 liter engine paced the Indianapolis 500 race in 1967.
With over 220900 examples produced in 1967, the Camaro proved to General Motors that the public was starved for small, performance, pony-cars.
In 1968 the Camaro received minor aesthetic and mechanical improvements. Side market lights were added, the grille became more pointed, and the taillights were now segregated. The side vent windows were removed. Performance was improved slightly by the staggering of the shock absorbers. On some of the models, the single-leafs were replaced by multi-leaf springs.
Buyers became aware of the Z28 package in 1968 and ordered nearly 72000 examples. The RS continued to be the most popular option with 40977 examples produced. The SS accounted for 27884 of the 235147 total Camaro's produced in 1968.
For 1969 the Camaro became safer and faster. General Motors mandated that the Camaro could not come from the factory with engines larger than 6.6 liters. To bypass this rule dealerships such as Yenko Chevrolet, Dana Chevrolet, and Nickey Chevrolet offered the Camaro with the 7 liter, big-block, L-27 corvette engine producing 425 horsepower. These performance options became so popular that in 1969 Chevrolet began offering two Central Office Production Orders (COPO) options, numbers 9560 and 9561. The COPO 9561 option included the L-72 Corvette engine. In total, there were 1015 Camaros equipped with the L-72 Corvette engine.
The COPO 9560 option included a 7-liter, big-block, ZL-1 engine. The engine was constructed of aluminum to help reduce the overall weight. The engine was reported to have produced around 430 gross horsepower but in reality it was closer to 550. With only 69 examples produced it is one of the rarest and fastest of all Chevrolet Camaros.
Most of the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro mechanics remained unchanged. The aesthetics was a different story. The grille was redesigned and the headlights now sat farther back adding to the aggressive features of the car. Newly reshaped door, rear quarter panel, and rear valence gave the 1969 Camaro a smooth, low, and wide stance. The production of the 1969 Camaro, which continued into December of 1969, was the final year for the first generation Camaro.
This is purely my opinion, but I think the SS was the popular option while based on the upgrades listed below, the Z28 was the performance option. This was not the case in later years, due in part to the SLP or GMMG upgrades to the SS cars. I believe that if it was researched enough, we would probably see that the 4th gen SS cars included the Z28 package options.
http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z167/default.aspx
When the car was introduced in 1967, it was available in two bodystyles, a coupe and convertible. It shared many mechanics with the Chevrolet Nova and built atop a unibody chassis. The base engine was a 3.7 liter inline-six cylinder capable of producing 140 horsepower. Power was sent to the rear wheels courtesy of a Saginaw three-speed manual gearbox. A Muncie four-speed manual and a two-speed PowerGlide automatic were offered as optional equipment. Near the end of 1967, a Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 became available on the SS396. In 1969 the TH350 was offered on the Camaro as optional equipment, in place of the PowerGlide which was no longer offered. 14 inch wheels were standard.
To compete in the pony-car arena, General Motors offered a 5.7 liter eight-cylinder engine in 1967 that produced nearly 300 horsepower.
The Camaro was highly customizable, with over seventy factory and forty dealer options available. the z28 option was not mentioned in the sales literature so many buyers were unaware of its existence. Due to the lack of press about the Z28 option, only 602 examples were produced. The package included many performance enhancements such as a 4.9 liter small-block engine, front disc brakes, Muncie 4-speed gearbox, suspension improvements, 15 inch Rallye wheels, and power steering. The aesthetics of the vehicle were segregated from the other Camaro's with racing stripes being placed on the hood. The Z28 package was offered by GM specifically to comply with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans Am racing series that required an engine size of five-liters or less. Also, the vehicle must be sold to the general public.
The SS (Super Sport) package included many performance and aesthetic upgrades and was popular with more than 34400 examples created. Under the hood was a 5.7 liter eight-cylinder engine with a 6.5 liter big-block offered as optional equipment in 1968. On the grille, horn button, and gas cap were SS badging. Non-functional air-inlets adorned the front hood.
The RS (Rally Sport) package was basically a cosmetic upgrade. The headlights were hidden, the taillights received minor alterations, and the exterior rocker trim was revised. RS badging could be seen throughout the vehicle. This was the most popular option ordered in 1967 with over 64840 examples produced.
The RS and SS packages could be ordered together, creating the RS/SS Camaro. The combination included both the aesthetics of the RS and the performance of the SS. A Camaro RS/SS convertible with a 6.5 liter engine paced the Indianapolis 500 race in 1967.
With over 220900 examples produced in 1967, the Camaro proved to General Motors that the public was starved for small, performance, pony-cars.
In 1968 the Camaro received minor aesthetic and mechanical improvements. Side market lights were added, the grille became more pointed, and the taillights were now segregated. The side vent windows were removed. Performance was improved slightly by the staggering of the shock absorbers. On some of the models, the single-leafs were replaced by multi-leaf springs.
Buyers became aware of the Z28 package in 1968 and ordered nearly 72000 examples. The RS continued to be the most popular option with 40977 examples produced. The SS accounted for 27884 of the 235147 total Camaro's produced in 1968.
For 1969 the Camaro became safer and faster. General Motors mandated that the Camaro could not come from the factory with engines larger than 6.6 liters. To bypass this rule dealerships such as Yenko Chevrolet, Dana Chevrolet, and Nickey Chevrolet offered the Camaro with the 7 liter, big-block, L-27 corvette engine producing 425 horsepower. These performance options became so popular that in 1969 Chevrolet began offering two Central Office Production Orders (COPO) options, numbers 9560 and 9561. The COPO 9561 option included the L-72 Corvette engine. In total, there were 1015 Camaros equipped with the L-72 Corvette engine.
The COPO 9560 option included a 7-liter, big-block, ZL-1 engine. The engine was constructed of aluminum to help reduce the overall weight. The engine was reported to have produced around 430 gross horsepower but in reality it was closer to 550. With only 69 examples produced it is one of the rarest and fastest of all Chevrolet Camaros.
Most of the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro mechanics remained unchanged. The aesthetics was a different story. The grille was redesigned and the headlights now sat farther back adding to the aggressive features of the car. Newly reshaped door, rear quarter panel, and rear valence gave the 1969 Camaro a smooth, low, and wide stance. The production of the 1969 Camaro, which continued into December of 1969, was the final year for the first generation Camaro.
08-22-2006 | 02:28 PM
#7
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 100
From: Kaiserslautern, Germany
Re: The Camaro Super FAQ to answer all questions?
What will be car trim levels?
Base Camaro featuring the V6. The SS will likely be the base V8. With the Z28 returning as the top level road course king
Whered you get this from? Did they announce it when they said it's going into production?
Base Camaro featuring the V6. The SS will likely be the base V8. With the Z28 returning as the top level road course king
Whered you get this from? Did they announce it when they said it's going into production?
08-23-2006 | 02:09 PM
#8
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,122
From: Houston
Re: The Camaro Super FAQ to answer all questions?
Originally Posted by Bradl1982
What will be car trim levels?
Base Camaro featuring the V6. The SS will likely be the base V8. With the Z28 returning as the top level road course king
Whered you get this from? Did they announce it when they said it's going into production?
Base Camaro featuring the V6. The SS will likely be the base V8. With the Z28 returning as the top level road course king
Whered you get this from? Did they announce it when they said it's going into production?
That is creditable information Brad, trust me.
Great post Drew, you hit the nail on the head!
Too bad some magazine writer’s don’t do the same research as you.
08-23-2006 | 07:23 PM
#9
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1
From: Ontario Canada
Re: The Camaro Super FAQ to answer all questions?
Hopefully GM will keep the pricing at a level in which it can compete with the Mustang. In my opinion the Mustang is reasonably priced and I see alot of them on the roads around here. If GM does keep the price competitive they will sell a ton of Camaro's. My husband and I are excited about the new Camaro and can't wait to order one for ourselves.
08-23-2006 | 07:42 PM
#10
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,028
From: Chicago, IL
Re: The Camaro Super FAQ to answer all questions?
Originally Posted by Gnat
Hopefully GM will keep the pricing at a level in which it can compete with the Mustang.
08-30-2006 | 12:48 AM
#11
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 181
From: Farmington Hills,Mi
Re: The Camaro Super FAQ to answer all questions?
I cant afford 35k z28. It just feel weird having a 5th gen ss next to my 4th gen z28. I always like to said the word Z when referring to pony car now I got to use the word SS 
08-30-2006 | 12:55 AM
#12
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,028
From: Chicago, IL
Re: The Camaro Super FAQ to answer all questions?
Originally Posted by downwithmustang
the word SS
how would you feel if you had spent 35-40k on a Camaro SS and started referring to it as SS, people wouldnt know what you were talking about, sure your talking about a Chevy.. but it could be a Cobalt or Trailblazer for all they know..
the top model can't be SS for that reason
08-30-2006 | 01:06 AM
#13
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 181
From: Farmington Hills,Mi
Re: The Camaro Super FAQ to answer all questions?
How about SS badge stay off the Camaro. Which leaves z28 and zL1; make it the Camaro own personal line just like the C6 and Z06 is to Vette. Way not 
08-30-2006 | 01:37 AM
#14
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 181
From: Farmington Hills,Mi
Re: The Camaro Super FAQ to answer all questions?
The word SS would not be miss by a great percentage of us Camaro owners. The SS lineup is the top performance car chevy has to offer, so it would be a little weird making any car in the SS lineup a middle man. It's a good and a bad thing to having the z28 being top dog. A number of Camaro enthusiast brought a z28 which could be for a number of reason the price, only badge that belongs to the Camaro (unlike the SS) and est. Please put a different badge on the Camaro instead of SS. I think it time for the Camaro to wear it's own badge as the Gt and Cobra is to the rustang.
Last edited by downwithmustang; 08-30-2006 at 12:16 PM.
08-30-2006 | 07:51 AM
#15
Admin Emeritus
Joined: Dec 1997
Posts: 11,157
From: Nashville, TN area
Re: The Camaro Super FAQ to answer all questions?
Guys, this thread is for FACTS and not speculation. There's plenty of other Z28 vs. SS threads, please use those.