I believe GM nailed the "pony car" formula with the 5th gen and it will be a huge success. As a Camaro enthusiast that makes me very happy.

Unfortunately, I believe I've outgrown the "pony car" formula and seriously doubt that I'll be buying one. That I'm not so happy about.

I think they got what's important right.

 

Actually, I think they got the "pony car" formula wrong, but got the "muscle car" formula right . And since you've outgrown the "pony" car, there's good news for you ... the Camaro has outgrown its "pony" phase too!!

I still think it's a desirable product, but it's not the "big engine, little car" that the original "pony cars" were .

 

Art, how exactly did GM define the "pony car" formula to themselves as they designed the 5th gen?

 

Does anyone build a ponycar anymore though? Even the Mustang is a bloated caricature of its former self, and you really can't call a 3-series a "ponycar" because in a sense ponycars have always been affordable.

Surprisingly the only true ponycar out there may actually be the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

 

Well, they may not be "little ponies" anymore , but the Mustang and Camaro "only" put on ~a couple hundred pounds over the years, from their original versions. Only the most recent versions have really started to bulk up more and more (to the tune of a quarter ton ) and thus, I believe they've lost all "pony" status (although in the case of the Mustang, I'm reluctant to say that the base GT is "over-bloated" ... it hardly weighs much more than a 4th-gen F-body ... but the GT500 surely fits the bill ... and so does the 5th-gen, if it's truly ~3900 - 4000 lbs ).

..... what has this world come to?

 

I agree with Capn Pete. The Mustang may weigh more than it used to but by all indications it will be 300-400lbs lighter than a comparable Camaro as the GT remains near 3500lbs. Which won't be too good for Camaro when it gets the 400HP motor.

 

I think sales are more important than how I feel about it. Most cars I would own would have a bunch of aftermarket parts thrown at it anyways. I think maybe how the general public/magazine testers think about it. I really want it to be a great car that other companies would envy and signal the return of the great American car.

 

Sad but true. Maybe Ford and Chevy will one day rediscover the 'formula'.

 

With CAFE and the gas-price-crazy world we're living in, they're going to have to....or else....

 

Great Googliemooglie Bob! I think you have landed on the truth factor.

A customer only needs one reason to not buy or to pass. A purchase makes sense or it doesn't. Bottom line is that it's a pesonal choice and nothing more.

I have been on this site for a fair amount of time. Here is my personal take... not that it matters...

There are a number of folks here that have a great interest in new cars. Perfect!

However, there are many here who never buy them. No big deal in this, but manufacturers don't build used cars. Resale value is, of course, important, without question... but car builders don't stand to gain much from the secondary market. Let's be clear the resale market is important, but it isn't a business case proposition.

All GM fans are appreciated by GM, I have no doubt. I also have no doubt that if you buy used you are not the target of anything but the abstract, nor do you get to call the plays when the game is being played. Used buyers are monday morning quarterbacks. Nothing wrong with their decision to stay with used.

Anyway... pardon my personal rant... If anyone takes offense they are reaching to do so.

You get the picture Bob, and it's as simple as that. Folks only buy if they want the product. Loyalty dictates what you include in your shopping, not what you buy... If there was nothing but loyalty to satisfy, there is no reason to move forward.

 

Bob, your post did not answer the question. At no point did I ask what you'd buy. You've missed the point of the thread.

Would you rather have GM build a Camaro that you love, but which does not take hold in the market and which is likely to cause GM to abandon the nameplate for the foreseeable future? Or, would you rather that the 5th gen do well enough that GM follows it up with a 6th gen follows, with the chance that maybe you'll like that one better?

 

JakeRobb,

Bob will answer for himself. I do have to interject that it's all about the product for me. Any purchase has to make sense on a personal basis. A corporation needs to deliver the goods and not rely on the tacit approval of the public.

I this bruhaha over the new car to be overwhelmingly unfounded. Goodness gracious the coming car is a wonderful piece that requires no apologists.

I'm seeing something a bit different than others, I suppose. I don't see the new car sinking. However, if it doesn't make the grade as it stands? It will be what it will be.

I have never been seen as being seated with the Polyanna crowd. EVER. This new car will not fail because it's not a great car. I believe it will deliver. I believe this based on my gut, and the gut of my educated friends.

I am so amazed that there is even such a conversation among the supposed faithfull.

I'm not referring to any "fanboy" fanaticism here. Not in the least. I firmly believe that if the car doesn't find acceptance it will be based on the present product. Not on the "future" product.

I see success with a capital "S". Then again, I'm just another observer.

 

You're missing the point too.

I am not asking if you would buy it.

Go back and re-read the first post.

 

Point well taken. The success of the vehicle will be a part of my personal satisfaction.

 

I vote for 'overall success'. I'd rather see the Camaro succeed in the marketplace than satisfy all the odd little characteristics I hold dear. But chances are - if it is a success, which I believe it will be - I will like it too since I'm right in the center of its intended demographic market target.