It has been mentioned before that there is going to be a Camaro focus group later this month, and most of the people on the panel are members here, including myself.

The tough part about it is that as much as the people putting this together for Chevrolet want all Camaro enthusiasts there to provide input, they had to pick only a few that match certain criteria, demographics, and background to make a good cross-section of all enthusiasts.

Since there are thousands here to want the next Camaro to be the best that it can be but can't be there, let's use this thread as a community to pull together as best as possible. I will compile some of the more common elements and I will hopefully be able to present them during the clinic.

I will also be reading some of the replies in upcoming CamaroZ28.Com Podcasts.

BEFORE REPLYING, PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING!

• Please make it as brief as possible. One sentence with a couple dozen words is all we are asking for, no more than that please.
  
  
• Due to the nature of this idea and because it will be hard enough to compile the results, please consider this as a "No B.S." thread. There is no room for replying to each other directly about each other's opinion and turning to arguments. This one isn't a conversation, it is meant to be a running list. Any reply that is disingenuous to the cause of this will be deleted. Nothing personal, we just need things to be a certain way with this one.
  
  
• Please leave a realistic reply. We all want the next Camaro to run 10s on the drag strip and break records on the road course while getting 40mpg. We also know it is impossible so let's not waste anyone's time asking for it. Remember, the next Camaro has to appeal to a WIDE range of buyers, not just the hardcore performance oriented.
  
  
• Do your homework here. For example, don't bother asking for T-tops, it has been made clear that they are not able to be done. Again, we need to be realistic. We also already know the interior will be more down to earth, etc.
  
  
• This isn't meant to be any guarantee that any ideas offered can or will be used or even presented. We may not even be have the opportunity to convey these ideas to the people holding the clinic. We may only be able to answer specific questions with direct answers. We just don't know how much freedom we will have with giving input, but this thread is in the hopes that we can collect the popular consensus that might help them shape what the car will be.
  
  
• It doesn't have to be a feature that you want or don't want, it can be positive reinforcement or constructive criticism. You can say that you like certain parts about it or that you hope that something changes before production is started. It can be a concept such as hopefully making the engine bay easier to work on. As long as it is not far-fetched, it may be of value.
  
  (This list may be added to, depending on the kind of results posted.)

I know these guidelines might make it tough, but it will weed out the unrealistic ideas or BS so we can get to the core of what we as a community hope the next Camaro is. This is potentially everyone's chance to shape that, so make it realistic, make it honest and make it count.

 

OctaneZ28 started a similar thread on the MFBA boards.. but i'll post a bit of my input...

* dealer installed exterior modification.... different grill options, wheel options, even taillight options (the cobalt has 2 different taillight options, it can be done)... allow people to make their Camaro a little more personal so it doesnt look like everyone elses

* to carry on that idea, make sure that there is a clear distinction between a base model and the V8 model... a problem with the 4th gens is the only real way to tell, visually, the difference was if it had Z28 badges or not

* it's probably too expensive.. but i think a great thing for the image of the car would be making the new two-mode hybrid transmission available... i wouldnt buy one myself, but it would be cool if it was an option

thats enough for now.. theres lots more suggestions (a lot not qutie meeting your criteria lol) here: http://forum.fbody.us/showthread.php?t=48698

 

Strong rear-end.
True duals
Better engine access from the bay (no cowl covering 1\3 the engine)
A "stripped" down (options only, ac,ps, ect) HO version.
GM performance upgrade parts available at dealerships.
Tal

 

I'll be wanting a base V8 model, but I would like some colour options for the interior, not just black or grey, I don't want to step up to leather seats to get some colour options. I would also like lots of wheel options from the factory.

 

I'd really like to be able to get
-275+ mm tires on all four corners from the factory
-4+ piston front brakes (I'm not holding my breath consider the price point of the Camaro, but I would pay a premium to keep me in a stock category for racing purposes)

Thanks Jason.

Chuck

 

I want to see a stripped down bare V-8 car.....something similar to 1LE, manual eveything. This is what I would want the car for...just a base. Should be a huge hit for NHRA stock, super stock classes

 

* Make the Z/28 version parallel what the Z06 is for the Corvette. A lighter, high powered, road race suspension set-up, manual transmission, etc. version.

* Roll down quarter windows, with no B-pillar if possible.

* Optional HUD and NAV. package.

Jason, thanks for this thread, BTW!

 

A better stereo than the bose on my 07 CTS, but not a "thumper".
Radio controls on the steering wheel that make sense like my GMC truck...not like the 07 CTS.
A comfortable place to put your elbows if on a long trip....most cars seem to lack this anymore.
A true dual exhaust system that sounds good yet not overpowering.
Nice badging so that you can tell at a glance which engine option you're seeing in a passing car (remember the simple to read at a glance ones like on the 64 impalas?)
A nice wheel/tire selection
A SHAKER HOOD/AIRBOX!!!!!!!!!
Front rotors that won't warp out at 18,000 miles
Factory remote start
Option for cooled seats, auto volume control, power seats that extend back upon shutoff for easy exit/entry
Auto dimming rear view mirrors outside and inside
At least two V8 engine options at introduction
An SS package
Cloth type convertible top
And yes.....a bulletproof rear end

 

*Affordable - I'd like to be able to buy this car.
*HUD - Safety feature .
*Lightweight - MPG & Handling.
*Workable - Snap together cars don't work so well when worked on often. They quit snapping back together .
*Quiet & Smooth - I don't want to know it's running when it's only idle.

 

OH..and I forgot...some nice interior color options in light tones so that I don't burn my ***/arms when I get into it after the top has been down (very important)

 

-better access to the trunk

-firm suspension on all models (firmness going up as you get higher performance....think BMW).

-lots of options not packs.

 

+1. Give us options, not packages. Try not to make it so that you have to buy x to get y.

Base/stripper V8 as much as possible (but no crank windows/missing A/C - people say they want it, but nobody buys it)

Being a GTO owner (purple/purple '04), I love the color and the interior choices. Replicate that.

HUD and a more modern interior.

Angel eyes on the headlights - keep 'em.

For the convertible, ever think of color-matched and/or accenting tops?

Exterior colors... make them bright and dynamic... not 5 different versions of silver/grey (silver/grey = boring).

Bottom line, keep the car livable - not too low, not too stiff a suspension (except on the Z/28 corner carver)...

 

World-class NVH quality control--no humming 4th gen driveshaft.

Heritage-styled horseshoe gear selector for the auto trans.

HUD & XM on all 5th gens.

I'd trade lots of options/convenience content (heated/cooled seats, Onstar, etc.) for VW/Honda grade interior fit & finish.

A strong factory-backed speed parts program.

Strong trim-level differentiation.

 

No dummy gauges on the interior.

Keep the interior the same, but change the look of the speedo and tac gauges, they look big and gaudy. Make those more modern, not huge and sticking out with huge numbers on them. Make those more sleek.

Keep the gauges by the gear box.

XM and On-Star OPTIONAL please.

More dynamic colors. Black, green, red etc are ok, but sunset orange metallic, hugger orange, etc should be in the fold as well.

True dual exhaust.

Power antenna.

Like almost everyone else has said on this board and others, give us OPTIONS rather then packages.

 

More leg room vs the 4th gen, those cars become cramped for some of the taller, longer legged members of our group.

More head room, same thing. I always end up looking through the tint. Unfourtunately the seats only lean backward for more room and I don't like to be that far from the wheel.

More visability. Without a T-Top option I don't know how I'd ever see a redlight in town comfortably. If I don't look out the top I need to lean over the wheel.

I don't know if these have been adressed in the concept or not, but these are major comfort issues that prevent me from taking ours on long trips very often. I'm sure I'm not alone.

Also: NO DAMN CAT CONVERTER HUMP IN THE FLOORBOARD!