+1 for the horseshoe A6 shifter. If you want an automatic, at least it can look cool!

+1 for the various interior colors. The 2 colors I won't get is gray or black. Gray because its blah, black because it's too hot in Texas. I need tan and red at a minimum. Would consider a NICE gray, like the HD fabric in the late 3rd gens/ early 4th gens, but not the stuff that was in the later cars.

+2 for more unbundled options. Limit the packages to the obvious stuff like PS/PW ect. No more "you want fog lights? You have to get cruise and a DIC too" like they do to you w/ the Solstice. As many unbundled options as practical.

Ditto on the exterior differentation of the base vs the performance models. 4th gen SS differences were the MINIMUM I think should be done to differentiate models. I hate to bring it up, but look at base Mustang, GT, GT500 for example.

 

3rd and 4th generation camaros ran hot. They relied too much on the air dam for cooling.

If it all possible, try to use the smallest wheels possible (i know they will already be big because of the brakes), big wheels may be "in" now, but that will change and the majority dislikes this look. Just don't let the fad be the reason for larger wheels.

 

1. Semi-affordable Mid-level V8 with AFM coupled with M6 or A6 and available performance suspension.
2. At least GTO level interior fit and finish and driver positioning, and include usable storage compartments.
3. Onstar and XM as an option, rather than standard.
4. Lots of stripe and lighting options, making almost each Camaro an individual.
5. Decent Sunroof for those of us that miss T-tops but don't want a 'vert

 

1. Just keep the exterior styling very close to the concept.
2. Keep the weight down as much as possible.
3. Use the same type of quality on the interior that the GTO has. (We know GM can do it and it doesn't have to cost a lot or be too heavy.)
3. Remember it will be 2009 and with gas prices a M6 and A6 should be the only trans options offered on both V6 and V8. Rear gear should also reflect a ratio for mileage.
4. Lastly honor the heritage, Z/28 and SS, stripes and redlines but keep the car modern and simple. Look no further than the Mustang for how and why it works. It doesn't need to be a Vette it needs to be a Camaro.

 

1. My number 1 worry about the 5th gen is if I will be able to fit in it. I know this car is going to sit higher than the 4th gen.

I’m 6’6”, GM please allow the electric seats enough adjustability so someone of my high can comfortably fit in the car. Every inch down and back counts.

2. Please make the dash and interior as modern and “C6ish” as possible, I don’t like the retro like set up the concept carries at all for production (cool for the concept, but not what I want to look at everyday). I think many agree with me.

3. Please let the rear side windows roll down, this is not only cool but gives GM an edge over the Challenger

4. Please offer the HUD. This option is so great on my Grand Prix GTP. This would give the Camaro a great advantage over all cars in its market.

5. Please let the Z28 carry the most high performing package and let the SS carry the mid level V8 (I assume you already know this)

…..And get that convertible out ASAP!!!!!!

 

Please have the console gauges at least an option, I love those things.

On the options instead of packages thing, please don't make me buy leather just because I am getting the SS or Z/28 model, I HATE leather (unless it's a coat).

Lots of support from GM Performance Parts, ESPECIALLY for the V6 as it will be the volume model, and a high performing V6 with lots of support could really win over some of the ricer crowd.

As for wheel options, there doesn't have to be a lot, but change them every two or three years to keep it fresh, same thing with stripe/decal options.

If there is an RS appearance package, make it available with every model level.

I want to second the cry for space and visiblity for tall people, I'm 6'4", please don't leave me hanging.

 

I am concerned about the location of the gas filler cap on the concept. It almost guarantees that you'll spill gas on (or worse, scratch) the paint. That said, DO NOT put it behind the license plate.

Traction control and stability control should be available (not standard) on all models. Both features should also be completely defeatable.

For cars with power seats (and if available, power steering column), I'd love to have a two-driver position memory.

I want to emphasize the request for individual options, not packages.

 

- Factory Performance Packages and Support. You can get the Stage 1 and Stage 2 upgrades for the Cobalt SS S/C. I'd like to see similar packages for the Camaro. Also, I'd like to see some GM Performance Parts support for the Camaro, like Ford Racing has for the Mustang.

- I say "NO" to smaller wheels. The days of 16" wheels on sports cars are over. I'm not saying put 24" wheels on the car, but at least 18" wheels are needed.

- The Z/28 needs to be just that - "Z/28", not "Z28". I'd like to see a modern update of the old "Z/28" emblem.

- While we're on the subject of the Z/28, it needs to be the best performer in it's class. It needs to absolutely destroy anything that the Mustang and Challenger throw at it, in terms of acceleration, handling, and braking.

- The rear end needs to be strong. A lot of people are going to be drag racing this car, and they can't have the rear blowing up on them when they throw a set of drag slicks on the car.

- I'd like to see an RS package that is available on every trim level - base, SS, Z/28, whatever may be after Z/28 The RS package should have some sort of hideaway headlights (I love the look of the '69 RS hideaway headlights - they should look like that), stripes available in a variety of colors (like on the convertible concept), maybe different exhaust tips, a different spoiler, a tasteful body kit, etc.

- From an enthusiast's standpoint, the V6 needs a serious performance package - LSD, better rear gears, a short shifter, increased engine power (NOT 10 extra HP - at least 20.), etc. Not everyone will be able to afford a V8. The V6'ers need to know that they can still kick some a$$.

 

A CLEAR distinction between the Z/28 and SS models. Both in performance (drivetrain availability) and styling (colors, options). This means that each has their own RPO codes.

Price must be cheaper than the equivalent model Mustang. Not a couple of hundred more, not the same price but less.

 

* OPTIONS/PACKAGES - Make individual options available as opposed to only "packages". IF options must be bundled in "packages", PLEASE at least make different, reasonably priced packages available, NOT like on the Vette. Having to spring for the $4,500 "3LT" just to get something as basic as heated outside mirrors or auto dimming interior rearview is ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS.

* Z06 TYPE MUFFLERS- Make it an option just like on the 2008 Vette.

*KEEP THE SCOOP - Just like on the concepts, it looks cool. Just make sure it's functional.

*REAR FENDER "GILLS" - Keep them functional for brake cooling as they appear to be on the concept.

* KEEP CONSOLE GAGES - It goes with the retro theme of the car.

* make STRIPES available - just like on the vert concept & 1st Gens. Painted if possible, not decals.

* "RETRO" PAINT - Make SOME colors similat to those on 1st Gens, again, it would go with the retro theme of the car.

 

Guys, seriously...it would be way too hard to compile things when it is every little detail. Please pick the one or two top things that are most important to you and list those. We need to keep this simple.

 

That covers most of my concerns in a nutshell.

 

I would love to see head to head models to compete with and beat:

Base Mustang <Base Camaro
Mustang GT<Camaro SS

Shelby GT500 <Z28
Shelby GT500KR< ZZ28+

Ford had the Mach 1 and the Bullet- How about a Mark Donahue TransAm edition? Or a gold and black "Smokey" edition?

Give me the option of a Cowl induction hood or the 2nd gen 78 -81 hoodscoops.

I also love the horse shoe shifter idea for the Automatic.

How about dealer installed engine trade-in upgrades? They keep my tired LS1 and install a new LS7!

 

My #1 gripe is affordability.

To that end I suggest:

Debundling of options of that the buyer gets what they want and pays for what they want. (I know there are economic augments against this but the bottom line is that a buyer who wants horsepower without options will either not buy the Camaro or buy something else.)

Low lease/finance rates. I would be willing to spend more for more car if the damn lease/finance rates were not through the roof. Last time I went to look at a Camaro, GM was giving 10.5% finance rates---WTF!!! The dealer said it himself: "People pay cash for this car." If you want to push product, do not cut out the people in lower incomes from financing the damn car. I would recommend something low like .9 or 1%. This car cannot only be for the high end buyer/rich kid, market accessibility will make or break this car, particularly in the 20-something demographic. (Which is what we want right? More people driving this car across more demographic breakdowns.)

My 2 cents!

 

Things I'm hoping will be ironed out in this focus group:

-Clear delineation as to what each "step up" will get me, and with plenty of time before the car comes out.

- No cheap plastic interiors, make retro gauges an option, with newer gauges as the standard, or vice versa.

- 17/18" wheels, or 18" around. Min.

- Options, not packages.