Was at the local Chevy store getting a key cut, and asked if they had any Camaros. They had one in the service center, so I wandered over to take a look. One of the guys unlocked it for me and I got a little seat time. I'd sat in one at the Dallas Auto Show a few months ago, but there was a big line and I didn't really get to play w/ it, so I was happy to have this one to myself.

About the visibility, the view out the windshield is pretty similar to the C6, low overhang, and a mirror that could be considered to be in the way, but as I've gotten used to it in the vette, I didn't think of it as a hinderance at all. The side glas is short, but again, very Corvettelike, and not a factor at all...for me. Out back, the view out the rear window is fine, no issues over the shoulder or in the mirror, but the quarter windows were pretty much useless. For lane changes to the right, about the only thing the quarter window will be useful for is seeing if there is SOMETHING there, it's far too small to give you a big picture of anything, but it's enough to see if theres a car next to you. There is a big hole where the C-pilar comes down, but I don't know that it's really that big of a hinderance, so long as you have good situational awareness, and have your outside mirrors done right, I don't think it will be a major issue. For left lane changes, the quarter window is completely obscured by the drivers side B-pilar, but the long door glass makes the window unnecessary, as left rear visibility is excellent, probably better than the 4th gens as I recall it.

Got a chance to play w/ the "paddle" shifters. In reality, they aren't paddles at all, certainly not like the Corvette A6. They are just little switches, just about like power window switches, probably an inch square by the feel of them. Personally I would have liked for them to be a little bigger, and not quite as slick. Might be kind of hard to use during spirited driving.

The steering wheel shape (cross section) is a bit odd from the 10 to 2 oclock positions..for me, though comfortable in the 4-5 and 7-8 oclock positions. It's just the ergonomics of how the palm of your hand hits the wheel. No biggie, just strange. Wheel buttons and switches are good.

Center console storage is on the small side, it's deep enough, but not very long. And the dual cupholders between the shifter and the center console is a mistake IMO. There should have been one there, w/ bigger (longer) console storage area, and a passenger side one that stored away like the 4th gens did (incidently, that was the one I always used anyway). The differences in paint from the center console and HVAC controls to the steering wheel weren't as obvious in person as they are in pictures, but still odd, why not have matching paint for your fake metal?

And oddly enough, the doors seemed heavy. Certainly heavier than the C6, but also the 4th gens as I recall them. They are similar to the 3rd gens, which was the last one to have steel doors. Not a problem, just an observation.

Paint quality seemed very good, wheels are just massive, and the overall stance of the thing is very nice.

Now I'd just like to see a white one...

 

My sentiments are very similar to yours from when I was able to drive one a few days ago. I expected to dislike the interior much, much more than I did. It really felt like a modern version of my 69, from the layout to the way the windows/pillars are positioned. Like you said with the right, rear view, as long as you are aware of your surroundings you will be just fine. I don't even have a mirror on that side on the 69 and have yet to have a problem, so this didn't bother me at all.

 

Im actually curious to hear more of your perceptions in comparison to your 69. The 69 has no B pillar just a seal, and almost a coupe like C pillar. The 5th gen has the 69 set up, however the doors alone seem to be the length of the 69s door and 1/4 window so to me the side view seemed to mirror the Vette more with the 1/4 window being a nice extra. I liked the mirrors alot and they didnt seem as small as I thought they would. The feel from the interior felt to me to be a 69 theme but having more of a Vette feel which is where I think it should be. I compare it to my coworkers 05 Vette for interior feel

My 69's pass side mirror (when I still had it) was a small chrome one. It felt more upright to me. In the 5th gen it is more upright than the 3rd and 4th gens but the belt line is alot higher than a 69. I wouldnt feel as comfortable if the 5th gen were missing its pass side mirror compared to its 69 counter part. Thats not a knock, just an observation. I didnt drive the SS I saw but the view from the mirror seemed perfect.

 

As a whole the 5th gen feels a good deal bigger and heavier than the 69, but in a solid way, almost like a 69 Camaro on steroids. Its bigger and meaner yet more civilized. A car with a carbed SBC or BBC isnt going to sit there and idle and drive around town the same way the 5th gen will in most cases. It reminds me of the guys in the Pro-touring scene. They take vintage muscle cars and make them run, stop and turn with the best cars out there by incorporating modern technology.

From some people's reviews I was expecting horrible visibility, among other things. Maybe it is because I have gotten used to the large B/C-pillars, but they did not bother me much. The rear window is a touch on the small side, but its liveable. Either the seating position is lower or the dash is higher, but I did feel like I was sitting down in the car moreso than my 69. I also do not think I would be as comfortable without the passenger side mirror as I am with the lack of one on my 69 due to the added size. With it there is no problem, but without it I would at least initially be concerned. I think the rearview mirror is slightly obtrusive. Placing the buttons on the bottom of it(Onstar etc) elsewhere would have made it look better and block less of the view.

I cant really compare the driving dynamics too much, as I only was able to drive around the lot. Im drawing a blank as to what else to compare, so if you can think of anything feel free to ask.

And a fun little tidbit, the one I drove supposedly belongs to a certain MLB pitcher that won the World Series. This is what the salesman told me, so he could be bull****ting. I'll know for sure later in the week.


Definitely the same car, and it fits the salesman's story. I have pics of before the badges and after. That I'll post up tonight.

 

The first two were prior to having the badges installed. I had no idea whose it was at that point.