Impressions from the Camaro Focus Group
05-21-2008, 04:35 PM
#1
Impressions from the Camaro Focus Group As one of the 15 members of the Camaro Focus Group, I was lucky enough to get behind the wheel of a near-production Camaro during the second round of the Camaro Focus Group this weekend at the General Motors Proving Grounds in Milford, Michigan.
Although the cars we actually drove were the black & white camo-painted IVER cars (as seen all over the internet), we did get some time to explore four Camaros that are about 90% production ready.
We did drive both the V6 & V8 models, and I'll say the V6 will be quite the sleeper!
Driving the IVER car was quite satisfying and impressive.
Quite honestly, I would've be happy with that as a final car, but those cars are only 60-65% done.
If 65% is that good, I can only imagine how awesome the 100% finished car is gonna be!
Some highlights:
- The attention to detail is simply amazing, nothing is overlooked.
- The build quality will be top notch, think CTS & Malibu.
- V6 and V8 cars look different, and the V6 is not a dumbed-down look at all.
- The V6 car will surprise people, it's a great performer!
- There will be 10 paint colors on the initial palette.
- A host of GM Accessories will be available at the car's launch.
- It screams. Not only in performance, but in value!
While we can't go into specific detail about the car, I gotta say that aside from the attention to detail, I am most impressed with the development team.
Every single person on the team is just as enthusiastic about the new car as any of us are, and they sure got this car right.
And getting back to the attention to detail - I am seriously impressed about how concerned they are with every little thing.
If you thought the concept was awesome, you ain't seen nothin yet!
Group photo:
Note: the production Camaro official unveiling will definitely happen before the Indy 2008 event. Date and location TBD.
FQuick article:
http://www.fquick.com/blog/Impressio...us_Group_/1756
Although the cars we actually drove were the black & white camo-painted IVER cars (as seen all over the internet), we did get some time to explore four Camaros that are about 90% production ready.
We did drive both the V6 & V8 models, and I'll say the V6 will be quite the sleeper!
Driving the IVER car was quite satisfying and impressive.
Quite honestly, I would've be happy with that as a final car, but those cars are only 60-65% done.
If 65% is that good, I can only imagine how awesome the 100% finished car is gonna be!
Some highlights:
- The attention to detail is simply amazing, nothing is overlooked.
- The build quality will be top notch, think CTS & Malibu.
- V6 and V8 cars look different, and the V6 is not a dumbed-down look at all.
- The V6 car will surprise people, it's a great performer!
- There will be 10 paint colors on the initial palette.
- A host of GM Accessories will be available at the car's launch.
- It screams. Not only in performance, but in value!
While we can't go into specific detail about the car, I gotta say that aside from the attention to detail, I am most impressed with the development team.
Every single person on the team is just as enthusiastic about the new car as any of us are, and they sure got this car right.
And getting back to the attention to detail - I am seriously impressed about how concerned they are with every little thing.
If you thought the concept was awesome, you ain't seen nothin yet!
Group photo:
Note: the production Camaro official unveiling will definitely happen before the Indy 2008 event. Date and location TBD.
FQuick article:
http://www.fquick.com/blog/Impressio...us_Group_/1756
05-21-2008, 05:26 PM
#3
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How many people from Holden were on hand?
Are there any traditional muscle car candy colors in the palette like bright blue, purple, yellow, orange, etc?
Are there any traditional muscle car candy colors in the palette like bright blue, purple, yellow, orange, etc?
Thanks Octane.
05-21-2008, 06:24 PM
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That car looks HUGE on side of those people..like 2 door Bentley huge.
Do you get any perks (other than driving a car that officially doesn't exist) from being in the Focus Group? Discounted car mayhaps? Free supercharger maybe?
Do you get any perks (other than driving a car that officially doesn't exist) from being in the Focus Group? Discounted car mayhaps? Free supercharger maybe?
05-21-2008, 07:51 PM
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I drove a Malibu not too long ago and was very impressed. Only thing I didn't like was the chrome crap all over the dash and interior. The sun managed to reflect in my eye no matter what direction I was driving. I'll be very happy with that type of quality, minus the chrome of course.
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05-21-2008, 09:34 PM
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If they are unveiling it before Indy then JULY 4 sounds perfect to me! What better day for the rebirth of an AMERICAN Muscle Car ICON than on the birthday of the USA. Get that Red, White, and Blue Camaro logo flying. 
05-21-2008, 11:44 PM
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I cosign that. $134.00 a barrel is alot. We gotta wait and see the numbers for fuel economy.
05-22-2008, 12:29 AM
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4 bucks plus a gallon means I will be able to pick up a used one of these for cheap
I like smaller cars, but this thing likes like it will hold my frame in comfort.
W
I like smaller cars, but this thing likes like it will hold my frame in comfort.
W
05-22-2008, 12:45 AM
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Somehow muscle cars managed to survive and prosper after the original fuel shortage and crisis of the 1970s. That's not being repeated today. The people that really want this type of car will still buy them just as those who still need pickups to do real work or for a task will still buy them.
05-22-2008, 11:18 AM
#19
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05-22-2008, 11:56 AM
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I'll be ROFLMAO if the six is real competition for a gt mustang stock for stock. It will be like the 1996 all over again.
But yeah gas is going suck the life out of the 5th gen no doubt.
Are they doing direct injection with the v-8s or do you know????????
But yeah gas is going suck the life out of the 5th gen no doubt.
Are they doing direct injection with the v-8s or do you know????????
