Wow!!!
What an experience today was. I am almost beyond words at this point, and it was such an informational overload, that it’s going to take my brain a few days to process it all!
As you know already, I am not permitted to talk about specifics about the car, so don’t ask questions because I likely won’t be able to answer them. But here’s a general run-down of a few things about today’s focus group experience, along with a few things I am allowed to mention.
The day started off on a good note… as we rolled into the General Motors Milford Proving Grounds on the bus, two Camaro prototypes (which you’ve seen in photos all over the internet) followed us in. As the bus was stopped, they passed us by, proceeded to obliterate their tires, continued to accelerate, and within moments were out of view!
So we go into our meeting building, and after a brief session we are greeted by our friends, the 2010 Camaros!
We saw both V6 and V8 models, and I’m happy to report that there are plenty of visual differences between the two. Red, black, and silver were among the car colors represented, and let me tell you, each looked amazing. This only makes my color choice more difficult!
As you also know, a test drive was also part of this focus group. After driving both V8 and V6 cars, I am thoroughly impressed to say the least. This car is going to absolutely amaze you. While my personal preference remains the V8 model, you will not be disappointed by the V6 model in appearance or performance – the V6 car will be a total sleeper!
Brett Vivian from the Australia development team was on hand to discuss Camaro development with us. It was very re-assuring to hear the stories of how concerned the development team is with everything, down to the smallest detail. I’m very impressed by the outstanding attention to detail that Camaro has received in its development. It’s quite amazing, and very evident in specific designs such as the feel of the interior materials, and the fact that every little fastener in the interior is hidden.
This car is very solid in structure as well. It utilizes a large one-piece structure encompassing the quarter panels, rockers, and roof rails, and when you realize how much work that is to do, it really is an engineering marvel.
We also saw pictures of the production-intent convertible. The Camaro has the most researched convertible top ever in the history of General Motors. Let me tell you that the efforts have paid off – the coupe’s lines are maintained with the top up!
We also saw the color palette. The car will be offered in 10 colors beginning right away in the 2010 model year, and the colors were chosen wisely. Although, that also made my choice again more difficult! There will also be a host of accessories available from day one, and I am most impressed by the accessories available.
I really wish I could say more, but we were given a list of things we could talk about, and I’m already pushing the limits. There are black Suburbans ready in staging, and I really don’t want to get taken away LOL.
I am simply blown away by this car.
You are all going to LOVE it!
The concept car was quite awesome, but believe me - you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!
Impressions from Camaro Focus Group II
Bob Lutz: "There's no doubt that a design-driven philosophy is the only one that will work. People who are not sensitive to design, people who don't care about vehicles, people who view a vehicle as an appliance, they just default to Toyota. We will never win that one."
