Chris 96 WS6
01-11-2006, 01:38 PM
http://www.autoextremist.com/page2.shtml#Rant
http://www.autoextremist.com/rantscap.gif by Peter M. DeLorenzo (http://www.autoextremist.com/pmdhourALT.html)
No, it won't save the company, but it sure is cool. The introduction of the new Camaro Concept at the GM stand on Monday afternoon was a true automotive happening befitting one of the industry's legendary nameplates. GM operatives configured a "street" right down the length of its entire display - and people were packed 30-deep around the entire perimeter as long as two hours before the press conference. GM went so far as to invite 250 members of various Camaro clubs to be their guests at the unveiling. They even constructed a "flag stand" up near the video wall so Jack Arute, the ABC/ESPN race commentator, could "call" the proceedings. The percussion section from Saginaw High School opened the festivities, which was a stirring touch, and then two famous Camaro race cars made their way between the sea of people with open pipes snarling. First up was the famous Gold and Black No. 13 '68 Camaro built by legendary race car builder Smokey Yunick. In typical Smokey fashion, it was one of the fastest Camaro race cars ever built, bearing only a passing resemblance to an actual street Camaro. Next came the famed '69 No. 6 Penske Racing Sunoco Camaro Z/28 driven by Mark Donohue to six wins during that Trans-Am season. And Roger Penske himself appeared for a live interview by Arute. Then came four ultra-rare street Camaros including a production "ZL-1" 427, interspersed with interviews of famous people who played a part in the success of the Camaro legend, including much-loved ex-Chevrolet General manager Jim Perkins (one of the four Camaro street cars was his). And finally, the new Camaro concept appeared with "Maximum Bob" Lutz at the wheel, gleaming in a hot Silver color that was straight out of GM Styling's color palette in the '60s.
Unlike the Dodge Challenger Concept, the new Camaro captures the visceral essence of the '68 and '69 models, but rather than stop there, the Tom Peters-led design team stretched the Camaro vision, making it contemporary and futuristic. There are several outstanding angles on the car beginning with the profile, which is simply magnificent - its fast-back roofline injecting a bit of classic Sting Ray to the shape. And the body sides are unbelievably well done, with muscular haunches creating a powerful road stance and presence for the car when it's coming right at you. The slit-eye headlights, domed hood and classic Chevy taillights complete the exterior. And the interior is outstanding, with superb contemporary detailing along with some whimsical classic Camaro touches added to great effect. In short, the new Camaro is a grand slam home run. Some suggested after the presentation that GM (and Detroit as a whole) were "wasting" their time doing cars like the Mustang, Camaro and Challenger. That what they really needed was a mid-size sedan that would sell at sticker because it was every bit as desirable as a Camry, not some modern-day rendition of a classic muscle car. And I would agree with part of that logic, because these Detroit car companies do need mainstream hits that people want to buy. But one thing the critics are forgetting is the fact that the Asian car companies have no "heritage" to speak of - and if these cars stir positive emotions in people and ultimately grab attention, then it could only help these Detroit car companies in the end. Besides, I would much rather see the new Camaro slinking around America's streets than some of the other rolling "forgettables" we have now.
Will the new Camaro save General Motors? No. Should they build it? Absolutely. Look for the new Camaro in showrooms in 2008 as a 2009 model.
http://www.autoextremist.com/rantscap.gif by Peter M. DeLorenzo (http://www.autoextremist.com/pmdhourALT.html)
No, it won't save the company, but it sure is cool. The introduction of the new Camaro Concept at the GM stand on Monday afternoon was a true automotive happening befitting one of the industry's legendary nameplates. GM operatives configured a "street" right down the length of its entire display - and people were packed 30-deep around the entire perimeter as long as two hours before the press conference. GM went so far as to invite 250 members of various Camaro clubs to be their guests at the unveiling. They even constructed a "flag stand" up near the video wall so Jack Arute, the ABC/ESPN race commentator, could "call" the proceedings. The percussion section from Saginaw High School opened the festivities, which was a stirring touch, and then two famous Camaro race cars made their way between the sea of people with open pipes snarling. First up was the famous Gold and Black No. 13 '68 Camaro built by legendary race car builder Smokey Yunick. In typical Smokey fashion, it was one of the fastest Camaro race cars ever built, bearing only a passing resemblance to an actual street Camaro. Next came the famed '69 No. 6 Penske Racing Sunoco Camaro Z/28 driven by Mark Donohue to six wins during that Trans-Am season. And Roger Penske himself appeared for a live interview by Arute. Then came four ultra-rare street Camaros including a production "ZL-1" 427, interspersed with interviews of famous people who played a part in the success of the Camaro legend, including much-loved ex-Chevrolet General manager Jim Perkins (one of the four Camaro street cars was his). And finally, the new Camaro concept appeared with "Maximum Bob" Lutz at the wheel, gleaming in a hot Silver color that was straight out of GM Styling's color palette in the '60s.
Unlike the Dodge Challenger Concept, the new Camaro captures the visceral essence of the '68 and '69 models, but rather than stop there, the Tom Peters-led design team stretched the Camaro vision, making it contemporary and futuristic. There are several outstanding angles on the car beginning with the profile, which is simply magnificent - its fast-back roofline injecting a bit of classic Sting Ray to the shape. And the body sides are unbelievably well done, with muscular haunches creating a powerful road stance and presence for the car when it's coming right at you. The slit-eye headlights, domed hood and classic Chevy taillights complete the exterior. And the interior is outstanding, with superb contemporary detailing along with some whimsical classic Camaro touches added to great effect. In short, the new Camaro is a grand slam home run. Some suggested after the presentation that GM (and Detroit as a whole) were "wasting" their time doing cars like the Mustang, Camaro and Challenger. That what they really needed was a mid-size sedan that would sell at sticker because it was every bit as desirable as a Camry, not some modern-day rendition of a classic muscle car. And I would agree with part of that logic, because these Detroit car companies do need mainstream hits that people want to buy. But one thing the critics are forgetting is the fact that the Asian car companies have no "heritage" to speak of - and if these cars stir positive emotions in people and ultimately grab attention, then it could only help these Detroit car companies in the end. Besides, I would much rather see the new Camaro slinking around America's streets than some of the other rolling "forgettables" we have now.
Will the new Camaro save General Motors? No. Should they build it? Absolutely. Look for the new Camaro in showrooms in 2008 as a 2009 model.