GM Reworking Camaro Interior for 2012
From Camaro5:
"A GM insider confirmed for us that the company is hard at work now on a substantially reworked interior for the Camaro that will appear for the 2012 model year. He couldn't/wouldn't list all of the changes, but did mention that most of the upgrading work will go into the dash and specifically that big expanse of blackness in front of the passenger.
Also new for the 2012 will be a little something called the Camaro Z28. Perhaps you've heard of it once (or a million times) before. Why wait until the 2012 model year? Our source says so it doesn't step on the toes to the convertible which will be the Camaro's "big news for 2011."
Well, I'd absolutely believe that the interior would be reworker for 2012, as with the HUD and other touches they've already started on this, and it is one of the few places that people have complaints with the vehicle at all. Where I get hung up though is with yet another promise from some unknown, unnamed source that we will have a Z28 at some point in time. We keep hearing this, and every single one makes me more and more skeptical. Until GM gives an official notice that they will definitely be making a Z28 and here's the release date, I won't hold my breath. I want to see one, very badly, GM so help me out with that!
GM Putting $890Million in to new LS Development
Well, the LS line of engines are already one of the nicest and most popular in the world today, and GM is committed to ensuring that they remain such for a long time to come. Few things are as iconic as a Chevy small block V8, and GM just dedicated $890 Million towards the R&D on the next line of them. This is good news for Corvette and Camaro lovers everywhere, as the LS engine is a staple in those respective vehicles.
So, that's a lot of money you say. Yeah, it is, but is doesn't appear to be for naught. GM has plans to improve the build and technology for the new LS engine, beginning with the materials and constructing an all-Aluminum engine block. Adding to this the direct-injection technology and the fuel-efficient push GM is making, it's very likely that the new LS engine will be one of the most efficient (power/mpg) engines ever built. GM has also ensured that the new LS engine will E85 Ethanol compatability, certainly another move being made to continue to meet the risingly stringest fuel efficiency demands over the next decade without losing vehicle power.
Another positive of this move by GM is that guarantees to create or retain more than 1,600 jobs, which is something that can be much appreciated in the current economic situation. All in all, this is good news on the Camaro front, as we can expect to see the next generation of LS engine powering Camaros in the future, continuing to promote the vehicle's popularity and performance strong-hold against competitors. As time goes on I'm sure we'll see more and more information on the engine, but for now we can just speculate and dream. Is there any specific function or feature you would like to see included in the R&D of the new LS?
My New Borla Exhaust
So, a lot has been written about the Camaro Borla exhaust online, and the reviews have been glowing from all over the place. Keeping that in mind, I had had made up my mind to get a Borla exhaust for my Camaro, but was taking a little time. Ultimately, I'm glad that I did as it meant that I was able to get the new Borla ATAK exhaust system. The guys at Southern Car Parts, who I've come to know pretty well since buying my Camaro, were actually carrying the system the day that it went on sale through Borla, so I ordered through them. There was a short wait for Borla to manufacture it, which was reasonable (although I was giddy with anticipation and each passing day only seemed to be longer and longer) but I finally got my hands on my system. Took me and a friend a couple hours to install, and it was a pretty easy install. I wont lie, I did break a sweat working in some of the hangers to their rubber holders, and got a little frustrated in some parts of the install, but ultimately got it installed perfectly without too much hassle. All while sharing a couple beers with my friend, so even when it wasn't easy as pie it was still a lot of fun.
With all the hard work done, I was able to drive around with the ATAK exhaust on. This right here is why I'm writing this article. WOW! I loved my Camaro before, but hearing it even start-up I knew I was in for a treat. Accelerating at 4500 RPMs in 3rd gear, this thing had so much power and growl to it that my friend and I were giggling with glee like school-children. There was no pop or gurgle like you get with some of the other exhaust systems either, and the cabin drone was there but not over-bearing by any means. With the windows rolled down and the wind rushing in though the exhaust was loud and sexy. My Camaro already gets a lot of looks, but that number went up a good bit when out driving with the ATAK on. Surprisingly, none of those looks were of the disgusted and annoyed variety too, and that's why I'm raving about this exhaust. To give that much more exhaust noise and aggressive tone without becoming overbearing or obnoxious at an idle is an impressive engineering feat.
This exhaust is not for the faint of heart, I have to say that. It is loud (but not so loud my friend and I couldn't hear each other talk while riding together) and it is aggressive, and it definitely provides noticable performance boosts. I could feel the Camaro take off a little bit quicker, and accelerate with more gusto through the middle gears, in a manner that I hadn't before installing the exhaust. This is a fantastic exhaust system and a great upgrade that I would recommend to any Camaro driver out there.
Giving this a letter grade would be easy (something I can't always say about aftermarket parts): This system is a definite A+
Here's the official Borla video concerning the ATAK exhaust, so you can hear it for yourself. I'll try and get some video of mine up at some point soon.
2010 Camaro Oil Change
The boys at Southern Car Parts put together a pretty good little video on how to change your oil on the 2010 Camaro SS...See below
Camaro HUD Caught in Action
A video has hit the web of the new Camaro Heads-Up Display, and it looks pretty good. They show the display with a digital and tach speed read-out, and the exterior temperature. It's a good-looking HUD too, and is pretty clearly visible. Chevy has promised the HUD to offer many other functions and features as well, such as (but not limited to):
* Compass
* Manual Paddle Shift Gear Indicator (if equipped)
* OnStar Turn-by-Turn
* Audio functions
* Phone information
* Selected gear
* Turn signal indicators
Can't wait to get a chance to see one of these in person and in full driving action.
GM Releases Some Camaro Convertible Teaser Images
Well, GM utilized their Facebook page to share some pictures of the 2012 Camaro Convertible with its top down. I must say, that's a pretty great looking car.
There are a few things I personally would like to see changed before release though. Firstly, removing that keyhole by the rear bowtie seems like a no-brainer, and I can't help but imagine that it is just there because this is a tester mule. Secondly, integrating the mid brake light in to the spoiler would make that rear end look a little meaner and more streamlined. Beyond these two things though, I have no real issues with the car and think that it's a great looking ride.
Click the thumbnails for full-size images:
Camaro Convertible Spied
First posted on Edmunds, this video (caught in Michigan) shows a test mule of the new Camaro convertible driving around the Michigan streets. The vehicle looks really good and the conversion to convertible looks very clean (much better than those photoshop jobs from earlier this week). The vehicle also appears to be pretty much finished, so I imagine it will start its production run soon. I can't wait to see one of these bad boys live on the streets near me with the top down.
Camaro 2011 Press Release
Well, the info is official and Chevy gave their press release for the 2011 Camaro. There's some pretty exciting stuff here, with the three biggest points being: the added HP on the V6 Model to push it from 304 to 312 HP, the HUD will now be standard equipment on all 2LT and 2SS models, and limited time availability of the Synergy Green color for all models. This is pretty exciting, and I really like the standard HUD as that should be standard on a powerful performance vehicle like the Camaro and is a nice touch, and am sure that the added HP, HUD and Synergy Green availability will help to increase Camaro sales through the new year. The full press release is copied below:
Chevrolet supports Camaro’s consumer momentum with exciting updates for 2011
312 horsepower for V6, expanded availability of Synergy color and heads-up display new for 2011
2010-04-08
The 2010 model year proved to be a very successful and exciting year for the segment-leading Chevrolet Camaro. For the 2011 model year, Chevrolet looks to expand the car’s popularity among consumers with the introduction of additional features.
“We are pleased with Camaro’s success in the market during its first year of production,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President, Chevrolet Marketing. “The 2010 model year has been a banner year for us, and we plan to build on this momentum.”
Horsepower increase for V6 engine
The 2011 Camaro V-6 engine completed SAE certification testing and is now officially rated at 312 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque at 5100 rpm. This rating is eight horsepower higher than the previous year and also marks an increase in torque from the 2010 rating of 273 lb-ft.
“The 304 horsepower in the 2010 Camaro was actually a conservative rating on our end,” said Tom Sutter, GM V-6 chief engineer. “But we knew already that this award-winning engine produced at least the amount of power we stated, but now we’ve gone the extra step in certifying the engine for this application and have verified an additional 8 horsepower.”
The 3.6-liter V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT) and direct injection employs four independent cam phasers to change the timing of valve operation as operating conditions such as rpm and engine load vary. The result is linear delivery of torque, with near-peak levels over a broad rpm range, and high specific output (maximum horsepower per liter of displacement) supporting overall engine response and drivability. When combined, direct-injection and VVT enable an unmatched combination of power, efficiency and low-emissions in gasoline V-6 engines.
SAE certification is a voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee. This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. Chevrolet was the vehicle brand to begin using the procedure.
Synergy color to be made available across the lineup
Earlier this year, Chevrolet introduced the Camaro Synergy Special Edition which is based off the concept displayed at the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas. The Synergy Special Edition is limited to a 1LT model, but the Synergy Green exterior color will be made available on all trim levels for a limited run during the 2011 model year.
“When we looked at the overwhelmingly positive reaction we received from SEMA attendees and consumers on Synergy Green, making the color available across the board was pretty much a no-brainer,” said John Fitzpatrick, Camaro Marketing Manager.
Customers will be able to order this color for a manufacturer suggested retail price of $325.
Head-Up Display
Already available on the Chevrolet Corvette,the 2011 Camaro will become the second Chevrolet vehicle to offer the popular Head-Up Display.
Camaro’s Head-Up Display will include:
- Vehicle speed
- Tachometer
- Compass
- Outside air temperature
- Manual Paddle Shift Gear Indicator (if equipped)
- OnStar Turn-by-Turn
- Audio functions
- Phone information
- Selected gear
- Turn signal indicators
- High-beam indicator signal
- Vehicle messages
“Head-Up Display has been a very frequent customer request” said Cheryl Pilcher, Camaro Product Manager. “People familiar with the HUD system simply love it. It truly enables drivers to keep their eyes on the road.”
Production of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro begins on June 7, 2010.
Car and Driver Giving the Camaro Convertible some love
C&D didn't write up too much on the Camaro Convertible, but they do seem to like it a lot. I have to say, being a clean-shaven and well-groomed adult, that I take a little exception to the mullet comment as it tends to have rather redneck connotations, but I understand it's just a little bit of playful humor. Also, the two photoshopped images have some variances in them (does the second one make the vehicle look warped to anyone else out there?). Anyways, I can definitely see waiting for a Convertible, especially in a warm Southern state (where the mullet comment may have a little more potential, maybe) and am looking forward to seeing some of these on the road.
Click the thumbs below for full size images of the C&D cover and page with blurb:
Camaro still King: Sales continue to rise and dominate the competition.
Well, March marked another great month for the Camaro. After the World Design Car of the Year award yesterday, sales numbers are now coming out for the month of March, and they're impressive. 8,904 Camaros came off the lot in March, the second most in any month since the Camaro launched, and a number that dominated the sales of the Camaro's competition: The Mustang, and The Challenger. As for those two though, must give props to the Challenger for almost doubling its numbers from the month prior. It's not a bad car (I like it a lot more than the Mustang, myself) and it's nice to see it getting some boost in sales numbers. Of course, the King stays on top there, with the Camaro outpacing its rivals big time.
