Maybe this Z28 Thing is Real this time…
Well, according to the usually reliable MotorTrend, when interviewing the GM VP of Global Engineering he recently divulged that the Camaro Z28 would be a real thing. It seems that Karl Stracke is filling in the shoes of the old Bob Lutz and giving up GM's secrets to the media. Stracke's a pretty interesting character himself, as he drives a Corvette Grand Sport as his daily driver and rides a Harley, and is by no means afraid to speak his mind. He recently spoke out against the Cobalt, calling it "horrible" and questioning how it ever passed multiple departments and was considered a good idea.
Well, Stracke also spoke his mind in a number of other ways recently. He claimed that the Camaro Z28, and Next-Gen Camaro as well, would be utilizing the new GM Alpha-Platform. Having his confirmation of the definitive nature of the Z28's future is definitely a good thing for all of us Camaro fans, as anything less than that up to now could reasonably be considered ridiculous postulating from less than informed sources (I've been very very skeptical of all the various Z28 reports up to now, as they tend to be various forum members from one website or another claiming they know a guy who knows a guy who saw a tester, or something similar). Going beyond this, Stracke also talked about how Cadillac is gunning directly for BMW, saying that they don't want to settle for being anything less than the top-dog. He said that in reaching for this, they're making moves across the entirety of GM to improve their interior style and design, and to take cues from the Audi line of vehicles in that department. Stracke also stated that engineers were currently discussing a potential Hybrid Diesel or Rotary for the next-generation Chevy Volt.
All in all, pretty interesting information from an interesting character, and a seemingly solid admission of proof to the future of the Camaro and the Z28.
GM and Google together?
This news is really exciting: Apparently, GM is attempting to create a partnership with Google to use their Android Mobile OS and create a vehicle sync system with new GMs. This move would be a direct attack on Ford's collaboration with Microsoft for their vehicle SYNC system. SYNC has had mixed reviews thus far when discussing its software, but the general consensus is that in theory it's a fantastic vehicle feature. Looking at Google's track record though, I'd be inclined to believe that they could create something much more useful and efficient than SYNC. Of course, by going to Google and creating a collaboration there, GM's OnStar would almost immediately be rendered obsolete (especially their GPS system as the Android OS does GPS very very well). Is this a good thing? OnStar has had its ups and downs, but in all is considered a pretty reliable service. I think Google could out-do it though, as they do seem to be right there with Apple in terms of usability and brilliance. Here's to hoping this comes to fruition and we see some fancy, high-tech, new features hitting the GM fleet some time soon. GM and Android: very cool.
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.
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.
Gen6 Camaro to get new platform?
According to a recent MotorTrend report we're beginning now to get some information about what the 6th Generation Camaro will be like (seems a little premature, no?). Apparently GM is developing a new RWD platform that will take place of the SIGMA platform on the Cadillac CTS and be the base by which the 6th Gen Camaro is also built. This platform will be the ALPHA platform. This seems a little odd of a move, but I'm alright with it personally, to announce this right now before the second year of the Camaro has hit dealerships. So, this platform will be hitting dealers in 2014, and the Camaro is scheduled (tentatively) for 2015 right now. Other changes discussed here: The 6th Gen Camaro is expected to be lightened by a good bit from the 5th Gen; Also, apparently the engine in the Camaro will not be a naturally-aspirated, but instead either a turbo or super-charged V6. It seems the goal is to continue increasing Camaro performance while also increasing its EPA gas consumption rating to guarantee it will continually be able to beat whatever Mustang Ford throws at it. All very interesting stuff, but, having just bought my Camaro not too long along, too soon for my liking to hear about!
Synergy Green Camaro Debuted
The New Green Machine: 2010 Camaro Synergy Special Edition
DETROIT, Jan 14 – Today, Chevrolet debuted the 2010 Camaro Synergy Special Edition. The special edition will be produced in limited quantities from February to May, with pricing starting at $26,790.
“The Synergy Special Edition package is designed for customers who want a unique performance car at an attainable price,” says Camaro marketing manager, John Fitzpatrick. “For under $27,000, Camaro Synergy Special Edition offers standout styling, modern technologies like Bluetooth, and 304 horsepower under the hood.”
The 2010 Camaro Synergy Special Edition is based on a Camaro 1LT, with a 3.6L direct injection V-6, paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The powertrain has become a benchmark for the segment by offering a combination of performance and efficiency: The V-6 delivers 304 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, and returns up to 29 mpg on the highway.
The Synergy Green exterior color was first previewed at the 2009 SEMA show. In production form, the Synergy Green is accented by Cyber Grey Rally Stripes running the length of the Camaro hood and rear deck. Other exterior features include a standard rear spoiler, and standard 19 inch, Sterling Silver painted wheels wrapped with P245/50R19 tires.
The color scheme is mirrored on the interior, with Synergy Green instrument panel and door inserts. Synergy Green stitching also accents the Jet Black cloth seats, steering wheel, shift knob and center console. The Special Edition also includes the Camaro Convenience and Connectivity Package, with Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port for MP3 players, and remote vehicle start for models equipped with an automatic transmission.
“Synergy Green continues a long tradition of dramatic Camaro colors,” says Camaro historian Scott Settlemire. “Some of the most sought-after Camaros are first generation cars – those from 1967 to 1969 – in Hugger Orange, Daytona Yellow, and Rallye Green. Just as those colors helped make the first generation Camaro an icon, modern colors like Inferno Orange, Rallye Yellow Transformers Edition and Synergy Green will define the 2010 Camaro.”
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