Chevrolet Camaro Part 1: Design Review

The first generation Chevrolet Camaro - epitomized by the fabulous 1969 model - arrived two years late, as GM's answer to the original pony car - the hugely successful Ford Mustang. Fast forward to present day and once again GM is late to the party with the rebirth of its Camaro, which was last in production in 2002. Now, with the reemergence of this iconically American type of vehicle - the modern pony car - manufacturers have returned to their roots for inspiration.

Where the last couple generations of Camaros conjure up images of mullets and black concert-tee-shirt-wearing drivers blasting Motley Crue, this fifth generation model is more likely to take you way back to the late '60s and the heyday of the pony car.

While the current Ford Mustang's design is definitely retro, and the new Dodge Challenger's is so true to the original it could easily be considered a reissue, the Camaro's design is more complex. Yes, it clearly borrows DNA from the 1969 model, but the look is completely modernized and, arguably, more successful for it.

Previewed at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show by the show-stopping Camaro Concept, the car's journey from show-floor to production-line has seemed excruciatingly long. The public drooled over the Camaro Concept a second time while watching the 2007 film Transformers and several times again as the car made appearances on magazine covers the world over. Finally, it reappeared in the sequel to the Transformers movie just as production models arrived in dealership showrooms. So, why all the hype over this car's design? Let's have a look...

While most people will focus on the sinister looking front end and its obvious 1969 Camaro influence, it's the back end that's the real turn-on, with gorgeous wide hips as sexy as those of Transformer's co-star, Megan Fox... Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit to make a point.

The point being that the production Camaro, just like its movie co-star, is an absolute head-turner worthy of all the hype. Incorporating the long hood, short deck and wide stance that is the pony car hallmark, the modern Camaro borrows several details from the '69 model to great effect.

Most obvious is the main front-end graphic with its shrouded headlights and beveled, egg crate grille. The driving lights below - which have moved toward the outside of the front-end - retain the circular shape of the originals while doubling as DRLs, or Daytime Running Lights. Even the bulging hood borrows from the original.

Around the side, the shoulder line mimics the original's quite closely. Especially at the kick-up over the rear wheel which accentuates the rear-drive nature of this breed of muscle car. And while the modern Camaro can't quite replicate the fuselage section of the original's body side due to today's aerodynamic needs, visually, it pulls off the trick with a sharp, mid-body character line that gives the illusion of that rounded, fuselage shape. The look is further played-up by a strong wedge-shaped highlight at the bottom of the door that adds depth to the surfacing above and below.

The shape of the greenhouse is another area that illustrates the contemporary execution of the original car's design. Modernized by the fast rake of the windshield and the back-light, the feel of the original is still there. Even around the back, where the new Camaro and the old perhaps differ most, we can still see the influence in the taillights, the dual-exhaust and in those lovely hips.

Looking as close to its appetite-wetting concept as any production car in memory, the Chevrolet Camaro is a very bright spot in GM's current portfolio. Its design captures the best of the past, while defining the car as modern, relevant and most importantly, desirable. And now that we all own a little piece of the company, let's hope the New GM does as well with the rest of its line-up.

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Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience

Chevrolet Camaro SS

Performance - Acceleration: L-99 and six-speed auto make acceleration completely effortless as the speedo needle sweeps around the dial more quickly than expected
- Handling: Unfortunately set up for ultra-safe handling (ie: understeer), but given a defeatable stability control system and lots of torque delivered through the rear wheels, fun is there if you want it
- Braking: Not the most feelsome brake pedal ever, but big Brembos offer effective retardation nonetheless

Design - Exterior: The most successful modern-retro design of them all, provoking nostalgia while looking completely modern - extremely well done
- Interior: Easily overlooked due to the exterior, but also well executed in design terms - only material quality lets it down... and maybe visibility

Utility - Comfort: Excellent for front seat passengers, with big seats and lots of room - the back seats are better than most 2+2s, but still not ready for prime time
- Space: Given the car's footprint, it's surprising to find it's not huge inside - narrow view out makes it appear more cramped than it is - trunk opening is uselessly small

Safety - Dynamics: Again, understeer will keep you from trouble - decent moves given its significant mass will see you through most evasive maneuvers
- Technology: StabiliTrak among the best systems of its kind - everything else is there too, as expected

Value - Price: A HUGE bargain of a car - 426 hp (LS3 with the manual gearbox) and concept car styling for $31 grand? Good look beating that!
- Mileage: L99 incorporates Active Fuel Management system to good effect - six-speed auto is mileage driven and will be in top gear as quickly as possible

Emotional Appeal - Heart thumpin' factor: Absolutely! With its starring role in that Hollywood blockbuster and its show car body, it's one hot car... until next year when you'll see 'em everywhere
- Fun to spank: Yes, if you're really determined to have your fun (stability off, lots of room, little regard for rubber and caution to the wind)

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear-wheel drive
Engine: 6.2-liter V8
Power (SAE): 400 hp
Torque: 410 lb-ft
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 3880 lbs.
0-60 mph: 4.8 sec.
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 17 city / 25 highway
Base Price: $30,595
Competitors: Ford Mustang GT, Dodge Challenger SRT-8, Nissan 370Z