Mark Phlean Drives the Camaro

And what does Mister Phlean have to say after 40 minutes of seat time?

"Build it."

For more details...

Read "MARK PHELAN: Exclusive Camaro test drive" @ Detroit Free Press

Even if everything goes flawlessly, the Camaro isn't likely to hit the streets before 2009, and the production model will not be identical to the concept.

I thought Lutz said it wasn't getting cliniced so it would basically be identical to the concept? I realize some of the stuff will get changed like the huge wheels, rearview mirrors, and some other minor details, but I thought it was going to be pretty much the same as the concept?

He also mentions the Malibu at the end as being the cure of what ails GM. A very positive statement!

wow o wow. very nice indeed.

i betcha the guys over at corvette will be putting in some late hours.

the malibu comment just cements the whole thing.

time to get up off yer arses and no more sitting on those hands.

im thinking lutz is putting the General back in General Motors.

the light and easy feel of the clutch pedal

The power steering is direct and responsive; the brakes are firm with good pedal feel, and the six-speed manual transmission was more precise than some production cars.

The Camaro's engine, transmission, brakes and most other major components are off-the-shelf technology, ready to run today, but ready to mate high-horsepower performance with 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway, GM said.

You rarely hear praise like this for GM production models, never mind a concept car. Hopefully this is a preview of good things to come!

wait wait wait... high horsepower performance and 30+ mpg...

you know what that spells? goodbye to toyota's market dominance

lets be honest... given the choise between a 35 mpg 4 banger... and a 30 mpg V8... america is going to sacrifice 5 mpg for a solid 250 extra horsepower... this is great news

wait wait wait... high horsepower performance and 30+ mpg...

you know what that spells? goodbye to toyota's market dominance

lets be honest... given the choise between a 35 mpg 4 banger... and a 30 mpg V8... america is going to sacrifice 5 mpg for a solid 250 extra horsepower... this is great news

That's if it gets the mileage and just like the Prius numbers, that's a big if.

That's if it gets the mileage and just like the Prius numbers, that's a big if.

My Camaro gets a little over 29 mpg on the highway... so I don't think it's a big "if" at all.

That's if it gets the mileage and just like the Prius numbers, that's a big if.

I think it will. The Corvette gets 30MPG highway and while it weighs more it also doesn't have AFM.

My Camaro gets a little over 29 mpg on the highway... so I don't think it's a big "if" at all.

but you know some jerk out there without any rubber on his tires will be complaining about getting 12-13 mpg when the thing never sees idle...

I think it will. The Corvette gets 30MPG highway and while it weighs more it also doesn't have AFM.

AFM?

AFM?

Active Fuel Management a.k.a. Displacement on Demand.

http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/adv_te...afm_120605.html

That's if it gets the mileage and just like the Prius numbers, that's a big if.

Toyota makes exagerated and sometimes outrageous claims

regarding horsepower & MPG. This is not news a this point.

It is also pretty much public knowledge at this point that GM

tends to underpromisse and overdeliver on both MPG & HP.

And the Camaro is serious fun. Its unique design may set the tone for other Chevrolet cars, boost sales and add excitement to GM's most important brand.

These positive reviews are a marked differance from the usual

negative bull$#it we get to read 70% of the time. If even the

hardcore cynics agree (build it) then how can it be anything other

than done deal???

Here is the video that accompanies the article:

Phelan gets behind the wheel of the Camaro concept

That car looks so cool moving down the road! I can't wait for it to be in the dealer showrooms, I'm ready to buy one right now!