Camaro Marketing Manager Interview

[nj85z28]

I was approached by General Motors today with an interesting opportunity. I will be conducting an interview with John Fitzpatrick, the Camaro Marketing Manager. If theres any questions you would like me to ask, please post them. I'll be putting this on a bunch of the sites I frequent.
Thanks for your help

[BonzoHansen]

Why would you be doing this?

Will the next camaro be leaner?

[nj85z28]

Why would you be doing this?



I was asked by the GM CARS team manager if I would be interested in doing it. I work for several GM related sites including Camaroforums.com, Chevroletforum.com, Truckforums.com as an administrator and since January the company Internet Brands that owns these sites has developed a relationship with GM. Back in January I was invited to GM HQ as 1 of 6 website operators for a meeting with the GM CARS team and brought to the Detroit auto show before it was open to the public. Alex from GMI was also there.

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

6th gen = leaner?

Motor for 6th gen?

Price to remain similar to current structure?

[coolmanvette75]

Details on the Z28 (they said they will be making a Z28, along with the ZL1)

Actual power numbers for the ZL1

Any 6th gen info

[BonzoHansen]

Cool I had no idea.

I'd also want to know if the trend of oversized wheels will begin to reverse course given the adverse impact it has on mpg and handling. I'd think cafe standards will dictate improved unsprung weight and reduced moment of inertia.

If the next version will be equally large in all directions will they consider making the back seats useful? they are welcome to sit in the back of my 2nd gen to experience camaro backseats that are functional. As my primary driver where I rarely have the while family on it but need to every now and then, the back seat is the #1 and only reason I am not considering a camaro as I new car shop right now. At $35k+ it is still an expensive toy

[NastyEllEssWon]

why is the camaro so ugly???

why is it just a 2 door g8 with half the interior space???

when can we expect to get our money back that the government stole from us and gave to gm?

do you think the government shouldve just let gm tank since they mishandled their company and by the terms of capitalism they deserve to go bankrupt and stripped apart by competitors that bought them out to help absolve their debt?

[nj85z28]

why is the camaro so ugly???

why is it just a 2 door g8 with half the interior space???

when can we expect to get our money back that the government stole from us and gave to gm?

do you think the government shouldve just let gm tank since they mishandled their company and by the terms of capitalism they deserve to go bankrupt and stripped apart by competitors that bought them out to help absolve their debt?

Im sorry you feel that way towards the company.
Unfortunately this interview is more for the Camaro enthusiasts.

However I was also approached by a marketing company recently looking for "GM Haters" I come across on my websites, so if in fact you truly feel that way I can forward your contact information to that team and perhaps they can put you in a focus group to get you the answers to those questions from GM directly.

[BigAls87Z28]

Will the next camaro be leaner?

6th gen = leaner?

Motor for 6th gen?

Price to remain similar to current structure?

Details on the Z28 (they said they will be making a Z28, along with the ZL1)

Actual power numbers for the ZL1

Any 6th gen info

None of the above questions will be answered. Zero.

Im sorry you feel that way towards the company.
Unfortunately this interview is more for the Camaro enthusiasts.

However I was also approached by a marketing company recently looking for "GM Haters" I come across on my websites, so if in fact you truly feel that way I can forward your contact information to that team and perhaps they can put you in a focus group to get you the answers to those questions from GM directly.

Don't mind Nasty. Wasting time there. In fact, you are wasting a lot of your time here overall. I don't think that anyone here is either in the market for a Camaro, nor have the ability to get one.
Sure, some might have the ability, but none have interest in it.

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

Buzzkill.

[Blacdout96]

With the RS/SS models for everyday driving crowd, and the ZL1 a super performace muscle car with the intention of pointing it straight and have a it, A. are they looking into a Z28 model? and B. Will this one be based on a more agile, and diet body/interior performance, considering the original Z28 was intended for competing in Trans Am?

[sweetbmxrider]

Anything to help with blind spots? Reverse cam, blind spot detection, etc...

[BonzoHansen]

I have another one for him. What does GM believe the fans of past generations of Camaros feel about the new car?


In fact, you are wasting a lot of your time here overall. I don't think that anyone here is either in the market for a Camaro, nor have the ability to get one.
Sure, some might have the ability, but none have interest in it.Speak for yourself Mr. Malibu. I just told you why I cannot look at the car even though I'd really like to. So what you are saying is GM does not care why people who can buy the car don't want to?

You should probably stop assuming. There are a lot of guys here with the ability to buy one of these cars. A few have but many have not. Doesn't GM want to know why we don't buy it now?

What in your opinion should he ask this GM person, how they are going to make it even more wonderful?




I do agree that nastytroll can shut up. The Camaro Marketing Manager has no more to do with the GM stuff than the guy on the line screwing the car together. Ass, stay on topic or go away. No one wants to hear your useless rhetoric.

[jts98z28]

do they have ttops yet?

[jam01]

since we own a 2010, my wife love's it by the way. they really should build a strip model with the big engine, while i know they put the packages together to save cost and speed production, there is nothing like ordering your car with the features you want not what is required with other options. that was a problem i had trying to sell cars, dealers load up on either the lowest optioned or the highest with very few in-between.

[Blacdout96]

Strip it down, make a 5.0 based on the 4.8 truck engine, make the block aluminum since ford already has their 5.0 in order. Watch Dodge follow suit making the 4.7 a 5.0 and then they slide it into the Heffer, er I mean Challanger....BAM, instant Trans Am race series 21 Century style.

( making mental calculations) leave the bore at 3.78, and make the stroke 3.39.....close enough.....

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w182/Balcdout96/backpain-1292835351.jpg


Tell them to do it now. kthanxbye

[Slow-V6]

Tell them please do not make a Chevy Firebird!!

[WildBillyT]

Tell them please do not make a Chevy Firebird!!

Like they did in '82-02? :D

[BullittSVT]

What plans do you have for the interior to improve overall functionality and style that'll be on par of say... the Mustang.

Why do Camaros almost always receive goofy steering wheels?

Are most of the owners for the 5th Gens first time owners of a Camaro?

How has the new generation been received by previous F-Body owners.

Take Fords example on how to make a Pony car, slim it down fools. GM is always balls first, comfort later.

...yes I am a Ford sympathizer.

[BigAls87Z28]

Let me just update some of you on sales numbers. Camaro is still #1, despite Mustang's 40023048304820348032840238403 options and trim packages.

Is Camaro perfect? No, not by a long shot. I could stand here and list 20 changes they could make over the next model year to improve it, but what you guys are asking is information that he won't answer, or you are asking questions for stuff that is not possible or not going to happen, ie a stripper V8 model or details on the 6th generation Camaro.

[BigAls87Z28]

I have another one for him. What does GM believe the fans of past generations of Camaros feel about the new car?

One good question


Speak for yourself Mr. Malibu. I just told you why I cannot look at the car even though I'd really like to. So what you are saying is GM does not care why people who can buy the car don't want to?

You should probably stop assuming. There are a lot of guys here with the ability to buy one of these cars. A few have but many have not. Doesn't GM want to know why we don't buy it now?

The Camaro cannot and is not an everyman's car. It cannot be a car for everyone, and so far it's a car for the majority of people looking to buy a sports coupe.
There are lots of guys with the ability to buy one here, but they won't for a host of reasons, and therefor not the reason to ask them for a question.
Just look at the questions so far? Old-time enthusiasts think that the fandangled IRS is for rich people, that 20's is a waste, and are perplexed how a Camaro could come without roll down windows? New age kids are either too dumb, poor, or not looking for that caliber of car. So what's the point?
People asking for engine-in-a-box car should be dismissed and removed from modern production car talk. If you think that AC and power seats should be left for high end cars, you have no point in asking questions. If you think that fuel injection is still a fancy new technology that hasn't had all the bugs worked out, you should skip this thread.

Real questions?
How come the Camaro team thought that a Camaro buyer wouldn't like navigation and automatic climate control, but a lower model Cruze has them as standard or optional?

Why, and where did you pull the information on what to change for the interior for the 2012 model year?

Did the engineering team learn anything from the ZL1 testing about the car, and will that trickle down to other models?

Has there been any requests for the new FE4 suspension for non-SS cars?

[sweetbmxrider]

No one complains about the slim window profile and blindspots?

[BigAls87Z28]

No one complains about the slim window profile and blindspots?

Sure they do. But, as numbers are showing, people are willing to give up a little visibility for design. Camaro is not something you buy with your mind, you buy it with your heart. Cheezy marketing line, but it's true. If we all thought practical, 98% of us would not be driving what we are and what we love to drive.

Personally, never had a problem. Side mirrors are big enough, it has passive sensors, and now had a back up camera system that displays in the rear view mirror. Never felt like I lost a car in a blind spot. Really, drive it for one week, and you get used to it. Same with any other fbody, any other generation. Each has their own glitches.

GM listened too much to the "enthusiast" crowd when it came to the interior, for better and for worse. On one hand, you can get a cloth interior without the aux gauge pod in an SS, and you can get upgraded heated leather seats on a V6. But, they also heard that "we dont need no fancy navigation, dual zone climate control, or smart phone integration!"

[RiggsLW81]

I would like to know if they have any plans to bring back T-tops? Or if there is any interest from the public in them? Being as they've been a representation (to an extent) of the car for 30ish years, I'd be curious to know what the decision makers think about them as an option. Would it be the 5th gen or 6th gen? Have the decision makers seen the aftermarket 5th gen t-top conversions? I am all for them coming back personally.

Question #2.. Why did they kill off the best color in the 5th gen lineup the first year out? Aqua Blue Metallic.. the most unique, and fun color available. Did it not sell well? Any plans to bring back that color, or at least a medium/metallic Blue in the future? The Navy is bland as hell to be the only Blue offered.. Any other color choices news to note?

Thanx..post up if those questions get answered.

[WiMiMc]

will they make a hardtop convertible opposed to ragtop? probably not but i just figured i'd throw it out there

how do they plan to step it up to compete with the new mustang? ( i know the ZL1 is coming out but i mean what else and something that applies to the SS models and even base models)

[sweetbmxrider]

Will they improve the convertible? You know how ridiculous it is Al.

[WiMiMc]

Will they improve the convertible? You know how ridiculous it is Al.

other than it being 4100 lbs?

[sweetbmxrider]

Lulz, you should go to the dealer and ask to go for a ride with the top down. Then get caught in a sudden rain shower and put the top back up.

[BigAls87Z28]

If you have future product questions, they will not be answered by the Camaro manager. Ask them, I will do my best to answer them.

I would like to know if they have any plans to bring back T-tops? Or if there is any interest from the public in them? Being as they've been a representation (to an extent) of the car for 30ish years, I'd be curious to know what the decision makers think about them as an option. Would it be the 5th gen or 6th gen? Have the decision makers seen the aftermarket 5th gen t-top conversions? I am all for them coming back personally.

Question #2.. Why did they kill off the best color in the 5th gen lineup the first year out? Aqua Blue Metallic.. the most unique, and fun color available. Did it not sell well? Any plans to bring back that color, or at least a medium/metallic Blue in the future? The Navy is bland as hell to be the only Blue offered.. Any other color choices news to note?

Thanx..post up if those questions get answered.

No ttops, ever. Long gone. #2, ABM is part of a rotating color pallet that Chevy will change every year. Synergy Green is another, and there are more crazy colors to come.

will they make a hardtop convertible opposed to ragtop? probably not but i just figured i'd throw it out there

how do they plan to step it up to compete with the new mustang? ( i know the ZL1 is coming out but i mean what else and something that applies to the SS models and even base models)

No, soft top for the the next 2 generations.

New Mustang? Mustang keeps getting updates, but no "new" Mustang for a few more years. 6th gen and the next gen Mustang will be released around the same time. Right now, Camaro has the lead in sales. Camaro will get some updates before the next generation, but realize that what they have now is the best selling car in it's market, it sells without incentives, and it is profitable. Expect minor enhancements to the car, like what is being seen in 2012.

Lulz, you should go to the dealer and ask to go for a ride with the top down. Then get caught in a sudden rain shower and put the top back up.

The top system is a bit awkward. The soft top cover is a PITA to install.

[sweetbmxrider]

Ok, care to improve it?

[BonzoHansen]

There are lots of guys with the ability to buy one here, but they won't for a host of reasons, and therefor not the reason to ask them for a question.
If that is GM's stance it is very arrogant, or stupid, depending on your vantage point. I have the ability to buy, I like it the car in a general sense, I considered it, but ultimately decided against it, and GM doesn't care why I said no? I know a number of big camaro fans, they own multiple ones, the go to shows, they race, etc., who wanted to like it but ultimately decided to buy a challenger or a mustang. Does their input not matter either? Only people who already bought one can be involved? So I guess you're out too huh?

Just look at the questions so far? Old-time enthusiasts think that the fandangled IRS is for rich people, that 20's is a waste, and are perplexed how a Camaro could come without roll down windows? New age kids are either too dumb, poor, or not looking for that caliber of car. So what's the point?

People asking for engine-in-a-box car should be dismissed and removed from modern production car talk. If you think that AC and power seats should be left for high end cars, you have no point in asking questions. If you think that fuel injection is still a fancy new technology that hasn't had all the bugs worked out, you should skip this thread.More arrogance and condescension.

I don't see IRS mentioned here but I love it. I love the entire drive trains of both the V8 and V6 cars. I understand from a number$ POV why the stripper model is off the books, it won't even cost less! lol But it is still a legitimate question that someone could answer why.

"I'd also want to know if the trend of oversized wheels will begin to reverse course given the adverse impact it has on mpg and handling. I'd think cafe standards will dictate improved unsprung weight and reduced moment of inertia"

My question on the wheel packages is a legitimate question considering the CAFE standards being forced down automakers throat. You can make all the snide comments you want that wheels over 18" are great and it's just old guys not liking the look, blah blah blah but that does not change the laws of physics. Those giant combos hurt MPG, braking and handling. And our stupid govt is forcing MPG changes. I for one am concerned about the 2nd killing of muscle cars. But I guess we can't ask about that, too stupid of a question.

So in short, if not an superior fanboi we can't be involved. got it. And to be quite honest, if the conversation is only about in dash nav and trim options, it's a waste of everyone's time. Except fanbois.

Sorry to the OP, but Al belittling on everyone on a Camaro fan website because they don't unconditionally love the new one grinds my gears. Besides, he answered all the questions.

[nj85z28]

I guess I am done here. Thanks everyone for your input.

[BigAls87Z28]

If that is GM's stance it is very arrogant, or stupid, depending on your vantage point. I have the ability to buy, I like it the car in a general sense, I considered it, but ultimately decided against it, and GM doesn't care why I said no? I know a number of big camaro fans, they own multiple ones, the go to shows, they race, etc., who wanted to like it but ultimately decided to buy a challenger or a mustang. Does their input not matter either? Only people who already bought one can be involved? So I guess you're out too huh?

More arrogance and condescension.

I don't see IRS mentioned here but I love it. I love the entire drive trains of both the V8 and V6 cars. I understand from a number$ POV why the stripper model is off the books, it won't even cost less! lol But it is still a legitimate question that someone could answer why.

"I'd also want to know if the trend of oversized wheels will begin to reverse course given the adverse impact it has on mpg and handling. I'd think cafe standards will dictate improved unsprung weight and reduced moment of inertia"

My question on the wheel packages is a legitimate question considering the CAFE standards being forced down automakers throat. You can make all the snide comments you want that wheels over 18" are great and it's just old guys not liking the look, blah blah blah but that does not change the laws of physics. Those giant combos hurt MPG, braking and handling. And our stupid govt is forcing MPG changes. I for one am concerned about the 2nd killing of muscle cars. But I guess we can't ask about that, too stupid of a question.

So in short, if not an superior fanboi we can't be involved. got it. And to be quite honest, if the conversation is only about in dash nav and trim options, it's a waste of everyone's time. Except fanbois.

Sorry to the OP, but Al belittling on everyone on a Camaro fan website because they don't unconditionally love the new one grinds my gears. Besides, he answered all the questions.

First off, I didn't say you had to unconditionally love the car. Never once did I say that, at all. In fact, I made it a point to come up with several factors about what can be fixed in a car. And never did I say that you have to own one to comment about it. What I said was that this forum is a poor place to ask for questions, based on the membership.
As for all the "Camaro" fans that bought a Challenger or Mustang, they also had to sacrifice comfort, visibility, and big honkin wheels. Someone who purchased a Challenger or Mustang over a Camaro did because of design. But when the day is done, and the numbers are tallied, more Camaros hit the road month after month than the other two, sometimes combined. So that tells me that what you think about its design, its weight, its big stupid heavy wheels, and its poor visibility is MOOT!


What you want fixed will not be fixed. What you, and many others, are looking for, is something that will not be fixed till the next generation, and then, you will still have something to complain about.
If you want to voice your opinion about the weight of the vehicle, or its poor visibility, so be it, but that will not effect the current car, and that is all the marketing manager will be addressing when he talks about the car. Sure, he will say "We are looking into areas where we can improve on the Camaro for the future, and we will take into account the many emails/facebook posts/tweets/letters/phone calls for future production."

My qualms about asking this question here is not that it's a Camaro forum, because it's not. It is a place where people gather to ******** about the cars they have now, the things they are working on.


As for the wheels, get used to it. Wheel size is another cosmetic upgrade that enhance a vehicle's appearance. Chevy Cruze Eco I drove for a week has 17 inch wheels, and pulls down 42mpg. Prius and Volt both have 17's. New Buick LaCrosse eAssist has 17's standard alloys, as will the Malibu eAssist.

Yes, killing muscle cars. Like they did in they 70's and 80's? Then the 90's? Oh, how about when they tried to kill them in the 00's? Oh wait, I can get near 300hp turbocharged 4cyl, a 450hp Mustang, twin turbo V6 Ford products out the ass, 560hp Cadillacs, 640hp Corvettes that do 205mph.
Yeah, death the muscle car.

Our gov't is killing it? No, Americans are. Americans, as a group, don't know when to say "enough" because we are greedy bastards. Two ways to slow down the use of oil: 1- Make the OE's make more efficient vehicles or 2- Tax the **** out of the oil, slowing your consumption.
Years and years of smoking warnings, hundreds of lawsuits, tons and tons of education about "STOP SMOKING" but people kept lighting up? Odd...
But, not a pack of cigs are almost 10 bucks? Why? Taxed out the ass. Surprise, smoking is on the decline!
EPA has been enforcing CAFE since the 70's, yet the average MPG of the nation hasn't really budged. Why? Because GM went from making 15mpg V8's cars to 25mpg V8's SUV's. Years and years of being drilled about saving the earth, cleaning the air, saving the polar bears, didn't do a damn thing because gas was a buck a gallon.
Then 2006-2007 comes, and ZOMG, 3.50 A GALLON?!?!?! **** THIS ****, IM OUT!
Truck sales drop in the ****ter, SUV's are a dime a dozen, and every OE...I mean EVERY OE is diving into product development, trying to find something that gets better MPGs.
Now, gas is 3.50 a gallon again, and what is GM's #2 best selling car? The 38-42mpg Chevy Cruze.

[WildBillyT]

First off, I didn't say you had to unconditionally love the car. Never once did I say that, at all. In fact, I made it a point to come up with several factors about what can be fixed in a car. And never did I say that you have to own one to comment about it. What I said was that this forum is a poor place to ask for questions, based on the membership.
As for all the "Camaro" fans that bought a Challenger or Mustang, they also had to sacrifice comfort, visibility, and big honkin wheels. Someone who purchased a Challenger or Mustang over a Camaro did because of design. But when the day is done, and the numbers are tallied, more Camaros hit the road month after month than the other two, sometimes combined. So that tells me that what you think about its design, its weight, its big stupid heavy wheels, and its poor visibility is MOOT!


What you want fixed will not be fixed. What you, and many others, are looking for, is something that will not be fixed till the next generation, and then, you will still have something to complain about.
If you want to voice your opinion about the weight of the vehicle, or its poor visibility, so be it, but that will not effect the current car, and that is all the marketing manager will be addressing when he talks about the car. Sure, he will say "We are looking into areas where we can improve on the Camaro for the future, and we will take into account the many emails/facebook posts/tweets/letters/phone calls for future production."

My qualms about asking this question here is not that it's a Camaro forum, because it's not. It is a place where people gather to ******** about the cars they have now, the things they are working on.


As for the wheels, get used to it. Wheel size is another cosmetic upgrade that enhance a vehicle's appearance. Chevy Cruze Eco I drove for a week has 17 inch wheels, and pulls down 42mpg. Prius and Volt both have 17's. New Buick LaCrosse eAssist has 17's standard alloys, as will the Malibu eAssist.

Yes, killing muscle cars. Like they did in they 70's and 80's? Then the 90's? Oh, how about when they tried to kill them in the 00's? Oh wait, I can get near 300hp turbocharged 4cyl, a 450hp Mustang, twin turbo V6 Ford products out the ass, 560hp Cadillacs, 640hp Corvettes that do 205mph.
Yeah, death the muscle car.

Our gov't is killing it? No, Americans are. Americans, as a group, don't know when to say "enough" because we are greedy bastards. Two ways to slow down the use of oil: 1- Make the OE's make more efficient vehicles or 2- Tax the **** out of the oil, slowing your consumption.
Years and years of smoking warnings, hundreds of lawsuits, tons and tons of education about "STOP SMOKING" but people kept lighting up? Odd...
But, not a pack of cigs are almost 10 bucks? Why? Taxed out the ass. Surprise, smoking is on the decline!
EPA has been enforcing CAFE since the 70's, yet the average MPG of the nation hasn't really budged. Why? Because GM went from making 15mpg V8's cars to 25mpg V8's SUV's. Years and years of being drilled about saving the earth, cleaning the air, saving the polar bears, didn't do a damn thing because gas was a buck a gallon.
Then 2006-2007 comes, and ZOMG, 3.50 A GALLON?!?!?! **** THIS ****, IM OUT!
Truck sales drop in the ****ter, SUV's are a dime a dozen, and every OE...I mean EVERY OE is diving into product development, trying to find something that gets better MPGs.
Now, gas is 3.50 a gallon again, and what is GM's #2 best selling car? The 38-42mpg Chevy Cruze.

17's ain't 20s.

And GM would be foolish to look past complaints about the car, like blind spots. Sure they sold a lot, but who wouldn't want to sell more?

[BigAls87Z28]

You are all missing my point.

You asking about improving blind spots won't change a thing right now. Trust me, they know about the blind spots. There were massive internal fights about it, between Holden and GM NA, as well as internally at GM NA. Wars were waged in design rooms and engineering offices. People went to other programs because of the fights just about the roof hight of the car.
Trust me, they don't need you to tell them. They didn't just throw a bunch of mathematical engineering numbers into a 3D machine, and out popped a Camaro, and once they got in it they said "oh ****...it might be a little hard to look out of this car."

They know. Believe me, they know.


Let me put this in your mind. If some engineers got their way, and visibility was increased, it would have looked more like a GTO with some Camaro body pannels.