Indy Bash
2008

Camaro News & Notes

As most of you know, the past couple of weeks has seen several unauthorized photos of the Camaro -- both interior and exterior --  leaked to the public.  Frankly, they've caught us by surprise.  Unauthorized photos are, invariably, taken quickly without much thought - and as a result -- are not very flattering.

Since then, our Vice Chairman, Bob Lutz  has ordered that we remove all the cammo off of the mules and early builds...and in fact our General Manager

--  Ed Peper is encouraging you to actively look for Camaros on the road and to take pics of them.....and that's a first at least in my memory!

Since then, we've revealed one picture of a white mule on the track in Australia.

The overwhelming response to these photos has been positive -- altho. the first couple of days after each picture hits the net -- we have some 'rough spots' -- in terms of comments and behavior.  That is probably not a bad thing because -- in most cases (not all) people are passionate about this car............

I'd like you to think about something as pictures continue to flood the internet............

There are a lot of GM's -- in fact the industry's finest -- working on this car.

We want this to be the best Camaro ever --

--in terms of straight out performance--

--in terms of ride and handling for every-day use --

--in terms of handing on a road course -- (some may tend to forget that the late 4th Gen cars will STILL shame most of what's on the road today......regardless of price...)

-- and we want it to be the best in terms of interior comfort and quietness.........

We want this Camaro to be a car you WANT to drive everyday -- no matter where you're going -- no matter what the traffic conditions are....

We want it to put a smile on your face everytime you open the door and get in and fire up the engine.

BUT -- we are concentrating on something else as well....

PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP.......

Yes -- PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP....

We want you to go out and climb into one of these new Camaros -- we want you to fire up the engine -- we really wish we could SEE the look on your face as you floor the accelerator for the first time

(and DON'T forget to PUT THAT SEATBELT ON........)

.......we want you to be so blown away by this new Camaro that you can't sign the papers fast enough!

......we want to watch as you park it somewhere and turn around - time and time again -- as you walk away from it - with that sense of pride that

says:

"Yup -- THAT CAMARO IS ALL MINE! -- beware, all of you who drive something so inferior!!!"

We want you to enjoy the respect this car will bring to those of you who take it to the track...

We want you to enjoy the fellowship that Camaro brings to you thru Camaro Clubs and Internet sites.........

We want people who may not even KNOW what a Camaro is -- to take one look

-- and say "OMG -- what is that and where do I sign?"

We take the creation of an all-new Camaro very seriously.

 VERY seriously.

Most of us were around to watch in mourning as the 4th Gen 'rode off into

the sunset.'   Believe me -- you don't know what pain that was for most of

us -- you don't know the sleepless nights -- and painful days. Yes -- it was very much like losing a child to some of us.  On the other hand - many of you DO know the pain -- because you experienced it with us......

So - just understand, as you look at pictures of the test mules --  that we know there's a high expectation -- and we intend to meet those expectations. We have a lot at stake here -- this is our livelihood -- and it's our PASSION............

Yup -- not everyone will like the console gages -- but for each person who doesn't like 'em, I -think we'll have at least one -- probably a lot more

-- that think they're the 'cat's jammies." Perhaps another won't like the back-up lamps -- and another may not like the interior fabric....but we think that overall -- this Camaro is gonna BLOW YOU AWAY.................

So - enjoy the pics -- keep the civilized discussion going -- but for those who have some misgivings -- I simply ask you to please wait to draw final conclusions until after you've touched and felt a new Camaro in person.

I hope to see you in Indianapolis on September 19-21, 2008!

Scott

new Camaro news  http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=106732

A PERSONAL reflection on Camaro and Firebird from Scott Settlemire

A sad day, indeed.

It takes 5.3 days to build a 4th gen Camaro/Firebird.

Last "body buildup" was last Tuesday, August 20.

The last F-car through Paint shop last Friday, August 23rd ? --and this morning (Tuesday, August 27th) at about 9:20 am, the last 4th gen Pontiac Firebird and Chevrolet Camaro came off the line at Ste. Therese, Boisbriand, Quebec.

A very sad day for the workers at Ste. Therese, those of us on the Performance Car Team, our partners at SLP Engineering, and of course, you, our Camaro and Firebird Enthusiasts. There's so much I could say, and yet, I'm almost speechless.

The men and women at Ste. Therese have done a great job over the past ten years building some of the best Camaros and Firebirds of all time. I can say this: The cars and the workers went out proud. In the 2002 Model Year, we built the fastest, most powerful, best handling, most fuel efficient, and cleanest (emissions) Camaros and Firebirds ever. And through the 2002 model year, they are the fastest, most powerful, best handling cars in their class. And the Camaros and Firebirds coming off the line had some of the highest quality ratings ever.

I'm in Pittsburgh as I write this thus I do not have production figures in front of me but we built over 5 million Camaros over the past 35 years. I'm not sure how many Firebirds, but you can bet that I'll have those numbers when I return to Detroit.

Many of you know that I was privileged to grow up in a Chevrolet Dealership. I'll never forget the first Camaro I saw in person?..a Bolero Red Camaro RS Convertible?..our dealership received it the first week of September?.and back then, it was forbidden to show the new models prior to 'announcement day.' (A bit of history?.until 1968, all new cars were shipped completely covered with cloth covers. they were hidden from public view and announcement day was a big deal as the manufacturers showed their new models off in dealership showrooms nationwide.) When I saw that first Camaro, it was instant love. .I didn't yet have my license, but I thought it was the most beautiful car I had ever seen..esp. the 'bumblebee' stripe and the hidden headlamps in the blacked-out grille. Little did I know at the time that I would also be privileged to work on such a great car much later in my life. Each of the 4 generations have their own personalities and yet they are all unmistakably Camaro and Firebird and, over the past 35 years, the Camaro and Firebird met one thing: Really cool cars. They've received countless awards,  been in movies, TV, books, magazines, they've even had songs written about them -- and have become a part of the Great American Landscape. Camaro is one of the top 5 most recognized nameplates in the industry,..everyone and I do mean everyone, has a Camaro or Firebird in their past or present. If they did not own one, then a brother, a sister, a best friend, a sweetheart  a neighbor  had or has one.

I knew this day was coming. I told myself that I would have time to prepare. I should have known better.

.and while some of our owners see their Fcars as 'just cars', I know that there are many of you out there that see it as so much more than 'just a car.' When I attend a car show and see the love and the passion and the work that goes into restoration?..or the care that you put into detailing your Camaros and Firebirds, it fills me with pride. For those of you who see these great cars as more than 'just a car' ? I'm truly sorry to have to tell you that this is the end of the 4th gen. But keep in mind, that this does NOT mean that the names are dead. While I'd love to talk about the future, I'm forbidden to do so. But as I wrote to many of you a few months back  in 1974, we thought performance cars were a thing of the past and over the next twenty-some years, we found out that this was simply not true.

And so it goes.

The last car off the line was a Bright Rally Red Z28 Convertible ? and it will go into the Chevy Historic Collection so that people for years to come can enjoy this Legend. The next to last car was a matching Trans Am Convertible also going into the Pontiac Historic Collection. We'll have them on display at the Annual Fbody Gathering at the National Corvette Museum this September 20-22nd ? and we hope you'll join us for a great three-day weekend celebration details at www.corvettemuseum.com  and then click on Fbody gathering. The third-to-last- car off the line is a 'loaded' Bright Rally Red Z28 coupe  which will be auctioned off this coming weekend at the Kruse Auction in Auburn, Indiana. All proceeds will go to S.A.V.E. (Students Against Violence Everywhere) and the public will have the opportunity to bid on this historic Camaro. Log onto www.Kruse.com for all the details to register and bid on-line. We'll also have a collection of some of our historic Camaros from the Chevy Historic Collection on display.

On a personal note from Scott, the Enthusiast:

My heartfelt thanks to the men and women of Ste. Therese ? for building such great cars. I could not be prouder of a group of hard workers. Also to SLP engineering for taking a great car to the next level ? and SLP Performance Parts for their work in developing components for even more performance. "Thank You" to a select group of Chevy and Pontiac Dealers for stocking and selling these great cars. "Thank You" to those webmasters and moderators who have put so much time, effort, and money into the various sites over the past couple of years ? so that we could talk with one another ? and I also thank them for their part in making so many friendships worldwide. My thanks to the many many vendors that built the components that make up these great cars. My thanks to my Camaro/Firebird co-workers (and there are tens of thousands of them over the past 35 years) at GM who worked so hard to develop these great cars ? and all the effort they put forth to keep improving the car ? regardless of economic conditions and a changing market. My thanks to Chevrolet General Manager Kurt Ritter ? and my boss Rick Baldick for allowing me the opportunity to not only work on the team --- but to travel throughout the year so that I could meet the many many thousands of enthusiasts out there. I have met the finest people in the world  and that is NOT an exaggeration. My thanks to Dick Almond who selected me over several hundred people for the job on the Camaro/Corvette Team. My thanks to my Uncle and to my Father for giving me the love of automobiles, and Chevrolets in particular and for always encouraging me to strive harder.

With all those 'thank yous'   they pale in comparison to the 'thank you' that I owe each of you. Thank you for buying your Camaros and Firebirds, but more importantly, thank you for the love and passion you show to these great cars. Without you, we would not have had the opportunity to celebrate 35 years of "Performance American Style." I'd also like to thank those of you who have posted such great memories and words of thanks to the men and women of Ste. Therese on   http://thanks.f-body.com

What does the future really hold? As I said above, I can't talk about future product plans. But I'm here to tell you that with the caliber of enthusiasts we have in the Camaro/Firebird community, I envision a lot of celebrations every weekend for many many years to come. With WorldWide Camaro  the National Trans Am Club, American Camaro Association, and the hundreds upon hundreds of Fbody clubs, Camaro Clubs, Firebird Clubs and all the Fbody websites, the dream will stay alive.

And, to the Camaro and Firebird: (if it IS possible to talk to a car?..) You are loved and the legends that you have become will never die. You will be celebrated for many years to come and I could not be prouder of you.

Camaro at Bowling Green info - September 19

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, represents the $26 billion specialty automotive industry. The trade association has approximately 4,500 member companies. It is the authoritative source of research data, trends and market growth information for automakers and the specialty auto products industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger cars, minivans, trucks, SUVs and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA, 91765-3914; call 909/396-0289; or visit <www.sema.org>.

From: Scott Settlemire
Sent: July 29, 2002
Subject:: Last Saleable Camaro

I announce this with very, very mixed emotions............

I've had many, many requests over the past year from fellow enthusiasts asking to purchase the last Camaro off the line at Ste. Therese. The last car off the line will be a bright rally red Z28 convertible that will go into the Chevy Historic Collection for the public to enjoy for generations to come. The "next to last" car off the line is a matching Trans Am Convertible....also going into the Pontiac Historic Collection.......

With that said......we are offering the public the chance to bid on the "Last Saleable Camaro in the United States" -- with all proceeds going to a very worthy cause -- "Students Against Violence Everywhere."

Click here for PDF file from Kruse Auction with more information on how this Camaro will be auctioned off.........

In case you cannot launch the PDF file, here is the script without pictures or calendar:

LAST OF A LEGEND -- CAMARO Z28

KRUSE INTERNATIONAL PROUDLY PRESENTS THE LAST CAMARO OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC IN THE UNITED STATES, SELLING AT NO RESERVE 2002 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z28. SELLING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST. LOT #4075.

Fads come and go. Other things -- Saturday Nights, the classic sound of rock & roll, and a thrill ride called Chevy Camaro -- last forever.

It's been 35 years since the first Camaro roared to life, escalating the classic Chevy-Ford rivalry to a fever pitch. Right from the beginning, with its dramatic styling and choice of hot engines, the Camaro was 'the closest thing to a 'Vette yet." Terms like "SS" "Z28" and "Rally Sport" meant one thing: A VERY COOL CHEVY.

This legend of the American road comes to an end this year -- at least for a while -- with the production of the 2002 model. Kruse is privileged to be selected by Chevrolet to offer the last Chevy Camaro saleable in the United States -- an incomparable Camaro Z28 coupe with the specifications and options fitting for the final effort of the marque.

PROCEEDS BENEFIT S.A.V.E.

All proceeds from the sale of the Last Camaro will benefit S.A.V.E. (Students Against Violence Everywhere) a student-driven non-profit organization where students learn alternatives to violence, and practice what they learn through school and community service projects. Support for S.A.V.E. is part of the Chevy R.O.C.K. (Reaching Out to Communities and Kids) program, Chevrolet's community service initiative.

Register to bid for the car of your dreams by calling 800-968-4444 or log onto www.kruse.com  for more information.

The Last Saleable Camaro in the United States is a Bright Rally Red Z28 coupe with the following equipment:

4-speed automatic transmission
500 Watt Monsoon Sound System
Remote Keyless Entry
Theft Deterrent Alarm
Cruise Control
Fog Lamps
Twin remote electric outside mirrors
Power Door Locks
Power Windows
Power Hatch Release
6-way power driver's seat
Leather wrapped steering wheel with radio controls
Body Side Moldings
Electric rear window defogger
12 Disc CD Changer
Tilt Steering Wheel
Transparent Removable Roof Panels
P245/50ZR16 Goodyear Eagle RSA Tires
16" Chromed Aluminum Wheels
Power Steering Cooler
Performance rear axle
Traction Control System
Ebony Leather Seating surfaces

From: Scott.Settlemire
Sent: Tuesday, December 25, 2001 1:45 AM
Subject: Thank you!

December 25, 2001

Merry Christmas, My Fellow Camaro and Firebird Enthusiasts! Well, for the first time in nearly 48 years, I was finally rendered speechless.  (and for those of you who know me well, I always have something to say about everything!) My family and I exchange Christmas Gifts at midnight on Christmas Eve. There was a very special gift waiting for me this year, one that I shall treasure forever. Imagine my surprise when I unwrapped a VERY thick album stuffed full of letters from my fellow Camaro Enthusiasts thanking me for the "job" I do for Camaro. An even bigger surprise is that you feel that this is a job! My friends, I am honored and humbled to be doing the job I'm doing. As the letter my mother enclosed said " From the time you were two years old, we knew you were destined to be involved in the automobile industry in a big way." I cannot imagine a job I'd rather do. Yes, it has had its rough moments. September 25th was probably the hardest day of my professional career when I had to announce that Ste. Therese would close, that those great men and women who build our Camaro and Firebird would be retired, moved, or "transitioned" and that Camaro would go on "hiatus." And yes, the Financial Meetings and Legal Staff Meetings are sometimes nearly unbearable. But the best part of this job is to have the privilege of traveling across the United States and Canada to spend time with the people who really count:,.you, the Camaro Enthusiasts.who have made this wonderful car called 'Camaro' into a lifestyle.

I have a tradition from my college days. On Christmas and on my birthday every year, I "take stock" of where I've been and where I'm going. .I always wonder what the next year will bring. In my wildest dreams, I would never have imagined that I would get to work on the car that I have so dearly loved since September 29, 1966. In fact, when I was promoted to Assistant Brand Manager Camaro on the Camaro/Corvette Brand Team, I dedicated the rest of my career to the memory of my Father, Dale Settlemire, who was a Chevy Dealer for many years. What I did not realize at that time is that I would meet so many wonderful friends. and to this point, I am speechless. My tear ducts got a good Christmas cleaning-out as I read through the letters. I also sensed my Dad giving me high fives from the great Chevy Showroom in the sky. My friends, I do not believe there is a happier guy on earth right now. Nor is there someone more humbled and honored that you would take the time to write such nice letters. My commitment to you? I will NEVER let General Motors or Chevrolet forget the Camaro. (not that they would ever forget it in the first place!) As long as I am around, I will remain (as Johnny Hunkins, Editor of GM HiTech Performance recently described me) 'the Energizer Bunny of the Camaro.'

From the bottom of my Chevy-Bowtie-shaped heart, I thank each of you for your kindness. May the new year bring each of you health, happiness, and prosperity. And may our country remain the best ever.

Your Camaro Comrade,

Scott Settlemire
(aka The Fbodfather)
(aka Red Planet)

A Mustang owner takes his car to the dealership because it's not running right (I know, I know, but I mean even worse than usual). The service manager tells him to wait in the waiting room while they check it out. Thirty minutes later, the service manager reappears:
   "So what was the problem?"
   "No big deal. Just crap in the fuel injectors."
   "Okay. So how often do I have to do THAT??"

One GCC member's thoughts:

Friends,

After GM made the long rumored and much dreaded announcement that the F-Body breed were to die out after the 2002 model run, I did the only thing left to do. I drove mine. Yes I drove it. I don't usually drive it to work, but this morning seemed special. You grab the shifter to make sure that it's not in a gear. Yes I said gear. You know gears those things that go clack as you racket from one gate to the next in the transmission (not something that feels like a bowl of . . . . .).  You turn the key in the dash, yes I said dash not the steering column. An engine fires up that Detroit designed and that you may have "over engineered in its' last rebuild". That last cam you put in might have been little to much if your radio antenna vibrates so much than it chips paint on car hoods setting next to you. The car has a nice rumble to it as you leave the garage. I accelerated out of the sub-division onto a small straight stench backing out of the carb to hear the exhaust cackle as I braked for the first traffic light. I passed several gas stations and noticed that the price has dropped 10 cents since the eleventh. Onto the highway with a few honks and thumps up from fellow travelers. Exiting the highway near the Arch and while one traffic light away from Spruce Street what did I see.  It was like Christmas came early. One of the guys from my office was setting in the next lane with me at the light. A bright red Nissan 300X couple (late 1980s) being driven by an retired Marine Corps pilot. After a few raps on the horn button to get his attention. . . . .  The light changed to green and  . . . ."honest Officer Smith my foot slipped off the clutch pedal all three times".  A few minutes later at the office coffee pot I was asked by the retired pilot what engine was in the my car. My first and usual answer to that question has always been "Orange" true but somewhat smart assed.

As I sat down to send this message to a few friends a better answer to his question came to mind. "It's not the engine It's the car". It was the answer more than 25 years ago when I bought it, it was the answer for all those years since and it was still the answer this morning.

                                                                                Owner and Driver
                                                                                British Green
                                                                                1968 RS Convertible
                                                                                Riley R. Pope

By now, you have probably heard that our good friends at SLP Engineering have developed a new Airbox that will add 10 hp to the SS LS1 engine...when combined with either the dual-dual cat-back exhaust or the centermount exhaust, this will raise the horsepower from 325 to 345...(and yes, this is real hp gain!) The attached is from Dave Hamburger ....gives an update to the option and how and when you can obtain one for your SS....Great Job, SLP!

Starting September 1st or thereabouts, SLP plans to offer its new (10+ hp airbox system as standard equipment on the V8 Pontiac (with a resulting $300 MSRP increase to the WU6 Firehawk package). As a result, all Firehawks will then boast 345 hp. Same exact time frame, the air box will become available as part of a bundled option on the SS. With either the optional center-mount or dual-dual exhaust systems, the air box will add $300 to the MSRP and 10 hp. Secondary markets: first order of priority will be shipping units to interested owners/dealers with 2002 model SLP V8 F-cars, people who received their vehicles prior to the introduction of the air box system. SLP Troy will coordinate that effort. After we've made a reasonable effort to reach out to owners of those 2002 model cars, we'll open up the order process to the general public, including non-previously- modified-by-SLP cars. Again, our Troy service operations will be involved.-SLP

Going on vacation this summer? Gonna visit North Carolina? .Well, beware of that other Camaro behind you or in front of you.... We're pleased that North Carolina chose Chevy Camaro to patrol the highways and byways of that State.......[More...] 

How Camaro got its name.  According to some within General Motors, a 4-seat sports car was designed in the late 50s for a growing America......it would be the Turbo-charged Corvair Spyder of 1962......additionally, Chevrolet unveiled the "Super Nova" at the New York Autoshow in March of 1964.....a matter of weeks prior to Ford unveiling the Mustang......and while the Corvair was restyled in the fall of  [More...] 

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