The Car GM Needs to Build for the "Younger Generation"

[Chris Draper]

I'm going to sway a little off topic of the C7, but not really.

We've heard it before, the C7 styling direction is to encourage a younger buyer demographic. I've said it a thousand times, this isn't the problem, otherwise I'd have a Corvette in my driveway right now.

The younger demographic (18-30ish group) has always liked the Corvette. All of my friends love the Corvette. The issue is, they can't AFFORD one.

Camaro you say? Everyone wants a V8 Camaro and those START at $34,000ish. Still to expensive, heavy, sloppy, and a sterotypical mulletmobile. Tires are expensive, modifications are readily available but also relatively expensive.

I present you you the Scion FRS (also badged as a Toyota TR-86, and Subaru BRZ)

Manual Trans, RWD, Light (2,800 lbs), quick, great handling, and great MPG (30ish)

http://www.scion.com/cars/FR-S/

With a manual trans, this car starts at $25,000ish, looks great, and sets a new benchmark for starter performance cars. Give it some time, and I believe this will be the next Mazda MX5 (Miata) of this generation. It uses PRIUS tires (Less than $400 for a full set). One of the best handling cars ever made from everything I've heard and seen.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUhLXvxlQR4

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUhLXvxlQR4

And for the price of the car plus some extra cash you can build a trackday monster for less than $50,000 (The starting price of a Corvette)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=puhX7b2BB7A

www.youtube.com/watch?v=puhX7b2BB7A

And for the love of God, please make it look better then this POS.

[blckslvr79]

But how would it look with corporate Camaro tail lights on it?

I honestly don't believe GM has the creativeness in it's management and design team to figure out your obvious suggestion nor to build such a car. GM has ALWAYS built what they want, not what the customer wants.

[C2C3C4C6]

You are right, younger guys cannot afford a new Vette, older guys with real money buy SL's, Porsches, Aston Martins, etc.; the older guys that buy Corvettes have some money due to aging, not enough for the aforesaid cars, and want to recapture their youth. If the C7 is going after the youth market it is in for a nasty surprise.

[spd98]

GM needs something like a Kappa+ car. I think we might get something more like that in the next generation Camaro. It might not be the Camaro itself but I'll be we see something of an alpha based coupe in that target range. I think GM could afford to move Camaro down in price if they introduce a premium car along simular lines as a Buick (wildcat here we come!).

[Chris Draper]

Originally Posted by spd98

GM needs something like a Kappa+ car.

Even the Solstice/Sky were $30K+ cars, and honestly, weren't that good. I drove a Solstice. Rear visibility is literally zero because your head is lower than the rear end of the car. Quality was bad.....oh man, talk about plastic interiors....wow.

[Texdentist]

Originally Posted by C2C3C4C6

You are right, younger guys cannot afford a new Vette, older guys with real money buy SL's, Porsches, Aston Martins, etc.; the older guys that buy Corvettes have some money due to aging, not enough for the aforesaid cars, and want to recapture their youth. If the C7 is going after the youth market it is in for a nasty surprise.

Damn, we were hoping you hadn't noticed.

[MayZ]

Originally Posted by blckslvr79

But how would it look with corporate Camaro tail lights on it?

I honestly don't believe GM has the creativeness in it's management and design team to figure out your obvious suggestion nor to build such a car. GM has ALWAYS built what they want, not what the customer wants.

BINGO . . . the answer to the Daily Double!

GM floods the market with poorly designed and built vehicles year-after-year. In addition, the parts supply-chain produces inferior material for an inferior product. If Cadillac can turn itself around, why can't the Chevrolet brand do the same

[bkuper]

Originally Posted by blckslvr79

But how would it look with corporate Camaro tail lights on it?

I honestly don't believe GM has the creativeness in it's management and design team to figure out your obvious suggestion nor to build such a car. GM has ALWAYS built what they want, not what the customer wants.

I suspect they may have plenty of design talent but the decision makers who have moved up the ranks may have a more "corporate" vision, causing more inspired design solutions to not see the light of day.

Not too cynical, huh?

[PNHNDLE96CE]

I think chevy's answer is the V-6 camaro. It has over 300hp, it's just too damn heavy. Hopefully when the new camaro comes out it will be 3200-3400lbs and with 300hp+ that can be a fun car too.

[raidmagic]

That Scion is a great car as is the Hyundai Genesis is an awesome car too. That aside what is the red Chevy at the bottom? I've not seen that before. I think it's great!

[Chris Draper]

Originally Posted by raidmagic

That aside what is the red Chevy at the bottom? I've not seen that before. I think it's great!

You think it's great?

It's the Chevrolet Code Red Concept. One of 2 "Youth Concepts" shown last year made to inspire "Youth appeal"

Code 130R "Code Red"

And Wow, look at the taillights! HAHAHAHAHA!

[Chris Draper]

the other "Youth Concept" was the Tru 140S. IMO much better then the other. i actually wouldn't be embarrassed to drive this.

http://www.supercars.net/cars/5587.html



Hey there's those Camaro taillights again!

[MayZ]

Originally Posted by Chris Draper

And Wow, look at the taillights! HAHAHAHAHA!

Yep . . . the inmates (supply-chain) are definitely running the asylum (Generic Motors)

[PNHNDLE96CE]

Originally Posted by Chris Draper

the other "Youth Concept" was the Tru 140S. IMO much better then the other. i actually wouldn't be embarrassed to drive this.

http://www.supercars.net/cars/5587.html



Hey there's those Camaro taillights again!

I like this one too. But would it sway young buyers from their Civic SI or Golf GTI? Chevy needs something in that market but they really need to stop half assing it!

[raidmagic]

Yeah I like that red one, I like the silver one more but I'm not the guy they are targeting, I don't buy new cars.