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Originally Posted by 90503
Well put, Mr. Fielder...As far as marketing goes, I would add to Blur's point...that is keep it uniquely American...I've seen several threads from folks in Russia, Lebanon, the Middle East who are totally stoked with V-8 American muscle...
...for some reason the need to copy and please "Europian" tastes and trends, offer something for the Man-purse crowd with the Camaro, is a total missed opportunity to keep these cars "special" instead of believing they only want what they can get in other cars...The I-4 will look copy-catish, and a feeble attemt to be like everyone else....
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I firmly believe adding a turbo-4 base model will NOT in any way diminish the pedigree or excitement of the awesome-power/performance V8 Camaro models. If they pull it off right (which I believe they can and will) - it could add to it...
much like this generation's no-nonsense V6 model did. How many folks pounded their feet and crossed their arms in 2008 that a V6 Camaro would never, ever, ever be worth looking at? Now, obviously, it's not for everyone, but there's no denying the LT manual lives up to Camaro's reputation, and is a fun car to drive!
If the car is to be global (as the Mustang will be)...they'll NEED to appeal to European tastes. Remember - some of those poor folks get taxed or regulated or however it all works based on displacement of the engine, not just mpg or emissions. You're right that there's a market overseas for our traditionally American-sales-only Camaro...it's almost "exotic" to them (using the term literally, by the way, "exotic" as in: rare, desired, special). But in order to truly tap that market, they'll need to be aware of its requirements.
And they've ALWAYS needed to appeal to the masses...One of the largest contributing factors (among, admittedly many) of the 4th-gen's demise was that the entire car was too enthusiast-focused. They went too far in the right direction, and lost their majority of buyers.