My initial impressions of the car are as follows:
Interior: Quantum leap forward from a fit and finish perspective over the Gen5. The seats are very comfortable and the cockpit is more functional than my Gen5 as well. I really like the dash layout and the new infotainment center is really well done. It feels smaller on the inside to me all around, especially the rear seats which are obviously for emergency use only. I was a little concerned that the seats would not be as supportive as the Gen5 Recaros but that is not the case.
Exterior: Let me start by saying I have owned 17 Camaros and this is the first non-black Camaro I have owned (except for my 70 Z/28) and I am very pleased with my choice. I love black, but the older I get the less time I want to spend keeping a black car clean so HBM was my choice and I am very satisfied. The car is more aggressive than the Gen5 and noticeably wider than the Gen6 SS. Now, I believe that is due to two things...first it is slightly wider and second, the front fascia really adds to the perception of the wider front end. The spoiler is what it is. Not my favorite but it is staying put as I plan on tracking this car early and often. The rims are actually better than I thought they would be. I got the exposed CF heat extractor and the rims actually go well with the "greyish" color of the ECFHE. Not sure I would like them as much with the black painted heat extractor. Someone else mentioned it earlier in the thread but having the mirrors and the spoiler painted black to match the splitter and the side curtains would have been a real nice option and probably will be one of the first mod's I get done. The rear of the car sits nice and fat but I will be relocating the ZL1 badge on the rear bumper. Not sure what the hell they were thinking. It just looks lost there.
Sound: I will post some sound here shortly but the car has a very nice aggressive exhaust note. I will be heavily mod'ing the car, including exhaust but it will not be for the sound as the stock exhaust is really well done for a stock system.
First drive: Obviously, I took it easy but I will say this...first gear is going to be a LOT of fun in this car. Lot's of torque and it just keeps on pulling. The 0-60 in this car is going to be mid 3's once I can open her up as long as she sticks. The first gear pull reaffirmed my choice to go M6. The clutch is much lighter than the my Gen5 and the shifter throws feel similar, slightly closer maybe. I am coming from my Gen5 that has 700rwhp so I expected this car to feel a bit sluggish compared to my Gen5. Let me say that whether it is gearing, weight, or the torque band....I was pleasantly surprised that this new car feels very close in power to my Gen5 and much more nimble in my first impressions of driving it. More to come on power and handling as I get her broke in and start pushing her a little bit.
I left the car at the dealer to get a few options put on and will go back and pick her up tomorrow for good but let me say this....I won't sleep much tonight. I told my wife I was going to keep my Gen5 because I did not want to be without the power it had but as I sit here tonight and think about my first experience in the new Gen6....I may have a perfect Gen5 for sale in the near future. The Gen6 is just so much better in so many ways that keeping my Gen5 just seems silly even though I told myself I would never part with it. Ultimately I plan to add another 125-150hp to the new girl and that will erase any regrets for sure but the stock power is surprisingly well done.
Much more to come but that is my first 30 minutes walking around the car and driving it around the block. Going to be a long night tonight.
