Should Chevy make the RS package optional on the Camaro SS? That’s the topic of this week’s Community Question here at GM Authority.
The Situation
It’s no secret that the current, sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro is not selling as well as it could be. Camaro sales fell 6.2 percent (4,797 units) from 2015 to 2016, and another 6.6 percent (4,765 units) from 2016 to 2017. To make matters worse, the sports car posted only 2,867 sales in January 2018, marking its lowest monthly sales result since returning to production in 2010.
Though the car is an absolute gem from a vehicle dynamics (driving and handling) and styling standpoints, arguably the foremost reason for the rather low sales volumes of gen six model is the higher price of the 6.2L LT1 V8-powered Camaro SS when compared to the previous model and to the competition. The difference in price isn’t huge (roughly three thousand), and Chevy often gives dealers a $2,000 conquest incentive to lure existing Mustang owners. Even so, something tells us that a sizable amount of potential buyers don’t even consider the Camaro after learning about its higher base price. And that has us wondering whether Camaro sales would rebound if Chevy were to decrease the price of the Camaro SS by two or three grand in order to bring it more in line with that of its chief rival – the Ford Mustang GT.
| 2018 Camaro SS | 2018 Mustang GT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price: | $37,995 | $35,095 | $2,900 (Camaro) |
The Specifics
We have heard that Chevy is working on rearranging the 2019 Camaro’s trim levels in order to derive a lower price for the base and mid-tier models, and one of the most obvious ways to do so for the Camaro SS is to unbundle the RS package that’s currently standard.
To note, the RS package is a $1,950 option on the LS and LT Camaro and includes the following features:
- RS package for 1LS, 1LT, 2LT:
- 20″ 5-split spoke premium Gray-painted, machined-face aluminum wheels
- High intensity discharge headlamps
- LED taillamps
- RS-specific grilles
- Decklid-mounted lip spoiler
Meanwhile, the Camaro SS has the following content standard:
- 20″ wheels
- HID headlights
- SS-specific grilles
- Stanchion spoiler
So it would stand to reason that Chevy can trim about two grand from the price of the Camaro SS to make it more affordable. And so that’s what we are asking you in this poll. Vote away and sound off in the comments below.
Comments
The real question are these.
How much content are you willing to give up?
How much would it really save?
How is the price structure on the Camaro able to absorbe this and still able to make a decent profit?
I know we all would love to have more sales and a cheaper car but there could be some things stopping it. The Alpha is a more expensive platform vs the Camaro.
As the article states, make the RS package optional on the SS like it was on the previous gen and the current lower trims…If folks determine they cannot give up content like the Stanchion spoiler, they’re welcome to add the package…
1LS costs $26,700K while the SS costs $37,000…Plenty of margin built in as stated above they already have large amounts of incentives including a $2K mustang conquest that can stack with other discounts…
i would like a camaro without all the disco crap like my 69 camaro or my 68 nova ss 396 did not have but i’m old
Yeah, I’m old too and all this “pkg” BS is exactly that to make more $$. THE KISS principle needs to apply, not more $$$$. IMHO…
People act like cars from the 60’s where great to have and drive but they weren’t that’s why we now the old cars with new technology. People say they don’t want power everything, or A/C, nice radio until they have to spend hours driving it.
I have a 70 Chevy C10 it use to have zero options when new and use to drive it that way for decades. But now after restoring it with just about every option that a modern day truck has its impossible to think that I drove it all those years without them
The point is we have the technology to make the camaro as fast and as kool as possible and for some reason people want to change that.
Lol, well I guess you know I feel and continue to bang the drum for a hoped up L83 and make that part of the RS package. With the mustang GT getting more power I would love to see a 460hp L83 in the RS and then bump up the LT1’s power to 535hp with the power package GM performance offers currently. This perspective levels the playing field between the 5.0l ford motor and the 5.3l GM. It also elevates the SS to compete power wise at 535hp with the 5.2l 528hp Voodoo Shelby GT350/R. With the coming Shelby GT500 expected to produce in excess of 700hp then the ZL1 needs the LT5 from the vette’.
I mean if your only concern is on paper specs, then by all means. But the SS already beats the GT350 in every measurable way on and off the track so there’s no use.
That said, you’re thinking too in the box. Think outside the box with all-new engines that we haven’t even heard of. That’s my postulation.
Using in L83 engine will not make the price go down. It cost just as much to build as an LT1. Do you want a Camaro SS under $30,000. It’s simple just buy a 2016 Camaro SS.
The article simply states, do you believe the RS package should be made optional on the SS in order to get the MSRP down by $2K? Doing so simply lowers the MSRP to $35K which makes it more competitive with the Mustang…
And, still gives it more ‘content’ then the GT.
While they may both look like Apples, one has a lot more shine and delivers in the real world performance metrics beyond the other.
Sorry, but using the chevy silverado configurator, which is the only configurator to allow choosing the 5.3 or the 6.2, you are wrong by $2495., so yes, the L83 IS less than the L86. Potentially more if your comparing the L83 and LT1. I suspect the price difference would be the same if we’re talking a hypothetical cost comparison between a 460hp 5.3l vs a 535hp LT1. This is the only reference I can find but please let me know if you have a source to confirm what you say.
I have a huge problem with the Camaro and I hope one of the Camaro team reads this. The 6th gen Mustang has found a lot of sales success due to the fact that a base V6 model looks VERY similar to the V8. So overall, the Mustang has a more premium package to most NON car people. They know very little about trim levels, some think they are all the same believe it or not. And based purely off of looks, the V6 Camaro looks like ass compared to the Mustang. All Camaros should come with the same front (except ZL1) and headlights/tailights. Do you know why? Brand perception. If the first Camaro someone ever sees is a bland V6 with those ugly halogen lights, they might run straight to the Ford dealer because they saw a better looking V6 Mustang for the same price. That’s why the V6 is failing, it’s hideous. The RS package should be optional, but keep the lights. Makes a HUGE difference in the way the car and brand is perceived. That’s the MOST important aspect to consider.
The base Mustang doesn’t look that great either… but the base Camaro without the RS package looks worse still, so I agree.
If I had to pick the most unattractive exterior feature of the Gen6, it would be the 1LS/1LT grill with its horizontal slats looks very dated…The SS1, ZL1 and even all Mustangs have a more modern “mesh” grill…Yet I believe whatever one thinks about the front end it’s hardly having an effect on sales…
I agree. Just like the Camaro’s dash, the subject of so many complaints, doesn’t really have an impact by itself. But when taken as a whole, the Camaro’s various demerits when compared to the Mustang is probably not doing it any favors in terms of sales volume.
Reg; “various demerits when compared to the Mustang” _ Really, Alex, how about fairly reversing that. ‘Taken as a whole’, the Mustang has plenty of ‘demerits’, too.
Hm this is an interesting ticker. I recall noting at its debut the fifth gen had little differentiating between V6 to V8 models (even down to their true dual exhaust). I thought it was a smart move at the time, to quit knee capping their volume product.
1LS V8: $33,495
Basic, cheap V8 for lower entry point and hooliganism.
Charging $6,500 over a 1LS 2.0T for the LT1 and associated hardware, nothing else.
Still 18″ wheels 245/50/18 all around. Makes for a great burnout machine. Not chasing lateral grip numbers like SS models.
Would have SS-style fascia but without LEDs.
No SS hood vents or rear wing, remember we’re trying to be cheap.
Base DIC and 7″ MyLink
1LS V8 w/ Z/28 package: $40,495
Think 1LE for SS models, but light instead of luxurious.
$7,000 over 1LS V8 to pay for ZL1 1LE-style parts like:
Hood with plastic instead of carbon insert and no vinyl wrap
Thinner, lighter rear glass
18 or 19″ Wheels, 285 front, 305 rear
Smaller, lighter Brembos
DSSVs
Low-profile ZL1 1LE wing we saw in prototype stage, in plastic to keep price low
SS 1LE front splitter.
Still no leather, LEDs, Bose, HUD, PDR, etc… Base cluster, DIC, and 7″ MyLink. Free-flowing exhaust instead of heavy, expensive NPP. It’s supposed to be loud, not polite like SS models.
This brings Z/28 back to being affordable and high performing.
Basic, but not stripped to one speaker and no trunk lining like the 5th gen.
Most importantly, it adds variety. With the LS trim offering three engines, and good personality differences between SS and Z/28.
Building a cheaper v8 camaro just so people can say I have a camaro that has a v8 and not a v6 I4 is ridicules.
If you don’t want top of line then buy a v6 I4
Honestly, keep the HID lights, make them standard like the mustang the halogens look like something from 2010. Then for the RS package make them full LED lights. Otherwise make the rest of the RS package optional.
What they should do is make it 24,800 for the LS and 25,500 for the LT then allow the ability to get blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert as a option on the 1LT/LS. Maybe make it $1,000? anyone want to add or disagree? I already have a 2017 2LT RS. But if I wanted to increase sales that’s something as well I’d suggest. Other than offer more sales! Took me forever to get mine on sale.
The base price of the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro base coupe is $31,995 while the Camaro ZL1 coupe with manual transmission is $61,500, while it’s recognized that the difference between the two cars is far from just the engine differences as the ZL1 requires structural strengthening and suspension upgrades; but for Chevrolet to price the Camaro ZL1 at almost twice the price of the base Camaro is pretty tough for anyone to accept.
I accept it! That’s the way it’s supposed to be! If you want to go fast you have to pay!
I see the Camaro as an enthusiasts car as well as a GM ambassador. It is a premium product and should not be cheapened. I believe that if you are buying a Camaro you know everything about the car before you visit the dealer and probably know more about it than they do, which brings me to the price argument. How many people have ever paid the full advertised price for a car? Whenever I visit a dealership and start looking at a Camaro a sales person will appear, generally from thin air. After a few pleasantries it doesn’t take long for them to tell you that if you are serious about the car they will do a good deal and in most cases it’s $1000’s off. I called into a Seattle dealership in 2016 just after new Camaro stock had arrived. I was offered $4000 off the price of a 2SS on the spot. Show me a car sales “Man” who won’t drop his pants to get a sale.
Ok. I didn’t really mean that about sales people. We all have to make a living.
Well, you got the first part right, but on small to large discounts from the dealer, that has not been my recent experience.
I inquired of three local dealerships in the local area and three dealerships in a large NW metro area through GM’s system and got no response from the large metro dealers, and only two responses from the local dealers. None offered dealer discounts on an ‘ordered’ Camaro, and stated and continue to state, that the only discounts applicable would be the rebate/incentive currently offered by GM at the time of delivery. They were not going to give a dealer discount.
This points out problems with Camaro sales at several levels, and no follow-up by GM as to dealer response to a sales inquiry using their lead system.
Had I got a contractual dealer discount, I would have a new Camaro 1LS/1LT_1LE, or had one on its way. Count me a sale lost.
Meanwhile, both of those responding dealers are still sitting on quite a few NOS 2017’s even with pretty fair discounts on that slow moving inventory which is still carrying flooring paper. Go figure.
Most of that NOS 2017 inventory is/was base turbo 1LT and 2LT, and SS vehicles and only one 2LT V6.
They could make one simple change, it would be so easy.
Drop the ridiculous 20″ rims that come standard on the SS.
They are a $2000 option that many would easily pass on to get the V8 at a lower price.
Yes I think Chevy making the RS package optional may help with sales. And allow more flexibility with ordering.
Also; some markets (for instance Cayman Islands) can only order the Camaro SS fully loaded! Even options like automatic transmission and sunroof, neither of which I wanted. Whereas Ford provides the Mustang GT with much more ordering flexibility! Guess which car sells far more? That’s right the Mustang by a large margin!
Maybe GM should actually find a way to cut costs to make themselves more competitive cost wise and keep the features!
I don’t know if the RS package is really WORTH $3000 in deductions…
I personally think that there is no right way to salvage sales on the current 6th Gen.
GM should really be looking at the 7th Gen to make up for the sales slump.
What are the top things that would make the Camaro stand apart from the Mustang, and also the 5th/6th Gen, in the 7th Gen?
Here is my short list of thoughts:
– AWD option on top line offerings (3LT, 2SS)
– 2+2 seating, functional rear seat (doesn’t have to have super knee space, just enough that someone can actually sit back there without losing circulation to their feet)
– Change the C-Pillar, drop the design cues from the 5th Gen.
– T-Top/Targa option to appease the old school fans.
The numbers don’t lie, the Alpha platform cars struggle to sell well. The ATS, CTS and Camaro all are fine cars that offer above average driving dynamics and in most cases class leading performance, but the sales performance has been underwhelming. Some say it’s about pricing? Others say the cars are too tight/compact? Personally, I don’t think a tweak here and there on the styling and a re-shuffle of the packages/options will help Camaro sales much?
In the future I tend to think GM would be better served to offer 2 different cars in the space occupied by the current Camaro. One smaller, RWD coupe and convertible, turbo 4 and/or PHEV, then Camaro moves a tick upmarket and goes back to a hatchback design.
Another way to interpret the data is…
As the Camaro has become more and more of a sports/track oriented car, less and less people buy it.
The mustang sells better because it’s a bit roomier inside and has better visibility, in every review it’s called the better car “To live with.” The camaro has a very vocal enthusiast community, some of whom seem to be concerned only with lap times. Chevrolet has appeased that crowd with this generation. To make more sales, they probably are going to need to modify the cars design/dimensions to be a bit more practical, i.e. better rear seat, slightly lower belt line, and also tone down the performance parts to lower the price. The enthusiasts will scream. Are they right to? I don’t know.
I hardly ever saw a 6th gen SS that wasn’t an RS, in fact, I can almost count the times I’ve seen a “white” SS badge on the road, its seems that in that price range most people already wanted that option, you can still get a cloth 1SS model, again, sells like cold cakes and seldom seen.
My take is really, if you couldn’t afford it at $37K, you really can’t afford it a $33K.
Re-Read the article, there’s still time to edit your post…
Make a better looking 18″ std rim for the SS models and have the 20’s as part of the RS package or optional.
LOL, it isn’t selling because it has no outward visibility and it’s ugly compared to the Mustang, which looks like a muscular BMW M4, while the Camaro looks like a child’s toy.