Autoblog's Erin Mays is on-site at the auto industry's annual Management Briefing Seminars this week, and she reports that General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner announced Thursday, "As evidence that we're not completely brain-dead, GM will build the Chevy Camaro." A fully brain-functional Wagoner posed with a red version of the concept car for the obligatory photo-op (above).
Production of the Camaro will begin in late 2008, and the much-anticipated car will hit showrooms in early 2009, presumably after a massive debut at the '09 Detroit Auto Show.
Not much new, but here are the highlights:
- RWD with independent rear suspension
- V6 and V8 versions, manual and automatic transmissions
- styling will closely resemble the concept car
- asked about a droptop Camaro, Wagoner would only say, "It will come in many shapes and sizes."
- no comment on a possible Pontiac Firebird version
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Eddie @ Aug 10th 2006 12:28PM
Early 2009... seems so far away.
I want this
Christian J @ Aug 10th 2006 12:28PM
Greeeat. And only 4 years too late. Even better than trying to catch up to the original mustang.
Bunch of jokers.
-C
laserwizard @ Aug 10th 2006 12:34PM
The owner looks like the dog.
Jason @ Aug 10th 2006 12:42PM
Hmm, will GM be able to afford to build cars by 2009?
jim @ Aug 10th 2006 12:43PM
excellent...by the time this thing is released we'll all be lusting after Smart cars because of the 5.00/gal gas.
Right On Time.
No...they're not brain dead...nope
Ross @ Aug 10th 2006 12:43PM
Put a bowtie on a wheelbarrow and watch 'em line up, money in hand.
Scot S. @ Aug 10th 2006 12:43PM
On the phone with my dealer as we speak. I'm in!
JRoane @ Aug 10th 2006 12:46PM
I'm not a GM basher but some things about this Camaro highlights issues with GM. First it took a year almost after the concept was introduced to green light it. Then the green light is for two production years in the future, which is how many years behind the Mustang? It is introduced as a Chevy. On the face of it nothing wrong with that but if there are no plans for two versions and I don't know why there would be, then IMO it would make more sense to brand it a Pontiac Firebird. If Pontiac isn't the performance division, then what is it?
Ken @ Aug 10th 2006 12:47PM
Maybe I better start growing my MULLET now, so it'll look real good when I'm ready to buy one. I'll have to start cutting all the sleeves off of my tee shirts too. Maybe grow a real thin porn like mustache. Have my girlfriend put on some skin-tight jeans and poof her hair up, with some real heavy eye liner.
JON @ Aug 10th 2006 12:47PM
Good news.I hope this drives the morale and confidence of the GM people.Every team needs a star player or two to boost optimism.From the looks of Caddy and the quality survey that came out yesterday it looks like they could be on a roll
2009 Camaro Owner @ Aug 10th 2006 12:52PM
As evidence that they are not completely brain-dead... GM will definitely beat their own time-line on this one. Makes me think of those early-to-market Silverado pickups! So, the convertible will be an early '10 release, but I highly doubt they will be able to keep themselves from showing it off at the 2008 NAIAS.
To: Bob Lutz
THANK YOU for working magic on another American Brand!
Gardiner Westbound @ Aug 10th 2006 12:53PM
It's a very nice car, though I would have preferred the 2003 Chevrolet SS concept. I can't help but think the market will be nearly absorbed by the time it arrives.
http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-2003-Chevrolet-SS-Concept.htm
Chris @ Aug 10th 2006 12:56PM
According to my neighbor who is a quality control engineer, the Camaro will probally need ever bit of the 400 hp the concept had to run with a Mustang GT. He said the platform it will ride on is quite heavy and he thought they would use a live rear axle to save weight. He said at the proving grounds in Milford that they have about four Mustangs to test and were really impressed with the live rear axle but the techology used was all patened by Ford. This car looks good and could look great if they fix that silly looking grille!
Edsel @ Aug 10th 2006 1:02PM
LOL! - "It will come in many shapes and sizes."
Remember what happened to pony cars after the first gas crisis in the 1970's? Picture a wheezing 4 cyl, circus sized, tin box with "go-fast" decals and a 12 month warranty.
Mr. Wagoner's statement is his way of saying; "It's official today, but don't ask me tomorrow".
Mj @ Aug 10th 2006 1:09PM
When they come out with rag top I'm in! Hey #6 Ken come out of the closet, it will set you free!
Jackie @ Aug 10th 2006 1:14PM
'bout time GM! Now dump the GOAT and BRING ON THE BIRD!! I might consider the Camaro but I'd definately purchase the BIRD!
robino @ Aug 10th 2006 1:15PM
Independent rear suspension would be a major factor to me if I was shopping this car against the Mustang. But that is if I would actually consider buying a Ford or a GM. I hope both manage to survive, though the Mustang has done nothing to slow Ford's decline. GM needs to offer something to all those drivers who are bailing out of their SUV's and trucks. Another nostalgic grampa's wet-dream, rental fleet, "sports-like" Mustage with a bow-tie isn't going to cut it. It will divert attention from the bottom line, but it won't change it.
Oliver @ Aug 10th 2006 1:28PM
I can't help but think of the Italian guys with white sneakers and gold necklaces driving in their IROC-Z's in the '80s.
Hmmm.....
Drewboy @ Aug 10th 2006 1:30PM
I think this is going to be too late to market. If gas keeps increasing, people aren't going to want to pay the gas prices that will accompany these vehicles.
CoffeeJedi @ Aug 10th 2006 1:43PM
Idiot Redneck Out Cruzin'
or
Italian Retard Out Cruzin'
You think they'll offer a matching set of concrete blocks to put it on as an option? I'll take mine in "primer" please!