GM releases pic of production Camaro and a bit more
click above image to view high-res version
General Motors released an image today of GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner, Vice-Chairmen Bob Lutz and Fritz Henderson standing in front of a production clay model of the 2009 Camaro being chiseled. The official caption of the pic refers to the car as a "production clay model", although from what we can see through the pleated pants of these three GM execs, the front end looks exactly the same as the Camaro Concept that first debuted at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show.
What's more interesting, perhaps, is the fuzzy background showing this design studio's wall on which hangs a concept rendering of what appears to be a new Chevy vehicle. Josh Oliver from TheGMSource.com surmises that it's a new rear-wheel drive coupe, possibly a new Monte Carlo or Chevelle. We're not sure from the available evidence that such a claim can be made with any degree of certainty, but it is clear the car on the wall is one we haven't been officially introduced to yet. Any thoughts on its identity? Impala, perhaps? Drop your guess in the comments.[Source: GM via The GM Source]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Automatica 11:20AM (4/29/2007)
Malibu Coupe.
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stefan 11:12AM (4/29/2007)
I don't kwow what that thing on the wall is butt the grill on it looks like crap.
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Marvelous 11:24AM (4/29/2007)
Maybe a Malibu coupe. Accord and Altima has one, why not the Malibu.
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Petey 11:36AM (4/29/2007)
Weren't they dropping development of their rwd platform? Which platform is this Camaro gonna sit on?
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Be Oh Be 11:46AM (4/29/2007)
#4
They aren't dropping the rwd program entirely. The Camaro and the Pontiac G8 are a definite go according to GM. I'm psyched too, the upcoming Camaro (and me wanting to save some more money) is more or less what's keeping me from dropping the down payment on a 2007 Mustang GT right now.
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Rastus 11:47AM (4/29/2007)
Yes, indeed...three "leaders" of GM playing pocket pool.
That about sums it up, folks, as to what they actually DO to earn their salaries.
...that, and pose for ridiculous photos.
No wonder GM has fallen to second place.
(Now, just imagine what the three of them do in the executive bathroom...ok, that's just NASTY...let's not go there :)
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Avinash machado 11:52AM (4/29/2007)
Could it be one of the new Daewoos that might get rebadged and sold as a Chevy?
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Be Oh Be 11:56AM (4/29/2007)
#6
Hey now, everyone knows that most CEOs don't do that much anyway, right??? I mean, aren't CEOs just figureheads at every major corporation around the Western World? I mean, every time you see a CEO or upper level manager at any large company posing for a photo, aren't they always sort of smiling with some kind of smug look on their faces as they have at least one of their paws in their pockets? Nothing too out of the ordinary in this photo I say.
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paul34 12:18PM (4/29/2007)
Ugh, everytime I see the mug of the new Camaro I can't help but see a "Cars" car. Look at the lower grille... looks like a mouth with a stupid smile! They just need to paint eyes on the windshield LOL
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naggs 12:27PM (4/29/2007)
rastus, once again your insiteful analysis is a breath of fresh air
BTW, the 5th graders called, they want their mindless banter back
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generalmotorsman4life 12:57PM (4/29/2007)
I think it's either the new RWD Impala that has been put on hold or a new coupe variant of the current FWD Impala. I'm referring to the picture in the background.
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wally 12:58PM (4/29/2007)
#6 we have no pockets!!!!!!!!!!!
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ruggels 1:01PM (4/29/2007)
Why does GM continue to tease? Teasing is for car companies that make profits. Just release some official shots of the production car in various states of trim already. We had a clay model back during the whole auto show debacle. Nothing new here.
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Mike G 1:10PM (4/29/2007)
I agree, teasing is for 6th grade girls, why doesn't GM just release one of these nice looking coupes they keep going on and on and on and on and on and on about...
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Civisi 1:10PM (4/29/2007)
My first thought was a car based on the same platform as the new Satura Aura (the Epsilon platform), but the 2008 Malibu is based on the same platform, and that's not the new Malibu.
The things to note with what we can see:
It's a sporty car, with sides reminiscent of the Ford Mustang with it's C-scoops. The front end is typical new-Chevy, with a hint of Saab design. And in a way, it's almost a Volvo-ish front end. It's got a very short rear deck. The overall appearance is also very much like the Dodge Avenger/Chrysler Sebring. So it would probably be a car in that class.
My guess? It's a Holden-based car. Maybe based on the Torana concept?
http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/action/conceptcar?modelid=20004
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Marty Vance 1:22PM (4/29/2007)
Did anyone stop to consider that the tiny, fuzzy poster in the background has nothing to so with RWD anything?
Sure, it has a version of the new Malibu's face, but overall the car seems smaller. I bet it's a 2009-10 Cobalt... that's about the right time for a mid-cycle refresh.
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shiznannigan 2:21PM (4/29/2007)
I think Marty has it right. It does seem like a smaller car, like a Cobalt with the updated Chevrolet front end look. That or, as others have said, a Malibu coupe.
It certainly isn't RWD. RWD cars typically have wheels that have a bit of a "dish" to them. The car in that picture has wheels that remain flush with the outside of the tire (maybe even bulge out just a little), as FWD vehicles do.
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Tom W 1:53PM (4/29/2007)
Did it occur to anyone here that these people are not stupid and everything visible in the picture is there for a reason?
In my opinion this is an attempt to generate buzz about future product by giving internet "detectives" something to "discover".
This is marketing in the internet age.
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jamie 2:32PM (4/29/2007)
Check out those suits!
I wonder if Rick, Bob or even Fritz has ever pumped a gallon of gas or added a quart of oil at a self-serve into their daily ride?
Nah, what am I thinking?!
Their chauffeurs do all the dirty work, just like the UAW flunkies do at the factories.
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the law 2:47PM (4/29/2007)
looks like sports hatch...maybe next astra or chevy equal.
i think it would be great to make it as a saab,as they were know for hatches.do i hear all wheel drive- bio-diesel?
GM build it and consumers will buy.
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