Reader Spy: Are you a new tuner Pontiac Firebird homage, the Chevy Camaro Z28, or something else?

Chris Paukert — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

Mystery Chevrolet Camaro-based prototype - click above for high-res gallery

Autoblog tipster Mark has sent in these images of what appears to be some sort of Chevrolet Camaro body restyling kit that turns the Bowtie musclecar a latter-day Pontiac Firebird tribute. As posted on GMInsideNews forums, there is speculation that the mule could actually be a Camaro Z28, what with its big hood bulge and all, but the styling doesn't seem right to us, nor does the prototype's camouflage pattern. We suspect it's more likely an aftermarket affair, something along the lines of the Kevin Morgan Designs 'Phoenix' project, the ASC redux, or the Lingenfelter 455 T/A concept.

The prototype was spotted in suburban Detroit area when its car cover partially blew off while parked, giving Mark the opportunity to capture his quarry. Unfortunately, the cover apparently never came all the way off, so we're left wondering what's been done to the back end. Judging by what we can see of the cover's outline, it doesn't appear to have been left alone, so our curiosity remains piqued. Thanks for the photos, Mark!

Gallery: Reader Spy: FireBreather Camaro

[Source: GMInsideNews]

Reader Spy: Are you a new tuner Pontiac Firebird homage, the Chevy Camaro Z28, or something else? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM RWD Update: FWD Impala remains, Zeta to merge with Sigma

John Neff — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:07:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, GM

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

After our sampling of General Motors' rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform in the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT, we must admit that we're smitten with the platform. Its future in GM's North America car lineup, however, remains in question thanks to stricter CAFE standards that start going into effect by 2011. While the G8, G8 Sport Truck (actual name still pending) and Camaro are all guaranteed a spot on the Zeta platform, other vehicles like large RWD sedans for Chevy and Buick are likely dead in the water, according to Motor Trend. Hopes for a RWD Impala are all but gone thanks to strong sales of the current front-wheel-drive model, which continue despite the success of the now similarly sized Malibu.

Motor Trend also notes that GM plans to merge its current Sigma RWD platform with the Zeta around 2011. At that time, the Zeta/Sigma platform will be built in three sizes - coupe, midsize with 114.8-inch wheelbase and large with 118.5-inch wheelbase - and offer a premium version of each with forged aluminum suspension components. See the list below for a breakdown of how MT thinks things will look by 2011.

Zeta/Sigma variants:

Coupe - Camaro, maybe Holden Monaro and Pontiac G8 Coupe
Coupe Premium - Cadillac CTS Coupe
Midsize - Pontiac G8 and Holden Monaro, maybe Chevy sedan (not Impala)
Midsize Premium - Cadillac CTS Sedan
Large - Holden Statesmen/Buick Park Avenue (China), Holden Ute/Pontiac GT ST, maybe Buick Lucerne replacement
Large Premium - Cadillac STS/DTS replacement

Finally, MT also speculates that GM is working on a small rear-drive platform for Cadillac in Europe. The resulting 3-Series fighter would give Caddy more cachet in the old country, though MT does not specify is this would be an all-new platform or a larger variant of the Kappa platform that underpins the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

[Source: Motor Trend]

GM RWD Update: FWD Impala remains, Zeta to merge with Sigma originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 16:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments