2009 may make you sad, but don't be...

[SunsetHawkSelena]

now, i always heard 2009 for release as soon as the Camaro concept came out, so it was no surprise to me when they it would be in showrooms first quarter of 2009. but others seemed shocked by this.

so... since the GTO and Camaro are most likely gonna be brothers i thought i'd post this little tidbit from the Fbodfather that I pulled off the CamaroZ28.com board.

well......I'll answer the question....but need to address this comment first.

No - we did not know we were gonna bring back the Camaro when we unveiled the concept.(we sure as heck hoped so!) The Board did not vote on approving the program until early August -- thus, the reason for very little lead time in inviting people to the GM Tech Center last Thursday.

Now.....as to Start of production........we said the fourth quarter of 2008. Now....according to my calendar, this is August 16. September 1 will start the 4th quarter of 2006.............

hmmmmm........two years.

We also said 'available in the first quarter of 2009' -- that would be January 1 thru March 1 of 2009.

Brand new car. Clean sheet of paper. Not taking an existing architecture and making something else out of it.

Yes, we'd all love to see the car in showrooms tomorrow morning -- you and I 'cause we're Camaro enthusiasts.....the corp. 'cause it would make us money. ...however, it's important to DO IT RIGHT........and if that means 2 and a half years from now.......so be it. I'm not HAPPY about it....but I'd rather take the time and do it right -- 'cause this nameplate, to many -- is hallowed!

As to how many: (and I don't think I'll get in trouble for this....)

Silver Concept
Red Fiberglass
Silver Fiberglass (in Australia)

Two Yellow cars -- both built by another company off of GTO donor cars.

(and for those of you who thought they were built off Mustangs.......that's just SO WRONG on so many levels.........!!!) (eeewwwww.)

That's it for now!

this came from this thread: http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46 6286&page=2

[nikivee]

As Paul Harvey would say, "And now you know the rest of the story".

:D

[MIAGTO]

Betcha a $1 we never even see the car hit the road.

And even if we do, the more I see it, the more I dont like it. The Challenger on the other hand....

[RobertHammen]

Betcha a $1 we never even see the car hit the road.

And even if we do, the more I see it, the more I dont like it. The Challenger on the other hand....

You talking about the Camaro? I'll take that bet. But, that's GMX511/521 :-) Reserve judgement until you see the car/cars in person. The Challenger is a retro ripoff - the Camaro has styling elements of the '69, but it's much better looking in person (and not in silver... GM seems to make all of their concept/show cars in silver for some reason I won't understand. No offense to QuickSilver GTO owners, but, to me, silver=boring, safe, unexciting). The Challenger is HUGE - it's the size of a Magnum, and it weighs over 4000 pounds. The Camaro is much smaller/appears more "nimble".

New GTO? Who knows? Lutz said it was happening, but, if it is, it's under the radar... it's a long wait to NAIAS to see if something turns up... I do believe that Pontiac will have RWD besides the Solstice, but whether it's a new GTO or something like the Commodore SS-V, shipped to America...

[JerseyGTO]

Betcha a $1 we never even see the car hit the road.

And even if we do, the more I see it, the more I dont like it. The Challenger on the other hand....

I'll take that bet in a heartbeat.

[JerseyGTO]

No offense to QuickSilver GTO owners, but, to me, silver=boring, safe, unexciting).
:-punch: :-punch:
:-punch: :-punch:
:gr_jest:
To some us of, silver = sleek, polished, machine-like. Silver like the barrel of a nicely polished firearm. Silver like the LS1 heart of my GTO.:cool:

[Holeshot]

As Paul Harvey would say, "And now you know the rest of the story".

:D
GOOD DAY!!

[SunsetHawkSelena]

posted this in the Camaro V Challenger thread, but here ya go:

i have read about and witnessed silver paint being used on many concepts because it shows the lines of the car better. something about it gives depth in person and a better 3D effect in pictures and stuff.

i can see how that's true. we own two bright silver metallic F-bods and their body contours show up a lot better than on my SOM Firehawk.

[mrgto]

So what is the big deal again? No new news on the GTO in that post by Scott.

[RobertHammen]

Scott is just maintaining the "have faith" he's been saying for awhile... stating that the 4th Q of 2008 is just a hair over two years away. He doesn't say anything about the GTO, but there's this article, which mentions _something_ coming from Pontiac:


http://yahoo.businessweek.com/autos/content/aug200 6/bw20060816_723585.htm

"There are a few more surprises coming. In addition to the Camaro—which Wagoner announced would go into production a week ago—GM will build a rear-drive sports car for Pontiac off the same underpinnings"

GTO or SS-V?

Supposedly we'll find out more about where the Camaro will be built (my money is in Oshawa, Ontario) in a couple of weeks (per the interview with Fbodfather at http://www.5thgen.org/forum/showthread.php?t=501

Want to know more about a next-gen GTO? Read the thread links I posted over in the GMX282/285 section...

[GTOnly]

:-punch: :-punch:
:-punch: :-punch:
:gr_jest:
To some us of, silver = sleek, polished, machine-like. Silver like the barrel of a nicely polished firearm. Silver like the LS1 heart of my GTO.:cool:

I'm not offended either, however Goats look awesome in silver. It was not my intention at first. I was looking at a Pulse Red and a Black. I thought (and still do) that Silver shows up the subtle lines of it better than the other colors,JMO:) Add some red or blue pin stripe and it looks sweet.

[tigertamer]

i for one like the new camaro concept but i rather gm come out with a new trans am instead to go along with the camaro and leave the gto name alone.i really feel like i bought a kick a$$ car and feel it"s something special(at least to me).

[RobertHammen]

i for one like the new camaro concept but i rather gm come out with a new trans am instead to go along with the camaro and leave the gto name alone.i really feel like i bought a kick a$$ car and feel it"s something special(at least to me).

If the new GTO is based on the Camaro, it won't be a simple nose-and-tail rebadge, but a much larger, 4 adult seating vehicle.

There just isn't enough coupe market to invest in having a Firebird/TA to be a clone of the Camaro. GM would rather sell 100,000+ Camaros than have to split it up as 60,000 Camaros and 40,000 Firebirds/TA's.

The Firebird name is not dead, though... if Holden gets a smaller RWD platform in 2010 or so (Torana), the Firebird name may come back as a smaller-than-Camaro RWD coupe...

http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.as px?ArticleID=19372&vf=12

[SunsetHawkSelena]

as always, good info, Robert. thanks for adding to my post :D i am keeping a watchful eye on everything Camaro... not just because i want one but because i can find out stuff about the GTO

[rocketman69]

I talked to Scott at Camaro Superfest back in July, the same day I bought my Trailblazer SS. When I asked him when I could get my next GTO, he responded with (paraphrase) "I can't tell you any details, but it would be in your best interest to attend the NAIAS next January in Detroit." When I asked him what it would look like, he repsonded with, (again paraphrased) "It's going to look like a GTO this time." I told him I thought retro copies were a waste and he said it's not a retro ripoff like what everyone expects, but you'll know what it is when you see it. Then he told me to stop asking him questions about a Pontiac at a Camaro gathering :) ....and grabbed himself another drink. Nice guy.

-Gib

[blucarz]

Camaro (GMX511) will be engineered in Australia and built in Oshawa, ON, Canada.

I'd say look for a RWD Grand Prix around '09-'10 also.

rocketman69 - I'm in MI by way of KCMO, wanna trade?

[The Black Phantom]

If the new GTO is based on the Camaro, it won't be a simple nose-and-tail rebadge, but a much larger, 4 adult seating vehicle.

There just isn't enough coupe market to invest in having a Firebird/TA to be a clone of the Camaro. GM would rather sell 100,000+ Camaros than have to split it up as 60,000 Camaros and 40,000 Firebirds/TA's.

The Firebird name is not dead, though... if Holden gets a smaller RWD platform in 2010 or so (Torana), the Firebird name may come back as a smaller-than-Camaro RWD coupe...

http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.as px?ArticleID=19372&vf=12

That sounds like a good idea GM has going there! I would really like it if Pontiac produces a coupe slotted between the GTO and the Solstice. :thumbs: If they do this than I can understand why they so far have not produced a coupe version of the Solstice. One way that GM could make a new Firebird have broader appeal than a conventional coupe would be to make it a "4-door" coupe like the Ion, but larger than the Ion (and RWD). :driving:

[Kris]

Betcha a $1 we never even see the car hit the road.

Apparently you missed the part about how GM approved the car for production. Unless GM folds in the next two years, which isn't going to happen, you'll be eating your words.

[yamagoat08]

You talking about the Camaro? I'll take that bet. But, that's GMX511/521 :-) Reserve judgement until you see the car/cars in person. The Challenger is a retro ripoff - the Camaro has styling elements of the '69, but it's much better looking in person (and not in silver... GM seems to make all of their concept/show cars in silver for some reason I won't understand. No offense to QuickSilver GTO owners, but, to me, silver=boring, safe, unexciting). The Challenger is HUGE - it's the size of a Magnum, and it weighs over 4000 pounds. The Camaro is much smaller/appears more "nimble".

New GTO? Who knows? Lutz said it was happening, but, if it is, it's under the radar... it's a long wait to NAIAS to see if something turns up... I do believe that Pontiac will have RWD besides the Solstice, but whether it's a new GTO or something like the Commodore SS-V, shipped to America...
I think the new Camaro is one of the ugliest Chevy vechiles I have ever seen, and I have looked at it in person several times. I have also looked at the Challenger several times, and that thing is awesome(retro ripoff) aww no). the camaro is a ugly rip off. I have always bought GM vechiles since I work there but I my turn into a Mopar man!!

[QuickSilverTiger]

There is still time to "tweak" the Camaro. I like the stance, but would like to see a little more '68 in the front and rear facias. As many of you know, the reason for "concepts" is to get public perception, it may yet still look more like the concepts that one kid did. They have 2 years to get it right. One thing is for sure, people will buy the Camaro nameplate because it is an American Icon and the new LS2 they are talking about coming it the Camaro may have DOD (Displacement On Demand) capabilities avg 30 mpg. A concept GTO should be coming out in the near future, so I will be looking for it.

[rocketman69]

That sounds like a good idea GM has going there! I would really like it if Pontiac produces a coupe slotted between the GTO and the Solstice. :thumbs: If they do this than I can understand why they so far have not produced a coupe version of the Solstice. One way that GM could make a new Firebird have broader appeal than a conventional coupe would be to make it a "4-door" coupe like the Ion, but larger than the Ion (and RWD). :driving:


Actually.....

There is a "coupe" type Solstice coming out soon. Probably late 2006 release. I've seen the pictures. At first I thought it was a removable hard top, but was informed that it'll be attatched top with rear hatch.

-Gib

[RobertHammen]

There is still time to "tweak" the Camaro. I like the stance, but would like to see a little more '68 in the front and rear facias.

http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target= http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewmonthlyrele asedetail.do?domain=74&docid=27934

“The new Camaro will be almost identical to the concept, a thoroughly modern interpretation of the 1969 model, considered by many to be the best design of the car’s first generation,” said Ed Welburn, GM's global vice president of design.

It will get narrower, it will get taller (roofline needs to be higher), and the mirrors and door handles will change. The interior will change somewhat from the concept, I am betting...

For those who think the Camaro Concept is too retro, look at this picture of the concept at Woodward, driving in front of a '69:

http://www.hammen.net/images/wagonercamaro.jpg

[itsme4g63]

where will be the new camaro built? Right here in the US right?

[QuickSilverTiger]

Actually.....

There is a "coupe" type Solstice coming out soon. Probably late 2006 release. I've seen the pictures. At first I thought it was a removable hard top, but was informed that it'll be attatched top with rear hatch.

-Gib

It will look much like the concept featured in Popular Science from a couple of years ago.

[6litercyclone]

where will be the new camaro built? Right here in the US right?

Well, USA lite, Oshawa, Ontario Canada :-patriot:

[QuickSilverTiger]

http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target= http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewmonthlyrele asedetail.do?domain=74&docid=27934

“The new Camaro will be almost identical to the concept, a thoroughly modern interpretation of the 1969 model, considered by many to be the best design of the car’s first generation,” said Ed Welburn, GM's global vice president of design.

It will get narrower, it will get taller (roofline needs to be higher), and the mirrors and door handles will change. The interior will change somewhat from the concept, I am betting...

For those who think the Camaro Concept is too retro, look at this picture of the concept at Woodward, driving in front of a '69:

http://www.hammen.net/images/wagonercamaro.jpg

The stance looks aggresive. It will sell.:burnout:

[DEVLYLO]

Betcha a $1 we never even see the car hit the road.

And even if we do, the more I see it, the more I dont like it. The Challenger on the other hand....
your on $1 its................you take paypal?

[highperf]

http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target= http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewmonthlyrele asedetail.do?domain=74&docid=27934

“The new Camaro will be almost identical to the concept, a thoroughly modern interpretation of the 1969 model, considered by many to be the best design of the car’s first generation,” said Ed Welburn, GM's global vice president of design.

It will get narrower, it will get taller (roofline needs to be higher), and the mirrors and door handles will change. The interior will change somewhat from the concept, I am betting...

For those who think the Camaro Concept is too retro, look at this picture of the concept at Woodward, driving in front of a '69:

http://www.hammen.net/images/wagonercamaro.jpg

So what, if it takes $40k to roll the V8 version off the lot.... they can stuff it.

[RobertHammen]

So what, if it takes $40k to roll the V8 version off the lot.... they can stuff it.

40k will be the high-end V8, probably in excess of 500 hp (supercharged LS3?). The base V8 (LS3?) will probably be under 30k, to compete with Mustang GT pricing...

[TriShield]

It will get narrower, it will get taller (roofline needs to be higher), and the mirrors and door handles will change. The interior will change somewhat from the concept, I am betting...


Boo. Roofline isn't that low, it has tall doors like Chryslers do. The seats don't adjust up and down in the concept either. The windows and roof are integral to the aggressive look of the car. They're mad if they change it.

[tosc]

I think the new Camaro is one of the ugliest Chevy vechiles I have ever seen, and I have looked at it in person several times. I have also looked at the Challenger several times, and that thing is awesome(retro ripoff) aww no). the camaro is a ugly rip off. I have always bought GM vechiles since I work there but I my turn into a Mopar man!!

i agree, the challenger is much better looking, and while it may be retro, it dosent share any of the same lines as an older challenger.

[ZillaGTO]

I like the Camaro much better. While the Challenger looks cool (retro wise) it is very big looking and not as modern or clean in my opinion.

[Impulse]

i agree, the challenger is much better looking, and while it may be retro, it dosent share any of the same lines as an older challenger.

LOL

The Challenger looks like Dodge took an old 1970 Challenger and put bigger wheels on it. Absolutely no creativity. Big thumbs down for Dodge.

[bonequark]

I like 'em both design-wise, but if Dodge squeezes out a 4,000+ pound Challenger (and that's what ALL the inside reports indicate) then I will be humbling them with my lowly GTO, never mind the new Camaro.

[heinee]

http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target= http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewmonthlyrele asedetail.do?domain=74&docid=27934

“The new Camaro will be almost identical to the concept, a thoroughly modern interpretation of the 1969 model, considered by many to be the best design of the car’s first generation,” said Ed Welburn, GM's global vice president of design.

It will get narrower, it will get taller (roofline needs to be higher), and the mirrors and door handles will change. The interior will change somewhat from the concept, I am betting...

For those who think the Camaro Concept is too retro, look at this picture of the concept at Woodward, driving in front of a '69:

http://www.hammen.net/images/wagonercamaro.jpg

I like how pissed off and snarly it looks, and I like how GM isn't just doing a '69 clone like Chrysler is with the Challenger. My only concern is keeping the weight down close to the Mustang GT. If GM can keep the weight to around 3400lbs, I may have new autocrosser in my future :turbonaug

[CSiJason]

The new Camaro looks like it has a big evil grin on its face like it is thinking "I'll kick your ass if you step up."

[LS2-GTO]

:-punch: :-punch:
:-punch: :-punch:
:gr_jest:
To some us of, silver = sleek, polished, machine-like. Silver like the barrel of a nicely polished firearm. Silver like the LS1 heart of my GTO.:cool:

Or hidden, unobtrusive and under the radar. :)