Camaro Announcement This Week 2008!!

[Damn True]

8/6/06 -- The Detriot Free Press reported that GM Chairman Rick Waggoner is expected to announce in a speech on Thursday that GM management has green-lighted the Camaro and production will begin for the 2008 model year.

[TonyL]

It's all over the automotive news. Sounds true. Lutz says that if they think they can sell 100,000 of them per year, its a go.

[BA.]

arrrrgh, ye beat me to it!

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060805/NEWS99/308050001 (http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060805/NEWS99/308050001)


as Tony said, it's all over the autonews today.


Details are to come out on THURSDAY! Cross your fingers for an LS7 option!!

[Josh69]

Scott Settlemire is trying to get as many F-bodies (Camaro as well as Firebirds) to arrive on Thursday at 10am at the GM Technical Center, where the supposed announcement is going to take place. Sounds like they want a bunch of enthusiasts around for the news.

If anyone is near Detroit, check out this linky:
http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=464836

[DJW32]

Trapin should know alot about this topic...maybe he can shed some light on this subject and PICS:naughty:

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

man thats a long time away tho..

[go-fish]

If that's too long to wait you can get one of the 2007 Camaros. It has a handy dandy pickup bed too.

[Josh69]

They still haven't given the date, some think they a referring to an '08MY, out by next fall. Others say an '09MY out in '08.

Either way, time flies.

[go-fish]

I hope the General isn't thinking this will be the fix they need to get out of the red. Although this is a step in the right direction, they still have a way to go. Does anyone know where the assembly plant will be? They shut down seven or so recently.

[John McIntire]

Sweet!!! Like BA said, I hope there is an option for the LS7!! That car would kick butt if it came with that as an SS model, or a ZL-1 model! Keeping my fingers crossed!!

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

If that's too long to wait you can get one of the 2007 Camaros. It has a handy dandy pickup bed too.

bu-bum-ching!

:hammer:

[zbugger]

Trapin should know alot about this topic...maybe he can shed some light on this subject and PICS:naughty:

Being a company employee, I don't think he's allowed to shed any light on the situation. They're not just paid to make cars, they're also paid to keep secrets.

[ProTouring442]

Scott Settlemire

Yeah, I met him once... and if I can't say something nice... nevermind.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"

[toofun]

Just heard on the news that GM will be announcing that the 2008 Camaro is a go!! Dont know if they will stick to the prototype from the Detroit auto show but it definately is gonna be built.

Now here is a question for all the pro tourers. Do you think that the introduction of this retro style camaro will hurt, help or not affect the price of our pro touring rides?? With a car that is gonna go for around 30,000 brand new, have all the styling, comforts and power of modern tech, and look alot like the first gen camaro, the only question that comes to mind is why spend 50K+ on our pro touring builds when you can have something very similiar for around 30-35 loaded and warrantied???

Mark
TOOFUN

[krupt0924]

That prototype looked like poo to me. I would much rather wait to see if Dodge is gunna make that Challenger. That is if i was gunna buy a new car which i am not really planning to do especally the way gas prices are going up. As for people buying this new model and not older ones i don't think that will happen cuz people like the build phase to much.

[Josh69]

I've heard the Concept looks much better in person. I've also heard that it will not stray much if any from the concept for production. They built the concept to be 'reproducible', right down to room for the airbags in the interior.

I think some guys like me will buy one instead of building a P/T car because it does have a lot of the features of a P/T car without the expense or time to build. Mainly because I don't have the shop, or money to do it right.

Lots of other people with the means will still build/buy P/T cars because they are classic, fun, unique, and they enjoy the process.

For me, the new Camaro will cover most of what I wanted in a P/T car anyway, so I'll buy it, and get a warranty and a cheap loan and not be afraid to drive it to work daily, etc. It won't be as unique, but it's pretty much what I've dreamt of in my head since I was 10. Whether or not I built it or GM does, matters little to me at this stage of my life.

[rob07002]

Now here is a question for all the pro tourers. Do you think that the introduction of this retro style camaro will hurt, help or not affect the price of our pro touring rides?? With a car that is gonna go for around 30,000 brand new, have all the styling, comforts and power of modern tech, and look alot like the first gen camaro, the only question that comes to mind is why spend 50K+ on our pro touring builds when you can have something very similiar for around 30-35 loaded and warrantied???

Mark
TOOFUN

Two different animals IMO. You'll never get the looks and thumbs up you get when your driving old muscle. Not to mention the rareness of them and the fact that its a survivor from the era that started it all.

The Corvette is still produced, what has it done to C1, C2, and C3 Vettes?

I will have to have both, thats it!

[6'9"Witha69]

Two different animals IMO. You'll never get the looks and thumbs up you get when your driving old muscle. Not to mention the rareness of them and the fact that its a survivor from the era that started it all.

The Corvette is still produced, what has it done to C1, C2, and C3 Vettes?

I will have to have both, thats it!Agreed. No matter what you do to a modern car, noone gives you thumbs up. Hell, I don't thumbs up a guy in a nice tricked out 4th Gen, but make it a first gen or anything muscle car era and older and thumbs up all day long. Hell I have had kids hang out the windows of mom's minivan to yell at me "Hey mister, nice car!!". Just won't happen with a 5th gen.

Doesn't mean I don't plan to buy one though.

[DJW32]

Being a company employee, I don't think he's allowed to shed any light on the situation. They're not just paid to make cars, they're also paid to keep secrets.

Secrets? We're all friends here... :cheers:

[rolltide]

I seriously like the thought of walking out to the garage and having to choose whether to drive my '69 or my '09. You're right...two different animals. Two different ways to evoke a smile:drive:

Build the thing!

[toofun]

Well,

I guess you are right, but at first glance I have to say that I favor the challenger over the camaro, Unless of course they come out with a z-28 version with a convertible and quite a bit more horsepower option.

Mark
TOOFUN

[trapin]

Sorry I'm late guys....here's what I can tell you. I'll be at that Camaro gathering by the way...it's happening at the amphitheater for anyone familiar with the Tech Center, and it's supposed to be Thursday THROUGH Saturday. Not sure if this is exactly where it's going to be announced (I thought it was going to happen up in Milford, but I might be wrong).

Not crossing any proprietary lines here but....I have seen the recent clay production of Camaro and I can tell you if you liked what you saw in January...you'll love what rolls off the assembly line in '08 (if it should happen).

A word about Challenger...I don't think GM is worried about Challanger. Not because they think it's a bad car or won't sell well but because at $40,000 (which is what I've heard) it's basically in another segment than Camaro and Mustang and won't be necessarily competing with them. I have a friend who works with Chrysler in setting up their assembly plants and he is in talks with them up in Brampton, Ontario right now about Challanger (that's where it's being built). He told me they are planning a new/bigger Hemi for Challanger and that production will be around 50,000 units a year. He's also the one who told me about the price being north of 40 grand. I like the Challanger, don't get me wrong....but it's a whole different animal (more of a niche vehicle, like SSR).

And finally...as far as the new Camaro is concerned....let me say "this" about "that"..............

I've been a Camaro owner and fan for about 21 years (started wrenching on mine when I was 14). I am familiar with the Chevrolet Camaro about as much as I am familiar with the back of my hand. I love this new Camaro. I love the way it looks. It's muscular, it's mean, and it's got just enough retro in it to give it some "reach" in the coming years. I don't want a 2008 version of a 1969 Camaro. If I wanted a '69 Camaro I would just buy one (Craigslist, eBay, and Trading Times are loaded with them). I want a 2008 Camaro.....and the Camaro that I saw at the NAIAS is exactly what I would expect a 2008 Camaro to look like. I guarantee you that this car would out sell both Mustang and Challanger if it goes into production. Why? Because it's being designed to succeed and appeal to all generations of car owners, not just the guys who lie awake at night staring at pictures of '69 Camaros with one arm under the covers. With a V6 model, the 100,000 unit goal would be a JOKE. We'll annihilate that figure. So if all you nay-sayers want to sit on the fence in '08...that's fine by me. But I have a feeling the majority of you will be jumpin' down from there if - by chance - you happen to see one of these cars scream by you on the highway with it's LS7 practically jumping out of the hood.

Don't think so?

.....we'll see.

[Rick Dorion]

Thanks, Tony. Now you've got me on pins and needles to see the styling changes!

[rob07002]

Tony, any word or speculation that they will make a convertible????

[rolltide]

... not just the guys who lie awake at night staring at pictures of the '69 Camaro with one arm under the covers. :ssst:

Thanks Tony.

I'm going to hold out for the "steroids" version that comes out in '09. Then "debt machine" here I come!

[EFI69Cam]

, not just the guys who lie awake at night staring at pictures of the '69 Camaro with one arm under the covers.

:lol:

[Josh69]

Man, I sure hope they have a rendering or mock-up of the 'production' version at the announcement...or soon hereafter!! :firefire:

[justanova]

Tony, any word or speculation that they will make a convertible????

I think I saw a blurb in the new motortrend about the vert being a go also

[trapin]

Rob...I don't know for sure about the convertible. I really couldn't divulge that information if I did anyway. I would say, if the Mustang offers one then it's a safe bet Camaro will have one too. Actually if you think about it...you almost couldn't build this car and not offer one. I wouldn't anyway.

[Damn True]

100,000 units?

Wow, I'd think they could take care of a huge percentage of that in sales to rental fleets alone.

[Steve Chryssos]

Start saving boys!!

Piggy bank before new LS7 powered 2008 Camaro
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/08/wellsfargopiggybank1a-1.jpg

Piggy bank AFTER new LS7 powered 2008 Camaro (plus insurance, plus mods)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Oh well, it's only money. I can't hardly wait.

[JMarsa]

If that's too long to wait you can get one of the 2007 Camaros. It has a handy dandy pickup bed too.

Is this a refence to the UTE?:dunno:

--JMarsa

[chicane67]

......at the GM Technical Center, where the supposed announcement is going to take place. If anyone is near Detroit......

For any of you tried and true, I believe that's the old "Truck and Bus" building off of the I-75.

.... carry the one......

Plus paying off of that....

........will get me........

Oops. Sorry I was still counting my pennies while typing this.

[trapin]

The one on Centerpoint Parkway. That's up in Pontiac. Tech Center is in Warren (they're about 45 minutes from each other). I know that Truck and Bus building well. I worked there for about 3 months when we followed the Lamba program up there from Advanced Vehicle. Sat on our asses for the entire duration of that 3 months basically doing nothing. It was ridiculous. There was no work...virtually no work at all to do while the managers and directors deliberated about what to do with the program. We even asked to take some training during the down time and they refused in fear we would be gone when the answers came and the program got back on track. At the end of the 3 months they postponed the program and sent us all back down to Warren. I'll never forget that. What a waste of the company's time and money. That was 5 years ago. The Lamda's are scheduled to finally hit the road this year and next year (Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave). Beautiful vehicles, and remarkably designed. But DAMN did they take us forever to develop. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears and input from hundreds of engineers and designers went into those vehicles. They're going to be something special.

[rob07002]

Rob...I don't know for sure about the convertible. I really couldn't divulge that information if I did anyway. I would say, if the Mustang offers one then it's a safe bet Camaro will have one too. Actually if you think about it...you almost couldn't build this car and not offer one. I wouldn't anyway.

Ve have vays of making you talk!!!!

[John McIntire]

If they realy offer it up in a LS7 model, I'll be at the dealership thursday night with a deposit!!
I just hope they dont mark it up like the dealers like to do!

[Damn True]

If they realy offer it up in a LS7 model, I'll be at the dealership thursday night with a deposit!!
I just hope they dont mark it up like the dealers like to do!

I'm sure they will for the first couple of months. Once supply catches up with a steadier demand prices will stabilize at/near MSRP.

I kinda doubt there will be an LS7 version. It would cause too many problems with positioning.

What Porsche did with the Cayman was place it above the Boxster (on which it is based) in terms of both power and price, but below the 911 family in all respects.

I can't see this working with a Camaro/LS7 combo. If they did an LS7 where do you put it relative to the standard vette and ZO6 in terms of price and power?

[formula]

I can't see this working with a Camaro/LS7 combo. If they did an LS7 where do you put it relative to the standard vette and ZO6 in terms of price and power?

Why not? they gotta outgun the cobra. I say price it right above the base 'vette.

[Damn True]

Can't do that. Doing so would dissuade people from buying a ZO6 when they can have the same power for less coin.

IMO the whole Camaro line (top to bottom) has to come in under the base vette.

[formula]

Can't do that. Doing so would dissuade people from buying a ZO6 when they can have the same power for less coin.

IMO the whole Camaro line (top to bottom) has to come in under the base vette.

so give it 5 less hp, lol. I think that forcing the camaro under the vette is part of the reason the mustang has usually outsold it.

[Bow Tie 67]

That has never made sense to me. I guess they are worried, about the old men " Gee Whiz if that Camaro has more H.P. than the Vette my penis will look bigger in that one." As long as they price the Vette higher its all a status thing anyway. Come on does some young brunette really care how fast your car is. She cares how deep the wallet is, and the Vette has always given off more prestige. Now give me an LS7 at a reasonable price and I'll mortgage the Fricken house.

[rob07002]

I'm of the belief that Vette owners are a slightly different breed then Camaro owners. Most Vettes I see are driven by older guys who have the coin to throw down. They always wanted a vette and now that they are financially secure they get one.

Camaro guys are hot rodders at heart and care about the form and function over the name...

Hell give the Camaro 10 less hp make the Vette department happy and call it what it is. One Bad A$$ Camaro...

We all know back in the day most SS Camaros would beat a stock SB vette anyday, same thing here.

You have a base Vette at say $50, the Vert Vette at $60 and the Z06 at $75-80

Then you have the base V8 Camaro at say $30, the Z-28 at say $35 and the SS or whatever at $40

The Z will be able to hang with the base Vette and the SS beats it..

And harmony is restored to the world!!!!
Dogs and cats living together, etc!

[Damn True]

I feel ya guys. But ask yourself, why did Porsche position the Cayman the way it did? Not because they wanted to compete against another brand, but they did it to offer an intermediate in terms of performance and pricepoint between the Boxster and 911 family. If GM is has any sense they will follow a similar model. Failure to do so will devalue the base vette and ZO6.

[TonyL]

Just read that the new camaro will be out early 09. And all models will have IRS. No straight axle. cool.

developing.

[trapin]

I just got back from the event over at the amphitheater. They rolled out the Autoshow concept and Ed Welburn and Ed Koerner said a few words. I didn't really go to hear the announcement (hell I knew they were going to build it) I just wanted to see the employee Camaros that were invited to be there. Too many 4th gens and just a sprinkling of 1st gens and one 2nd gen. Pretty disappointing.

Good news though.

[6'9"Witha69]

The SS Camaros have always been a year or two behind in engines from the Vette. The LT4 saw overlap, so did the LS1. Somehow the Camaros were listed lower in HP with the same engine HHHMMMMM . . . sound familiar.

True, why does Porsche do anything?? They have one business plan and GM has had another. But even if I had all the money in the world I would never buy a Porsche. So I am biased.

[Damn True]

...and GM's "business plan" has been working like a charm lately right? When was the last time they turned a profit? Heck they lost $3.2b in the second quarter alone.

When you have a bunch of different products you want to avoid cross-positioning products in different families. It tends to water down the value of the upper end of the range.

[trapin]

True....I think I can answer your question using a "best guess" based on my knowledge of how this company is run.

Look for the following scenario to happen.....

Camaro; V6, LS3 (40 horse less than Corvette base), LS9 (50-60 hp less than ZO6). It could look like this...the LS3 will probably be around 425 hp with the LS9 option being around 525 (for Camaro). For Corvette those numbers could be 450 for the LS3 and 575 for LS9. Both cars should be comparable in weight with Camaro maybe going over a bit. The LS7 will probably be out of production by then. I wouldn't worry about this...I assure you it has all been hashed out already.

Another thing to consider is....Corvette people are fiercly loyal. If someone wants a Corvette they are going to buy a Corvette. Even it's comparable in performance to the Camaro. Corvette and Camaro are 2 different animals.

[Todds69]

I just read a article that said production would begin late '08 and sales in early '09. Who can wait that long? Gas will be $6/gal. and then they will scrap the program.

[TonyL]

any hope of a variable displacement engine program?

[BA.]

I'd be willing to bet that that is a 'lock'. Money in the bank.

[trapin]

Yes...I agree. I'd be surprised if that didn't happen.

[rocketman]

It's cool the chevy is bring the camaro back,I'm a huge camaro fan,but like normal gm miss out on sales,if this would have been out when the mustang came out it would have been big profits,but by the time the camaro rolls out the challenger will be out and taling more sells.but if they price this over 30g its a waste of time.

[BRIAN]

The GTO was a failure and I hate to say it but the Camaro will probably follow. The name is dead to the newer generations. Will they still have cheasy materials and cavalier switches??

GM needs to build some new 4dr touring type vehicles plain and simple. Who is buying a new Impala or Malibu? Go close the door of either than do the same with a Jetta or Passat. You won't by the Chevy.

They missed the whole retro craze and are playing cath up again. Yeah, keep building those SUV's while the Japanese are refining their 4cyl engines. I guess all the employees from the 70's are retired on their huge pension and free healthcare.

[Stu Seitz]

The GTO was a failure and I hate to say it but the Camaro will probably follow. The name is dead to the newer generations. Will they still have cheasy materials and cavalier switches??
How old are you? I only ask because it seems you know a whole lot about this current generation. So I assume you’re in the 30-18 range. And being that you are so tuned into today’s youth you would know that this is going to be the most powerful, best performing Camaro ever built, yet it won’t sell. But of course you know that and you also know that if people wanted a car that looked like a 69 Camaro they would just restore one.


GM needs to build some new 4dr touring type vehicles plain and simple.
Psstt... they already did. http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/model/gallery.jsp?model=cts&seo=goo_cts. And although you know a lot about Holden based cars, I would take a stab in the dark and say the GM already has something in the works for a Chevy 4 door version.



They missed the whole retro craze and are playing cath up again.
I'm shure dodge was thinking the same thing.


Yeah, keep building those SUV's while the Japanese are refining their 4cyl engines.

You're right would should look out for those honda based 427's that are getting close to 30 mpg. Oh we should also watch out for their variable cam timing and cylinder deactivation, because our auto manufactures would never be cable of that, with there pushrod engines and what not!

[trapin]

Brian....the GTO failed for obvious reasons. The Camaro is a totally different animal than that car. And as far as the Camaro being dead to a younger generation....go tell that to the people over at LS1Tech.com where the Camaro is God, that's a young crowd over there. Who's buying Malibu and Impala? Well, I don't know about Malibu but I know last year we sold 290,000 Impala's...so somebody must like them.

It takes a long time to bring a vehicle to market. Our new design cheif Ed Welburn has been a refreshing change from the last guy we had in there (Wayne Cherry). We are just starting to see some of his influence surface in our cars. Watch for the new Saturns that will be coming to market, they're a world apart from the old ones. I saw all the vehicles that they rolled out for the board of directors show last week. These weren't concept cars either....we are going to be building them, including the 4 door Buick that my department starts the surface on next month. It rivals anything that Infiniti or Lexus has on the road now.

I guarantee you, by 2010 a lot of these so-called car critics are going to be putting their tails between their legs.

[StRacerDuke]

Who's buying Malibu and Impala? Well, I don't know about Malibu but I know last year we sold 290,000 Impala's...so somebody must like them.

Who's buying these? How about rental car companies and law enforcement agencies! I would be shocked if these two mediums don't account for at least 70% of the gross sales volume for these two cars.

[EFI69Cam]

Who's buying these? How about rental car companies and law enforcement agencies! I would be shocked if these two mediums don't account for at least 70% of the gross sales volume for these two cars.

A sale is a sale. Who cares who bought them? Thats 290k cars that were not toyotas.

[trapin]

Amen. Their money is as good as anyone elses.

[Bow Tie 67]

I can't wait to rent a hurst Mustang and well baby it.:3gears: :cheers:

[rob07002]

Well all Iknow is that they better build it! My wife and I completely changed our vehicle plans for the next 3-4 years ever since the concept was made public a few months ago.

Up until then we were trading in the 2000 Denali for an H2 and when her Saab lease was up she was getting the 9-3 vert Aero.

Now we decided to keep the GMC and run it till its dead, she will lease a small suv for the snow and that leaves room in the budget for our new Camaro SS convertible... YEAH BABY!!!!!

Just the thought of opening the garage doors to see the 69 on the left and the 09 on the right, HMMMM! OHHHH! AHHHH! Dam I just soiled myself!

C'mon GM Don't let us down....

[BonzoHansen]

Just read that the new camaro will be out early 09. And all models will have IRS. No straight axle. cool.

developing.
I'm very surprised that base models won't get a live axle.

Here is what I thought they might do:

*Base V6 + A6/M5, live axle, available 5.3L + a6/m6; 16"std/17" or 18" opt wheels; posi opt
*SS gets LSx & (posi) live axle a6/m6. Big brakes , 17" std/18" optional
*Z28 gets LSx and IRS. m6 only. Big brakes, 18" hoops std.
*HYBRID OPTION out of the trucks!!!!!! Snap!

They can screw around with RS options too, if they must. That should have nothing to do with engine/trans - RS = trim option. Stripper available on request (no AC, PL, PW, radio, etc) would be nice, but not likely.

No t-tops/targa top? No big stupid hatch, right? Trunks rule!