Camaro stillborn?

[zbugger]

Saw this article posted on another site. Wondering what you guys think of it.



http://www.ericpetersautos.com/home/...7&Itemid=10849

[BonzoHansen]

Since GM already annouced production models will be in Indy in Sept, I doubt it. That is the thoughts of a writer.

[TonyL]

OMG the sky if falling!



Seriously, I doubt they'd pull the plug this late in the game.

[TonyHuntimer]

I doubt it will get cancelled. But who knows with this recession and CAFE standards?

I'm betting that he wrote the article so he could say, "I told you so" if it does happen. He's a regular Nostrodamus.

Waiting,
Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

[JLM]

I don't see it happening. The large trucks and suv's get much worse mileage, and I don't see GM, Ford, or Chrysler (dodge) getting out of at least the truck markets over CAFE.

The business model is changing, and shifting towards smaller, more fuel efficient cars. However, even in the recession, there is still quite a bit of discretionary purchasing going on. There will always be joe blow with a little econo-box that has the money for a camaro, and will buy it.

At the worst we may see a car down on power from what we're expecting, and maybe taller gearing. Outside of that, I wouldn't expect much.

[CHRIS67]

I can't see that it will be cancelled, but I would say that sales could be slow based upon the economy and the price of gas. On the other hand if gear heads like us want something bad enough we'll buy it; gas and the economy take a back seat to performance.

[barraza]

That article is written by an idiot with no understanding of how automobile production works. It takes years to engineer, prototype, certify and make tooling for a new car. An increase in gas prices this close to introduction CAN NOT change anything!! It will probably not sell as well as the forecasts, particularly the HP models, but canceling at this date is not an option.

[ho428]

I think GM is making a huge mistake not producing it as a Trans Am. The renderings are much better than the Camaro. I'd never buy the maro, but would the T/A in a "Heartbeat"

[James OLC]

I don't see it happening. The large trucks and suv's get much worse mileage, and I don't see GM, Ford, or Chrysler (dodge) getting out of at least the truck markets over CAFE.

GM's announcement Tuesday that they are closing 4 truck plants (in 2009) due to increased fuel costs and decreased demand nothwithstanding?

I'm not suggesting that the article is correct but don't assume that it can't happen.

And given that the CAFE target is 2020 (IIRC) - stillborn seems very unlikely. If they were in the early design stages now (for say a 2015 model) I could see it, but a year out?

Peter's has a identified an issue facing the automakers but he has (to a large degree) missed the point. What we will see over the next 10 years will be some serious technical innovations and/or (like it or not) some sacrifices being made in power and size. This won't stop performance car design and manufacturing - but it will inevitably change it.

[parsonsj]

We need some actual information to figure out what GM is going to do. The writer's and our opinions don't really matter much.

The truck plant closing is very interesting, though.

jp

[Jim Nilsen]

The only thing he left out of the equation with all of the doom and gloom is the start of world government and the abolishment of the USA.

I believe that the number of people that are looking for the answers is getting bigger everday and Congress will have to listen to them and take a few steps back. It used to be emissions that raised the efficiency of the auto but now it is the price of gas. The thing about high gas prices is that you get less emissions and use less gas with no changes in efficiency and emissions because the country uses less gas regardless of the mileage requirement. So supply and demand is still working,just not at the political level yet. Just wait until the supply and demand of good Congressmen comes to vote.

There are the questions the need to be asked , What does the real majority think about the enforcement of these new laws ? We can change our law makers and their minds if they still choose to be one in a headhunting world they are creating. Changing minds will hopefully be easier than changing the world and the laws of physics.

Back to the Camaro not being built? It will be the choice of a lot of people who actually are stepping up to higher mileage from the SUV they drive now. It has the chance to be in the same spot as the 64 1/2 Mustang and appeal to a much wealthier crowd than is expected.

The truck plant near me in Janesville Wi. is supposed to be shut down in 2010 due to sales along with 3 other plants. Unexpected things are going to be driven into place just because and some of those things will be pickup truck owners buying Camaros. More room,rear wheel drive and better mileage for those that just had a truck for looks ,rwd and headroom.

Besides, I just might buy one if they make it .

The dumping of the truck line at 4 plants will increase their numbers on paper rather quickly. The last time Congress gave car companies average mileage rules it backfired and eveyone bought trucks but it all looked good on paper when the auto makers gave the predictions to Congress. Remember that CAFE standards are based on what is offered and not what is bought !!!!! This time gas prices will drive them to cars like the new Camaro especially when trucks will probably get a usage restriction on them in the future to add to more stupid laws and sidestepping the auto manufactures.

I'm done , for now but this is just some of what had to leak out before I was too full of all this crap today.

[Samckitt]

Since GM already annouced production models will be in Indy in Sept, I doubt it. That is the thoughts of a writer.

Why Indy?

[jknight16]

To cancel the Camaro now would cost GM far more than they would ever be willing to accept. Just chalk up the R&D, marketing, testing, and tooling up to sunk costs? I don't think so folks. What they are going to do, however, (they've already said they're going to do this so this is not my opinion) is make about 2/3 of Camaro production be the 300+ hp direct injected V6 model that may get as much fuel mileage as the hundreds of other models in U.S. dealerships that are not on the media's doom and gloom radar as a result of CAFE standards. Now isn't that a far more logical sounding solution? I think the guy probably just forgot to put on his tinfoil hat that day.

The other third of production will be left for guys like us who love our LS motors (wish I had one...) and are willing to realize that we can still get 25 mpg + on the freeway with our 6 speed V8's.

[ZZ430]

Yeah, "the horse is out of the barn" now.

They MUST continue production.

[trapin]

Yeah I have a feeling this Eric Peters guy is a free lance writer for a good reason; nobody will hire him. His article is very bold and I suspect he'll take it down immediately when the car goes into production and ignore any inquiring e-mails he might get about it.

Not a very smart journalist. Probably why he doesn't have a job.

[Nine Ball]

Look how well the V8 powered Pontiac G8 GT is selling, you can't really find them on the lots at the moment. You can find several V6 models though. The Camaro shares platform similarities to the G8, and will sell.

[6'9"Witha69]

Why Indy?

Truck plant. THey are set to reduce the truck SUV output by 700,000 units by 2010 and shutting down 2 US, 1 Canada and 1 Mexico factories they will do just that. No word from GM on whether new vehicles may be built there.

[James OLC]

I still don't get the Indy comment myself. The truck announcement earlier this week notwithstanding, Camaro production is coming out of the Oshawa, Ontario plant. It looks like the robots are busy sorting things out there now on prototypes...

Camaro5: Pre-production Pics

[jknight16]

Totally seperate issues guys...here is what the Indy comment was in reference to:

General Motors, Chevrolet Division and the Central Indiana Camaro Club would like to announce an exciting new development in the Camaro world. We have now been authorized to release information that the new production Camaros will be in attendance and unveiled at the Indy 08, Back at the Brickyard Event in September. The car will be unveiled at the event and many different models/engine combos will be available for the general public to review. Expect to see many different color combinations as well.

The 'Back at the Brickyard' Event will be happening in Indianapolis Indiana from September 19-21, 2008 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Hundreds of Camaros, Firebirds, and Pace Car owners will be in attendance to celebrate the unveiling and enjoy this historic event. GM Dignitaries will be in attendance as well to discuss the design, engineering, marketing, and accessories for this new model of Camaro. Vendors will also be on hand displaying their products.

[BRIAN]

Just like the 70's all over again. GM is producing v8's and the Imports are honing the high mile fun to drive compacts. When gas hits $5.00 it will make a difference I don't care who you are, if you had that kind of money you won't be in a G8 anyway. Thats about a $100 to fill a tank. That can add a $100 a week in a V8 commuter car.

GM needs a fun to drive high revving 4cyl that is well balanced and well built. The last thing they need is the Camaro. It may bring publicity but will be short lived. How many here who say it is killer will actually buy one? I love it but I will stick with the Hot Rods.


Mini Copper 37miles to the gallon, killer looks, tons of fun and approx $20k and German engineering. I guess the Cavalier will draw some sales. Maybe an SS badge.