Archive for May 2008
Early Reports…..
Scanning the web for news sources comes up with the following facts, estimates, projections, speculations, and hunches. (You guess which ones are which…)
1. You will be able to drive away from Singh Chevrolet at the Riverside Auto Center in a new 2010 Camaro sometime between February 2009 and late April 2009.
2. Pilot production will commence late this year (in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada). At the end of 2009 a convertible will follow; it will also be a 2010.
3. This will be the fifth-generation Camaro and will share many of its underpinnings with the new Pontiac G8, which itself is based on GM of Australia’s Holden Commodore. The so-called “Zeta” platform means rear-drive, struts up front, and a multilink setup at the rear-a chassis that easily betters the Mustang’s live rear axle. Concept Camaros have worn 21-inch front and 22-inch rear tires, but those are sure to shrink for production-likely to 17s as the base rubber, with 18s optional and 19-to-20-inchers on top models.
4. Chevy will offer two engines: a V-8-probably the 6.0-liter L76 but possibly the 6.2-liter LS3-making 400 horses (or more in high-output versions), and a 3.6-liter V-6. If rumors are true and the six is indeed the direct-injection, DOHC, VVT unit from the Cadillac CTS, that translates to at least 300 horses-equal to the output of the Mustang GT’s V-8. Both engines will offer cylinder-deactivation for enhanced economy. Manual and automatic transmissions will be offered with each powerplant.
5. Styling can best be described as a modern interpretation of the 1969 Camaro. Even though the new model will be labeled a 2010, it will come at the 40th Anniversary of the ‘69 Camaro.
6. The Camaro interior will be modern with retro touches. Most conspicuous will be large 1969-like square analog instruments behind the wheel and quad gauges in the center console. Standard features will likely include XM Satellite Radio, OnStar, and remote keyless entry. One rumored option-among such expected fare as leather seats, dual-zone climate, and premium audio heads-up display similar to the Corvette.
7. Pricing? Look for the low-to-mid $20s for a base, V-6 Camaro. Available trims are also forecast to include a V-8 Z-28 and, eventually, a high-output (say, at least 500 horses) SS (Super Sport) edition to combat the Shelby GT500. Given Bob Lutz’s proclamation that Camaro pricing will shadow the Mustang’s, that would put a base Z28 at about $27,000 and a base SS at $44-$45K.
8. You will not have to wait long to get one. Chevy has big plans, anticipating up to 100,000 Camaro sales per year once the convertible hits showrooms. Thus far, postings on the Internet suggest dealers will be holding roll-out prices to MSRP. The order-taking begins later this year…
(Source: Motor Trend Magazine)
