Camaro: on sale in 2009?

Newswheel staff :: 10 January 2006 :: Filed under Coupe, Chevrolet, Chevrolet Camaro, Trade shows, US

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Chevy under pressure to build muscle car concept

And so it came to pass that GM did the sensible thing and decided to put the Camaro concept into production. Problem is, it won’t go on sale until 2009. Or at least, that’s the latest tittle tattle, sourced from GM’s supplier network.

Edmunds.com has the skinny on this latest twist in the Camaro tale. Apparently, the concept has been such a smash hit at the Detroit show that GM has decided it simply has to build it. It’s a nice story. But probably only a small part of the overall decision making process that could see Camaro hit showrooms. As Bob Lutz, GM’s supreme being, says himself on his latest entry on GM’s Fastlane corporate blog. “Make no mistake: We would love to build this car. I would love to have one in my garage. But we cannot commit to it just yet. Circumstances dictate that we have other priorities that come first. For now, we’ll just enjoy what we have, and find out what everybody thinks about it, and we’ll make a final decision on it at our earliest opportunity.”

GM has also posted a video podcast on Fastlane in which Lutz shoots the breeze with a Wall Street Journal drone, not only displaying an impressive depth of knowledge on the concept, but also revealing some useful deets on how the production car will likely turn out. Prices should kick off at around $20,000 for the entry-level V6 model and rise to $30,000 for the flagship V8. Lutz is clearly a huge fan of the concept and makes the point that although it’s infused with the essence of the ’69 Camaro, it’s a thoroughly modern and contemporary car in its own right, not simply a retro rehash. A dig at the Dodge Challenger? Perhaps. But a fair point all the same.

Linkage:
GM Fastlane blog
Lutz-on-Camaro video podcast (well worth a watch)
Edmunds InsideLine