GM this morning released the news that it would respond to fans of its
Camaro, and once again produce the cost-effective classic muscle car for 2009. CEO Rick Wagoner broke the news in light of a tremendous response to the car at the North American International Auto Show.
Early production versions will begin in late 2008, with the first Camaros being sold in early 2009. Ed Welburn, GM's head of Global Design says the new model will be almost identical to the concept version. The front engine, rear drive coupe will house an independent rear suspension as well as V6 or V8 engines.
"We intend to make the all-new Camaro relevant to younger buyers while retaining its appeal to current fans," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet brand General
Manager. With a young, diverse team at the design helm, and attention to keeping the original recipe for value velocity in mind, this shouldn't be a problem.
But is the Camaro too little too late? Will it be a re-born classic, or a late-breaking effort to jump on the retro-muscle bandwagon? Will it have staying power in its market or be more a novelty buy? By 2009, the Challenger will have been on sale for a year, in addition to the current Mustang. Does North America have room for the big three bargain musclecars to do battle once again? Only time will tell.
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| 2009 Chevrolet Camaro (Photo: General Motors) |
Early production versions will begin in late 2008, with the first Camaros being sold in early 2009. Ed Welburn, GM's head of Global Design says the new model will be almost identical to the concept version. The front engine, rear drive coupe will house an independent rear suspension as well as V6 or V8 engines.
"We intend to make the all-new Camaro relevant to younger buyers while retaining its appeal to current fans," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet brand General
 |
| 2009 Chevrolet Camaro (Photo: General Motors) |
But is the Camaro too little too late? Will it be a re-born classic, or a late-breaking effort to jump on the retro-muscle bandwagon? Will it have staying power in its market or be more a novelty buy? By 2009, the Challenger will have been on sale for a year, in addition to the current Mustang. Does North America have room for the big three bargain musclecars to do battle once again? Only time will tell.
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