GM Confirms Camaro!

August 14, 2006
by Dan Fritter / American Auto Press

Its Official!

Chevys Camaro concept has proven a polarizing automobile; weeding out GMs die-hard supporters from those less inclined to believe the Generals supposed commitment to performance. Many naysayers spoke ill of the concept, saying it was merely a way to string performance enthusiasts along as a sort of sequel to the Z06s media surge. Rumors circulating outlining the vehicles production were seen as extensions of the conspiracy by those pessimistic enthusiasts, a way of keeping the popular concept alive in the face of competition from the likes of DaimlerChrysler in the form of its production-bound Challenger and Ford, represented by the continual release of new, more potent ponies.

But GM can put all that talk to rest now, with the official announcement that the Camaro will see production. GM CEO Rich Wagoner made the announcement, saying that the production model will be almost identical to the concept, and while no details have been released as of yet, it has been confirmed that the new Camaro will debut with a complete and competitive lineup featuring at least one V6-powered variant. While V8 options are also guaranteed, which V8, or V8s, the General will select is up in the air, but its almost certain that at least one, if not two upper echelon models (most likely carrying either the SS and/or Z28 nameplates) will get the LS2 and/or LS7 engine from the Corvette. With Ford stepping up their game with the GT500 and rumors circulating that Dodge may outfit the Challenger with an optional and all-new 6.6L Hemi, this nouveau musclecar war could see outputs well on the high side of 500 horsepower.

With production scheduled to begin at the end of 2008 and the first production models destined for showrooms by early 2009, Wagoner also confirmed that the new Camaro will feature independent rear suspension, meaning it will almost certainly be based on the new platform found under the recently redesigned Australian Holden Monaro.

Notably, the concept rides on the previous Monaros chassis; the same that found its way under the unsuccessfully styled but very effective and well sorted (not to mentioned cancelled) Pontiac GTO. This bodes well for the Camaros performance figures, and if outfitted with the 505 horsepower LS7 engine, the independent rear-equipped Camaro should make short work of all but the most potent sports coupes (Wagoner also hinted at a convertible). Which brings up another point: while this announcement is great news for performance and muscle car enthusiasts, its a given that GM will never allow the Camaro to outpace the Corvette, and given the potency of the previous Monaro chassis, that task may yield a car that feels neutered along the same lines as Porsches Cayman, a car perfectly capable of besting the immortal 911 if given half a chance (and a bigger engine). Finally, while the announcement of the Camaros production has been a long time in coming, the future of the Pontiac F-body is still undecided, and with the GTO axed from the Poncho lineup GM has been tight lipped as to whether future plans involve either a Camaro-based Firebird or another Pontiac-specific stab at the GTO nameplate.
aro chassis, that task may yield a car that feels neutered along the same lines as Porsches Cayman, a car perfectly capable of besting the immortal 911 if given half a chance (and a bigger engine). Finally, while the announcement of the Camaros production has been a long time in coming, the future of the Pontiac F-body is still undecided, and with the GTO axed from the Poncho lineup GM has been tight lipped as to whether future plans involve either a Camaro-based Firebird or another Pontiac-specific stab at the GTO nameplate.