Latest Summary on Future Cars at Chevrolet

There hasn't been a Chevrolet future products summary in a long time here, so here's what's going on based on public comments from former and current GM executives, back alley deals and a minimal of guesswork thrown in (everything that was told to me in confidence I'm keeping out of this):

*Corvette will be introduced this January, and go on sale later this year. It will have a 6 liter, 400 horsepower evolution of the LS1 engine. The Z06 will be on "hiatus" (don't you love that word) till at next year (2006 model year) and will have just under 500 horsepower.

*Impala will have a supercharged SS coming out in December. It will have a V8 in 2005 with a minor facelift, and will be redesigned for the 2007 model year. Though I'm not entirely convinced, word is the 2007 replacement will be RWD. Last year Kurt Ritter all but dismissed the idea of Chevrolet selling a car larger than Impala, saying "“We could sell a car that’s larger than an Impala but we think Impala can cover most of that market. Mercury Marquis is more a Buick effort,” (ai: January 2003). But now that Chevy has a new General Manager and there's still a couple of years left, there's a chance Caprice will return as a version of the big RWD Buick.

*Malibu will have an SS version before long, oddly based on the Maxx, instead of the lighter sedan (?!).

*Colbalt will be introduced this auto show season, and will be out late summer. By every account it's a sharp looking car and it's interior quality seems to be the focal point of everything I've heard. Colbalt SS will have the same drivetrain as the Ion Redline (supercharged Ecotec 4), and is planned to be out shortly after Colbalt production starts.

*Monte Carlo isn't assured of production beyond 2005, and as far as I can tell, there is no plans to produce it beyond then. The issue is the "W" chassis, which is being phased out as the updated "mid-lux" (really a modified "W") replaces it. more on that later.

Camaro is being developed as we speak. Thank Kurt Ritter, former General Manager of Chevrolet for this. He made this (and a RWD sports sedan) a TOP priority at Chevrolet, along with help from alot of devoted people within Chevy, alot of dealer input, and help in the form of Rick Wagoner (CEO of General Motors), Bob Lutz, and quite a few others. Regardless of the rants of the "GM is out of touch" people, the problem was simply needing a cost efficient chassis to put the new Camaro on. Nothing more & nothing less. The old GM management attempted to put all passenger cars save the Vette & Cadillac on FWD. Someone woke up one day, and realized the F-bodys needed to be redone, so they looked at the V-chassis (was due to be replaced in a few years, so not worth it), the Corvette (not cost efficient), & the CTS (Cadillac had issues with that). More on that also later.



The "mid-lux" is seen as a transition chassis (though pre-Lutz, it had a more permanent purpose), and while a Regal, Impala, or Grand Prix sedan, all which sells in great numbers is an easy financial case, the coupes aren't. Grand Prix coupe didn't make the change to mid-lux because of this, and it's not likely Monte Carlo will either. The MC (along with Impala) was scheduled to make the change in 2004, the whole thing was cancelled shortly after Bob Lutz's arrival to look into putting their replacements on RWD.

I mentioned above that I'm not entirely convinced the 2007 Impala will be a RWD car, and here's why: The 2005 Impala is scheduled to be placed on the mid-lux chassis last I heard, and it's sales have all but exploded, becoming GM's best selling car. On the flip side, the sales of the soon to be replaced Cavalier have also exploded the past year, but Cavalier isn't changing it's entire formula the way a RWD Impala would. Another wild card is what changes Chevy's new General Manager, Brent Dewar has in store. Ritter wasn't in favor of a bigger than Impala RWD car, while Dewar seems to be, hence chance of a Caprice.

Meanwhile, the Camaro seems to currently be solidly on track. The Cadillac CTS chassis was a bit pricey as it was for a new Camaro (There's a $8,000 spread between a base CTS & a base Camaro), so Camaro had to wait for a chassis. Kurt Ritter hinted at this big time when he stated last year that a priority was getting a suitible chassis for Camaro.

With Holden finishing up on their "Modular" RWD chassis, the Camaro has a suitable RWD chassis .

Thats the chassis I thought it would go on..

Will be intrested in how differs from the multiude of variants that will come off that "Modular" chassis.

"Someone woke up one day, and realized the F-bodys needed to be redone"


F-bodys

Does this mean there is hope for the Firebird??????

I think he mis-spoke...sorry :(

Sounds good. ;)

definitive mis spoke;) but its is good news, almost everybody seems to know and think that the next Camaro is right on track:cool:

oh boy
4.6 vs 6.0:bow:

GMs is talking about getting back in touch with the people. For this reason I still hold a sliver of hope for the firebird. I think that if a 5th gen Camaro sells well, mixed with the obvious uproar from people when the firebird isnt released alongside, there may be one put back on the market.

Be maybe a couple of years late, but I have patience :)

guionM,

wow!!- you are always are a great source of info!!!

Originally posted by guionM
Camaro is being developed as we speak. Thank Kurt Ritter, former General Manager of Chevrolet for this. He made this (and a RWD sports sedan) a TOP priority at Chevrolet, along with help from alot of devoted people within Chevy, alot of dealer input, and help in the form of Rick Wagoner (CEO of General Motors), Bob Lutz, and quite a few others.

:cool: I heard it before but its great to hear it again, can't wait to see the prototypes. Any chance of seeing them at NAIAS?

So if the Camaro is on schedule, when do we see a concept car? Obviously not this year’s auto show, but maybe for 2005? Also when do you think we will start getting spy shots of the alpha and beta cars on the road?

Thanks for the info GuionM.

My wife and I are already looking into an Impala next year and of course the new Camaro for myself. Thanks again. :D

Originally posted by DarthIROC
GMs is talking about getting back in touch with the people. For this reason I still hold a sliver of hope for the firebird. I think that if a 5th gen Camaro sells well, mixed with the obvious uproar from people when the firebird isnt released alongside, there may be one put back on the market.

Be maybe a couple of years late, but I have patience :)

I think the GTO put the nail in the coffin for the Firebird as we know it. It's too bad but i don't see Pontiac having two cars that are that close to each other.

Originally posted by stars1010
So if the Camaro is on schedule, when do we see a concept car? Obviously not this year’s auto show, but maybe for 2005?

I don't think anyone at GM can say the "C" word until next fall, so the 2005 show circuit is probably a good guess.

Originally posted by CLEAN
I don't think anyone at GM can say the "C" word until next fall, so the 2005 show circuit is probably a good guess. Exactly. Once the date expires on the CAW contract and the moratorium on mentioning the "C" word passes... I'd expect to see something. January '05 perhaps? :rolleyes:

Though I am happy about the corvette, and camaro and the impala getting a v8. I'm not happy about the news about the Monte carlo. I'm not a sedan person, and though sedans are getting sportyer, I prefer a coupe over sedans anyday. it has been stated, (or maybe implied ) that the monte would be redesigned in 2005. if they were going to cancel it, why not cancel it after the 2004 year??? why spend the money to redesign it only for it to be out for a year.

I understand that GM probably doesn;t know what to do with the mc, and i guess that fact that they haven't stated any news about it is better then stating bad news about it.

Guion, have you been hearing that there is a possibility that the mc won;t return, or are you hearing all these changes for future impala's, but there has been a lack of info about the mc??? there's a difference.

well, great info none the less.:cool:

btw, any news on what tranny they will be using, and any possibility on using the new 6 sp. auto when it comes out??

Originally posted by Donutboy97
I understand that GM probably doesn;t know what to do with the mc, and i guess that fact that they haven't stated any news about it is better then stating bad news about it.

Guion, have you been hearing that there is a possibility that the mc won;t return, or are you hearing all these changes for future impala's, but there has been a lack of info about the mc??? there's a difference.

Maybe the Monte could be based of the Malibu, While I love RWD I think it is important that they keep some FWD cars.

I know we keep hearing how 2 doors aren't in vouge anymore...

But if GM keeps killing them, then GM is losing my business. I refuse to drive a 4 door car. Refuse. I chose a 2 door GT over a 4 door GTP for that sole reason. I hate 4 doors.

I am glad a new Camaro is coming....VERY glad. But, I don't expect to have one as a daily driver when a 5th gen comes out. I am going to have to make my GP last as long as I possibly can...because I can't drive a RWD car up here year-round. I could, but it sucks. Plus, I wouldn't want to get a beautiful new 5th gen (my first NEW Camaro) crappy in the winter.

Until GM comes out with a nice quality, stylish FWD COUPE, I ain't biting on anything but a new Camaro from GM. Other than a Monte, there is not one car from GM for 2004 I'd really want to buy...

Originally posted by Jason E
I know we keep hearing how 2 doors aren't in vouge anymore...

But if GM keeps killing them, then GM is losing my business. I refuse to drive a 4 door car. Refuse. I chose a 2 door GT over a 4 door GTP for that sole reason. I hate 4 doors.

I am glad a new Camaro is coming....VERY glad. But, I don't expect to have one as a daily driver when a 5th gen comes out. I am going to have to make my GP last as long as I possibly can...because I can't drive a RWD car up here year-round. I could, but it sucks. Plus, I wouldn't want to get a beautiful new 5th gen (my first NEW Camaro) crappy in the winter.

Until GM comes out with a nice quality, stylish FWD COUPE, I ain't biting on anything but a new Camaro from GM. Other than a Monte, there is not one car from GM for 2004 I'd really want to buy...

The new camaro may have an AWD option if its going to be built of the VE Chassis.

The AWD option would rule for us folks up here in the Northeast who get hammered with snow each year. I was thinking about trading in the Z for something else but I think I'm going to hold onto it and save my pennies for a new camaro. I hope they nail the styling on it! I hope it comes back with a mean look (Pi$$ed that it was put on a hiatus). Exciting times are ahead........

Colin
98 Z28

not to sound snippy but when the AWD debate was thrown around last few years it was FLAMED...really bad..even I posted a topic about it and got flamed of how it will never be a Camaro if its AWD...but I think its possible and should be an option. Now alot of people embrace an AWD Camaro...go figure..


The bird comming back?? the only way it can come back is if it fits between the Solstice and the GTO..maybee a limited production car????

Originally posted by Caps94ZODG
not to sound snippy but when the AWD debate was thrown around last few years it was FLAMED...really bad..even I posted a topic about it and got flamed of how it will never be a Camaro if its AWD...but I think its possible and should be an option. Now alot of people embrace an AWD Camaro...go figure..


The bird comming back?? the only way it can come back is if it fits between the Solstice and the GTO..maybee a limited production car????


Mate I agree :D

THe AWD option will be there...why not offer it?? :confused:

As it doesn't get cold enough here to snow, (except in the mountains) the need for FWD in the winter is not an issue. Having said that if I was living in an environment where snow was an issue, AWD would be a great option. You get the car you want with the practicality of AWD.

Also a little side note : Holden's AWD system has been setup so even though it has 4 wheels driving the car it still feels like a RWD car, with I believe 60% of the power going to the rear wheels.

Originally posted by AnthonyHSV
Mate I agree :D

THe AWD option will be there...why not offer it?? :confused:

As it doesn't get cold enough here to snow, (except in the mountains) the need for FWD in the winter is not an issue. Having said that if I was living in an environment where snow was an issue, AWD would be a great option. You get the car you want with the practicality of AWD.

Also a little side note : Holden's AWD system has been setup so even though it has 4 wheels driving the car it still feels like a RWD car, with I believe 60% of the power going to the rear wheels.

I say bring the Firebird back and give it AWD.

I don’t want to see a Camaro with AWD. I want to stress again the idea to keep Chevrolet the “value” company and make the Camaro the “value” sports car at GM. I don’t want to tack on a million special options on the Camaro. I don’t want it to be a slouch, but it doesn’t need every little bell and whistle to compete. Just a complete package. Leave cool higher priced performance options to Pontiac. Give AWD to the GTO if the Firebird doesn’t come back. They will all be on the same platform. But make sure the Camaro comes in at a decent price.

Pontiac G6- supercharged 3.5L V6 + AWD. It's going to be a killer

Although I think something more Supra like would be a better addition to the Pontiac lineup. TT I5/6 with optional AWD. That wouldn't be a clone of the GTO but would also be a performer. The supercharged 3.5L in the G6 is only putting out 285hp I think in concept form. I'd rather see a turbo 400hp I6 in some Pontiac (firebird!).

I agree with the statement that AWD doesn't belong on a Camaro.
Although maybe not possible, I think a good candidate for a Chevy AWD vehicle would be the Malibu Maxx.

guionM ... I want to have your baby ....


fine work as usual ....


:D

Originally posted by Ted 99 TA WS6 Conv
guionM ... I want to have your baby ....


Uhhhh......

Originally posted by Donutboy97
Guion, have you been hearing that there is a possibility that the mc won;t return, or are you hearing all these changes for future impala's, but there has been a lack of info about the mc??? there's a difference.

You aren't going to believe me, but it's actually easier to get info on the new Camaro than it is about what's going to happen to Monte Carlo. No, I'm not kidding!

I haven't gotten anything beyond 2005 on the Monte Carlo. Could mean one of 3 things:
1. It's dead after 2005
2. It will continue after 2005 as a coupe version of GM's full size RWD cars, completely separate from Camaro (Camaro, though based on the same components as GM's modular chassis, will still have a separate designation as an "F-Body" and won't be a "2 door Impala/Caprice")
3. It will be renamed. Could be Belair, could be Impala SS coupe, could be something else.

[i]Originally posted by BlackLS1Z
color=red]The AWD option would rule for us folks up here in the Northeast who get hammered with snow each year.[/color] I was thinking about trading in the Z for something else but I think I'm going to hold onto it and save my pennies for a new camaro. I hope they nail the styling on it! I hope it comes back with a mean look (Pi$$ed that it was put on a hiatus). Exciting times are ahead........

Colin
98 Z28

The AWD Monaro will cost just under $50,000 in US currency, making this roughly a $15,000 option. So I guess the AWD option would "rule" up in the Northeast..... ruled out of your budgets.

Let's be realistic here. It really snows about 2 months out of the year in the most snow-venerable places in the US. Anyone so insecure about the winter months in the northeast isn't going to spend 50 or even 40 grand for a AWD Camaro. They'll get a AWD SUV or crossover, and park their new Camaro in the garage.

As I've always pointed out from day 1:
A. RWD based AWD cars cost plenty of money.

B. RWD based AWD cars are plenty heavy (the AWD Monaro weighs 3972 lbs....a couple of shopping bags under 2 tons!).

C. Sales of RWD based AWD cars are very thin, either making it not worthwhile financially, or keeping it's appeal limited. BMW, & Mercedes both offer AWD on a number of cars. You'd expect these cars to burn up the charts in the northeast, but even there they're barely a blip.

D. Finally, just what we need is a bunch of morons & idiots with 400 horsepower and AWD feeling like they can defy physics. Some people just haven't yet equated that ice that makes 2wd spin out and 30 ton tractor-trailers jack knife on freeways & curves, also makes AWD (especially high powered ones) spin out and head for ditches, gardrails, and other drivers.

RWD based AWD will work with Cadillac and Buick. It's price, & customer base are ideal. It may even work with Pontiac. But Chevy? :no:

I know some of you SAY you want a AWD Camaro. But I'd like to see how many actually show up with their wallets to pay Corvette prices for one.

Yeah 15 grand is a little pricey. Just the thought was cool I guess. Maybe if it was a 1/3 of that price I'd think about it and suffer the weight loss but then again maybe not. I've driven my Z through 2 Maine winters and will be driving it again this winter....its really not that bad in the snow if you get the proper tires. Thanks to the recent information you've provided I'm going to hold on to my car until the 5th Gens come out. I swore I'd never buy a new car but if this one is a homerun I'll be the 1st one on the block to have one.


Colin
98 Z28

Originally posted by guionM
The AWD Monaro will cost just under $50,000 in US currency, making this roughly a $15,000 option. So I guess the AWD option would "rule" up in the Northeast..... ruled out of your budgets.

How can every other manufactorer make AWD a $1900-$3000 option but on a Holden it is $15,000? I'm guessing more comes with the AWD Monaro vs. RWD Monaro than just AWD.

Amen...$15,000 on a car is completely asinine.

For $3k, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Guion...2 months? Come on now...come on out to MA if you think we only get snow 2 months outta the year...seriously...

Mid November until April is all fair game out here. May not be common all that time, but it happens. And when it does? You do NOT want to have a 4th gen in it...

Originally posted by guionM


I know some of you SAY you want a AWD Camaro. But I'd like to see how many actually show up with their wallets to pay Corvette prices for one.


I think I heard one who said he wants the Z28 to stay ahead of the Cobra performance wise in other threads but leave the AWD off to keep it affordable. :confused:

Originally posted by guionM
The AWD Monaro will cost just under $50,000 in US currency, making this roughly a $15,000 option.

You must note that the AWD Monaro shown recently was the HSV Coupe 4. It is based on the HSV GTO, and the AWD system comes with some alloy suspention components + other stuff I can't remember. It was estimated it would cost AUS$95k but I did hear a rumour that AUS$83k maybe more likely. You have to remember that it is a HSV and it is the first outing of the Holden 'low' AWD system. I would expect AWD to have a AUS$5k premium over standard RWD cars. (Can't remember the amount extra the wagon costs with AWD and don't have the time to look ATM)

Originally posted by Jason E
Amen...$15,000 on a car is completely asinine.

For $3k, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Guion...2 months? Come on now...come on out to MA if you think we only get snow 2 months outta the year...seriously...

Mid November until April is all fair game out here. May not be common all that time, but it happens. And when it does? You do NOT want to have a 4th gen in it...

Yes, March seams to be a big month for snow around here in NY.

I wouldn't drive a Camaro in the Winter mostly because of the salt on the roads, snow is really only a huge problem about 10 days a year. If I was forced to have a Camaro as my only car, I probably would spring the extra $3K for AWD, but I'd rather spend $3K on a winter beater and get a RWD Camaro and keep the Camaro looking nice.

Originally posted by guionM
Let's be realistic here. It really snows about 2 months out of the year in the most snow-venerable places in the US. Anyone so insecure about the winter months in the northeast isn't going to spend 50 or even 40 grand for a AWD Camaro. They'll get a AWD SUV or crossover, and park their new Camaro in the garage.

D. Finally, just what we need is a bunch of morons & idiots with 400 horsepower and AWD feeling like they can defy physics. Some people just haven't yet equated that ice that makes 2wd spin out and 30 ton tractor-trailers jack knife on freeways & curves, also makes AWD (especially high powered ones) spin out and head for ditches, gardrails, and other drivers.


Well, thats not being very realistic. It snows here in northern Indiana, and many other northeastern areas, about 4 - 5 months of the year. This year may be different since I'm hearing stuff about an "Indian Winter" which means there won't be as much snow in those months. Last year it snows a LOT for 5 full months. So if weather goes into your car purchase, you would think a lot of us north easternly inhabitants would be interested in AWD/4WD vehicles. Fortunately, we have SUV's and trucks for that, like you said. And if its a 15K option on a Camaro, it will not be a good business case, unfortunately. If it were 2 - 4K though, I'd hit it.

Also, about what makes 2wd spin out also makes AWD spin out is just flat out wrong. Just last night I had a case of this. I was in my g/f's FWD Plymouth Breeze and couldn't make it up an Icey hill. I would get stuck and have to slide back down. While I was backing up getting readdy to get a headstart on the hill, a lady in a Subaru came by and asked if everything was alright. And I told her yea, I'm just trying to make it up the hill, she said "oh ok..." and left and made it up the hill w/ no problems whatsoever. I ended up being able to make it up, but just barely w/ like a 1/4 mile headstart on a not-so-big hill... And theres my story for today...

I hope they hurry for the camaro. I CAN'T WAIT!

They better have a supercharged SS. My poll seems to show that future Camaro buyers need a easy to mod car.

Originally posted by crYnOid
You must note that the AWD Monaro shown recently was the HSV Coupe 4. It is based on the HSV GTO, and the AWD system comes with some alloy suspention components + other stuff I can't remember. It was estimated it would cost AUS$95k but I did hear a rumour that AUS$83k maybe more likely. You have to remember that it is a HSV and it is the first outing of the Holden 'low' AWD system. I would expect AWD to have a AUS$5k premium over standard RWD cars. (Can't remember the amount extra the wagon costs with AWD and don't have the time to look ATM)

You beat me to it..

The Coupe $95. K Aus price tag aint just because of the AWD system

guionM, since you seam to know a lot that is going on at Chevy mabye you can aweser this.

Is the '05 SSR getting more HP?, I've also heard T-56 rumors.

Is the '05 Silverado getting the Gen IV or will they wait for the next Gen Silverado for that?

for the extra $15k for AWD you could pick up an old 4X4 SUV or truck for the winter months and also pay for the extra insurance.

Originally posted by AdioSS
for the extra $15k for AWD you could pick up an old 4X4 SUV or truck for the winter months and also pay for the extra insurance.

Umm it aint going to be $15K extra...