Camaro mule Spotted!

http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=42150&vf=2

Somebody go find that thing and open the hood.

That is awesome, I cant tell how credible this is or not, but its awesome still.

4-door Camaro?! :shock: :yuck:

4-door Camaro?! :shock: :yuck:

From the article-

"The car sits on a much shorter wheelbase than a standard Commodore, and the roof line is lower as a result. The rear doors are decoys in an attempt to pass off the coupe as a sedan, and the C-pillar is much narrower."

Didn't we already see a similar car strapped to a trailer?

if this is a test platform for a 5thgen, then this is certainly good news. only a matter of time before we see even more pictures and hear more specific info about it

Guess I'd better keep saving eh? I just hope that we'll have some concrete indication on whether there'll be a higher performance version ala Z28 in the 2nd year of production so I don't kick myself afterwards.

Was there an article about this a while back? The Commodore was on a trailer with goofy looking doors and tacked on fender flares?

From the article-

"The car sits on a much shorter wheelbase than a standard Commodore, and the roof line is lower as a result. The rear doors are decoys in an attempt to pass off the coupe as a sedan, and the C-pillar is much narrower."
Not the point ... I don't want anything 4-door (or look-a-like) associated with the Camaro!! ;) I don't want some bean counter to decide that GM needs their own version of a Dodge Charger :rolleyes: (4-door "muscle car" = worst. idea. evar. :dead: ).

We're getting one - Zeta Impala :p

We're getting one - Zeta Impala :p

Or the G8.

There is some room for 4 door muscle cars.

Didn't we already see a similar car strapped to a trailer?

It was the same car. Or a least a second mule. :rolleyes:

Didn't we already see a similar car strapped to a trailer?

yes

It was the same car. Or a least a second mule. :rolleyes:

The car on the trailer had a spoiler on it, I think. This car doesn't. Of course, they could've just removed the spoiler.

Not the point ... I don't want anything 4-door (or look-a-like) associated with the Camaro!! ;) I don't want some bean counter to decide that GM needs their own version of a Dodge Charger :rolleyes: (4-door "muscle car" = worst. idea. evar. :dead: ).

QFT.... :yes:

The car on the trailer had a spoiler on it, I think. This car doesn't. Of course, they could've just removed the spoiler.

The other one also had some kind of cladding over the wheel wells.

Doesn't look like a Camaro mule at all to me. Sounds like nonsense.

Doesn't look like a Camaro mule at all to me. Sounds like nonsense.

Where you expecting a big vinyl "Camero Mule" Sign on the side of the car?

;)

Where you expecting a big vinyl "Camero Mule" Sign on the side of the car?

;)

yeah!:rolleyes::p

Doesn't look like a Camaro mule at all to me. Sounds like nonsense.

Statement of the year. :rolleyes:

Doesn't look like a Camaro mule at all to me. Sounds like nonsense.

What exactly do you think a vehicle mule is?? :confused:

Not the point ... I don't want anything 4-door (or look-a-like) associated with the Camaro!! ;) I don't want some bean counter to decide that GM needs their own version of a Dodge Charger :rolleyes: (4-door "muscle car" = worst. idea. evar. :dead: ).

The original Camaro and even the 2nd gen were spinoffs of the Nova, which happened to come in 4 door form.

As for the Dodge Charger, check the sales and the hype surrounding it, the fact that GM is scrambling to come up with the same at Chevrolet and importing the same for Pontiac.... then get back to me with what the definition of the "worst. idea. evar." actually entails. :lol:

Ok, you know, you're absolutely right, and I actually AGREE whole-heartedly. But I DO NOT like the names of muscle cars of the past being "mutated" into late-model sedans, that happen to pack a punch :rolleyes:.

New Dodge Charger - cool car. Looks cool, performs well. Nice.

But it's not a "Charger" :no:.

Same thing if they worked the body and bolted 4 doors onto the Camaro. Cool car?? Probably. Would it sell?? I'm sure it would. Camaro? Not even close. How do you think a 4-door Corvette would go over, or even a 4-seater 'Vette?! :irk: Not good!! ;)

Good "package", or good "idea"? Hey, like you said, they're selling, so apparently so. I just don't want the Camaro (name) bastardized like that :shrug:.

If it wasnt true, scott would more than likely chime in and say not true.

so take that for what its worth.

If it wasnt true, scott would more than likely chime in and say not true.

so take that for what its worth.

He did go on to say for the last mule sighting rumor, turned out to be the Challenger that there were no mules or prototypes on the continent....

Just a few points.
If the chassis work is beign done with Holden then those mules would be better used on Melbourne streets that Detroit. Not to mention less easily noticed. That has to be one of the best and most elaborate mules I've seen yet. Not only does it look like a normal 4 door it can easily be confused with a Holden. To think Camaro would be a stretch.

They need to test the Camaro someplace and get some real world driving data. So to me test all they can. I wouldn't mind just seeing the whole car as is being tested. We already know what it's going to look like and what other brands are likely to copy it? Pull out the Alpha and Beta prototypes and have at it. Let people take pics but let the engineers get their work done.

Camaro Mule:

http://www.wayodd.com/funny-pictures2/funny-pictures-mule-trouble-0WS.jpg


Don't mind the luggage on the cart, it's just there to cover up the rear.

Capn Pete -- it's "Legume Tabulator" -- not bean counter! (evil grin)

No Camaro 4 - door. Period.

For your consideration:

The C5 Corvette was developed using, among other things "CORMAROS" -- which were C5 chassis and drive trains underneath a Camaro body. (there's one on display now and then at the National Corvette Museum)

We are certainly not going to put a Camaro out there to do early testing where you can actually see the car. (that would give the competition too much info....) So, sometimes we'll disguise the test mule.

I'm not saying what you saw was a test mule for Camaro - -but what I am saying is that sometimes, there are test mules right under your nose -- and you completely miss them!

Capn Pete -- it's "Legume Tabulator" -- not bean counter! (evil grin)

No Camaro 4 - door. Period.

For your consideration:

The C5 Corvette was developed using, among other things "CORMAROS" -- which were C5 chassis and drive trains underneath a Camaro body. (there's one on display now and then at the National Corvette Museum)

We are certainly not going to put a Camaro out there to do early testing where you can actually see the car. (that would give the competition too much info....) So, sometimes we'll disguise the test mule.

I'm not saying what you saw was a test mule for Camaro - -but what I am saying is that sometimes, there are test mules right under your nose -- and you completely miss them!

were you a cryptography expert in a former life? :lol:

Capn Pete -- it's "Legume Tabulator" -- not bean counter! (evil grin)

No Camaro 4 - door. Period.

For your consideration:

The C5 Corvette was developed using, among other things "CORMAROS" -- which were C5 chassis and drive trains underneath a Camaro body. (there's one on display now and then at the National Corvette Museum)

We are certainly not going to put a Camaro out there to do early testing where you can actually see the car. (that would give the competition too much info....) So, sometimes we'll disguise the test mule.

I'm not saying what you saw was a test mule for Camaro - -but what I am saying is that sometimes, there are test mules right under your nose -- and you completely miss them!

Translation!

Ok this means it has to be down to a......

GTO

CTS

STS

4th Gen

Pick Up

SUV

Vette

If testing is going on in this country it has to be one or more of these we need to look for. Any of these the engines and drrive line parts could be hidden in.

Did I miss any options Scott?

Id have to believe there are some GTO's running around then with 5thgen technology.

only because of the yellow gtomaro that is bumblebee :)

Translation!

Ok this means it has to be down to a......

GTO

CTS

STS

4th Gen

Pick Up

SUV

Vette

If testing is going on in this country it has to be one or more of these we need to look for. Any of these the engines and drrive line parts could be hidden in.

Did I miss any options Scott?


Dang, you're good!!!

:D:D:D:D

Dang, you're good!!!

:D:D:D:D


Sometimes you have to translate for some before they miss what is right infront of them. Thanks for confirming what I have been thinking.

I remember the Cormaro. It was black and the gas filler was in the wrong spot. It also had a hood scoope that was odd. So if you looking for a test car like what is listed look for odd things on it as this may be your only clue.

I also remember the 4th Gen TA that was gold that looks stock till I looked under it and found a C5 rear independent rear suspension. Too bad it did not make production. I still have pictures of it including the underside or at least what I could get as it sat low.

I also remember the 4th Gen TA that was gold that looks stock till I looked under it and found a C5 rear independent rear suspension. Too bad it did not make production. I still have pictures of it including the underside or at least what I could get as it sat low.

Jason D and I once got a tour of the Pontiac World HQ's " back lot" in 1996, where there were a bunch of fourth-gens with IRS. One of them was a 1994 25th anniversary Trans Am convertible with a WS6 hood. We also ran across a couple supercharged Pontiac Transport minivans, and a Transport minivan that had been converted into an ElCamino-type vehicle with a bed in the back. Somewhere in my attic is a picture of Jason sitting in the back of that thing with a big grin on his face.

But yeah, there are many ways to test things like new powertrain configurations with existing vehicles. In 1995 through 1997 I used to have a drive-on pass for the Milford Proving grounds and there was all kinds of cool test mules out there, most of them sporting obvious hacks like sawzalled quarterpanels, duct tape, and wires sticking out of weird places for instrumentation.

Pieces of our new Camaro might be running around under any number of current-production vehicles that have been hacked to accept the test components.

We also ran across a couple supercharged Pontiac Transport minivans, and a Transport minivan that had been converted into an ElCamino-type vehicle with a bed in the back. Somewhere in my attic is a picture of Jason sitting in the back of that thing with a big grin on his face.

Heh...I remember that day VERY clearly. I remember some Frankestein cars there. I'd like to see that pic again, I even remember it being taken. :lol:

Translation!

Ok this means it has to be down to a......

GTO

CTS

STS

4th Gen

Pick Up

SUV

Vette

If testing is going on in this country it has to be one or more of these we need to look for. Any of these the engines and drrive line parts could be hidden in.

Did I miss any options Scott?

Dang, you're good!!!

:D:D:D:D


I knew it!!! It's a Yukon!!! It's a Yukon!!!

My money is on a GTO body for the mule. We already know they can fit a Camaro body on a GTO frame (Bumblebee) so why not a GTO body on a Camaro? Its got (arguably) bland styling, so it should coast under the radar.

My money is on a GTO body for the mule. We already know they can fit a Camaro body on a GTO frame (Bumblebee) so why not a GTO body on a Camaro? Its got (arguably) bland styling, so it should coast under the radar.

the GTO has a longer wheelbase and i believe different track width? anyway.. the dimensions of the bumblebee prop car are different than the actual camaro concept car.. consequently the body panels are adusted accordingly to fit the GTO frame..

but i suppose they could adjust the GTO panels to fit a camaro frame.. who knows

My bet is a CTS since it was used to build the show cars.
Also that platform supports a V6 and V8, has IRS rear suspension and auto and manual trannys. Also it is still in production.

I can see parts slipped under and in this car and we would never know it.

I could see the engines or exhaust in a Pick up too but the suspension part would not really work here.

We have to keep in mind that they do not always test all the parts together at one time on one car till later.

Translation!

Ok this means it has to be down to a......

GTO

CTS

STS

4th Gen

Pick Up

SUV

Vette

If testing is going on in this country it has to be one or more of these we need to look for. Any of these the engines and drrive line parts could be hidden in.

Did I miss any options Scott?


lol.. you forgot Aveo! LOL!!!

I knew it!!! It's a Yukon!!! It's a Yukon!!!



close!



.......Yukon XL!!!!

close!



.......Yukon XL!!!!

Gotta be about ten of those in my neighborhood, all silver or pewter or some congenial suburban color. Like finding a needle in a haystack. It'll be 2009 before I find the thing. :confused:

lol.. you forgot Aveo! LOL!!!


I did not know the Aveo was RWD or I would have added it to the list!
:lol::lol::lol:

I would not exclued a Yukon SUV as GM has tested the V16 Caddy engine in one. If your rolling up miles the engine does not know if it is in a truck or a CTS.

Besides the XL could carry all the equipment for the test Prototype cars when they hit the road in the correct body in a few months.

They did make a Corvette wagon back in 1982 to carry things for the Vette crew and to keep up.
It was a Caprice wagon with a 84 Vette engine and and 16" Vette wheels with Corvette lettering on the tailgate.

Nah, you guys are all wrong ;).

The test mule(s) are the C6 Z06 and the '08 Corvette. One sports an LS7, the other, the LS3. Add 2 more seats and voila! - 2009 Camaro! :yes: :) (in Z28 and SS configurations, respectively ;)).

What more needs to be tested ..... the suspension? :shrug: That can be done in either the Caddy and/or the GTO :cool:.

it has to be the CTS or GTO... or wait.. wait for it... how about those new Chevy Lumina showing up lately????

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=533636

it has to be the CTS or GTO... or wait.. wait for it... how about those new Chevy Lumina showing up lately????

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=533636

That is such a nice looking car. I much prefer it over the G8 (and I like the G8).

ooooooh yeah????...........Well......I heard GM used Bumblebee as a test mule for the 5th gen ;):p:D

They did make a Corvette wagon back in 1982 to carry things for the Vette crew and to keep up.
It was a Caprice wagon with a 84 Vette engine and and 16" Vette wheels with Corvette lettering on the tailgate.

yes -- and it still exists in the Heritage collection!

yes -- and it still exists in the Heritage collection!


I am glad to hear that it was saved. I know they can't keep everything but some really neat cars over the years have been lost and it hurts to see some of them go.

On the other hand there have been couple I was not to see go to the crusher.

It just scares me to think they almost did away with the X and Y jobs back in the early 70's and they got a reprieve. Or at least that was what I heard on a tv show on Speed.

the Y job was recently refurbished as I recall.....

I am currently in Kuwait and they have that same vehicle here in the first picture and it is the LUMINA. No joke this is what i have seen personally and thought it was something else but up close it is only a V6 Lumina. If you want proof i will go take a picture of it......they are everywhere over here.

I am currently in Kuwait and they have that same vehicle here in the first picture and it is the LUMINA. No joke this is what i have seen personally and thought it was something else but up close it is only a V6 Lumina. If you want proof i will go take a picture of it......they are everywhere over here.

Yup, the Lumina is essentially the G8 which is Holden Commodore.

Frey

Ok all jokes aside. This has got to be the test mule. I mean, look at the obviously camoflage body panel cladding...

http://www.bahrainracing.com/gallery/041.jpg

I found a whole crap load more of test mules testing the durability of the new rear diffs under extreme conditions at an undisclosed location:

http://motard.concode.com/images/motard/submitted/sjostrom/strange/Camaro%20Forest%20Fire.jpg














:p

Ok, I'll be the first to admit I like GFX and a Spoiler added to a car. But that? That's just... :barf::barf::barf::yuck:

(I got a message saying I had to extend my message 3 more characters when I tried to quote the above message. When did a restriction on length start? And it kept saying it even after I typed this out...)

I've seen pics of that green blasphemy of a Camaro years ago on RiceCop.com... Sorry...