I'm sure RP can speak for himself...but he was an assistant brand manager.

 

GM's deal with the unions and St. Therese was contingent on them producing an automobile there, and it was tied to the Camaro/Firebird name. The only way to get out of the agreement was to kill the line. If GM were to build another F-body within a certain amount of time, they would either have to a)pay under the terms of the original agreement, which was killing GM, or B)have the unions strike or sue GM to get their money.

This is why no one at GM is taking an official stance on this. If they did, they get fired because it would cost GM potentially billions. That's why GM is going to wait xxx number of years until the deal at St. Therese runs out and they won't be held accountable for a lawsuit/strike. That's when you'll hear everything in the world about the next generation. I believe if the GTO does well (consistent sales), the Firebird name will come back along side the Camaro. Maybe not, but I could see it more if the GTO moves up in luxury, performance and price towards the Vette. Then, Pontiac will need a cheaper V8 RWD car.

Trust me guys, the 2006 GTO's stablemate (if there is one) will not be Camaro. The deal GM had with the union specifies Camaro specifically.

Think 2008 guys....I promise.

 

I'm still shocked that people go into crazy temper-tantrums here about the lack of any substantial Camaro news. We all know the situation, we all know that those of us who want a new Camaro badly have to be in this thing for the long haul. If you can't accept the waiting game go buy your Mustang. I'm sure it will be quite nice. There really isn't much more to say on the topic.

 

The Firebird had a brand manager until the F-body was killed last year. Since then Scott has been responsible for the Firebird and handling the cleanup with it's demise. The Firebird's Brand Manager was Bob Kraut untill that point. He is now responsible for the Grand Prix and GTO. The Firebird was only limited by team Camaro/Corvette because they had to take what was given them. Marketing and all was up to Pontiac Motor Division..Hence the more prominent place the Firebird held in the Pontiac lineup and the who "The Muscle Car Lives" Campaign

 

I agree with Z28Wilson... people who are all ripped up about not having a new Camaro today - if you want a new Mustang then go for it. I for one though believe the next Camaro will be a sister car to the 06-07 GTO. I don't think they will make a Chevelle. The Impala SS will fill that void.

 

Thanks bulldogauv!

Cobraeater and a few of you others should read this, and understand.

Bulldogauv, I suspect you actually work inside (since you posted some extra things that I was bluntly told not to post all over the internet...that Pontiac blurb among them ) . Hope you drop by more often (and you don't get horsewhipped for that post).

I couldn't directly post this info directly because I made an agreement not to in exchange for the info (remember, I do this as a hobby, so I probally rake in info that may surprise you vs someone whose job is to report what they learn). However, nothing was said to me about guiding anyone in the right direction.

Hope that explains the vagueness about why GM isn't talking about Camaro's demise. Read this & go back to Doug Harding's explanation about this subject, and you'll pretty much have the whole picture.

to another question about Mustang's effect on Mr. Lutz, lets say it was the very opposite of negative (another vauge and evasive answer, right? ).

As for who is Kurt Ritter, hes the top guy at the Chevrolet Motor division. Unfortunately, he can't dictate what cars or even the design of the cars he sells. They are actually done for him, and he can offer input, but he can't say I want a Camaro to sell by 200X. So, that's why targeting him as a barrier to Camaro is completely wrong. He's very much on our side. He want's an exciting car in his stable (especially a historic one) as much if not more than some of us!

BTW, (just a hunch) I'd view 2008 as a sell by date (can there be a 40th anniversairy edition of a car that skipped a few years of production?).

 

Why not? It's still the anniversairy of the cars introduction

 

A Chevelle SS is not really out of the realm of marketing sense by sharing the GTO's future platform. History can repeat itself in some instances.

 

If its not out in time for the 40th in 07 it will be ridiculous. 08 might be another year but its too far away.

I'm just glad we get the hints and know whats going on. There are so many outside of this board that have no idea.

 

I kind of agree with both aspects.


I understand the whole thing with the Canadians and the deal there and how GM has to let the time on the contract run out,

but I HAVE to agree with Cobraeater in the fact that I am sick of the BULLSHOUNT!!!! I mean, I think I am gonna be sick or maybe I'm going crazy, but I definitely might consider getting a mustang, cause the GTO and the Vette are a little too expensive. But I can guarentee that there will be many loyal F-bodiests who will be switching over to the mustang, especially since it does look pretty damn good. All we need, ALL I ask for is a definite answer to the question. IF they come out and say "we will make one as soon as it has been enough time that we won't get sued" that can't get them in trouble, it's the truth!!! We NEED to know whether or not we should wait and save or just buy something else. I hate games and secrets. Maybe because I've learned that life is disappointing. GM, for the love of GOD, just give us an answer and a reasonable time frame.

 

 

Actually I'm Joe Regular (albeit an Army guy waiting to go in).

All I've done is carefully read and re-read everything I've seen on what's going on at GM these days. If people would take their passion aside and read the underlying attitude, they shouldn't have to worry. All I've done to differentiate myself is make educated guesses on where stuff is going. I wish I worked for GM, that would be a great job.

Basically, here is my theory of what is going to happen:
The CE C5 (2004) should be something quite special in terms of performance (we've all heard about the 92 Heritage prototype - think along those lines. Except this time GM will actually go through with it). This should create incredible buzz for the 2005 C6. With the 2006 model year, GM comes out with the new Cavalier and Sunfire, possibly with a 200hp Ecotec available for the Z24, and Sunfire model (possibly GXP, but I think PMD might go for something out of the past). The Monte will return to a RWD format around this time as well, possibly the Grand Prix as well (not too sure on the year). The GTO will be redesigned in 2006, and MIGHT have a Chevy stablemate. HOWEVER, my instincts lead me to believe it won't be Chevy who gets the sister. (Think GS or (a very remote possiblity), 442). Couple all of these things with the Hemi going back into Chrysler sports cars (and a 550hp Viper GTS around 2005/6), the Stang redesign in 2005 (Cobra 2006/7), and the good old days are here again boys.

BTW, I believe the Solstice will make a limited run, and be called Tempest, or even remain Solstice.

Anyone who can't see the changes in the water in Detoit is frankly blind, IMO. Take all the sales of GMs resurgence of performance, and you see the Camaro come back around 2006 as either a 2007 or 2008 model.

Here is my rather 'out-there' scenario:
Camaro is introduced in Chevy showrooms Friday, Spet 29, 2006. Exactly 40 years after the original. I see the Firebird come in a few months later. The T/A returns (possibly, it would depend on how well the Camaro has done, the fee to that name is expensive) in 1969, or the Formula 400 is an option, and any special editions can use a slightly bored 7.3L for the return of the 455) Like I said, this scenario is a bit far-fetched, but you never know.


Keep the faith boys. The good times will return

 

Yah, but I'm starting to get the feeling that by the time they do, there will only be a few of us left who care

There are a lot of great options coming, but once again where is the affordable performance-oriented GM car in all those you mentioned in the near future, specifically one that caters to the kind of enthusiast the visits boards like this? I'm not being sarcastic, maybe I missed something?

I for one will stick around and see what everyone has to offer for the 2005/2006 timeframe before jumping on the 05 Mustang bus, but I know a lot of guys won't.

But then again, I'm sure those that "switch sides" will be replaced with other enthusiasts if/when GM returns to the affordable RWD 2+2 market

 

Oh you'll care. How many people here just 1 year ago couldn't have cared less for Ford or their product. Today it seems Ford can do no wrong. When GM gets the stuff everyone wants to see out from them, well, it's deja-vu all over again.

 

I really hope they don't bring back the Chevelle name. I know that there were some awesome cars that were Chevelles ('70 SS 454 LS6) When someone says Chevelle, the images that go through my mind are junky, loud, rusty, redneck cars.
Maybe I just don't like the name.