The suspension will be exactly the same as Sigma. It was always going to be a mix of the V-body and Sigma. The VE Holdens are on the market soon, reserve judgement on Zeta till then.

 

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So, a question or two, GTO for 07-built with the VEs for one model year? Or US-built? Either way we should be getting at least one Zeta for 07. As for Camaro, this is what I think: First I think that the updated Sigma and the Zeta program have effectively merged into one larger RWD program. Albeit with an immense range of possible models and flexibility such that telling that two variants stem from the same roots will be nearly impossible in some cases. We are talking about two platforms with the capability engineered in for multiple lengths,widths,cowl heights,drivetrains,AWD,RWD,LHD,RHD, meeting the requirements of multiple govts. and markets. Yes, I'm still talking about Camaro here,bear with me. Now you have all of this flexibility and economies of scale which you can manipulate nearly every aspect of including market and place of assembly in such a way that once in place, response to market shift can take place in record time. Also, updates can be staggered from market to market with imports back and forth covering the changeover. So, I say the Camaro may return to us with the sigma update, riding on what GM will call Sigma, which actually will be the Sigma aspect of the Sigma/Zeta engineering project. Provided that other entanglements can be resolved, it may even be that we get our Camaro before most of the Zetas arrive. If it is possible, I think GM will make it happen for 07.

 

I'm not sure how Modular Sigma will be. Zeta is the platform that has been engineered to easily change length/width etc.

 

Being sure is not part of the current reality here unfortunately, However there clearly exists some realtionship between the two platforms. Time will tell how close it is.

 

Ok, just for the heck of it, let's brainstorm this.

If Zeta is a mix of Sigma and V-car, and carries the exact same suspension as Sigma, then we can deduce that Zeta carries V-cars' structure. If it does, then what makes Zeta more flexible than Sigma? V-car has two different sized cars, (Monaro/GTO is essentially a 2 door Commodore) and 1 "trucklette". Sigma forms the basis of 3 vehicles....2 different sized sedans and one crossover vehicle. Sigma seems just as flexible to me.

And if Zeta is supposedly cheaper than Sigma, how can that be, if Zeta carrries Sigma's suspension which is really the only thing that makes Sigma more expensive than V-car...and by extension Zeta.

I'm not doubting your info Anthony, or the discussions I've had with people off-line....but it simply does not make logical sense to me.

A Sigma-tized V-car (aka Zeta), would be no less expensive than Sigma.....and probably no more flexible. A less expensive car than Sigma, would need less expensive components to make it less expensive....namely V-car's cheaper front struts and semi-trailing arm rear suspension. So if Zeta is supposed to be less expensive than Sigma, what Zeta ends up being is a rehashed version of V-car.

Is my logic flawed?

 

Well, the current Sigmas have what you could call a "badge surcharge" on them. Certainly,any Chevy Sigma would cost less regardless of suspension.

 

Maybe your right (I don't know) the current V-body is probably not more flexible than Sigma. However can Sigma produce a Standard 4 door Commodore, LWB Large Car, Coupe, Ute, Wagon, with RWD or AWD & LHD or RHD all of the same line? That is one area which Holden makes cost savings.

Zeta is what Holden wanted to do with VT series Commodore range in the 90's but did not have the money to do so. Which is why every variant of the V-body shares the same visual queues. This platform is being designed from ground up to be versitile. I'd be suprised if you recognise much of what the V-body currently is in Zeta. Ford Australia's Falcon platform is a good example of using a old platform and updating it (Original design I think dates back to the 50's !)

All I can say on this is i've seen a few things in print that mention the VE having the same suspension as the CTS. I can't say if it will or won't be cheaper. Holden also gets blasted by the local media for its suspension and the Ford rival Falcon does have superior suspension. However you may still see Machperson Strut style suspension as well as fixed axel being optional on the base model Commodore or tray back style utes like the one-tonner.

 

Most of you are missing the obvious... what if the 5th gen Camaro isn't going to be on Zeta?



This harkens back to the theory that there are actually two cars... the new Chevy "Coupe" which will be a sister car to GTO and Monaro... and the new CAMARO.

GM isn't stupid enough to let the Camaro die for good.

 

[QUOTE=jg95z28]Most of you are missing the obvious... what if the 5th gen Camaro isn't going to be on Zeta?[/QOUTE]



This harkens back to the theory that there are actually two cars... the new Chevy "Coupe" which will be a sister car to GTO and Monaro... and the new CAMARO.

GM isn't stupid enough to let the Camaro die for good. [/QUOT

 

I believe that steel suspension components will be used in Zeta instead of aluminum as in Sigma. This is how holden will reduce costs on the suspension.

And I don't think Holden will ever go back to a fixed axel on the base model (exec) seeing as they have had irs standard since 1997, and ford now have irs standard. Holden wouldn't want to be seen a going backwards. Holden also wouldn't want to be seen standing still when it comes to suspension. I'm sure OZ Mickey T would hand out an absolute pasting to Holden if they do something so stupid. GM NA on the other hand..............

 

Fixed axel I think has a chance of staying around for the one-tonner. I agree chances are slim to none that the Strut/Semi-trailer arm staying as a base model. However nothing is final yet

 

Monte Carlo as the Chevy twin of the GTO sounds nice.. (debate on the "redneck" stigma of the name will be for a different thread)


But will GM also release another mid sizish RWD coupe aka Camaro too?

I'd expect the Camaro to weigh less, firmer suspension, and alot more agressive lines.... but also still be of high quality inside.. but a bit cheaper (since the GTO starts at $35k)

Which kinda makes me wonder.. what can they strip out to reduce weight and cost?


The way I read it.. future sounds kinda dim.. Unless GM really is doing a good job hiding something under their sleeve..


Honestly, the way I'm starting to view it now, GM does NOT want to utter the "C word" cause they do not want to associate the next RWD coupe with the C word, cause it will NOT be a C.. (although I do believe its crazy for GM to drop the Camaro name and line)


I think, realsticly, the best thing that may happen, is this new platform might yeild a GTO/MC car thats lighter with a better suspension and tire package that will satisfy the performance wants that the current GTO just by a hair or three misses...... although won't have that Camaro "soul" that alot of us are looking for..

 

I honestly believe there is more of a redneck stigma on the camaro name than Monte Carlo, but that is for later.

Any hoo...I'm more for the theory that the Monte Carlo will be Chevys Zeta. GM isn't about to drop that name any time soon with its' history and popularity in NASCAR. Also, why did the Monte Carlo only get a slight freshening when the Impala got redesigned? There are other plans for the Monte.

Since GM is holding off on making any more Kappas where would that leave us with the Camaro. Hmmm. How about a platform that isn't exactly Kappa but could be built on the same line (Beta)?

 

Z284ever,

Not to question your knowlege but are you hearing V-car with slight update=Zeta from multiple reliable sources? I have heard many others say it = cheaper Sigma.

Just curious.

 

Couldnt the Sigma/VE/Zeta variant be cheaper simply because they'd be buying 1.5 million pieces of something vs. 350,000 with the Cadillac-only lineup they have now?