I was discussing the situation with Zeta the other day about how the Camaro is now the only car that will be produced on a line originally intended to produce 4. At first it was agreed that it would have a short run, but when it was pointed out that the Camaro was still almost a year and a half from release, the opinion became that GM would cancel it before it ever went into production. I pointed out that GM has been promising the car for several years now. The reply was it didn't matter because it would cost GM more to make the car than it would to tick off the Camaro faithful. I have to admit that I didn't have a comeback for that. So does anyone with insider info know how GM will be able to afford building this car nw that it's an orphan?

 

There may be one more Zeta coming, the DTS replacement. Or not, that may get cancelled too.

I think the 5th gen will go forward, but it's whole business plan, it seems, has turned to crap. That and the fact that it's hefty mass makes it a CAFE liability, has GM discussing options.

If you want one, I'd buy one soon.


EDIT: Just commenting on your post, not implying I'm an insider.

 

Does this pretty much guarantee a 4 cyl. for the Zeta Camaro?

 

Does anyone know for sure if they can/can't produce FWD on the same line?

IIRC the Mustang and the Mazda6 are built at the same plant.

 

I wouldn't say guarantee, but there is serious focus on it.

Afew issues to consider though:

1) A DI, turbo, intercooled, Ecotec will add about 1 grand in build cost.

2) A non-turbo version wouldn't have enough grunt to push our big-boned 5th gen around satisfactorily.

3) Camaro may be replaced by the time such a combo would be certified.

 

Over a DI HF V6?


Why does it take so long, couldn't that certification be used on all Zeta's? I know there was talk of the Commodore/G8 getting a turbo 4cyl.

 

The Camaro is not a year and a half from release. It will be available for purchase in February 2009. That's only 8 months away.

GM has not been promising the Camaro for several years. It went on hiatus in 2002. The 5th gen concept car wasn't built until very late 2005, and debuted in January 2006. The official decision to build the 5th gen came down in August 2006. Production will start later this year, in November. From concept to production, it took only 2 years to develop the Camaro. That's an incredibly short amount of time.

From what we've heard, it's possible that one or two more Zeta cars may be produced. With current gas prices and restrictive CAFE regulations ramping up, I don't think we'll see those cars.

GM will be able to afford building the Camaro because they didn't develop a replacement for the Trailblazer. It would be a gigantic mistake to cancel the Camaro at this point in time - they've already spent money developing the car, and its more or less production ready. To cancel it would be a waste of time, money, and resources. If they go ahead and sell the car, they can at least make some of that money back.

 

Yeah, I think so.




Yes, there was talk about a turbo I4 being considered for the Commodore/G8. Not really sure how that all panned out.

 

It's not a matter of whether they can afford it or not. They've spent most of the money already. The issue might be profitability now that most of the Zetas are gone.

 

I hope that if things are not as profitable as they like they blame Zeta and not Camaro. I'd like to see a 6th generation.

 

That's true. I was just enlightening the OP on where some of that money came from.

 

Zeta wouldn't necessarily be CAFE negative. It depends what segment the vehicle fit into...

 

I wonder about this as well. Also how long does everyone think the 5th gen will last? I think I have heard about 5yrs. I would be willing to bet the 6th gen if it happens will be much lighter. Also what do you think the chances are of a DI V8 coming to the 5th gen before they go to the 6th?

 

It'll be interesting to see how it all turns out. No matter what though, nothing Zeta based will ever become the poster child for CAFE positivity.

 

Is the G8 not going to be built there? I thought the initial plan was to have it built in Australia and to later be built in the states.

Either way, too much money has already been spent and CAFE requirements are several years off.

The real question is will people buy a Camaro at the MPG ratings that come out.