If there is going to be a new 2007 Camaro wouldnt the design and everything have to be finalized NOW?

 

The question isn't the "car", it's the "name" of the car. Sure, the car looks bada** by every account, but getting a fitting name is also important.

Before this develops into another "CAW & Camaro name" thread, let me say that the CAW or any union has nothing to do with the "Camaro" name at this point. Everyone's happy, and all commitments have been met.

It's all about what name fits the car.

Nothing more, nothing less.

 

Is the car you are referring too larger in size then the current GTO?

from autoweek.com:

GM has assigned its Australian subsidiary the design and engineering for a new generation of rear-wheel-drive cars on the Zeta architecture. Some, including a Buick sedan and a redesigned GTO, will be assembled in the United States. The Buick will be first in 2006.

 

Really Guion? So basically, alot of "Camaro work" is already done and the issue is just if the name fits the car or not? If the Zeta Coupe doesn't fit the name will they try for the Torana instead? The size of the GTO is almost fine to me for a 5th Gen, but not the upright look, which if I'm correct, is the real problem here?

 

Is it just one car that might get the name or is it 2 or several cars that are 'bidding' for it? And have these cars alreaddy had their plans laid out for them? (IE: whether it will be a big production campaign or a niche car? Marketing strategy? etc?)

 

IMO Chevelle is the best name for a larger-then-Camaro coupe.

Personally I rather see the next-gen Camaro built-off any new variation of the Kappa to keep it smaller, lighter, faster, and cheaper.

The problem is where would a Camaro fit in between a $22,000-$24,000 Cobalt SS and a $27,000-$33,000 Chevelle (assuming the Chevelle would be offered with different option-packages to give it a lower base price then the current loaded-only GTO). A new Chevelle could even have a lower base price if they also offered it in a V6.

I wouldnt be surprised if the GTO and Chevelle names get milked to 2012 until GM brings back a new Camaro back for its 45 anniv. and a new Firebird shortly after that.

 

What I read into this is that they couldn't make the Zeta car into a legitimate Camaro, so they are debating whether to PO some of the Camaro guys with a car that ain't quite it.....or just call it something else.

If they call it Chevelle or whatever....it sounds like they can't even get a budget together for a Torana based Camaro at the moment and we probably won't see one for the fore-seeable future........

Somebody tell me I'm wrong here.......................please?!?!


Guess I should just start shopping for a used Vette......

 

I had already come to my opinion that's in-line with what you're thinking...Camaro (and specifically Firebird) on the back-burner again, waiting for the right chassis.

The only variable here is the Holden guys. Since they are the ones doing the Torana chassis, and they had in the past conjure up a project car (Monaro project) seemingly "out of thin air" (like working after hours, building on the cheap,only a few know about it), maybe something can happen here again with designing/improving this Beta to better fit the Torana and other vehicles...Can only dream!!!

 

I would think GM would stick with the 2007 GTO and its Chevy sister (Chevelle?) for a while. Since each year those cars will get more expensive (all cars MSRP gradually go up each year) that by 2012 they will be very exensive cars and will need to get replaced with cheaper new models. So by 2012 or so the GTO and Chevelle will get replaced by a new Camaro and Firebird that will have lower MSRPs.

 

Here's the thing.

IF GM can find the funding to start developing the Torana's architecture in the next year or less, it's variants should be ready very shortly after the Zeta coupes. Remember, the coupes will be out after the sedans...so they are not exactly around the corner, anyway.

From what I've been told, once the decision to pull the trigger on the Torana's new, sporty, rigid, medium RWD architecture is made.... a Camaro can be designed from it relatively quickly.....and amazingly inexpensively (I was told a figure that I don't think I should divulge right now).

From what I know about the Chevy Zeta coupe, I hope it doesn't get the Camaro name.....it would simply be the Camaro's final bastardization, before it's final and permanent 'hiatus'.

The Torana/Beta is our last, best chance. Like I said before, send your cards and letters in.

 

http://www.autonet.ca/AutonetStories...?StoryID=13449
There is a good start....$53 million

 

The reality is that in the next 4-5 years I would more likely be in the market for a car like the 5-door-hatch-Torana-concept then I would be for a 2-door coupe (or 3 door hatchback).

Right now my Ion quadcoupe with its rear-suicide doors works great for geting my 3 1/2 year old son in the back seats easily and I keep my new Mini Cooper as my fun car. Right now me and my wife's main family car is her Saturn Vue and as my two sons (1 1/2 & 3 1/2) get older in the next four to five years Im going to need a car larger then my Ion quadcoupe and the more I look at the Torana concept with its 4 doors and rear hatch the more I think that car would be the perfect choice for me 4-5 years from now. (pic of torana's hatch- http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/wray...oncept-011.jpg )

The funny thing is that the more I drive smaller cars the more I prefer them and it would be cool if a production verion of Torano could keep its out dimensions tight while giving it ample interior space.

While i think GM will most likely kill-off the Saturn quadcoupe (and its rear suicide doors) in 2007 for a more conventional variation of Opels 5-door Astra hatchback I do think its actually easier to get a young child in the back seat with suicide doors then it is in a conventional 4-door sedans (no center pillar to bang your head on ).

note: the easiest type of car to get young kids in the rear seats are SUV's because they sit higher up so you dont have to bend or hunch over to get you kids in and buckle them up.