This thread comes from multiple sources & I am leaving out certain details, so no one is going to be in the line of fire over this. So, here's the latest:

GM's high volume cars will continue to be FWDs for the forseeable future. The Zeta chassis is in the "just in case" role. GM can still decide not to put this RWD chassis under their high volume cars, and is leaving itself alot of lattitude to walk away from it's tentative plans.

Zeta is on track for at least 2 big sedans, which aren't in that cancellation zone. Buick & Pontiac are on for RWD sedans for the 2007-8 model year, and Chevrolet is still a maybe. Last word was that there was still a debate if Chevrolet should have a car larger than the Impala, and if so how to avoid overlapping Pontiac and whether there is enough production capacity. Initial sedan production is slated to be between 100-150,000 per year (at or slightly less than the rate of the current Impala... alone!), so it won't be a high production line.

The Monte Carlo & Impala will be redone in 2006 on the FWD mid-lux. By 2009-2010, Impala is scheduled to move to a version of Zeta, but that isn't the final word since things don't start becoming finalized till 36 months prior to production.

I didn't mention a Zeta Monte Carlo for a reason. There will be a Chevrolet RWD Zeta coupe, but at the moment it seems like there will be an overlap. To me that spells phased out.

Zeta sedans initially are to be assembled in one plant (begins with "H"), but a designated line is slated for Oshawa, and whenever (or if) the mid-lux cars switch to a Zeta derriviative, Oshawa is where it will be made, same as they are now while another low production line may possibly be made in Mexico.

Overall, by looking at where GM plans to use the Zeta here in the US, & when the production numbers are added up, the Zeta will be generally a low-modest production chassis. By all indications, the maximum GM seems to be ready to produce till at least 2009 is not too much more than 200,000 per year along with some lower production models imported from Australia (ie: Ute, Aventra, & Commodore "wagons").

Sorry, no Camaro posts at this time, other than to say "IF" Camaro... and Torana were to come back, Zeta would be a good candidate.

BTW: Torana is an alive, if unapproved project at Holden. It could end up on a version of the Zeta and shipped here, or be made here on the Kappa (along with the car Pontiac wants) and exported there. Nothing known yet.

 

Is GM going for absolutely no cars overlapping whatsoever between Pontiac and Chevrolet?

This really confuses me on the Camaro deal. Is it slated to use the same chasis as the GTO or is it going to be styled on Zeta? OR is Chevy confused on the matter?

 

GTO & Chevy RWD coupe = same architecture, different vehicle
GTO & Monaro = same architecture, same vehicle
GTO & Buick RWD coupe = same architecture, same vehicle (maybe)

We'll all be confused until official word comes down from on high.

 

Chevy needs a large RWD sedan if for no other reason than police/taxi sales. That affordable, large sedan is a Chevy tradition that if I remember right was being fought hard for by the former Chevy manager. Too bad he left.

 

Let me get this right?

Is Camaro still slated for Zeta? If so are we still looking at 2007 or 2008 for its production? I’m just getting the feeling GM doesn’t have Camaro on their front burner right now. I figured Camaro who be a top priority over the next two years. Is it still a maybe? I was under the impression it’s a for sure thing. Damn we better hear something next year when that damn CAW deal runs out.

 

Since the Mid-lux Impala is going to be a 2006 does that mean the 2005 won't get a 5.3L V8?

 

5.3 will be in the FWD W-body.

 

Take a look at this again stars....

To me this says that if Impala were moved to Zeta than the Monte would follow. The only problem with that is that the Camaro is a coupe on Zeta as well. GuionM is saying that he doesn't think there's room for both and that the MC would get the boot.

In all seriousness, I agree on this. I don't see how the MC would push a Camaro out of production if they had to choose between the two.

I also hope it's coming for 2007 MY. My Camaro will be getting long in the tooth by then. It has 114k on it now. I'm trying to hold out so I can make a BIG downpayment.

 

I'm saving for the V8 07 Camaro just like Joe K.

Everytime I get asked why I don't have the V8 versioin of the Camaro. My answer is, "You'll see "

I don't have that many miles on mine, but I'm sure alot of owners will start getting antsy once their vehicles hit about 70-80k on the clock. What will they replace it with GM?

You guys think we might see a concept in the next couple years?

 

Well my 1995 Z28 only has 50k miles... at the rate I'm going I won't hit 70k for another 4 years.

 

I STILL WANT YOUR CAR!

 

If Chevrolet sees too much "overlap" between Monte Carlo and Camaro..... I am worried.

The only thing that should be similar between the two cars is that the have 2 doors.

This puts a bit of fear in my heart about seeing a sedanish type Camaro. That would be verrrrrrry disappointing.

 

If anything, the Monte should end up being the longer-wheelbase semi-lux version. At least that's how I'd hope things go down.

I just want to know if anything actually thinks that nothing will happen between now and 2010 that would affect the market viability of a big RWD car.

 

No you don't. There's a nasty sqweak now in the left rear interior panel from when they removed it to replace the rear quarter panel. It's driving me nuts and I haven't had the time to fix it.

In case you missed it, my stepson and his buddy borrowed my Z28 when I was out of town last summer and tried playing bumper cars with a couple garbage cans. The Camaro LOST! (Those plastic garbage cans are tougher than they look! )

 

I read that Holden had put in a request too look at Kappa platform plans and GM are for the moment ignoring that request.