It’s Official, Camaro Goes to Production for 2009
August 10th, 2006
At the auto industry’s annual Management Briefing Seminars this week, General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner announced Thursday, “As evidence that we’re not completely brain-dead, GM will build the Chevy Camaro.” A fully brain-functional Wagoner posed with a red version of the concept car for the obligatory photo-op (left).
Production of the Camaro will begin in late 2008, and the much-anticipated car will hit showrooms in early 2009, presumably after a massive debut at the ‘09 Detroit Auto Show.
Not much new, but here are the highlights:
- RWD with independent rear suspension
- V6 and V8 versions, manual and automatic transmissions
- styling will closely resemble the concept car
- asked about a droptop Camaro, Wagoner would only say, “It will come in many shapes and sizes.”
- no comment on a possible Pontiac Firebird version
The new Camaro, coincidentally, should hit dealerships about the same time as the Ford Mustang, which is slated for another overhaul in 2009. Will the Camaro compete this time around, or will it yet again go the way of the dinosoars? Chevy will have to price this car competitively, at least keep the V6 version on par with the V6 Mustang to have a chance.
At the auto industry’s annual Management Briefing Seminars this week, General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner announced Thursday, “As evidence that we’re not completely brain-dead, GM will build the Chevy Camaro.” A fully brain-functional Wagoner posed with a red version of the concept car for the obligatory photo-op (left).
Production of the Camaro will begin in late 2008, and the much-anticipated car will hit showrooms in early 2009, presumably after a massive debut at the ‘09 Detroit Auto Show.
2007 Corvette Z06 Price Increase
August 8th, 2006
The 2007 Corvette Z06 recieved a few minor upgrades over the 2006 model, although one has to wonder if it justifies a $4,310 price increase. For $70,000 you can now get a bigger glovebox, better interior insulation, Onstar as an option, and a different paint color – Atomic Orange Metallic – to choose from.
Although some may still consider this a 505 horsepower bargain, others say it’s pushing the Corvette Z06 farther out of reach of the inspiring American working class. Oh well, I guess there’s always a Mustang. I guess with GM learning of folks paying $10k or more over sticker to dealers, they wanted a piece of the action too.
2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
June 15th, 2006
This reconfigurable pickup truck is redesigned for 2007 with more power and features. The 2007 Avalanche is essentially a crew-cab version of the Chevrolet Suburban with a “midgate” wall separating the cab from the cargo bed. Lowering the midgate extends the bed to 8.2 ft from 5.3. The half-ton 1500 model returns; Chevy hasn’t announced plans to again offer a three-quarter-ton 2500. Avalanche seats up to six and comes in LS, LT, and LTZ models. A 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 replaces the 2002-2006 generation’s 295-hp 5.3. A 310-hp 5.3 that can run on ethanol-blended fuel, called E85, is a no-cost option. Both engines have GM’s Active Fuel Management that shuts off four cylinders while cruising to save fuel.