[Shotimes] OT New Camaro just slightly retro
Scott McNamee
macker007@rogers.com
Wed, 11 Jan 2006 09:44:44 -0500 (EST)
Unless there is some significant development in oil prices (downwards), or some new cheap fuel source to power it, I can't see this car making it to production. Why revive something that even during the relatively "cheap" gas days was a declining seller? GM cannot afford to make vehicles that will not sell well anymore. I'll be surprised if this car actually makes it into production.
I know there will always be people around that will pay whatever the price is for gas, but to be successful (profitable), I think they'll need a bigger market, and based on the position GM finds itself today, it seems a stretch that they would produce this Camaro.....IMHO.
ScottM
Donald Mallinson <dmall@mwonline.net> wrote:
Mark,
Might want to give the proposed new Camaro a little break. It is
supposed to have IRS, nothing wrong with the Vette engine, lots of
torque, power and decent MPG, at a lower price than a 4-cam engine. And
as I stated, it really isn't anywhere near as retro as say the Mustang.
But again, it is a concept and bound to change some in the meantime.
As for weight. With all the safety/emissions and other regulations,
very little these days of any size is below 3500 pounds. People scream
for stiff bodies, and air bags, and huge stereo systems, along with
miles of heavy wire to support all the power stuff. Very f ew cars can
get the weight down other than the oddball exotics that are sold in tiny
numbers.
I always am confused when magazines put down American cars for using the
same basic body/design for several different cars. That is universal
with almost every manufacturer. They all use a basic body for several
cars/suv's etc within a given size range. It has always been that way
with the bigger manufacturers from any country.
Anyway, the Camaro/Firebird didn't sell all that bad, but GM did let
them get way behind the 8-ball on design and quality. They didn't
evolve. Maybe they will get it right this time?
Don Mallinson
Mark Nunnally wrote:
>>The Vette V8 and 6-speed are of course included. The car is based off
>>the next generation Monero from Australia as will be the 2008 GTO.
>>I will need to see better pictures, but I don't think I will be a target
>>buyer for the new Camaro, but I have no doubt it should sell well, if
>>the economy doesn't go to hell in the next couple years.
>>
>>
>
>Ya think? It sounds just like the old car formula, dumbed down version of
>the vette' with the hand me down vette drivetrain stuff, and it sold like a
>turd (unless I am mistaken why they killed it?) IIRC the mustang outsold it
>and the firebird combined by a healthy margin. What would make it different
>this time around?
>
>I'm as much a car/go fast freak as anybody, but if I was shopping for a new
>sports coupe, none of these "retro" pony/muscle cars would be even close to
>the top of the list! 3700 - 4100 lb curb weights, crappy brakes, and live
>rear axles? Come on.
>
>mark
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