GM announces the 2009 Camaro

70CitrusZ · #1 08-11-2006, 09:57 AM

The retro thing is old news and I don't think it will fly for the Camaro.
If GM does their normal thing it will be too expensive, too heavy and too late.
The show car isn't crisp enough, its too blocky and the grille looks stupid in my opinion.
They need to make it light, fast, sharp and with enough owner choosable options to make each one unique.

**rubbinisracing** · #2 08-11-2006, 10:17 AM

Theres no future in building a car that a bunch of 40 year old white guys like. The mustang is due for restyling in 08 and is moving away from the retro look. my hope is that they get the average 16-25 old to buy one and keep the build quality and cool factor high so that they can keep customers for life and keep the lineage going. We need strong manufacturing companies in this country so the profits don't go overseas. Our muscle cars heritage will be gone otherwise.

Anyone on this board collecting Kaiser, Hupmobile or Hudson?

**Steve Shauger** · #3 08-11-2006, 03:55 PM

I really like the new Camaro. If you want great all around performance and new technology in a 69 camaro build a resto mod or pro-touring car, or have someone build it for you. The NEW camaro does have some historical roots but it's a new beginning and will sink or swim on it's own merit.

king_midas · #4 08-11-2006, 07:31 PM

This car reminds me of the phrase "you can't go home again." The problem really is that there are many sedans in the range that the Camaro needs to be priced at that will perform at 9/10 of it's capability RIGHT NOW. Seeing the numbers on the new 335i (twin turbo) BMW, the Camaro may even be outperformed, because by 2009, the other manufacturers will up the ante to try to catch it. Also, GM says it will be like the concept, but when has that ever happened? There's still time to completely ruin what's there by tacking on spoilers and doo-dads, and what's there isn't exactly the sweetest package I've ever seen anyway...

Look at the catastrophic failure that is/was the GTO. Even with a bona-fide world-beater that is equipped with a high-tech suspension and hot-rod heart, they can't give those things away (ok, that's an exaggeration, but...). I took my wife to look at the GTO in 2004, and she was about as interested in it as going to the dentist. What does that tell you? It tells me that buyers are more sophisticated than GM gives them credit for being-- That cars can no longer be one-dimensional, and that having 400 hp doesn't allow you to take a bunch of poorly-executed shortcuts.

Aaah, GM... Guess what-- It's no longer 1970. Maybe GM should change the corporate name to Rip Van Winkle?

Canucklehead · #5 08-11-2006, 08:51 PM

I wonder if the interest is in the car it self (if any other name would it still have this much attention), or is it that they're resurecting the "Camaro" name?. Personally i think it's the fact that the Camaro is coming back, i could do without the car, i think by the time it comes out the hype will be over and the car will be a disapointment.

Donutblue · #6 08-11-2006, 08:52 PM

Personally, I like the new Camaro however, It's my opinion that GM could have done more with it. IMO Keith is on target with plans for the Oshawa plant and hopefully GM will use this platform to bring back a retro Chevelle or other retro Chevy muscle. I believe that GM's "alway's late" problem stems from to many exec's and CEO's paying more attention to their paydays then they are to the competition. It's obvious GM does not particpate in corporate spying. Time to wake up with the sunrise GM, don't wait for the stars to come out.

nuch_ss396 · #7 08-11-2006, 09:36 PM

The more posts I read about this, the more I can't help but
think that GM will miss the "whole retro thing" by 2009.

I'm sick of it already ! Once it runs its course, it will
fizzle. And - that's exactly when the new Camaro will debut!

Tommy_Mathison · #8 08-11-2006, 09:57 PM

Will there be a convertible? I hate the whole "convertible comes out 2 years later" thing like with the C5 vette.

Tommy M

70CitrusZ · #9 08-12-2006, 12:32 AM

I just looked at the new Camaro picture again. Hoping to change my opinion...nope. Man that thing is butt-ugly.
doesn't look enough retro for retro, and as a new style is not fresh at all it looks dated and cobbled together.

Maybe GM can borrow the guy who designed the mustang to design the Camaro too.

**Dave Rifkin** · #10 08-12-2006, 02:51 AM

I guess I'm in the minority here but I like the design. I could do without the opening above the grille but, other than that, I think it looks good. It has a lot of potential be made to look as retro as you want it to be or you could leave it as is.
I am disappointed with GM in that they always seem to take too long to come out with their cars and other makes get the jump on them. The GM Execs need to grow a set and take a chance every once in a while. Maybe they're gun shy since they obviously took a chance with the GTO and that ugly "Asstek" and they were both flops for different reasons.
If they don't price the new Camaro out of the average person's range I think we may be surprised at how well it does; I know I want one.

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