Well, there has been rumors ever since the day that Chevrolet stopped producing the legendary Camaro in 2002 that it would one day return.  Images, and designs had surfaced every now and then with GM always denying it.

Just, recently images were leaked from GM of what appears to be a concept Camaro.  They word is that they will unveil it at one of the major car shows this year (probably Detriot or New York) and it is estimated that they will be beginning production in the 2009 model year.

Of course, these are just rumors (nothing offical from GM) but I'm getting my hopes up.

To me, it looks like a retro-styled car simular to the new Mustang and the recently announced Dodge Challenger.  I see a lot of simularities in this car with the 1969 Camaro.













Will it ever be produced?  Maybe, who knows.  But I hope so.  I really like it, I know that these aren't official(yet?) but its a nice thought.

But, the first 2 pics look like real photographs to me (but they could be chops).  I have also heard that the high performance one's are expected to have a 400hp all aluminum V8 engine!   8)

way to big are you kidding me?

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Outside of America that size car wont sell well. Dont take this the wrong way but outside of america most american cars are nothing more than a joke. I like several of the muscle cars but they are an exception, primarily this car will be a large saloon. World sales are what make a company proper money. Sadly this wont have many, as its a great looking car.

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And they are realistically to big for Europe.

Sweet!  I guess it is official.  The article says that they aren't going to build the for sure but I would imagine with the success of the new Mustang they probably will.  I think it looks awesome!

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Well, sure its larger than a European car (one of the reason that American cars handle so poorly) but its not any different in size than an American car of its class.

I don't see it being a big export success.  But, the same is true with any of the muscle type cars-evening dating back to the 1960s.  They are large cars designed to go fast in a stright line, not to turn well.  So, I really doubt there will be much international interest.

While it is true that handling does have a lot to do with suspension, it also as a lot to do with weight distribution.  The suspension in muscle cars (even the newer ones-my '96 Camaro is like this) is very stiff.  THe ride is not smooth at all.  But, it does not handle well.  I think the main reason is the front end is very heavy while the back is very light.

As for the new Mustang, I'm sure it has much improved handling-but I'll bet its not like a European sports car.  Is it as fast as its 60's counterparts (or at least the late 60s ones) probably not.  I haven't been in a newer Mustang so I don't know for sure.  But, I'll bet the older were faster (or at least seemed faster).

Well american cars seem to have weak brakes compared to european cars. I believe the new Mustang is running on a Live Axle which sounds insane but the price really shows why.

The Corvette is still on Leaf Springs as well which are also ancient. I would still have one though even more so for the Mustang. Plus nothing makes the same noise as an American V8.

I also here that the Dodge SRT10 has an 8.3 litre engine and yet only produces 400 or so horses.

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was just reading up on it. . .LS2 powered!



btw http://www.fast-autos.net has a good article on the new Camaro and Challenger.

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and that is underated according to motortrend, who dynoed one and made 440 rwhp (~530whp). The big surprise in the motortrend article was that the Ford GT is EXTREMLY under-rated. they got over 500 horsepower at the rear wheels (meaning upwards of 620 horsepower at the crank!)

I think you guys are missing the point to retro styled cars. They are targeted at the baby boomer generation who aren't necessarily looking to cruise and drag race down at the local strip. The cars makers are looking to appeal to the kids from the 60s and 70s who grew up idolizing these cars and now have the income to spend on them. Muscle car purists will definitely be disappointed in them, but the larger 'wannabe' average joe market will suck them up like cold beer on a hot day. Most people who buy these will not know the difference between hp and torque. There's a guy who owns the business down the way who got himself one of the new Chargers. He's so tickled shitless with himself it's funny. Think about it, remember in the 80's and 90's? Most of the people you saw tooling around in a brand new camaro or firebird were average people with gray hair. It'll be the same with these. Try this, look at all the Corvettes you see driving around, I'll bet most of the time the guy/lady will be someone in their 40's or older.

Keni

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...or so they say.   

I don't know, maybe its true.  I just find it difficult to believe.

the shifter makes me worry. I sat in an s60r at the LA Autoshow that had a standard tranny with a plastic. . .not shiftboot, but more shift cover. it was by far the sloppiest shifter that i have ever put my hand on.


btw, got a test drive of a fullyloaded caymen s today. that is quite a car, very different from the boxster.