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At present, the 2009 Chevrolet Camaro is only a concept car. However the excitement which it has already generated is probably enough to carry it into production sometime in late 2008. The new look for the 2009 new Camaro is actually a 1969 revisit, only with pure '09 styling and detailing that makes it look up to the minute. The retro styling of the idea car uses the nameplate of Camaro, which as been dead for several years, brings back the look of the late '60's, even to the GM insignia on the seat belts and the double instrument compartments.
The two-door coupe has a big 400 horsepower LS2 6.0 V-8 engine for power, reminding one of the days when Motown was riding in glory.
The concept car in the spotlight is just over 186 inches in length with a wheelbase of 110.5 inches. Twenty-one inch wheels on the front and twenty-two inches on the rear, sporting 275/30 front tires and 305/30 rear tires give the tire that retro profile--again from the 60's. The real car would probably wear smaller wheels, but the tire diameter would remain about the same.
The expectation is for the base car to power through a six-speed transmission. The base model is planned for about $20,000 using an inexpensive V-8, with the LS2 6.0 liter V-8 saved for a costlier model. A V-6 version is on the horizon as well, but only because that will make the car easier to insure.
The show car has an all-independent suspension, but the production car will probably incorporate the Zeta Lite construction shared with GM's Australian arm, Holden. Holden's is in charge of preparing the rear wheel drive architecture known as the Zeta. Key GM design staff in Australia are working to ensure that the good looks and clean lines of the show car are carried over into the production, which is slated to start in late 2008. Sales are planned for early 2009.
The assembly plant is planned for GM's Oshawa Ontario plant. At present, the expectation is for a fully independent suspension, with a traditional rear-drive, front engine layout. Typically, consumers will be able to choose from a number of trim levels. Other options include a choice of V 6 or V 8 engine as well as a choice between automatic transmission and six-speed manual transmission.
The construction of the Camaro is not cutting edge, but it is far more so than the closest competitors which will appear on showroom floors at the same time as the GM product.
The look at the dealerships in 2009 will include the new Camaro, as well as revivals of several other muscle cars from the 60's, including a reincarnated Dodge Challenger and the live-axle Ford Mustang. There will likely be at least two variants on the Ford Shelby. All in all, if the production Camaro remains true to the looks of the concept car, GM will have a winner on their hands.