Save the Camaro: 10 Camaros GM Needs To Build Right Now

For city Camaro, don't forget the chrome, chopped suspension and dubs ;-)

For Camaro Sedan; perhaps replacing Impala's outdated FWD'er with rebadged Pontiac G8 SS would keep purists happy and give RWD sedan lovers another choice.

My Camaro lineup:

- 3.6
- 3.6 RS
- 3.6 RS Premium
- Z28 LS3
- Z28 LS3 Premium
- Z28 Track
- SS LS7
- SS LS7 Premium
- SS LS7 Track

In about a year add a limited edition Yenko or I-ROC with a slightly uprated LS3 (450hp), special rims, badging and some tasteful/subtle graphics.

Given the price and outright power production of the LS9, I think this engine should remain exclusive to the CTS-V and the ZR1.

As for t-tops, I dont think this body would look right with t-tops as its no longer a hatchback configuration. Maybe offer a panoramic sunroof similar to the Mustang.

LOL. The diesel Camaro sounds like an oxymoron, but putting a GM Duramax in one would be an interesting car, I think. And just the thing for helping to appease the majority shareholders of the new Government Motors.

Bad idea. This is the redneck-ification of the Camaro.

Diesel Camaro would be cool but Duramax would be WAY TOO HEAVY.

As is, the Camaro is great. I think it has made great strides in breaking the "Kentucky Waterfall" image.

The El Camino, t-top, etc just mire the Camaro back into trailer park, 7-11 transport.

If you need a reason to salvage the G8, rename it Impala or something. GM has enough history to mine for good sports sedan names.

The Z28 mentioned about should be a small block!
The big block you can call the YENKO!

The Z28 mentioned above should be a small block!
Your version should be called the "YENKO"!

I think Chevy did well by bringing back the RS badge. And to be honest, the Mustang had quite the following with the special editions (Bullit, Mach 1...), and the current "youth" market still remembers the IROC name most likely, so that would certainly be a hit. And donthegreek beat me to it. I DEFINITELY wanna see one of these in blue with white stripes, and a tuned 427 with a Yenko badge on it.

427...I'm sorry...a 7.0L. Or to appease the import kids...a 7000cc ;-]

sadly, i'm finally reading the mechanics sarcasm in one of his posts (you aren't the best at what you do, mechanic, let's face it), and it seems i'm the only one this time.

To me, the only Camaro's that GM should build are the t-top, IROC 1LE, and the Z-28. Also, GM could try making a Duramax for the Camaro and try some strategies to make a hybrid Camaro. As for the "Camino," GM shouldn't do that and instead, go back to their drawing boards and design a brand new El-Camino to which everyone will like. The idea of a Camaro sedan doesn't look like a good idea the same goes for the wagon. The Grand National name on the Camaro doesn't look like such a good idea and it'll probably piss off fans of the Buick Grand National by saying that the Grand National name should only be on a Buick. And the ZL1 does sound interesting, but lets keep it there for now. That's all I gotta say.

I like that Diesel idear, but the problem is that there's no way the duramax from a truck would pass diesel emission standards for a car, because they are much higher.

It would haul some ass though, soooo much torque

The T-Top Camaro NO
The Camaro Sedan No

The Camaro Wagon no
The Camaro Camino no

It's impala
The Camaro Hybrid GooD
CAFE must make for the next Camaro will be strictly
The Diesel Camaro
It is recommended to consider the so-Cadillac
The Camaro Z28 is a need

3.6
3.6 RS
3.6 RS Premium
SS LS3
SS LS3 Track
SS LS3 Premium　Track
Z28 Ls7
Z28 LS7 Track
ZL1 Diesel Camaro
IROC LE1 Camaro Hybrid

Ls9 Only next C7 is AWD ZR1

New Ls9 HCCI or Di!!

The T-Top Camaro NO
The Camaro Sedan No

The Camaro Wagon no
The Camaro Camino no

It's impala
The Camaro Hybrid GooD
CAFE must make for the next Camaro will be strictly
The Diesel Camaro
It is recommended to consider the so-Cadillac
The Camaro Z28 is a need

3.6
3.6 RS
3.6 RS Premium
SS LS3
SS LS3 Track
SS LS3 Premium　Track
Z28 Ls7
Z28 LS7 Track
ZL1 Diesel Camaro
IROC LE1 Camaro Hybrid

Ls9 Only next C7 is AWD ZR1

New Ls9 HCCI or Di!!

Ok, I'm with you on the T-top and the hybrid. A two mode 3.6L would likely kick the SS's ass and get 22-33mpg! Just PLEASE don't put a stupid
"H Y B R I D" banner down the doors. We get it (are you listening GM?). A badge on the trunk is all that is needed.

Nope, can't go with Camaro wagons and trucks. That's diluting the Camaro mystique (though I'm with you on the T-tops, Z28 and ZL1). But, take the G8 out of Pontiac's cold dead hands (still in mourning over Pontiac, btw) and hand it, plus the unseen-in-the-US wagon and truck, to Chevy. Presto, you got your Impala sedan and wagon, and you can call the truck thing the El Camino! Stuff all the engine stuff in there you talked about (hybrid, diesel, Corvette mills), and wow, Chevy would have a lineup of RWD vehicles that would leave the new Taurus wetting its pants in the corner.

I say just rebadge the G8 as the Malibu SS. There was an awesome photoshop job somewhere on a the site a while back of the 4-door sedan with a bowtie on it. That looked awesome.

I like the T-Top idea, but that's because I live in Canada and owning a convertible as my only car is impractical. However, i could swing for a t-top.

right on By zl3

The camaro doesn't need any physical changes other than accents, accessories and paint jobs to differentiate the models.

All of those other options ( camaro camino etc ) would be a waste that would really dullify the camaros name and image. Sort of like the 70s mustang on the stupid pinto platform.

Also, i don't think it would be a bad idea to use the G8 platform to create a chevelle with different body panels and badging of course.

It all sounds fine with me as long as not all of them are camaro's and there is acutally variety. like the sedan wagon a pickup should just be the g8.

I agree with the T-Tops. I would buy it. I also agree that a Camaro 4 door does make sense. I love the G8 and I want to see it stay, I dont care what they call it, just let it stay!

April fools day.

Camaro Duramax...brilliant!
Camaro Sedan....heresy!
Best idea: Camaro Z28 with the Corvette engine would sell like hotcakes!

How about a 2000cc 260HP turbo "light weight" version??? More real HP than the first Z-28's had.

Forgot, fiberglass hood, trunk, fenders and top. Light weight wheels, seats, etc.

Folks are going to have to get used to paying for light weight, not just HP.

Leave the Camaro alone. You want more power and handling get a Corvette!!

you know the duramax would be interesting... I'm pretty sure it revs past 3400 rpms now too. I think the latest duramax in our fleet of GMC's (after the power bump and six speed auto) has a 4500-4600 rpm redline!

If they won't build an Indy 500 Pace Car edition, what makes you think they would put any other creative spin on the Camaro. That is a Mustang thing.

You miss out on the most important of them all!
#1 -Electric Camaro

with specs like the telsa Roadster:
248 HP (185 kW) @ 5000-8000 rpm
276 ft/lb (375 Nm) @ 0-4500 rpm
Max rpm: 14,000
0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds
Top speed: 125 mph (electronically limited)
Range: About 220 miles per 4 hours charge
Add a 1000cc bike motor for extented range (600miles)
Solar panel T-TOP with regenerative brakes for AC & controls...
With a price tag under 50K with 15K fiscal break deduction...i'm in!

Everyone should find peace with this one.
mouahahaha

dnoodles gets it, and so does jmess.

Usually The Mechanic has a salient if somewhat controversial point to make. This is the drivel of a misty-eyed Camaro lover spooging all over my computer screen.

ANYBODY ANYBODY AT ALL who said there must said there should be a camaro sedan based on the g8 agreeing with the mechanic should

go kill themselves or just leave this site right now since anybody with a little bit of car knowledge would know cadillac has the same platform already why do you need a g8, if people want a fast classy sedan that can compete with m3 etc...get the cadillac

also, i agree it is heresy to even think of camaro in a sedan, are people allowed to just brain fart now, anybody who said there should be a camaro sedan should be banned outright never to drive cars ever again

HOW DARE YOU

I think one of his points is that desperate times call for desperate measures...

Hey, morningsoup,

NO SOUP FOR YOU

GM was planning a Zeta (platform that Camaro uses) based Impala and Buick, but they stopped development because of new CAFE standards... but they really need to stay competitive. Camaro should only be a coupe, but if they could do an El Camino based on it then that could be green lighted to bring up the fuel economy average for trucks AND because it would sell That would also be the only body style a diesel will sell in in the US. While an Impala maybe questionable, it would be really easy to slap on bow ties to the G8 and change the styling, making a great car. A wagon variant of that would work too. And making a Grand National for Buick would make people who aren't senior citizens want one, and would help Buick Compete with Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes. Just having Zeta variants, whether a Camaro name or not on them, will help keep production up to save the Camaro.

Ooooh, how 'bout a powder blue 'Berlinetta' with a de-tuned V6, crushed velour interior and wire spoke hubcaps! Nice throwback to '78 and the nadir of performance.

T-Top- eh, it could work. i dont really have any feelings either way. it would be sweet to get a bright orange Camaro though, T-Top or not.

Diesel- i wouldnt put a duramax in it, way to heavy. Would have to be auto-only as well.

Hybrid- Ok, this could work. Saturn was supposed to have a Vue V6 two-mode hybrid coming out soon, but that isnt going to be in production for long or at all (as a side note, GM could put that powertrain into the Terrain, Equinox, and STX easily). Swap out the V6 in that powertrain for the V6 in the Camaro, and you've got a powerplant with plenty of power and speed.

Sedan- NO! Use the G8 arcitecture, give the inside a little sprucing up, fix some of the controls and call it an Impala. the current impala is so outdated: the platform goes back to 1988. The G8 was supposed to get the 3.6L DI V6 from the Camaro and CTS with a six-speed auto for 2010, but that obviously isnt happening anymore.

Wagon- Bradybunchafied Camaro. no way

Camino- redneckville. no way.

GN- a Grand National version could work. a twin-turbo setup might actually obsolete the V8, so it would be a good idea to make it a limited run.

IROC- once Americans can buy things to buy things again, it might work. or it wont.

Z28- good idea to revive a legend. and it would give the camaro something to compete with the SRT8 Challenger and GT500 Mustang.

ZL1- a good idea, but it will need fatter tires in the rear.

Ok, obviously a lot of the suggestions here are tongue in cheek, but seriously here's my take:

No T-Tops, today I think it would throw back too much of an image of a stereotyped past - plus I don't know how much faith I'd have that they wouldn't leak eventually.

I really like the "Camaro Sedan" as pictured in the link, the G8 is too good a car to let die, but it should NOT be called a Camaro. Even if every mechanical component under the skin is the same, no no no no no don't call it Camaro. Call it Impala, Bel Air, whatever or (gasp!) come up with a new name!

Make a wagon of whatever THAT car is, not a Camaro (pretty sure that one was meant as a total joke). By the way, does anyone else think a Malibu wagon with AWD and the turbo 4 used in the Cobalt SS and Solstice GXP would make for a decent, solid, sensible car with some guts for an everyday driver?

When and if GM is able to resurrect its next gen diesel that was put on hold (can't remember if it was still called a Duramax or something else), yeah by all means stick it in there and see what it will do. But probably not the current one. Basically, I know they'll get the power from whatever source is decided but it MUST have a musclecar worthy sound.

Buick is supposedly aimed at Lexus. Lexus is getting sportier. So should Buick. Let them make something to compare with the IS, I don't know about bringing back the full Grand National name but a "GN" suffix might be a cool nod to the heritage. Actually I'd like to see Buick do a really elegant yet sporty coupe kind of like the Infiniti G37. Something a bit more graceful than Caddilac's sharp lines.

Chevy Camaro Volt edition?

1. T-Tops can be done as a dealer add on after-market piece.
2. Duramax Camaro - Great idea to please the milage folks, but it is unlikely to sell enough to justify the tooling investment
3. Hybrid Camaro - maybe a soft hybrid, like the current GM hybrid cars. That could be a an easy way to market a greener image.
4. Camaro Sedan - Forget it, just use the South African Chevy body parts for the G8/Commodore (Zeta platform) and call it the Impala SS.
(http://www.chevrolet.co.za/content_data/LAAM/ZA/en/GBPZA/001/models/1F/gallery.html)
5. No wagon, wagon's don't sell well here.
6. See the same site for the Lumina UTE (but don't expect it stateside)
7. Turbo 6 makes no sense. The current 6 is powerful and efficient. The 8 is more powerful and nearly as efficient.
8-10. IROC/Z28/ZL1 (any LS7 or LS9 variant) Maybe as a special edition, but with new CAFE standards, high cost and the impact on fleet standards make this a no-go.

To address 8-10, GM should have a GM-Performance Shop in house to order any compatible car/engine combo as one offs. It would cost, but if you really want an LS9 Camaro, then why not have GM profit from the build rather than a speed shop.

Keep the Camaro tooling costs down. Making too many variants will increase the production costs and make it ripe for the axe at the next crisis.

The 4 Door Zeta platform car should be changed from the G8 (now that Pontiac is dead) to the Impala SS, Buick Wild Cat or Buick Grand National.

My recipe for a Z28:
Take one 4.125" bore LS7 block, mix in 1 part forged 3.27" stroke crank from the 4.8 liter Vortec, sprinkle in 8 titanium rods and a handful of lightweight valvetrain components.

Combine the resulting 8000 rpm 349 ci screamer with a posi rear deep in the 4's and a short shifting T56 and pour into a lightened camaro body and let simmer and stir for about....oh, 12 seconds or so.

BTW, a camaro sedan is the dumbest idea since using a duck to advertise a Cadillac.

Good luck on ensuring the Camaro's long-term survival; Gummint Motors' marching orders do not include ANY entertaining cars. The bureaucratic dweebs want hybrid and electric appliances, so that's what will be built- even if nobody but a few UAW sycophants and eco-weenies want to buy them.

BTW, a camaro sedan is the dumbest idea since using a duck to advertise a Cadillac.

I am a rebel, the Government tells me smaller lighter more economical (slower). I think:

Camaro ZZ - (New badging representing the supercar version of the Camaro), 13"+ 4 pot Brembo ceramic brakes, Auburn Pro Differential, Tremec- 6spd, Eibach adjustable suspension , Magnaflow stainless exhaust, Sparco racing seats, factory 6-pt roll cage, and the cherry on top: ZZ572/720R Big block power plant

Make it affordable, say 65,000. Although you would have alot of pissed off Vette ZR1 owners when a Camaro will not only out accelerate, but out corner them with ease.

BTW, Olyeller would your z28 include a 4 link live axle rear, so stiff you could mix paint in the trunk? Sounds like a pretty wicked drag car but I would hate - HATE!- to drive it every day.

How about making a Camaro that isn't a Mopar clone.

I don't care what they do, but someone needs to tell GM to STOP USING ELECTRIC POWER STEERING!!! They started using it with the ION back in '04, and still haven't figured out how to get it right. The new Malibu has the same failures with it that the first IONs are plagued with. To save 1/2 MPG with something so unreliable and prone to failure, pure safety issue and keeper of bad reputation is a HUGE mistake!

Just about every new 4 cyl car GM builds now has it. I've read countless times online about failures. Everything from IONs, Cobalts, HHRs, Malibus (new and previous gen), G5, G6, Aura etc. are plagued with the same failures. At a tune of roughly $1,000 each time it needs fixed after the warranty expires, it's pure disaster. Nearly every case requires a new steering column.

I'd love to have a new Malibu LTZ 4 cyl, but I refuse to own another GM with electric power steering. I'm glad I unloaded my HHR before the steering failed in it.

Holden already builds the Chevy Caprice in Left hand drive for the Araab region of the world. I say lets get this thing up to US standards and start building them here. GM has the goods, they need to deliver it to us. We should not be deprived of the best car GM builds, namely the Holden Commodore. The Caprice is a slight;y stretched version of said car. see info and picshttp://www.holden.com.au/corporate/about-holden/exports

I wouldn't mind a more eco-minded Camaro, possibly utilizing the 2.8L turbo (gas) DI V6 from the upcoming SRX, along with a hi-po Z/28, using the LS7 (505hp N/A from Z06), LS9 (635 hp S/C from ZR1), or LSA (556 hp S/C from CTS-V).

El Camaro? yuk. Camaro sedan? WTF? TTops go against the styling of a 69 Camaro...when they build a retro 78 then put in ttops. Veggie diesel Camaro that can pull out tree stumps sounds sick ...i kinda like that idea. Once GM got rid of the group that builds the zr1 you could forget about any Z cars.
They actually just need to get them built ...I asked my brother yesterday if he's had any word on his SS and the dealer cant seem to tell him anything. Was supposed to be delivered in mid june. I guess we'll see. Buy a Mustang ...Ford hasnt let us down.

I know all the comments are tongue and cheek.. but I'll say this, the romantic vision of what a Camaro should be can be accommodated for the most part by a large fat V8 that screams 'beat me master'.

However, Chevy needs (needed to) innovate in order to live on.. why in the world GM didn't buy a stake in Tesla or leverage someone's electric power plant or focus on a 'volt enhanced' powerplant. What about a screaming Camaro that gets 50 MPG Hwy, has tons of torque, and looks cool to boot. The Japanese and Germans have nothing that would compete with it.. but GM in their ignorance and in their CEO's arrogance forgot how to lead and innovate. Instead, you get bankruptcy.

I love "The Mechanic's " column !!!
this guy has bols / cohones if You want,

todays text is rather ironic I belive, but few last were quite clever...

from this article; I agree T-tops are so cool !

and z28 could be that 427 from corvette, and ZL1 is proper name of the car taht will get that ZR1 engine..

El-Camino like Camaro ok, but sedan ..hhhmm I'm not shure....and for sure not wagon/estate !(that is a joke Mr Mechanic?:) istn't it?

ok , I'm waitingfor next pasionate text

PS I loved the lecture: "We should learn younsters to love American Muscle instead of that Japaneese funny buzzers ..":) - great thought's in there, though !

What about a Camaro "Nomad" 2 door sport wagon?? Patent pending guys.

Think roofline of the 55-57 Chevy Nomad 2 door wagon with assorted V6 /V8's on a Camaro chassis. Even the front sheet metal would work.

K55

search youtube for "Diesel Camaro"

I promise you won't regret it.

30 mpg avg.

my name is Cody and I built one.

I agree with some of the ideas, such as the T-Top. But I have to disagree with some of the other ideas. Particularly the whole "well, I'll just grab a car from Australia and rebadge it as a Camaro." This is actually what lead to the downfall of GM. Although it's not a recent problem. It started back in the late 60s when GM started just rebadging Chevys, Pontiacs, Buicks, and Oldsmobiles and consolidating their design teams. Remember when each brand had their own engine designs? It made sense from a bottom dollar standpoint for the short term, and helped prolong their existance. But because of that, each brand lost its core identity. A Pontiac road like a chevy, which road like a Buick, etc. Now, GM thought it could save Pontiac by importing a Holden as a GTO (because Lutz said there was a market for a 2 door sports coupe--if so, why kill the Firebird/Camaro?) and slapped a Pontiac bumper on there. Was the car technically advanced and sporting? Yes. With no soul. Same with the new sport sedan that Pontiac got...it's a Holden. And while it has a massive amount of power, a struggling brand needs something that makes it special. Not a safeway shopping cart with a Wal-Mart plaque on it.

OK, how about put 2 of the V6's together for a V12 with 600HP.

The next version is going to have to be smaller...

This article was stupid funny. Thanks I needed to lighten up today.

Regarding your suggestion that GM should offer an LS9 option for the Camaro, Hennessey Performance already IS...if one is willing to cough up $109,000 for it.

Hopefully GM might be able to "best" that price by $1.89 or so...

Forget the T-Top, build a convertible.

The diesel would be insane, and insanity, while interesting, doesn't really work.

The G8 sedan, and a wagon version should be sold as the Impala, forget the current Impala.

A hybrid version could work as long as they sacrificed nothing with the appearance.

And SS is supposed to be above Z28... put the 7.0 in it and call it the ZL1.