Originally Posted by Number 3
The Camaro seems to be at a major cross roads. Those that think (and joyously loved) over the past few years the fact that GM "allowed" the Camaro to be equal to the Corvette in performance, HP etc are going to be significantly disappointed with the C8 now at a completely different level. The Camaro engine for engine will not keep up.
As for the future of the Camaro? Well it passed once due to poor sales. But back then the car was trying to keep an entire plant open by itself. The current car has two Cadillacs helping with that. At this point, it doesn't cost much to keep running Camaros down the line at LGR. The issue becomes is the volume now enough to justify further investment. GM did spend to get a mid cycle refresh, and then re-spent to make a slight correction to that refresh. But to start making major powertrain changes at this point does not seem likely.
On another front, however, I have concerns about GM's overall product strategy. They are either being very sneaky or simply wayyyyyy behind. If you look at the most recent or about to launch products all ICE by the way, Cadillac XT4, XT6, CT4 and CT5 (4 all new launches in just over a year) and none do anything spectacularly well. Our XT4 is a very nice vehicle, we like it a lot. But easily a half dozen choices that are equal or better in the market. Early looks at the two sedans don't show me anything special other than updated cars. We had 2 ATS sedans before the XT4. Really nice cars but poor packaging, and ultimately dull interiors with CUE. The new replacement does nothing special that I can see.
Buick? No more sedans after the Regal dies after 2020. Only thing on the radar is the Encore GX. Nice looking and I hope it does well, but with Buick backing off of luxury car warranties (4 years vs 3) I'm not sure where Buick is going with a 4 SUV lineup.
Chevrolet has the C8 halo for a while, but their lineup is also confusing. Other than Corvette, the only thing new is the Blazer (haven't seen sales numbers...……...just like I haven't seen many on the road) and the Trailblazer which again doesn't do anything special. Spy photos show a 3 row Blazer coming soon. And almost unbelievably, the Silverado is now 3rd behind Ford and RAM.
And the onslaught of EVs, 20 by 2023? Maybe that's the magic coming, but the introductions for those are currently in China (Chevy Menlo). We've been teased with images of a Cadillac SUV.
Yes they are somehow printing $$ from a profitability POV. I just want the differentiating products.
So back the Camaro. Maybe it's part of the master plan to redefine the industry with EV or even Fuel Cell propulsion systems. Or maybe it dies because coupe volumes are following sedan volumes. If there were anything on the Horizon we would see camo spy photos. Remember the first camo cars are about 80 weeks from start of production. So a 2021 Camaro would be well inside of that and there are no spy photos. 2022 is the best hope and rumors indicate 2023 at best. But if you look at a 5 or even 6 year lifecycle, the Camaro is now well over that.
And maybe the saddest news is the death of the CT6 V and the Blackwing V8. An awesome car that will oddly continue production in China, just not here. Maybe with a trade deal, GM brings it in from China but the odd thing is the number of cars GM is keeping in production in other countries, just not in the US. LaCrosse, CT6, Cruise, Verano and did you know Buick has a minivan in China? And one of the oldest names, Impala is now gone as well. Probably come back someday as an SUV.
So Camaro's future? As always, only time will tell. But I am hoping for something truly transformational. But there likely won't be a NG car unless it is exactly that, transformational.
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