Al Oppenheiser, GM's global rear-wheel-drive platform chief, is predicting that all Camaros will weigh in at about 3750 pounds, and V-6 cars should achieve a combined fuel economy rating of 26 mpg (thirstier V-8 engines require premium fuel).
Might GM's turbocharged, direct-injection four - or some other more economical powertrain - make an appearance? "Interestingly, die-hard enthusiasts that we talked to were very open to four-cylinder, hybrid, and alternative-powered Camaros," says Camaro product manager Cheryl Pilcher.
"Performance is an important part of the Camaro, but that doesn't necessarily mean V-8 performance. There are other ways to get great horsepower and torque besides a small-block V-8.
"I was so sad, at the time, that we didn't continue [the Camaro] after 2002," adds Pilcher, who worked on the last-generation car. "It's emotional to me, and it was such a neat moment [to be] driving a Camaro again. It just makes your heart and soul feel good.
Chevrolet will pick up the thread in early 2009, when Camaros will start rolling off GM's Oshawa, Ontario, assembly line before arriving in showrooms by February or March next year. For Camaro fans, the long wait is almost over.
| | Chevy Camaro | Ford Mustang | Dodge Challenger |
| Price Range | $22,500-$34,000 (est.) | $20,530-$44,780 | $21,995-$39,995 |
| Engines | 3.6L DOHC V-6, 304 hp, 273 lb-ft (LS, LT);
6.2L OHV V-8, 395 hp, 395 lb-ft (L99);
6.2L OHV V-8, 420 hp, 408 lb-ft (LS3)
| 4.0L SOHC V-6, 210 hp, 240 lb-ft (base);
4.6L SOHC V-8, 300 hp, 320 lb-ft (GT);
5.4L DOHC V-8, 500 hp, 480 lb-ft (GT500)
| 3.5L SOHC V-6, 250 hp, 250 lb-ft (SE);
5.7L OHV V-8, 370 hp, 398 lb-ft (R/T);
6.1L OHV V-8, 425 hp, 420 lb-ft (SRT8)
|
| Transmissions | 6-speed manual
6-speed automatic | 5-speed manual
5-speed automatic | 6-speed manual
4- or 5-speed automatic |
| Suspension F/R | Strut-type, coil springs/multilink, coil springs | Strut-type, coil springs/live axle, coil springs | Strut-type, coil springs/multilink, coil springs |
| L X W X H | 189.6 x 75.9 x 53.8 in | 187.6 x 73.9 x 55.4 in | 197.7 x 75.7 x 57.1 in |
| Weight | 3750 lb (est.) | 3345-3540 lb | 3720-4170 lb |