Buick key to Camaro return

[Big Als Z28]

Yes, you heard me right. Buick will be showing a RWD coupe based of what has become the Zeta chassis. Buick will be the first to get this chassis. The Zeta chassis was developed by Holden as they know how to make a RWD chassis. It takes the strengths of the Sigma chassis, the same chassis under every CTS, SRX, and upcoming STS, and combines it with the former chassis they had from Opel's Omega chassis that had the Catera on it, but when Holden got its hands on it, it turned into VX and VY i belive. These chassis are under the Monaro/GTO, Ute, and every other single RWD/AWD Holden. This is a big time for Holden and GM. Im sorry if some of this stuff gets a little long, but Im just really excited about this news.
Now the Buick vert coupe is called the Velite. Possibly just a code name as Holden calls its Zeta chassis VE, and as this Buick is built of a shorter version, the name Velite could just be some type of adaptation of VE-Lite. This same shorter version of the Zeta chassis WILL BE the basis for the next Camaro. The longer version will underpin the GTO, which will be larger then the Camaro.
Here is the article.
News Consumer
Buick first for Holden's Zeta zest

Buick boost: Holden technology is set to play a vital role in the repositioning of Buick in the US.

Struggling GM division to lead the way on Holden new technology for the US

By BRUCE NEWTON 26 February 2004


STRUGGLING US brand Buick is set to be the first North American recipient of Holden’s Zeta architecture.

General Motors has plans to reposition Buick as its direct opposition to Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus. Holden technology will play a key role in making that happen.

First signs of the co-operation should come in April at the New York auto show with the unveiling of a convertible concept expected to be called Velite.

But Buick will have to wait until 2007 before being able to exploit the architecture with a production car.

And according to GoAuto sources in the US that won’t be all, with the production convertible set to follow it on to the market in 2008.

As you can see from the launch schedule reproduced below, Zeta will also underpin Chevrolets and Pontiacs in North America. And the list we have obtained is by no means complete.

Zeta has been developed by Holden for the VE Commodore and its derivatives but, as part of GM’s global architecture strategy, the technology will be exported internationally to underpin a new generation of vehicles.

Zeta can be formatted in rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, with V6 and V8 drivetrains and in a variety of wheelbases.

Last week, during an Australian visit, GM product czar Bob Lutz put the worldwide opportunities for Zeta at about 400,000 units per annum, but that is a very conservative number.

Zeta production is expected to start at the Buick plant in Oshawa, Canada, in 2006. In 2002 215,727 Buick Century and Regal models were built there.

Add the potential for a second US plant, Fishermens Bend production and possible European use (Saab and Opel), and the Zeta total climbs beyond 500,000.

So why Buick first? Because it’s in a much weaker state than Chevrolet or Pontiac. Last year it sold 259,348 vehicles, a 30 per cent slide from 2002.

GM plans to reposition Buick more upscale with higher prices, more standard equipment and options not offered on current models.

"It will be American premium luxury,” GM North America president Gary Cowger told Automotive News this month.

"When you think about Buick, you’ve got to think about going right head-to-head with Lexus – only (with) American premium luxury, distinguishing itself with very tasteful executions of interiors, getting back to more classic designs."

The first step in Buick’s resurgence came at the Chicago auto show when the mid-size LaCrosse was revealed.

Replacing the Regal and the Century, the LaCrosse was one of Mr Lutz’s first targets when he re-joined GM. He killed the original proposal and closely managed the exterior and interior styling re-designs.

Significantly, Mr Lutz’s previous utterances about Holdens he would like to sell in the US have not only included the Monaro as GTO and the SS utility as a Chev El Camino, but also the long wheelbase Statesman as a reborn Buick Roadmaster.

ZETA ROLL-OUT
2007 Buick luxury sedan
2008 Buick convertible
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
2008 Pontiac GTO
2008/09 Chevrolet coupe and convertible
2009 Chevrolet Impala
2010 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

and the link
http://www.editorial.discountnewcars.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/C90B23606C59F9C6CA256E45001580AB

this is the first step for Buick to jump onto Lexus and take a serious bite out of there Luxury strong hold.
http://www.sub300.com/gm/velite.jpg

[MapleRed]

I've actually heard that the new Zeta Buick coupe will be called Riviera. Which is cool because I've always liked the Riv name. Regardless of what they call it, its good to see RWD cars coming back to Buick's lineup.

Its too bad, though, that the RWD Chevy coupe was pushed off to 08/09 model year. GM's going to be coming a little late to the party for a decent Mustang competitor. :(

[Big Als Z28]

I heard Riviera too, and the Velite name is only a concept name. Riv is probably what its going to be. 08MY means 07 run... it will miss out on its 40th birthday, which IMO GM could capitalize. This looks a lot like the Insignia car that came out from Opel in europe. And the best part is that the camaro will probably get some of the cool stuff the Buicks and more expensive models get just because it would be cheaper to put into the Camaro then to give it something else. The Camaro will have a very large parts bin to draw from. If you read the article I posted in the other thread, they bring this up. All in all, its a very cool time for cars. Best part is that Zeta can be AWD so look to see more AWD cars from GM.

[Big Als Z28]

what I didnt notice is that this car will be shown at NYC auto show this year!!! Sweet.

[triggerjerk]

Why isn't the camaro on the "roll out" list then?

[Big Als Z28]

Originally posted by triggerjerk
Why isn't the camaro on the "roll out" list then?

the 2008/9 Chevy coupe would be the Camaro.

[triggerjerk]

oic

[Big Als Z28]

IMO, GM could miss out on a lot of hype if they didnt bring it out in 07. 40th anni, they could tear this car apart with add ons and graphics packages.

[MapleRed]

Originally posted by triggerjerk
Why isn't the camaro on the "roll out" list then?

Because of the contract w/ the CAW, the Camaro name will not be mentioned on any future cars. You might hear rumours and some insiders might make off the record remarks but there is basically a gag order at GM with the Camaro name.

That deal w/ the CAW expires in 2005, so you might start hearing more about Camaro in 05/06.

Right now, there is a RWD V8 Chevy coupe in development. ;)

[MapleRed]

Originally posted by Big Als Z28
IMO, GM could miss out on a lot of hype if they didnt bring it out in 07. 40th anni, they could tear this car apart with add ons and graphics packages.

:werd:

Not too mention, they'll be giving the new Mustang 4 - 5 model years w/ no direct competition. Stupid, IMO.

[triggerjerk]

I'm sorry but by 2008, whatever is left of the "affordable RWD V8 coupe" market will be swallowed by the mustang. Too little too late, GM.
Anyways, by then hopefully I'll be able to afford a C6...

[Big Als Z28]

Originally posted by triggerjerk
I'm sorry but by 2008, whatever is left of the "affordable RWD V8 coupe" market will be swallowed by the mustang. Too little too late, GM.
Anyways, by then hopefully I'll be able to afford a C6...

doubt it.
#1, I doubt that a Chevy coupe will be that far off.
#2. People wont be under some mustang trance?

I dont see the mustangs popularity to be that big at all. If the retro bug hits this mustang like it has with EVERY single other retro car, this car's sales numbers could drop behind what its normaly used to.
I know that Chevy is coming out with a sports coupe, and I will be ready when they are. They just better hope that Dodge doesnt come out with a coupe first.
I say 2005 the mustang is relased. NAIAS in 05, GM shows off the final Buick design and name. Late in 05, GM realeases the GTO pre-production on a the new zeta chassis. I figure something agressive, yet non retro. 06 NAIAS, the Camaro along with perhaps the Nomad, a brand new RWD/AWD sedan and perhaps another larger coupe along with a refresh of Chevy's whole line up. This seems like a good line up. Camaro is ready for production a year after the Buick coupe is alreayd in motion.

[triggerjerk]

Well, all the gm pundits keep telling us to wait.

Well guess what, their competition is not.

Who is to say other makers besides ford (you mentioned dodge) won't have joined the affordable sports car market?

Frankly, I hope the mustang sells like hot cakes.
Then maybe GM will feel some heat.
Ford seems to take care of their followers, viz a viz the Fseries, tbird, mustang, lightning

And I sure would hate to drive some mini-gto...
Sorry you just caught me in a bad mood...
:D

[MGar99]

The competition could either target the 'vette (seems likely), and go for more power and handling, leaving the next gen camaro far behind (can't have it beating the corvette), or without competition, the mustang could stagnate...
Time will tell.

[triggerjerk]

Yeah, I guess you've got a point but I'm not wasting time holding my breath...:rolleyes:

[Big Als Z28]

Originally posted by triggerjerk
Well, all the gm pundits keep telling us to wait.

Well guess what, their competition is not.

Who is to say other makers besides ford (you mentioned dodge) won't have joined the affordable sports car market?

Frankly, I hope the mustang sells like hot cakes.
Then maybe GM will feel some heat.
Ford seems to take care of their followers, viz a viz the Fseries, tbird, mustang, lightning

And I sure would hate to drive some mini-gto...
Sorry you just caught me in a bad mood...
:D

Well, what else is really out there? There is a 300hp Mustang GT that is kind of behind on the HP, but the fastest out there. Then if dodge comes into the game, the hemi coupe will be a lot of money, probably a stripper would cost 28k. Something in the middle would have to have dodges 4.7 V8 with at least 300hp to compete with the mustang.
The Camaro will come back. And you wont drive a mini-gto? The next GTO will NOT look like the GTO you know now. It will be more agressive, but not as agressive as the camaro will be. The Camaro will be much different then the GTO in styling.
GM takes care of its followers too, and also is making more and better product then anyone else in Detroit.

[triggerjerk]

If I was in the market for an affordable V8 RWD car what would I get if I didn't already have a Z28? A mustang. Sure, its no LS1, but the aftermarket will respond.
If I remember correctly, Ford tried to kill the mustang off in the early eighties and the enthusiasts protested. At least Ford listened.
GM couldn't even figure out who to market the fbody to.
At least Ford marketed the car.
No one forced GM into the CAW agreement.
Face it, GM doesn't like the fbody. If you wanna kiss GM butt so bad, go buy a high profit margin Tahoe.
GM will never sell the fbody in large amounts. Sure die hard LSX.com-ers will await for it but i seriously doubt anyone else will.
Even if the Fbody comes back, i still won't buy one.
Hopefully I'll be able to afford something "better":)

[JCS30TH]

Originally posted by Big Als Z28
IMO, GM could miss out on a lot of hype if they didnt bring it out in 07. 40th anni, they could tear this car apart with add ons and graphics packages.

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Bullshit. 40th Anniversary my ass. 02 is it.

[Cam]

Originally posted by JCS30TH
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Bullshit. 40th Anniversary my ass. 02 is it. I see you're just as pleasant as you always were. :rolleyes:

[krispycobalt]

I wonder if everyone realizes that if a new firebird or camaro come out the current ones will go out of style (right now seeing how they arnt updated they really arnt gonna go outta style)

[Big Als Z28]

Originally posted by triggerjerk
If I was in the market for an affordable V8 RWD car what would I get if I didn't already have a Z28? A mustang. Sure, its no LS1, but the aftermarket will respond.
If I remember correctly, Ford tried to kill the mustang off in the early eighties and the enthusiasts protested. At least Ford listened.
GM couldn't even figure out who to market the fbody to.
At least Ford marketed the car.
No one forced GM into the CAW agreement.
Face it, GM doesn't like the fbody. If you wanna kiss GM butt so bad, go buy a high profit margin Tahoe.
GM will never sell the fbody in large amounts. Sure die hard LSX.com-ers will await for it but i seriously doubt anyone else will.
Even if the Fbody comes back, i still won't buy one.
Hopefully I'll be able to afford something "better":)

:wave: have fun with your mustang!
Why the hostility? No one wanted the 4th gen fbody... not the fbody in general. Untill mid 90's, the fbody sold quite well without massive advertisment. GM likes cars that make money. GM doesnt like cars that sell sub-100k units a year and that isnt a niche car. Everyone needs to be so damn negitive. Why? GM finaly is going to make a sports coupe, and now we are all bitching? So like I said, enjoy your mustang, which might not be around for too long itself. That retro styling will look really cool in 5-6 years :umm:
So to everyone that doesnt wana wait, enjoy your mustang, which brand new is still slower then your "old" LS1 fbody stock for stock. To everyone else, Ill see you at the dealership, deposit in hand. :D

[Big Als Z28]

Originally posted by krispycamaro
I wonder if everyone realizes that if a new firebird or camaro come out the current ones will go out of style (right now seeing how they arnt updated they really arnt gonna go outta style)

as much as I dont like the design, how do you figure? Im sure the 4th gen will go into its unpopularity stage as every other gen seems to go through. 5th genners will look down on 4th genners just like 4th genners look down on third genners, and how third genners look down on 2nd gennes and 2nd genners looked down on first genners. The third an 4th gens will be known as the years that brought back muscle cars to GM.

[triggerjerk]

Obviously you can't read. I said IF.
No hostility here. Just reality.

[Chief Pontiac]

Originally posted by Big Als Z28
as much as I dont like the design, how do you figure? Im sure the 4th gen will go into its unpopularity stage as every other gen seems to go through. 5th genners will look down on 4th genners just like 4th genners look down on third genners, and how third genners look down on 2nd gennes and 2nd genners looked down on first genners. The third an 4th gens will be known as the years that brought back muscle cars to GM. The only real muscle the 3rd gens had was the 89 Turbo T/A.As far as 4th gens not liking the 2nd or 1st,if anybody saw what was going on at the time they were the best that was to be offered.But people have a tendency to have tunnel vision when it comes to cars.They only see whats in front of them not what use to roam the streets.

[Big Als Z28]

Originally posted by Chief Pontiac
The only real muscle the 3rd gens had was the 89 Turbo T/A..

thank you for proving my point. You dont think that the 350 L98 and 5spd LB9's had muscle, but they did have some of the highest hp of its day. You dont think that, because you drive a 4th gen. Is the L98's power high today? No. Was it back form 87-92? Yeah. They did bring back the camaro from its performance slump. Just becaue it didnt push 300 to the wheels, doent mean its not a muscle car. It brought muscle back to GM instead of making 4th gens a bunch of 4cyl fwd turds.

[LateNite]

If it says Camaro, sports aggressive styling, "in your face" HP, and isn't front wheel drive with a child seat in the back. :headbang: :hitit: :stay:

[nevrlift]

I can see an F body in that car......

[wannafbody]

thats a nice looking car for a Buick:) -hopefully Chevy has a greenlight to do a coupe-otherwise Gm is gonna see Mustang tailights

[Big Als Z28]

Originally posted by wannafbody
thats a nice looking car for a Buick:) -hopefully Chevy has a greenlight to do a coupe-otherwise Gm is gonna see Mustang tailights

Idont think so.
That Buick has 400hp out of a twin turbo V6. Mustang is seeing Tri-Shields. :drive:

[JBsZ06]

I believe the technology being experimented with and brought into production levels with the Pontiac Solstice ie. Hydroformed steel body panels that allow for profitable production levels as low as 10 ,ooo units per year will allow GM to bring back low priced niche vehicles such as the Camaro ..

Niche vehicles is where the market is today and this technology will allow GM to market cars under the much often discussed 100,000 unit level..

That will be key to having a rear wheel drive Camaro again.

All just my opinion.

[YELLERR]

Big Als Z28
Nice article. Thanks for the info. Will be neet to see what comes out in the near future!

[02HAWK595]

I didn't see anything that said Camaro. I saw where someone put that it would be the 08/09 Chevy coupe. Is this fact, speculation, or high hopes. :cool:
I don't think we'll see the Camaro again, and based on a conversation I had with a friend that works for GM, he said, "IF" the camaro does come back out, we really won't want to see it, because it will be nothing like it was before. He's up there in Michigan, and here's what's going on all the time.

We won't see the Firebird again because the GTO was brought back. Sad but True, I'm afraid!

[LV2XLR8]

Originally posted by MapleRed
I've actually heard that the new Zeta Buick coupe will be called Riviera. Which is cool because I've always liked the Riv name. Regardless of what they call it, its good to see RWD cars coming back to Buick's lineup.

Its too bad, though, that the RWD Chevy coupe was pushed off to 08/09 model year. GM's going to be coming a little late to the party for a decent Mustang competitor. :( :werd: :(

[Big Als Z28]

Originally posted by 02HAWK595
I didn't see anything that said Camaro. I saw where someone put that it would be the 08/09 Chevy coupe. Is this fact, speculation, or high hopes. :cool:
I don't think we'll see the Camaro again, and based on a conversation I had with a friend that works for GM, he said, "IF" the camaro does come back out, we really won't want to see it, because it will be nothing like it was before. He's up there in Michigan, and here's what's going on all the time.

We won't see the Firebird again because the GTO was brought back. Sad but True, I'm afraid!

I think your wrong. In fact, there is way too much insider talk about a chevy coupe that its hard not to think about the Camaro coming back.
And if the Camaro came back, its gunna look like a Camaro. What do you want it to look like? Tell me 2 gens that look similar? None do, and thats how it should be kept. The next Camaro will use heritage cues from past Camaros, but no more then what the Camaro has carried on over time.
And yes, the bird is gone, but the GTO isnt taking its place. The GTO is just the start of moving Pontiac higher then Chevy.

[Johnny_Pappis]

i love the camaro and tje corvette both have there own distinct feel and i own a camaro and i want a vette i would love to see both riding side by side dominating ford like they were built too gm knows how to make sports cars ford doesnt know how to make them as well but if we leave the stang unchecked life will be boring i romp on stangs all the same I aslo deeply miss the firbird treans am it had such grace that too romped on muystangs i miss htem both and i feel amrica isnt complete without them:D

[JBsZ06]

With the new low cost techniques being pioneered with the Solstice production I believe the camaro will be back for low annual production runs.

If the solstice pans out.

[Johnny_Pappis]

i love the camaro and tje corvette both have there own distinct feel and i own a camaro and i want a vette i would love to see both riding side by side dominating ford like they were built too gm knows how to make sports cars ford doesnt know how to make them as well but if we leave the stang unchecked life will be boring i romp on stangs all the same I aslo deeply miss the firbird treans am it had such grace that too romped on muystangs i miss htem both and i feel amrica isnt complete without them:D

[Big Als Z28]

Originally posted by JBsZ06
With the new low cost techniques being pioneered with the Solstice production I believe the camaro will be back for low annual production runs.

If the solstice pans out.

The next camaro wont use the Kappa chassis. Its too small, and is made for the ecotec 4cyl engine.

[gmcvt]

Hello everyone, I am new here to Ls2 and about 2 years new to GM. I was a die hard Mustang & Ford guy for about 7 years.(pretty much since I was able to drive). I left Ford because you just simply cannot argue with GM's ability to build power. And I love power. Anyway, What manufacturer can lay claim to the most popular small block ever built?? This same popular small block is the Great grandfather of the engines this site promotes. You simply cannot argue with the engineering marvel that is the LS series engines. Ford couldn't match these engines even with their "high tech" overhead cams. It took them an eaton supercharger and aftermarket forged internals to finally gain ground on our engines. And when you consider all the aftermarket parts and eaton supercharger on that engine could you really call it "Ford horsepower".??Debateable.
Anyway, what manufacturer has provided more engines and cars in which to race and race affordably than has GM. Right now within GM (contrary to the past) the choices are pretty much non-existant . I know that the LS engines cant by themself sell the car (obviously) But again, one must look at the big picture, GM has been getting it done for enthusiasts for many, many years. Yes, they have made some poor decisions business and marketing wise in recent years but every manufacturer is going to go through a slump. At least they did bring a GTO and we do still have the vette. Before we knock them too hard ,I believe that GM has earned the right to make things right. I also belive that they will very shortly. Sorry for the lengthy post and vent. Thanks for the great site, Godspeed.

[Ramair-WS6]

The Zeta chassied car that most here seem to think will be called the Camaro could just as easily be called the Chevelle.

Think about this for a moment, the Camaro is pretty much a single purpose car where the Chevelle had many roles, 2-door, 4-door, wagon, SS, etc.. This would make a much better business sense than would a new Camaro. Not only would it compete against the Mustang, but also the 300C and the Magnum wagon.

Imagine a Zeta chassied new Chevelle, built on two different wheelbases, a short coupe that would have a base V6 plus an SS V-8 version. Then there would be the long wheelbased version that the 4-door and wagon would be built off of. Just look at the current Holden Commodore line and you get the idea.

Not to mention that GM recently redid the trademark on the Chevelle name. For better or worse I believe the Camaro is dead, and it should stay that way, just my opinion of course

[Big Als Z28]

Originally posted by Ramair-WS6
The Zeta chassied car that most here seem to think will be called the Camaro could just as easily be called the Chevelle.

Think about this for a moment, the Camaro is pretty much a single purpose car where the Chevelle had many roles, 2-door, 4-door, wagon, SS, etc.. This would make a much better business sense than would a new Camaro. Not only would it compete against the Mustang, but also the 300C and the Magnum wagon.

Imagine a Zeta chassied new Chevelle, built on two different wheelbases, a short coupe that would have a base V6 plus an SS V-8 version. Then there would be the long wheelbased version that the 4-door and wagon would be built off of. Just look at the current Holden Commodore line and you get the idea.

Not to mention that GM recently redid the trademark on the Chevelle name. For better or worse I believe the Camaro is dead, and it should stay that way, just my opinion of course

its been talked about, but the Camaro has a lot more history then the Chevelle does. A larger Caprice sedan would be nice. Id also like to see a Holden Commadore sized Grand Prix.

[Ramair-WS6]

Originally posted by Big Als Z28
its been talked about, but the Camaro has a lot more history then the Chevelle does. A larger Caprice sedan would be nice. Id also like to see a Holden Commadore sized Grand Prix.

From what I understand about the Zeta is that it has a few very key qualities.

Like the Sigma it will be designed to accomodate 2 and 4 wheel drive versions
Multiple wheelbases, 2 to start with and a third to be added, probably for a wagon type vehicle
Different track widths


Also, I understand that the Sigma's chassis is the "template" for the Zeta but with much more flexability built into it, and will be less expensive to manufacture. In the US Pontiac, Chevrolet, and Buick will be using this chassis and it could easily be used for about 10-15 different car models.

Right now, it makes much better business sense for GM to build the Chevelle/Caprice line than to build a niche car like the Camaro, especially seeing that a short wheelbase/widetrack Chevelle SS could easily be the Camaro without the name and still give the Mustang a ggod swift kick in the bumper.

Would I personally like to see the return of the F-Body? Yes, of course I would.

Do I think it really makes sense in 2007/8/9? No, I don't.

[Big Als Z28]

Originally posted by Ramair-WS6
Right now, it makes much better business sense for GM to build the Chevelle/Caprice line than to build a niche car like the Camaro, especially seeing that a short wheelbase/widetrack Chevelle SS could easily be the Camaro without the name and still give the Mustang a ggod swift kick in the bumper.

Would I personally like to see the return of the F-Body? Yes, of course I would.

Do I think it really makes sense in 2007/8/9? No, I don't.

As i see your point, I would much rather see a 2dr coupe Camaro, and a larger 4 dr Caprice or Impy. I see Pontiac using this Zeta chassis more then Chevy or Buick. I think we could see a lot of Zeta across the board.
2 Chevy's. Camaro and Caprice
4 Pontiacs: GTO, Grand Prix, and large Bonnie along with a sports wagon.
2 Buicks: Midsized Buick "GS300/430" sized car much like the GP, and a large Park Ave replacement.

There is also news of the CTS going to Zeta as news is that the CTS will shrink some 3 inches to put it closer to a 3 series, and there might be a coupe model. The Zeta chassis seems like a good idea, on top of a Vert model. Also, GMC could have a Ute sized truck, equiped with RWD or AWD and in Crew, extended, and standard cab. Also, a wagon for GMC.
Zeta can be used on many levels and in many different variations.

[Johnny_Pappis]

i beleive it was not GM's full intention to stop camaro production forever you dont eveolve a car that much and than just kill it take a small break maybe but not kill it everyone knows what a camaro is it is a symbol of amrican automotive excellence i figure that the new camaro will come out in time and yes while it is speculation that the new RWD couoe fir chevy could be a chevelle it seems highkyly unlikly that they would bring the car back however i could be wrong we will hafto wait and see what GM has in store for us :D

[Tannim]

Originally posted by JBsZ06
I believe the technology being experimented with and brought into production levels with the Pontiac Solstice ie. Hydroformed steel body panels that allow for profitable production levels as low as 10 ,ooo units per year will allow GM to bring back low priced niche vehicles such as the Camaro ..

Niche vehicles is where the market is today and this technology will allow GM to market cars under the much often discussed 100,000 unit level..

That will be key to having a rear wheel drive Camaro again.

All just my opinion.

Wow, that's a good point. As a electronics manufacturing engineer I can tell you our customers drive us on cost. $2 here and $1 there on everyt hign they can get lower.

With affordable metal forming, you might really be seeing a new age of small run "niche" cars on the market.