Camaro Convertible, Z28 on hold indefinitely

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

By Zack Newmark
March 22, 2009 8:22 AM
Filed Under: American, Chevrolet, German, Rumours

GM has announced that the Chevy Camaro convertible and the Chevy Camaro Z28 will both be delayed indefinitely. A company executive has cited a few different reasons for the indefinite delays in an interview with TheDetroitBureau.com.

Problems with the Camaro Convertible began with the demise of the German supplier picked to build the car's top. Camaro line exec Gene Stefanyshyn said, "We're looking to find an alternative source for the top." Unfortunately, he continued, even if a new parts company was found quickly it would still take months for that company to ready production. The delay means the convertible might not be ready for well over a year, if it comes out at all.

The Chevy Camaro Z28 would cost about $50 million in development and production before it would wind up on showroom floors. Even though the 570 hp car would probably sell well, $50 mil is not something readily available in the GM company coffers these days. "It would cost too much," said Stefanyshyn. This is not necessarily the death knell for the Z28. GM would like to eventually bring the car to market, but not before getting into better financial shape.

Source: Detroit Bureau via jalopnik

Comments

Kepe
March 22, 2009 9:38 AM
Oh, so they want to get into a better financial state _before_ bringing a new car to the market? How are they going to do that since no one is buying the current models? I thought the bailout loans were especially meant for bringing new, more attractive models to the market!

Bristol411S3
March 22, 2009 11:19 AM
Yeah, I think the idea was the new models would be more sustainable and a nod towards global pressure to help improve the environment. I guess GM thinks that launching muscle cars while Rome burns isn't a prudent move.

Citizen_Cake
March 22, 2009 10:35 AM
Meh, I think it would look much better as a coupe and tuners are already offering 600+hp kits, or soon will

carbonsigma
March 22, 2009 11:05 AM
Just bring the Camaro to Australia. We deserve it as it was mostly developed here!

Add your GM hating comments below:

pxsupply
March 22, 2009 3:06 PM
I would like to give GM some credit for creating very good quality and good looking cars the last 3-4 years. Let me mention a few: Cadillac CTS Chevy Malibu Chevy Traverse Opel Insignia Buick Lacrosse (thought I would never give kudos to a Buick...) Saturn Aura ....to mention a few The 2011 Volt/Ampera will be one of the most important cars to GM in their long history and could be the new "T-Ford" for the industry.

hata0101
March 22, 2009 3:48 PM
the Volt will not & can not be the new Ford T-model. it's NOT the answer for general public to save fuel cost. at its $40k+ sticker, it turns buyers away already & only benefits MORE to Toyota Prius & Honda Insight. all GM top executives are still dreaming the Volt can save the company...if they're still thinking this way, i'm sure they're still sitting on the brains.

radmeister
March 23, 2009 4:39 PM
The Z28 was intended to kill the GT500, but i don't think it will, the 2010 GT500 is one sexy beast and by far better looking than the camaro in my opinion. I think GM should analyze how many Mustangs have been sold, how many GT500s and what % of the market has already been converted to the Pony and see what's left over, and then take the economic crisis into account over that, and they will see the #s are not that good. They already have 14000 units ordered, but how many more will come after that? 14,000 is not much in a country the size of the US for a car that has been in the works for so long. Didn't the GT-R sell 22,000 units the first weekend available in the UK. And has been selling quite well since. And the Volt, i mean its 2x the price of an insight and prius, doesn't have much if any better fuel economy, doesn't have 2x the quality. So why would anyone pay 2x as much for a GM that does the same thing as a Honda or Toyota? Hell people aren't paying for GMs that are cheaper than a Honda or Toyota i doubt they will pay 2x for a GM. I already know their marketing strategy for the volt, stick it in as many movies as possible, give a few away to some Hollywood stars, hell maybe even give one to Obama and have him show up in it at an event. They will try to make it look like the new sign of eco friendly rich hip mid 20s american. Only problem is that most mid 20s in the US right now don't know if they will have a job tomorrow, and paying an extra 20k to pretend ur John Mayer or something doesn't seem worth it.

scratchy996
March 23, 2009 6:23 PM
this is the cutest muscle car ever.

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