GM Fills In Info on Zeta Cars (Camaro, G8, Impala, etc.)

Earlier this week, General Motors’ main product man, Bob Lutz, announcedsome important details regarding the replacement of GM’s lineup of larger than midsize sedans, the Pontiac Grand Prix and the Chevrolet Impala. Lutz confirmed that the Pontiac’s successor would be called the G8, following in suit with the G-number naming scheme, and that the car would have “distinctive Pontiac styling”. The G8 will be a rear-wheel drive vehicle, launching the Zeta platform in North America. However, Pontiac will initially be following a proven formula used with its recent GTO, with production first beginning in Australia alongside its brother, the Holden Commodore, with which it shares its underpinnings.

It is expected that after the first year of production, General Motors will switch over the G8’s production location to the Oshawa, Ontario assembly facility where the Camaro will be built. It’s assumed that the new Impala will only join the fray once the G8 makes its move. It’s going to be an interesting switchover, as different sources are claiming different scenarios for the G8. The Detroit Free Press reports that the first phase of G8s would merely feature a differentgrille, similar to what happened with the GTO. After it gets moved to Canada, a new Solstice-like nose will be incorporated. Automotive News, on the other hand, reports that the car will have unique styling from day one. Whatever the course of action may be, we’ll see the results shortly as the car is expected to launch at Chicago in a couple of weeks.

Meanwhile, General Motors has put in a lot of extra effort in nailing the coffin shut on its previous nickel and dime attitude. According to its Australian sources, Motor Trend reported that the production version of the Camaro will feature a front axle that’s been moved forward by 1.97 inches compared to the forthcoming Zeta-based sedans, an expensive change that has important consequences. This change would give the Camaro the ability wear 20-inch and larger alloy wheels without compromising its ability to turn at full lock. According to Motor Trend’s sources, the car could have wheels as large as 24-inches in diameter before running into trouble. Will GM go so far as to fit 24s? No, but 20s on the Z28 model would certainly be fitting.

The sources also were able to confirm a couple of other important details that Camaro fans will most certainly enjoy. The base V6 model is said to have an MSRP starting at around $21,000, and would have GM’s 3.9-liter V6 engine with a choice of six-speed automatic or manual gearboxes. Also, regarding the Camaro’s styling, the magazine reports that the body will remain close to the concept in terms of its design and dimensions. The only changes reported are an increase in roof height by 5/8ths of an inch, while the body has been slimmed down by 1/3rd of an inch.