Chevy Camaro ZL1 production delay could mean very limited 2012 model year



Chris Paukert
Posted Mar 20th 2012 8:00PM

Nearly two weeks ago, we reported news of a "quality assessment" issue with the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 that was holding up deliveries and further production. We checked in with Chevrolet spokesman Monte Doran today to get some clarification on where things stand with the 580-horsepower coupe after being alerted by a reader that Camaro5 forum members with the car on order are growing increasingly frustrated with the delay, seemingly unable to get a clear status update on the fate of their vehicles.

General Motors is declining to say what the nature of the problem is, but Doran says the automaker is confident they are close to a fix that will enable deliveries "in the weeks, not months."

Doran estimates that GM has built "a couple of hundred" 2012 ZL1 models, but only one was delivered to a customer, and that example was handed over due to a dealer error and subsequently reclaimed pending the update. Any ZL1s that were delivered to dealers are back at Chevrolet's Oshawa, Ontario plant awaiting the fix.

Given that the ZL1 was to launch in spring, the high-performance coupe was already looking at an unusually short model year. This stoppage could mean that the 2012 model year run will be even shorter. Doran says GM hopes and expects that when production does resume that it will do so with 2012 models, but he admits that depending on timing, it's possible that Oshawa could transition directly to 2013 model year builds. Either way, contrary to rumors, ZL1 models already built will be delivered as 2012 models. Doran also indicates that GM has instructed its dealers to not accept further orders for 2012 models at this time.

GM acknowledges that this is an unfortunate situation – particularly because the ZL1 is a hotly anticipated model where some eager customers have had their deposits in for six months or more – but Doran says Chevy wants to focus on "getting the car right" so that customers are satisfied in the end.

While the delay is no doubt frustrating for those who have been waiting months for their cars, we couldn't help but wonder aloud to Doran if the very abbreviated 2012 model year production may result in their increased collectability down the road. He paused and replied, "You're not the first person to suggest that."

 

I read this earlier today and i think it's good to catch problems early before consumer / owner issues . The individuals who have deposits given to Chevrolet will appreciate it later .

 

Lack of transparency makes me think poorly of GM and inflates of the severity of the issue in my mind.

 

So much for this coming out before the GT500. And I agree with you^, covering this up makes it seem like it's a huge problem they are trying to fix. I wonder where the loudmouth is now that was talking smack about how badly this car was going to wax the GT500 based on performance simulations ha.

 

Moot point if customers that get theirs have no serious issues when the 2012 batch is finally released.

 

Yeah i agree that it sucks that they aren't getting them right away but i'd rather it be issue free vs. having a recall a month down the road of some sort of failure when driving at a track or whatever.

 

I heard they're recalling them so GM can port and polish the blower, do a upper and lower pulley, recalibrate the tune and remove 600 lbs so it can compete with the 2013 GT500.

 

i could see them doing that, except the 600lbs, that would be impossible... recertify the HP at 600, and send them back...
i wonder what the problem really is tho, and y can't they say what it??

 

he is in front of the mirror practicing his "mustang owners should thank chevy" speech.

 

If it wasn't the release of a flagship vehicle I would agree more.

 

That, and the whole ***-kicking '13 GT500 that is going to be the same price with way more power and less weight is going to hurt the sales on this car. I'm sure a lot of people are die hard GM fans that are buying these, but those that aren't will probably jump ship after the problems and the fact that they can get a car with almost 100hp more for the same price.

 

I guess they should have not used those electrionic parts from Japan

 

perhaps if they were built by Americans, they'd not be having this issue, eh?

 

its either something serious with it or something not so serious, fact is they should atleast advise the public what the delay is.

 

ya know? i keep making my wise assed comments......but the fact is that that whatever the problem is, they are doing it right. it doesn't matter one way or another if they tell us(although i am curious too)....what matters is that they are going out of their way to make sure that the car;s right when they're delivered to their customers.

 

no, then they'd never get it finished cuz the unions would be bitching $25/hr aint enough to put brake pads on and still forget to do it!

 

ya know? you got me there.....LOL

 

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/2...-hold-removed/

The hold has been removed.

 

Nice just read this as well

 

They are built by (North) Americans.