Automotive News, Media & Press - RUMOR - Camaro will be Beta/Kappa

Rumor is the Zeta platform is on hold.

The Beta/Kappa is rumored to be the platform for any possible Camaro.

Will we see a Camaro in 2007 for a 2008 model year?

If we do it may look something like this:

http://ls1fbody.netfirms.com/picturepro/nfpicturepro/albums/userpics/10001/normal_watermark.jpg

Looking ahead and at possibilities:

Shelby has a 550 HP Cobra.

Chevrolet has a 500 HP Camaro.

With the Camaro weighing in at 3000 lbs and the Shelby Cobra weighing in at close to 3600 lbs which would dominate?

Rumor is the Zeta platform is on hold.

The Beta/Kappa is rumored to be the platform for any possible Camaro.

Will we see a Camaro in 2007 for a 2008 model year?

If we do it may look something like this:

http://ls1fbody.netfirms.com/picturepro/nfpicturepro/albums/userpics/10001/normal_watermark.jpg

i like the overall look of the car, im just not digging the shape of the door, or rear glass.

where'd u get that pic??? I think it's pretty ugly. I think it's pretty out of proportion.

That's a horrible photoshop.

I think that's a pretty good photoChop personally. It looks like a Camaro without being overly retro.

I like the overall look of the car but, one area that needs work is the rear. It looks like a oldsmobile or buick. :judge:

Still looks like it's going to be a PITA to clean the very bottom of the windshield on the inside. :jest:

it reminds me of the next gen eclipse and also makes me want to vomit...

That looks like ass, where is the room for the engine, engine bay looks like 4 ft long.

The shape reminds me of an RX-8.

All I see is AMC Javelin :)

If it is to be beleived that GM will be giving us the Camaro again...

Right now the rumor is that the Zeta is on hold for North America (this affects the GTO). And, it was thought the Camaro would share the same chasis.

That being said the other idea floating around is that the Kappa may be used. It is a smaller platform and would need some modification to fit a V8 but supposedly it can be done and may happen with the Camaro if it is brought back.

A lot of ifs already. But, assuming this turns true then the rumor is that some of the guys at GM were shown this example I posted for a possible Kappa vehicle.

A lot of ifs already. But, assuming this turns true then the rumor is that some of the guys at GM were shown this example I posted for a possible Kappa vehicle.

I doubt that since it's a poorly chopped picture of the original Oldsmobile Alero concept.

kappa, isn't that what the solstice is based on?

What happened to the Zeta platform?
Why is it on hold?
How is this going to affect the next GTO?

kappa, isn't that what the solstice is based on?

The Australians introduced the Torrana last year. It is a V6 powered four door based on a modified version of the Kappa platform. This new platform will be able to house a V8 engine and a backseat. Rumor has it that GM is developing a mid-sized RWD car in North America based on this platform.

I doubt that since it's a poorly chopped picture of the original Oldsmobile Alero concept.

It could be... Again this is more rumor than GM making an announcement.

A guy that works at the Wilmington assembly claims they were showed pictures of 2 possible new cars they would be manufacturing. Again, it is rumor and I do not know the guy personally but I have reason to beleive it can be trusted.

:secret2:

What happened to the Zeta platform?
Why is it on hold?
How is this going to affect the next GTO?


This is an exact quote from the Chicago Tribune:

GM halts rear-wheel-drive project
Says decision made in '04 on Zeta platform

By Jim Mateja
Tribune auto reporter
Published March 19, 2005


General Motors confirmed Friday that it has stopped development on vehicles being designed for a new rear-wheel-drive platform in the North American market.

Sources said the move is not related to financial woes and the company's projected loss of $850 million for this year. They said the decision to stop developing cars on the platform, code-named Zeta, was made last year.

Zeta was believed to be the platform GM was going to use for the next-generation Pontiac GTO as well as possibly a pair of new Buick offerings, the Velite sedan and convertible, and maybe a midsize, performance Chevrolet sedan.

GM was developing the platform in cooperation with its Holden subsidiary in Australia, which still will use it. GM reportedly had plans to build the cars for North America in the United States, though it now gets the GTO from Australia. GM would not say how much it hopes to save with the move.

Sources said that though GM is re-evaluating just about every product program since cutting its annual profit forecast in half this week, the decision was made in December to halt development.

"We're going to re-evaluate our programs for midsize, rear-wheel-drive products for North America," said GM spokesman Pat Morrissey. "The resources on Zeta are going to be reassigned to other North American products that will have a more significant impact on volume and profit."

The "other products" are full-size sport-utility vehicles due for the 2006 model year and full-size pickups for 2007--cash cows not only at GM but also in the auto industry.

Morrissey said GM will look at the best way to add rear-wheel-drive cars in North America. A rear-wheel-drive platform is important because it offers the option of all-wheel-drive, which is proving popular in passenger cars. He also didn't rule out Velite and GTO being built off another GM platform.

"We have other RWD platforms and are looking at our options," Morrissey said, which include developing more vehicles off a Cadillac platform that can provide rear-wheel- and all-wheel-drive. The so-called Sigma platform is now used to produce the CTS and STS sedans, and SRX sport-utility vehicle.

Some observers suggest GM scrapped what was to be a low-volume Zeta lineup to turn to a platform that could accommodate higher-volume cars, crossovers and SUVs in rear- and all-wheel-drive.

David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich., says this is no surprise, considering GM was not gaining market share or filling its coffers last year, either. "I'm also not surprised that they'd look at an AWD platform as well," he said. "The Ford Five Hundred and Freestyle and Mercury Montego have proved AWD is much more popular than people thought it would be. AWD in cars has really caught on."

Ford expected AWD to account for about 30 percent of sales of those vehicles, but demand is exceeding 40 percent.

After reading the Chicago article I thought at first that GM was gonna can all the RWD cars (except Monte Carlo and GP, at least as long as they are built)and really just forget about all the RWD stuff and shoot for AWD. After all that is what they wanted in 1988 when they were doing the GTO concept.

But, then I read about the Kappa platform and many speculated that it would be GMs next RWD V8 and if so then a Camaro (IF one is built) could go on that.

In reality, GM has made no claims to have anyone working on the Camaro. GM may be going for the American Eurpean car and Trucks. After all they have been more interested in their Trucks and SUVs for the last decade.

But, you decide.

1. So it's those SUV and truck owners that are responsible for the camaro not coming back? :mad:
2. Didn't realize Jim Mateja knew so much about this. Should I ask him anything specific next time I see him? He is a stuck up asshole BTW. :punch:

The "other products" are full-size sport-utility vehicles due for the 2006 model year and full-size pickups for 2007--cash cows not only at GM but also in the auto industry.

Oh great...more SUVs. :rolleyes:

Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuugggggggggggggggglllllllllllllllllll lyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!

eeeeh yuk I think Im likign the older concepts of the maro much better

I used to like TA's and when they became round and bubbly I went to Camaros. If they make the Camaro round and bubbly like the photochop I will not buy it.

They need to do something, Ford is eating their lunch in Mustang sales right now!

what are the dimensions of the kappa chasis?

also that concept is pretty bad. doors WAY too short, ass end = ugly. (JMO)

What I want to know is the wheelbase, length, width, and height. Are we looking at a battlecruiser size car (hopefully! [for some reason I have always seen the f-body as a battlecruiser class car. dunno why]) or a little destroyer like the cobalt?

brad

After reading the Chicago article I thought at first that GM was gonna can all the RWD cars (except Monte Carlo and GP, at least as long as they are built)and really just forget about all the RWD stuff and shoot for AWD. After all that is what they wanted in 1988 when they were doing the GTO concept.

But, then I read about the Kappa platform and many speculated that it would be GMs next RWD V8 and if so then a Camaro (IF one is built) could go on that.

In reality, GM has made no claims to have anyone working on the Camaro. GM may be going for the American Eurpean car and Trucks. After all they have been more interested in their Trucks and SUVs for the last decade.

But, you decide.

Thanks Action Jack good info!

I would be surprised. I think somebody announced on another forum that if the CAMARO *`was~* being developed on a new chassis that was being discountinued, thiers no way they could port over, redesign, and test a new car and have it out on the market by 2007.

Still more rumors. My neighbor runs local Pontiac/Mazda dealership. He claims Camaro is definetly coming either 06 or 07. Also Pontiac is having major problems and may not be around much longer. The GTO has been a complete bust and people are not buying it. Can't say I blame them. This guy is not in or from Detroit but is always at some kind of GM dealer conference or show. So who really knows?? Not Me!!

Thats fucking ugly , I want the next Camaro to look similar to 4thgens just updated. Anybody else agree ?

a lightweight 4th gen? that might work

It looks pretty bad.. but if the proportions were right it'd look better.. the general idea isn't terrible. Just needs alot of work.. *yawn* Speculation is annoying. I don't care how many photoshops I see.. There is no confirmed.. or even foreshadowing that there will be a new Camaro that I've seen that looked valid. I'm getting really worried.

Josh

GM just needs to do what Chrysler is doing, the 300C/Magnum/Charger are going to make big bucks. Why Can't GM just build a cheap RWD big american car? It wouldn't be too bad if GM built a new Chevelle or something. I just want a cheap V8 RWD that I can make fast. The GTO is a great car but I can't pay $33k for the looks.

what are the dimensions of the kappa chasis?

also that concept is pretty bad. doors WAY too short, ass end = ugly. (JMO)

What I want to know is the wheelbase, length, width, and height. Are we looking at a battlecruiser size car (hopefully! [for some reason I have always seen the f-body as a battlecruiser class car. dunno why]) or a little destroyer like the cobalt?

brad


Not sure of the dimensions but it is to be based off the platform of the Holden Torana TT36.

L I N K (http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/action/conceptcar?modelid=20004)

This is not a Camaro concept but the Torana:

http://www.holden.com.au///images/gallery/imagegallery/torana/torana1_640x480.jpg

i heard about that too somewhere. if ithe camaro is 4 door, im going to start a riot. thats a nice looking car though. id prefer that over the GTO as far as looks

http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/0503/21/A01-123402.htm

i heard about that too somewhere. if ithe camaro is 4 door, im going to start a riot. thats a nice looking car though. id prefer that over the GTO as far as looks

The platform would be used for a 2 door and modified for a 4 seater with a V8. Still just rumor but with the Zeta looking like an unlikely candidate it is beleived this may be an alternate route.

:secret2:


http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/0503/21/A01-123402.htm

Yes, this was anticipated for a few months and only made official today. The Zeta is likely to be delayed or cancelled for North America but there are 2 new cars coming that are to be based on a modified Kapa platform.

Also, to add to the article you linked to, the Blog had a quote from Bob Lutz:


FYI. From today at the Blog:


By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman

Some news broke today about a reshuffling of our product plan, and I just want to clear one thing up before people get carried away.

Yes, we have canceled our plans to build rear-wheel-drive vehicles off the Zeta architecture. But that does not mean we've canceled plans to build rear-drive vehicles altogether.

We did not cancel the Zeta plans to save money, or to divert funds elsewhere that would've been used for product development.

We are simply reallocating resources (human and financial) to pull some other programs ahead and get other vehicles to market sooner. The press speculates this means we're doing it to get our next-generation large SUVs and pickups out sooner. You could see how one might reasonably come to such a conclusion.

Rest assured, we remain committed to developing RWD, premium,
high-performance, affordable vehicles, perhaps even a few with a trace of nostalgia baked in.

I don't want a nostalgic Camaro!!!!!!! It won't work!!!!!!!!!! Don't copy the Mustang!!!!!!! It will fail! Ahh this scares me please don't make the Camaro look anything like that or a 1st gen for that matter it has to be new. The 98-02 Trans Am was the best of it's design and it didn't look back to the older models at all. The 98-02 Camaro was certainly up there as one of the better ones and there was no need to look back. No non-enthusiasts will like the car and it will fail. That will only be carried on the backs of die-hard Camaro lovers if it is to be made that way and it WILL fail.

That Torana looks nice, but almost looks like a BMW. The shape seems to be identical. I'm all for a smaller version of the 4th gen. Less overhang, less weight = better everything.

I've "kept the faith" and kept the faith and kept the faith....... it's becoming obvious GM is a lying hosebeast, I might just have to cheat on it.

69 Camaro SS with an ls2 V8 pumping out 400hp..


stretched and widened hydroformed frame rail technology makes it easy..

Watch the hydroformed body panels allow for profitable low annual production runs that actually allow GM to run a profit.

Keep the faith...

They need to do something, Ford is eating their lunch in Mustang sales right now!

Mustang sales ate their lunch when the F-bodies were still around too. :jest:

look at the price difference. the people that really wanted a sportscar, ie 17-25, doesn't generally have 30k, compared to 25. still a bit of coin, but 5k is a big difference.

I don't like that car at all.

I'm actually saving my pennies for the next "f-bod"... yes I'm holding my breath.

This is one car I will refuse to buy.

Mustang sales are up 70%.

Settlemire reportedly said we will see a Kappa/RWD car.

The Mustang sales might be just what is needed to motivate GM and give us something that will look like a Camaro. Not gonna hold mybreath on it , though.

I like the '67 grill and tail lights on the picutre however, I sure hope GM becomes a trend setter and gets away from the retro thing. The PT cruiser, SSR, Mustang thing are gimicky. I'd like something new and fresh. Cadillac has done a good job of becoming a new, fresh, exciting trendsetter.

I hope the new Camaro is as exciting as the new Cadillacs and new C6 Corvette.

Give me a new Camaro with an LS2, M6, t-tops, heated seats (yes I want heated seats), XMSR, traction systems, RWD, big tires and throaty exhaust. Oh, and make it aftermarket friendly...I'll be modding mine.

I like the '67 grill and tail lights on the picutre however, I sure hope GM becomes a trend setter and gets away from the retro thing. The PT cruiser, SSR, Mustang thing are gimicky. I'd like something new and fresh. Cadillac has done a good job of becoming a new, fresh, exciting trendsetter.

I hope the new Camaro is as exciting as the new Cadillacs and new C6 Corvette.

Give me a new Camaro with an LS2, M6, t-tops, heated seats (yes I want heated seats), XMSR, traction systems, RWD, big tires and throaty exhaust. Oh, and make it aftermarket friendly...I'll be modding mine.


Last night I saw a 05' Mustnag GT that was white with 2 blue stripes and it looked so bad ass.

I am currently refinancing the house and looking to get a 2nd car.

If GM does not come out and confirm a Camaro soon may get me a 05' Mustang GT in white with blue stripes.

I want to see an option for the LS7 in the next Camaro. And make it "obtainable" by regular people. Sell it only in a stripper V6-like Camaro with steel wheels and all, for all I care.

I personally, would rather not have it look anything like a Caddy. They don't do anything for me... I want the retro thing...

Mustang sales ate their lunch when the F-bodies were still around too. :jest:
I hate to say this because I am an f-body man but
I think it is over and people keep holding on
like the south will rise again.

but we will rise again :jest:. the camaro might come back if lutz gets his head out of his @$$.

If it looks like a '69 , retro for me , please!

I liked the previous concepts/photoshops, but this one is awful... It looks too much like an 06' Eclipse...

I want a f-body not a rehashed eclipse for Christ's sake...

I want to see an option for the LS7 in the next Camaro. And make it "obtainable" by regular people. Sell it only in a stripper V6-like Camaro with steel wheels and all, for all I care.

I personally, would rather not have it look anything like a Caddy. They don't do anything for me... I want the retro thing...
The GTO's got getting the LS7 as a Judge any time soon, I doubt heavily that they'll put it in the Camaro. The LS7 is hand-built, and won't work in numbers.
I hope the Camaro and GTO don't go retro when they get their new platform!

I used to be a big GM fan, but i could care less at this point if theres a new camaro coming back. Dodge and Ford (especially dodge) have a great selection of affordable V8 power. I mean, Dodge is making how many SRT-8 versions of their cars with 425 hp? And the cars are actually practical...not to mention the regular hemi cars. The shelby GT500 has a supercharged, appoximate 500 hp engine..for ~$37K. The new mustangs are very affordable, fast, and actually nice cars. Plus they are allegedly coming out with a bunch more SVT products..

With all that, why the hell would I want a Camaro? GM has nothing going for it in our market...they abandoned us.

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=298237

Scroll down to my post on that first page.. we were talking a little about what vin1382 mentioned above... about how gm hasnt really fought back as far as styling and performance in response to Ford and Dodge's latest additions.

Some pics of concept camaro that i found.. i havent seen the one that was mentioned in the first post of this thread... kinda looks forgien in the back.. dont like it.

The GTO's got getting the LS7 as a Judge any time soon, I doubt heavily that they'll put it in the Camaro. The LS7 is hand-built, and won't work in numbers.
I hope the Camaro and GTO don't go retro when they get their new platform!
I never thought about the hand-built thing. It would be nice to have a common/production LS7. Maybe a little less compression, iron block, rods similar to the LQ9... things like that.

I feel like a fool for never considering the LS7/Judge combo. Now that's cool.

my god! I hope not!!!

That looks really cool except for the tail lights.

And that's saying something since I don't particularly like Camaros.

But until there is a Firebird, and more importantly, Trans-Am, I am calling for Lutz's head on a platter.

Well, to say nothing of the fact that there seem to be a question about GMs very existence right now and he's making some bonehead moves.

:bang:

The concept photo looks ok up front. The doors look like crap and probably won't let a tall person get in and out with ease. And the rear end looks like the car got asspacked by a Mustang 2, translation looks like crap. I certainly wish they would stick with something a little more closer to the rendering in ActionJack's avatar. That version looks soooo much nicer.