Is this really the end of the Camaro/Firebird?

[Nick Blazanovic]

I've heard that GM plans to stop making the Camaro/Firebird after the 2002
model year. Do they have any plans to bring it back at a later date? If
so, when might that be and what will the car be like?

Thanks,

Nick

[C5vette01]

The *CONFIRMED* scoop is that 2002 will be the last model year that the
car will be made in Canada. Unconfirmed reports state that the plant
will start producing the Chevrolet SSR. There are no confirmed reports
if the car will continue to be available after 2002. The consensus so
far is the f-body will take a 1 year hiatus (2003) and be reintroduced
in 2004 on a totally new platform to be manufatured at an as-of-yet
unknown location. (Bowling Green, Kentucky being the rumour.)

As of now, C&D and R&T are of the opinion that the f-body will be no
more. However, Hot Rod Magazine and Camaro Performance are optimistic
that the car will return in 2004. You can check out an artists
rendering of the 2004 Camaro that appeared in the Winter 2000 issue of
Camaro Performance at:

http://members.home.com/spenko/future/2004_chevrolet_camaro_ss.jpg

If you search for Camaro using internet search engine, you will find
hundred of fan sites dedicated to the f-body. They may have more
rumours posted on those sites.

Here are a few to start you off.

http://www.chevrolet.com/
http://www.pontiac.com/
http://www.tacreationsusa.com/
http://www.thirdgen.org/
http://www.performancess.com/
http://www.camaroz28.com/savefbody/
http://www.f-body.org/
http://www.fl-fbody.com/SIGs/appearance/
http://www.camaro-ss.com/
http://www.camaros.net/
http://www.camaros.org/
http://www.ssoa.net/index.shtml
http://www.chevytalk.com/

[Nick Blazanovic]

On Sun, 25 Feb 2001, C5vette01 wrote:

> However, Hot Rod Magazine and Camaro Performance are optimistic
> that the car will return in 2004. You can check out an artists
> rendering of the 2004 Camaro that appeared in the Winter 2000 issue of
> Camaro Performance at:
>
> http://members.home.com/spenko/future/2004_chevrolet_camaro_ss.jpg

> If you search for Camaro using internet search engine, you will find
> hundred of fan sites dedicated to the f-body. They may have more
> rumours posted on those sites.
>
> Here are a few to start you off.
>
> http://www.chevrolet.com/
> http://www.pontiac.com/
> http://www.tacreationsusa.com/
> http://www.thirdgen.org/
> http://www.performancess.com/
> http://www.camaroz28.com/savefbody/
> http://www.f-body.org/
> http://www.fl-fbody.com/SIGs/appearance/
> http://www.camaro-ss.com/
> http://www.camaros.net/
> http://www.camaros.org/
> http://www.ssoa.net/index.shtml
> http://www.chevytalk.com/

Thanks a bunch! I'll have to check these sites and see what sort of
information is available. It would truly be a shame if the Camaro and
Firebird were discontinued. Besides, Ford has a new Mustang on the way so
GM should offer them some competition.

Thanks again,

Nick

[Kirby]

Also, www.camaroz28.com has a 5th Gen Forum. Pretty interesting stuff
going on there. All rumors, but interesting. GM High Tech Performance
Magazine thinks 2005 is the year for the come back. So, a year or two
hiatus is the most common rumor. Motor Trend and others are saying the
next Camaro will be a RWD, V-8 only, retro coupe. The Firebird? Dead
according to the rumor mill. But, we will have to wait and see.

-Kirby

[Nick Blazanovic]

Hi! Thanks for that info. I hope that they don't go retro with the next
generation. The current one is the best looking of all the generations. I
like the Firebird and I think it would be a shame if it was to die. All
this retro styling does nothing for me. I like sleek, aerodynamic cars.

Nick

[Ty]

Nick Blazanovic wrote:

That's an interesting point and something I never understood about GM. Why do
you have to have (at least) two copies of everything! Why do the Camaro and
Firebird have to be clones? Take the Camaro the retro route and keep the
Firebird going along it's current lines. Seems to me if you have more
(different) cars then you can appeal to a more diversified customer base and
in turn get more market share.

Ty