With so much hype thrown around regarding the 2009 (or will it be a 2010?) Chevy Camaro, one has to wonder how much excitement will there be when (or if) the Camaro ever actually hits showroom floors.
Let's face it, with so much development time already spent, and so many "leaked" spy photos that Bob Lutz himself ordered that no more camouflage be used on test vehicles, will the next Camaro be just another blip on the radar of well intentioned GM cars that were executed horribly?
I am not a huge GM fan, but the initial photos and prototypes had me excited that perhaps there is a GM car in the future that I might consider, but - we are 3+ years into "development," everyone and their mother has seen this car in some way shape or form. Does it still have what it takes to generate excitement and buzz within the industry?
In talking with Agent 001 yesterday regarding his experience thus far with the new X6, he said the one thing that stood out to him was just the sheer level of excitement and energy that the car generated by the crowds of people reacting to it. Granted, the X6 may not be everybodys cup of tea, but that is not the point, the excitement and discussion spurred on by that vehicle is a dream every manufacturer fantasizes about. The debate over the X6 vs. Range Rover drew huge crowds of people commenting for or against each vehicle and why.
I am not convinced the Camaro has the draw anymore. Don't get me wrong, I think GM has turned a corner in terms of quality, their new CTS is proof positive of that, but being able to capture the hype and excitement of a vehicle is a window that is small to begin with, and closes rapidly.
I am appealing directly to Bob Lutz here in saying, bring the Camaro to market NOW, and get working on it's replacement TODAY. While hardcore Camaro enthusiast will buy the Camaro no matter when you release it, the rest of the automotive public is yawning, bored silly of seeing the same prototypes time and again and frustrated by not being able to get their hands on the vehicles.
And let's face it, who wants to show up at a auto show with a car the manufacturer has been driving there for years?
Bring the Camaro to market now, and get working on the replacement. If the Camaro has a shelf life of 5-6 years, 3 of those have already been spent teasing us with prototypes.
What do you think???