Hybrid Camaro? Maybe
Lexus has dominated the market of "performance hybrids" so far, being the only manufacturer promoting the performance capabilities of their electrically-assisted offerings. Might Chevrolet take a similar path with their new Camaro? According to this article at The Car Connection, there is a possibility that the dual mode hybrid system is being considered for a high-end Camaro. Might the fastest Camaro also be the most fuel-friendly? Possibly, but it would likely be the most expensive as well.
Additionally, General Motors was planning on reducing the cost of their new Camaro based on the sheer amount of vehicles scheduled to use the platform. Now that fuel economy is such a big deal, all but the Pontiac G8 and aforementioned Camaro have likely been shelved. Therefore, the V8-powered Camaro might be more expensive than first thought. The more V8-powered Camaro models that GM sells, the worse it is for their CAFE number, so they might not have a choice when it comes to making a hybrid version.
Related:
- Dreaming of cruising Woodward Ave in a hybrid Chevy Camaro
- GM rear wheel drive programs back on track; Now with more MPG!
Gallery: Chevy Camaro Concept
[Source: The Car Connection via Autoblog]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kardax 1:22PM (2/04/2008)
CAFE doesn't mean V8s have to go away. Manufacturers can limit the demand by raising the price. They boost profit margins and keep regulatory approval... sounds like win-win to me.
It means that such vehicles will become more rare, however. Which, I suppose, is not something owners would complain about...
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LaughingMan 1:41PM (2/04/2008)
That makes a lot of sense Kardax. Car manufacturers get to stay within regulation, make more money, and elitist car guys who worship V8s or bigger get to keep doing that. Win-win-win.
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Chris M 2:14AM (2/05/2008)
Am I the only one that thinks the concept Camaro bears a striking resemblance to the concept Volt?
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Mike 5:24PM (2/05/2008)
If only Gm would do something about that beak! Reminds me of Eddie Murphy in "Norbert".
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gmporschenut 9:09PM (2/05/2008)
hmmm electric motor = lots of instant torque
nah that doesn't matter in a muscle car
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