CAMARO GETS GO-AHEAD FOR 2009

It's not absolutely official (yet), but the word out of the TOWERS in Detroit is that the 2009 Camaro has been given the green light by those who matter. While Rick Wagoner spends his time bitching to the LA TIMES editorial bored, uh, board, about "leaks" from GM to the media about the maybe-merger with Renault/Nissan (blaming new GM board member Jerry York, favorite of Kirk Kerkorian, who now owns about 8% or so of GM and DCX), at least SOMEONE there is, maybe, thinking about product. The only question: Will Camaro be yet-another cooled-over version of one of Australia/GM's Holden Division's new models? Just two weeks back, Holden intro'd their all new line-up of rear-drive, V8-powered sedans and coupes. (Photo: Camaro concept at LA Auto Show, By Steve Parker).

Remember all the luck the most recent Pontiac GTO had, the car which was the brainchild of evidently small-brained Bob Lutz, the 74-year old GM product guru? And, perhaps not coincidentally, a car which was --- yes --- a cooled-over version of a Holden equipped with the Corvette drivetrain? GM sold so many GTOs (sarcasm), that after three years, the model has already been discontinued --- Even as GM keeps paying for 1/2 hour long TV spots for GTO claiming that it's a great race car.

Guess GM thinks GTO just isn't such a great street car. (Photos: Camaro concept at Detroit Auto Show).