Camaro, yeah, it’s a pig compared to an A4 or something like that. But we need to take a better look at the assumptions and learn the truth.

Many older (and some newer) American cars handle like battleships. But take a look at the ‘Vette and the Viper ACR. Compare their handling to that of Europe’s finest, and you’ll find the Americans are right up there. AWD doesn’t immediately equal great handling (although it does help). One fact that I think is quite amusing is that the Nissan GT-R (with AWD) actually beats the Viper ACR to 60mph with the launch control on, but the Viper ACR actually has better lateral acceleration, better braking and a higher slalom speed. That’s totally opposite of the reputations.

Quality? That all depends on what you consider to be “quality”. Some people look at fit and finish, others look at reliability, others look at design, and others look at the ease of mechanics. There are more categories, too. If you’re talking fit and finish, well, I’ll give you that one. If you’re talking something like ease of mechanics, no Euro car will touch the Americans in that regard. Ever try to change a belt in a Euro car and then an American car? Olds will tell you all about that one. Reliability? I don’t think the current muscle cars are any worse or better than their Euro counterparts. The trouble is, in Europe, Camaro maintenance is pricey, whereas here, Euro maintenance is pricey.

Mileage? That can be a good arguing point. Whereas higher displacement yields lower economy in the city, the constant working of the smaller engines gives you lower highway economy at the same cruising speed. High displacement engines don’t work very hard on the highways, and can climb steep hills without shifting gears, meaning better economy during those times. I think one would find the two to be about equal. Choose according to the needs.

However, there is a major stigma in Europe against American muscle cars, and because of this GM should have the Cobalt on their shores instead of the Camaro. Both options would be an even better choice.

Camaro, Mustang, Challenger: they don’t work in Europe. They cost a lot to maintain. Even their smallest engine options are huge. They handle like boats, and we here in Europe have something that is called corner, therefore we need better handling cars. No wonder hot hatches are the sports cars of Europe, they weight nothing, are very practical, get good gas mileage and are easy to park. Muscle cars on the other hand weight a lot, their practicality is a joke, good mileage is unthinkable and their huge.
Chevy, if you want to sell cars in Europe, bring the Cobalt here, the Camaro won’t do any good

someone who can’t afford an expensive sportscar also can’t afford the monthly costs that come with a muscle car. the cheap sportscar segment in Europe is populated by hot hatches for a reason.

the V6 Camaro might have a chance if they keep it under 30.000 € with taxes.

If you haven’t noticed everything European roughly the Camaro’s size weight at least 200 lbs more unless you pay the equivalent of $100K for it, then it omits that 200 or so pounds and has the driving manners of a cup racer, which unless you mean to use it as such is a very lousy idea. And I don’t think gas taxes will be that much of an issue. Although I doubt the big V8 will be a common engine in Europe, mainly with the well heeled looking for something butch. I would expect the V6 to be the norm even more than in the US.

S2L2SC @ 7/06, 1:27pm

Not every European car in Europe is as masterfully built as you might imagine. Don’t get me wrong the upper quarter are impressive and nearly perfect, but that would be cars you only get to see in photos or have someone staring at you like you are not welcome while you do. That still leaves the other 75% that is passable to crap and unless you really haven’t been paying attention, DETROIT has been making huge improvements. I would put most newer GMs and FORDs o the upper 80 percental or higher. In fact, I found most Mercedes, for example, including the S-class, to be no better than a Camary or a Fusion. Fancier like night and day but not really better.

Borat @ 07/06, 4:53

And you think a turbo four making 300+ hp is any better? Unless they are withholding something, to the US market, the last time I checked most such cars manage barely more than 25mpg, the EVO X getting maybe 26mpg, hiding only passing gas mileage behind a tiny engine to avoid taxes. With the V8, the Camaro can do the same. But skipping that the V6 will get up to 29mpg. Someone mentioned a Diesel option, I would not put it past them, I just wish GM would do the same in the US, even a slightly re-tuned Duramax would be a keen option.

All the same, I would expect the CAMARO to be a big seller in EUROPE. It’s too bloody AMERICAN for those limp-wristed, qeesh-eating, panty-wastes to ever really understand the joy of driving a car powered with a healthy dose of Testosterone and not have to pay a fortune for the opportunity. They, like a lot of haters, spend too much time b!tching about the car they can get while worshiping the car they never could and never will.

To answer the question above, i maybe have seen 2 or 3 times in my life a vette in France. It’s somewhat more common in Germany, along with the ford mustang. if you’re lucky you can see one or two of them in a month on the autobahn, but american muscle cars are not a hit in Europe.

In my opinion, If GM wants a chance to sell the camaro in Europe, they will have to retain the american price tag. A chevrolet camaro for 22k euros, Yes bring it here !!!

- Yeah, don’t know how this will jive by them unless it gets like a 2.0T hahaha rofl

GM won’t be able to keep up with the demand

Ya?– kind of like how spell check can’t keep up with your awesome writing ability?

GM. An American Revolution