Jump to content
Create New...

Rumorpile: Corvette and Camaro RHD Programs Are Go


Recommended Posts

Those who crave a V8 model from Holden might not need to wait too long after the current Commodore finishes its run. Motoring has learned from sources that GM has given the go-ahead on sending the next-generation Corvette and current Camaro to Australia.

The Corvette, which the report states will be the mid-engine model - will come as a right-hand drive model from the factory. The Camaro is a bit of a different story, however.

According to Motoring, the Camaro will be converted to right-hand drive via conversion process done by Walkinshaw Group - the people behind Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). Walkinshaw Group boss Ryan Walkinshaw and HSV's Tim Jackson were lobbying GM to back this project for a bit and it seems their efforts may have paid off. Mark Reuss, Executive Vice President of GM's global development and former head of Holden is said to be a fan of this project.

Why did Walkinshaw want GM's backing? This will give them discount pricing on Camaros they bring in. The report says Walkinshaw is aiming for sub-$90,000 AUD (about $71,000) pricetag for a high-spec SS version. 

Holden and HSV Dealers have been allegedly told about this plan.

HSV declined to comment on this report, but sources say an announcement is imminent. 

This could be only for the current generation Camaro. As reported back in March, GM is working on a right-drive version of the next-generation Camaro - due in 2021.

Source: Motoring.com.au


View full article

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wonder how much work is involved in ripping out the dash and pedals and reworking the auto to be right side driven? Seems this would be expensive and not worth it, but then the prices being paid there are crazy high too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

One would think the floorpan and firewall stampings would be different, along w/ changes to the steering rack, etc.    

Exactly, so are they going to cut out the floor area and weld in the type that is needed along with the fire wall? Seems a half ass job in my mind and not worth it from a price standpoint.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's funny that the cars weren't designed with LHD and RHD from the beginning...the German and Japanese car makers build RHD and LHD versions of models every day, a standard procedure.  It seems short-sighted not to develop new product to support both *if* it is intended to be a global product...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Why not design the Camaro and all other alpha platform cars to be right and left hand drive?  Like every German car, every Toyota, etc.  Makes sense to sell them in Australia as they need any sale volume they can get as coupe sales drop.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

It's funny that the cars weren't designed with LHD and RHD from the beginning...the German and Japanese car makers build RHD and LHD versions of models every day, a standard procedure.  It seems short-sighted not to develop new product to support both *if* it is intended to be a global product...

Maybe it was not intended to be a global product initially.  Perhaps the next-gen Camaro will be meant for both LHD and RHD.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search