Camaro outcry

A few of our readers suggested they'd prefer a new Monaro and one guy even said he'd like the Torana to be resurrected [Ed: Viva wasn't enough?]. Meanwhile, we've forwarded your responses to GM Holden and we'll publish the company's reply soon...

For me it's simple. My next new car will be a two-door muscle car. If GM (Camaro), Ford (Mustang) or even Chrysler (Challenger) fail to act on introducing these cars then I will keep my money in the bank.
First in best dressed. GM should be able to produce a RHD Camaro pretty quick and be first to deliver.
Peter Hanrahan

I buy Jaguar -- in fact I have three -- why? Because I have no reason to go into a GM showroom but I would like to.
Both Ford and GM in Australia have never really understood the untapped demand for two-door hard top and soft top cars in Australia. One only has to look at what is privately imported and now also through import brokers to see what the market wants.
Don't be shy with the Camaro -- have a go -- you might be surprised with the reaction. Parts etc -- off the net is fine -- you do not need to have service departments everywhere with every bit one may need.
Philip Endersbee

Just do it GM... And while you're at it, get the Coupe 60 happening. Time's wasting
Robert Pama

Everyone who is ready to buy one should let GM know so they can estimate demand.
I would place a deposit for one immediately that it is announced that they are coming in RHD
I'm willing to pay up to $80K for a 2SS but I'm not willing to pay $120-140K to an importer for one though.
Matt

Holden releasing the Camaro = faith in the car industry. With the economy improving the best way to show the world and Australia would be to release this iconic masterpiece.
Chris Corderoy

I don't care how much Commodore there is in the Camaro. NO THANKS!
It's an American icon and I want an Aussie icon. I want a MONARO.
James Martin

Monaro not Camaro. Coupe 60 is awesome.
Rufus

Importing the Camaro through Holden channels would be great addition to the car market. Look at how successful the 300C was for Chrysler.
I have to say that I would definitely put my name down on a pre-order list if they decided to import and retail below $80K.
Darren Webster

If Holden can sell the new Caprice which has a 6L V8 for $80,000 then why do they think they will struggle to sell a modern classic like the Camaro?
Obviously the Caprice is not intended for economical fuel consumption so the theory on a more eco-friendly Holden has gone out the window along with any excuse for bringing in the Camaro. The Camaro also offers a V6 version for the more eco-aware consumer.
With the slowly declining economy of Australia (however secret it may be) Holden can be one of the few companies who raise their hand to help Australia, by with all conversions to be taken here on Australian soil Holden can boost our economy and allow Australians to be proud of their iconic brand.
There is no need to worry about marketing as Transformers has already provided more than enough advertisement and enticed a worldwide market to own “Bumblebee”, the only thing left to do is slap a price tag on it.
With the fall of the Holden Monaro Australia is just itching for a new aged muscle coupe, and we all love our big V8s. Ford neglected to introduce the new Mustang into Australia due to similar reasons as Holden and if Holden really wishes to get in front of the curb the Camaro will blow any competitor out of the water.
Phil Lomby

This is probably our last chance to get a real two-door V8 muscle car in Australia before all the greenies have us driving a Prius.
I love my Clubbie but would trade it straight away for the Camaro.
David Kneen

The new Camaro MUST be sold in Australia. It will not be in competition to the SS or SS-V -- in fact it will help.
All those young guys (and girls) looking for an ultra sexy two-door will pass by the 370Z and get the Camaro, fall in love with the V8 power and get the SS sedan once the stork arrives.
Matt

Holden needs a good coupe; one that appeals to a wide variety of purchasers and the Camaro would be just the ticket.
Jamie Evans

Holden did a lot of the engineering work here in Australia and the platform is based on our current Commodore. If it wasn't for Australian engineers, this car would of never get off the ground.
So since Holden designed and engineered it, we Australians should be able to have the chance to buy and have fun with it.
Really this Camaro is more Australian than American.
Robert

Q. Why Import the Camaro?
A. Because I will buy one if they do!
What more justification could they want: average hard working Aussies, willing to put their hard earned dollars up for one!
Graeme Cooper

There is no reason why Holden wouldn't sell just as many Camaros as they did Monaros.
TJ

Get it out here! We have no Monaro, no real two-door, street credible V8 and Australia needs it!
I JUST NEED ONE
Tim O'Neil-Shaw

Holden should bring the Camaro to Oz. I'd buy one as it was developed here and we must be doing something right if we're selling rear-drive V8s to the USA. Ice to Eskimos?
Derrick

I have recently sold my cars and would buy two Camaros if Holden brought them out, one to modify and one as a daily driver. I have owned a 60s Camaro and a 91 Z28 so my future in cars lies in the Camaro.
Imagine my reaction when Holden was planning to bring it to Australian and imagine my disappointment when it was announced they will not bring it to Australia!
Michael

I buy new Holdens now because I was a massive Peter Brock fan when I was a kid in the 80s. Who knows, if I had of followed Dick Johnson back then I might be driving a new Ford every three years.
Brand identity is something that Holden, Ford and other manufacturers spend millions of dollars on each year and what drove me to Holden is that I thought they were cool.
Bring the Camaro in now and you could be locking in a whole new generation of loyal Holden fans.
Tim Daly

Why not bring them in! They are the best looking car ever produced!
We sent the Monaro to the states, now they can repay the favour and bring out the Camaro in Australia as the NEW MONARO! Please Holden; please bring this awesome car to Australia so we can appreciate REAL MUSCLE!
Jordan

Quite basically, the current items for sale by both GM and Ford -- yes they're both doing it! -- are nothing new to the market... you'd think sales would've dropped? Oh, wait...
Being developed with the "family man or woman" in mind, with the same basic layout, V8, four-door, just with a sticker pack or something as equally as boring to differentiate between models!
I died a little inside when they stopped producing the Monaro and HSV ('I just want to yawn') made faster, heavier sedans and frankly that doesn't to anything to impress me at all, nor does it even turn my head when it wafts past on the street...
A 1969 Camaro stills turns heads and a new Camaro would only result in bringing back midnight fantasies of Megan Fox checking under the hood in Transformers, brilliant!
So, bring on the plastic and the small sun visors, because the general population who don't have children to worry about (even though the Camaro will make allowances for this) have the means and the desire to buy a performance coupe, instead of looking to Japan for a grey import, or to Europe where they spend twice the amount and still don't have the top model!
Camaro, 'I'd buy one'.
Grant Bewert

Bring back the Monaro. It makes sense to rebadge the Camaro.
‘Bumble Bee'

I have owned three Impreza WRX STi's (MY01, 03, 06), four Evos (6.5, 7, 8MR, 9), a 350Z, a Z4 and 525i but NEVER EVER even considered buying a R8 or a GTS.
BUT if the Camaro is coming to Oz just show me where to sign and you've sold your first one. Please don't try to go over the price of $70k though.
Reasonable? Here's my number if you don't think I'm serious [number withheld].
Anthony Lee

A friend of mine sent me the link to this article. It has now ruined my day, as I can only think of what if? What if Holden did decide to release a local version?
I would probably have to take time off work to camp at the local dealer's door to ensure I didn't miss out!
So thanks for ruining a perfectly miserable Monday. I must now hunt down the man responsible for sending me the link.
Matthew Boardman

I believe Holden should import the Camaro, not to be a replacement/renaming venture for the Monaro as this would upset many die-hard fans. I too saw a number of Camaros on a recent trip to the States and agree that it is one great looking car. Didn't get to drive one though.
So please Holden, import the Camaro as I know I will be lining up to get one.
Adrian

Bringing the Camaro here would be awesome, just as long as it stays a Chevy and not rebadged as a Holden.
GM should bring this and Cadillac here as its premium brands now that Saab and Hummer are out of its control.
Nathan

I fully support the sale of Camaro in Australia. To what extent? My name is Paul Rowland and my number is [number withheld], if a GMH sales person rings me I'll place an order...
Paul Rowland

One Word... PLEASE!
Jeshua

I am ready to buy one... Holden bring it in the country and I will place an order today...
Lee Miller

GM Australia has a real winner on their hands here, which would compete with European two-door desirable cars and most likely outsell them.
Especially something like a car with such a name that clearly would be desired and purchased by many. Even in limited release.
Chris Sav

Holden should bring the Camaro and I will definitely buy one. A nice red SS please... GM, start a business case ASAP.
Alex Young

Bring it to Australia. Having been able to hire a Camaro on holidays in the US, it's so much better than you would expect and certainly puts a smile on your face.
Best thing to come out of GM in decades.
Dino

I believe that building a car like W427 was one of the biggest mistakes Holden ever made (or HSV for that matter)... The current E2 series vehicles are using the LS3 engines, which of course would need to be upgraded some time in the future with a new motor.
Now putting an LS7 motor into their "halo" car, i.e. the W427, has almost left them with no options for future upgrades... They introduce the upcoming models with an LS7, and the W427 loses its worth. They put an LS9 into their future models, and that would again render their "halo" car worthless...
I don't see any other way around this imbroglio for GM but to introduce a model (be it Camaro) besides the commodore, and fettle it with the upgraded and more exciting LS7 and/or LS9 motors... Because at some point they WILL have to upgrade...
Nauman

I want the Camaro to come. I bought an SS just over a year ago and am waiting eagerly for the Camaro so I can trade up to a real muscle car.
Come on Holden Bring it to OZ...
Chris Rix

Bring the Camaro here please... my cheque book is ready
Mic Burnett

This is 100 per cent the way to go. The Monaro was a smash hit, far outselling initial expectations in Australia alone.
Some examples even fetch collector type prices (CV8Z 6.0 anyone?) and demand for these types of vehicles would far outstrip the limited supply.
If Holden is all about diversifying its products, then this would make an excellent halo car that would bring people from outside the normal brand demographic.
Price it similarly to a 370Z and watch the orders flow. I'll place an order when you guys tell me I can have one. Just give me a good trade in on my 02 M5....
Joshua Davis

My last two car purchases were as a direct result of the Camaro.
I bought an Astra SRi early in 2007, believing it would tide me over until Camaro was released locally. It was a good car but I only ever saw it as a stop-gap.
When it became clear that a RHD Camaro was not going to happen, I looked elsewhere for a long-term new car (bought an Alfa a few months ago).
If Holden were to bring the Camaro here, I can guarantee them a sale some time in 2011 -- V6 manual would be fine with me.
Keep up the campaign!
Warren B

Holden creates the same shit boring designs for how many years now?
The Challenger is sex on wheels compared to the dime-a-dozen Commodores that flood Holden dealerships.
Bring in a new flavour and look for Australia's sake. I guarantee this car will get sold like hot potatoes.
Chris Nascimento

I'm not a Holden fan. But this is one car I'd love to see on sale in Australia.
Because of the odd make up of our market we get stuck with tarted up bread and butter cars.
Someone please bring us an affordable hero car.
John Nihill

I would pay a non refundable deposit today, even if they were $65, 000. (This surprises me though as on a recent trip to the States they are selling them from $30K U.S and we not that far from parity).
Anyway, I will happily park a 2010 model next to my pristine '69 model... Would have to feel sorry for those that have put the hard yards in to convert them and flog them here though.
Rod

I fully support the contents of this article, and personally desire one of these machines.
I have a '65 Corvette, and the Camaro would complement it perfectly!
Gordon Henry

Have a look around at what you can buy at the moment... boring... show some flare! Give us a dare!
Build the RHD Camaro!
Peter Nunn

The Camaro (and in particular Camaro SS) would do well if the pricing were set below the LCT level. Otherwise this would be the same flop like the Mustang earlier this decade.
Greg Stanley

It's as simple as HSV, I just want one!
Patrick Lovely

PLEASE BRING THE CAMARO! I wouldn't buy any other Holden! Come on do it for Australia! We need HERO car!!
Marco Dardano

I agree totally, and I think the same argument applies to the Ford Mustang.
Rob Filipe

I would not hesitate to buy a V8 Camaro for under $100K, support a local racing series and hope that HSV can fire something up using the new car.
Stephen Pashalidis

Too right they should be bringing them to Australia. I believe they would draw people to showrooms as well.
The fact that we helped develop the new Camaro should count for something.
After we lost our beloved Monaro in 2005 we need some more muscle cars to choose from!
Neil

I agree, why would you not import it?
There are people buying it for $120,000. I would not pay this price but I would pay $65,000 for sure!
But don't you dare rebadge it if you do import it in the future.
Robert Walz

Finally, someone with commonsense. I love you guys for publishing this.
How wrong would it be to sell this car for $120,000 what a bunch of jokers, you would push so many people out of the market it's not funny.
Holden needs to stop sitting on their hands and get up listen to what customers' demands are and WE THE CUSTOMERS WANT CAMARO TO BE SOLD IN AUSTRALIA.
Don't even bother arguing on this!
Nenad Radic

Any more than two doors an it's just another taxi. Bring back sexy coupes.
Ben Mclean

Bring it to Australia -- we need more muscle cars. The car costs US$36,000 and I would pay AU$80,000 for one.
Victor

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