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This new platform actually has more names than we can keep track of. We’ve also heard it referred to as “Global Mini” and “GMDAT-M.”

While the Matiz and Spark should start production in Spring of 2009, the timing on the Chevy Beat still remains unclear.

Given the current desire for more fuel efficient and smaller cars, should GM Holden bring the new Matiz to Australia? If so, should it be sold under the Chevrolet brand (which is expected to launch in Australia soon) or Holden?

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Its boldly styled sweeping roofline, shallow rear-pillars and wrap around headlights compliment the restrained use of exterior trim giving it a clean, unfussy appearance.

“Our goal with the design of the Cruze was to be bold, not evolutionary,” said chief designer Taewan Kim. “We wanted to take a big step forward, making a strong design statement for Chevrolet products around the world.”

Inside, the car features a twin-cockpit design, with the centre console ergonomically divided for both driver and passenger alike - a styling cue taken from various iconic Chevrolet performance cars.

Three engines will be available at the time of launch - an 82kw 1.6-litre and 103kW 1.8-litre petrol models and a 110kW 2.0-litre common-rail turbo diesel.

Its introduction will strengthen an already impressive European portfolio, which saw a 23 percent growth in the first half of 2008.

“We are very proud that Europe is leading the introduction for this global product,” said Wayne Brannon, Executive Director, Chevrolet Europe. “Chevrolet has always stood for expressive value, and Cruze delivers on that promise like never before. It redefines value with its quality, design, materials and great style both inside and out.”

The Cruze is likely to fall under the Holden nameplate as the replacement for the aging - and bland - Viva model.

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The document, which appeared the 5thGen.org Camaro fan site, outlines the various trim levels and option packages available for customers.

The 3.6-litre V6 engine, which features direct injection and Variable Valve Timing (VVT), is standard on LS and LT models, with a projected 223kW of power and 370Nm.

The flagship SS model is available with two variants of the 6.2-litre V8 power plant.

The first is the L99 variation which produces 300kW and 535Nm, and incorporates Active Fuel Management and VVT technology for improved economy.

The second is the high-performance LS3 engine as featured in the HSV line-up which develops an estimated 315kW and 552Nm.

An Aisin six-speed manual is standard fitment with the V6-powered LS and LT models, with an optional six-speed automatic available for both V6 variants and the L99-equipped SS.

The LS3 SS exclusively features the Tremec six-speed manual transmission to complement its performance credentials.

A final noteworthy component is the four-piston front and rear Brembo brake package, standard for the SS.

Source: 5thGen

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“If we don’t get Holden support for RHD then it won’t happen, it’s as simple as that,” Mr Stefanyshyn told CarAdvice.

He added that the decision would be made within the next two months and said he doubted the other RHD markets around the world would have the numbers to influence a decision without Australia.

Asked what sort of numbers General Motors needed to support a RHD program he said, based on work done before the current oil-price surge, the company needed to build about 4000 vehicles a year.

When we suggested that GM Holden shouldn’t have too much trouble selling half that number in Australia he said it agreed with empirical evidence from other sources.

“But we do need to sit down and crunch the numbers and get a handle on just how many cars the Premium Channel thinks it can sell here.”

The Car would be sold in Australia as a Chevrolet and as such would come under the marketing control of GM Premium Channel, the division that handles brands such as Saab, Hummer and Cadillac.

It’s no secret that the Camaro, engineered in Australia but to be built in Canada and primarily sold in the US, is based on a shortened and modified Zeta platform, the underpinnings of the VE Commodore and has been engineered from the start to be built in either left-hand or right-hand drive.

“The main decisions we need to make is whether we go out and buy the bits needed to build it in right-hand drive, it’s already completely engineered for it,” Mr Stefanyshyn said.

The UK market is the next biggest potential market after Australia and Vauxhall has already demonstrated that there is a steady market for Monaro and re-branded HSV models in Britain.

Although it was never seriously marketed there enthusiasts would have strong memories of the iconic ‘60s and ‘70s Camaros and would most likely support the vehicle.

The big challenge is rising fuel prices and the growing pressures against high-carbon emitting vehicles in Europe, which is sure to limit the appeal of the Camaro over its model life.

South Africa, Japan and then a string of very minor markets make up the rest of the right-hand driving world.

Mr Stefanyshyn and his team really want the Australian motoring public to show a lead and decide whether the Camaro will make it here as the first factory imported Chevrolet since the BelAir in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.

Want to make your views known, then vote in our Poll.

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With growing emphasis toward greener modes of transportation and fuel costs soaring, it is easy to assume the Z28 met its death at the hands of an accountant.

For now, punters will have to make do with the LS3 V8 engine from the HSV line-up in the Camaro SS which develops a far more sedate 300kW.

Regardless, closer to home we have a completely different issue to face with the Camaro - that it may never be seen on local roads at all.

Would you support the sale of the Camaro in Australia? How should GM market the retro invasion - with a Chevrolet bow-tie? A Holden badge? Maybe even under the HSV flag?

With essentially the same underpinnings as the VE Commodore, what premium would you expect to pay over its four-door Australian cousin - if at all?

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We first saw this car at the 2007 New York International Auto Show.

The car is powered by a small but turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine and driven via an automatic transmission.

GM says the Beat along other small cars it has shown of recently showcase the company’s intentions in the subcompact segment.

Click through to the next page for a more comprehensive gallery.

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CarAdvice is attending the launch of the new Epica in the very near future. Expect a full review of the new car soon.

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 Read our review of the Holden Captiva.

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The sinister black Camaro was parked on the forecourt of GM Holden HQ with a collection of earlier Camaro’s including the 1969 Camaro SS of reigning V8 Supercar Champion Garth Tander.

Tander, a Camaro enthusiast, told CarAdvice he would be “very happy” to add a new Camaro to his collection, should GM decide to build the car in right-hand drive.

GM Holden says the new Camaro exemplifies GM’s global development process with the design concept originating in the United States; engineering directed by GM’s global rear-wheel-drive team in Australia; validation conducted on roads around the world; and assembly to take place in Canada.

With GM’s global rear-wheel drive team based in Australia, much of the design and engineering work for the new Camaro, which uses a modified version of the Zeta platform originally developed for the VE Commodore, was undertaken in Victoria, giving this vehicle an important place in Australia’s automotive history.

Australian, Peter Hughes, Camaro Exterior Design Manager, said they made sure there were many elements and cues that remained distinctly Camaro to make the new model instantly recognisable.

“We’re incredibly proud of how faithful the production version is to the original concept. This is a 21st century sports car that acknowledges its iconic heritage, while at the same time is smoothly integrated into a very contemporary exterior,” Mr Hughes said.

Details such as frameless door windows contribute to the overall feeling of quality, substance and technical prowess.

Mr Hughes said a well-executed balance of heritage, modern design and attention to detail also characterises the Camaro’s interior. A pair of deeply recessed instrument binnacles that feature round gauges in square housings gives a nod to classic Camaros.

Large, chrome-trimmed controls, low-gloss surfaces and premium fabric or acrylic appliqués convey a richness that is unprecedented in previous Camaro models – and challenge its contemporary competitors.

Advanced power train technologies, including engines with direct injection and Active Fuel Management, give the vehicle a balance of exhilarating performance and good fuel economy.

Gene Stefanyshyn, GM’s Global Vehicle Line Executive, who led the Australian-based engineering team on this project, said they had four key objectives when creating the new Chevrolet Camaro.

“The first was to create a bold and beautifully styled vehicle – inside and out. The second was to ensure it had the ride, handling and performance dynamics of a true sports car. The third was to create a vehicle, which boasts pristine quality.

Finally, we wanted to back all this with outstanding value,” Stefanyshyn said.

“This vehicle exhibits the depth and capability of our Design and Engineering teams here in
Australia and I am incredibly proud of what they have achieved to help make this vehicle a reality.”

Under the bonnet of the new Camaro is an advanced, efficient 3.6L direct-injected V-6 with variable valve timing, which is standard on LS and LT models. Direct injection technology helps the engine deliver more power through increased efficiency, while maintaining fuel economy and lowering hydrocarbon emissions.

Click on the image to see a video of the new Camaro revving at the Melbourne reveal.

The high-performance Camaro SS is equipped with a powerful 6.2L V-8, with a choice of a six- speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Standard, manual transmission-equipped models receive the LS3 engine, which uses high-flow cylinder heads based on the Corvette Z06’s LS7 engine enabling great low-end torque and high- rpm power.

A new, L99 V-8 engine is used on automatic transmission-equipped SS models. This is based on the LS3 and carries all of its high-performance design features, but also includes GM’s fuel-saving Active Fuel Management feature. This enables the engine to run on only four cylinders during light-load driving conditions, such as highway cruising, to improve fuel economy.

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