GM’s next-generation Alpha platform provides the basis for Chevrolet to revive its iconic pony car.
General Motors isn’t shying away from its exclusive rear-wheel drive platform, which could be the start of the new Camaro. According to the enthusiast website, Authority of GMAGeneral is preparing the next-generation Alpha chassis for future Cadillac models.
But while there have been no concrete hints about a Camaro revival, previous Alpha platform variants have been the backbone of the pony car since its original revival in 2010.
By implication, with the Alpha platform continuing, this could open the door to a seventh-generation Camaro.
To Alpha and beyond
Some time ago, Cadillac told its dealers that the current CT5 was ending. – Credit: Cadillac
Some time ago, GM announced in a letter to its dealer network that it was discontinuing production of the BMW 3 and 5 Series fighters, the CT4 and CT5. In the same letter, Cadillac global vice president John Roth confirmed that the CT5 will be followed up.
The new CT5 means GM needs a new platform to support the next model, which in this case is the next-generation Alpha 2-2. According to Authority of GMABut the next-generation CT5 won’t be the only car built on the newly revised platform.
The CT5 is one of the models that uses GM’s rear-wheel drive Alpha platform. – Credit: Cadillac
When GM develops new architectures for future vehicles, the company often does so with economies of scale in mind. In other words, create as many architecture models as possible.
This is to ensure maximum return on investment and thereby maximize the benefits of the platform. Also, with the new Alpha 2-2, another CT4 could also be in the works.
But more than that, it could also mean that a new Camaro could be on the way.
Common rear wheel drive
The latest Camaro also uses the Alpha platform. – Credit: Chevrolet
While the rumor should be taken with a grain of salt, it was only last year that Chevy discontinued its iconic pony car.
That’s because the original Alpha platform has essentially reached the end of its useful life, having been introduced back in 2012. It replaced GM’s previous rear-wheel drive platform, the Zeta, which was for the Australian Holden division.
When in 2010 Chevy’s revival of the Camaro has opened up a new chapter in fun vehicles for the Detroit automaker. – Credit: Chevrolet
The Alpha platform also allowed GM to reintroduce rear-wheel-drive cars to the States after decades of front-wheel-drive passenger cars. The reintroduction of rear-engined cars also strengthened GM’s interests and reputation for making fun cars.
One of those cars was the iconic and retro fifth-generation Camaro from 2010 to 2015, which was a huge success.
The retro-styled fifth-generation Camaro was an instant success when it was launched. – Credit: Chevrolet
When in 2015 Chevy replaced the fifth-generation Camaro, the Golden Bowtie used GM’s then-relatively new Alpha platform for its successor. This original Alpha platform was the basis for the first generation Cadillac ATS, the third and final generation CTS. It was also the basis for their replacements, the current but soon to be discontinued CT4 and CT5.
The Camaro also uses the Alpha for its sixth and final generation. Given that Alpha is once again reviving the next-generation model line, there’s a good chance it could spawn a seventh-generation Camaro.
Ford and Dodge march unchallenged
The Big Three pony car trifecta isn’t complete without the Chevrolet-built Camaro. – Credit: Chevrolet
While GM cites poor sales on the Camaro’s back end, it’s disappointing to see its rivals, the Ford Mustang and Dodge Charger, continue without any direct competition from Detroit. Also, the Ford and Chevy and Dodge in the world of passenger cars is one of the most iconic cars in racing history.
Without a pony car from the Golden Bowtie, that Big Three trifecta isn’t complete enough to sustain that competition. While GM could also be looking for ways to compete with the Ford Mustang Mach-E, it would still be nice to see the regular combustion-powered Camaro come back from the dead and turn it up to eleven.
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