Chevy’s Biggest Surprise Could Feature a Timeless Name But Appear Completely Different from the Original | Carscoops

      The bow-tie brand has a lot in store as it deals with obstacles in EV development and impending import duties.

      6 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      A Camaro sedan might compete with the Dodge Charger and the rumored Ford Mustang Mach 4.

      Chevrolet aims to introduce several new and refreshed models by the decade's close.

      The upcoming lineup will include more electric vehicles while maintaining its internal combustion offerings.

      Although Chevrolet is reducing its focus on traditional muscle cars, there remains a flicker of optimism for the future, as GM has indicated that the "Camaro story" is not over yet. Recent information suggests a sporty sedan could take the place of the coupe, likely debuting before the decade concludes. This is part of a wider strategy that includes revamped trucks and SUVs.

      The Camaro officially concluded its sixth generation in 2024, marking a significant moment in Chevrolet’s performance history. However, shortly after, GM President Mark Reuss provided an encouraging hint: the Camaro name could continue as an affordable electric vehicle.

      In a recent discussion with The Detroit News, Reuss outlined the key elements for a future Camaro as “beauty, a touch of functionality, and fun,” emphasizing Chevrolet’s capability to deliver this. His remarks, together with the dwindling U.S. sports car market, imply the next Camaro might differ quite a bit from its forerunner, perhaps featuring a more practical design.

      A Sporty Sedan Instead of a Coupe?

      Auto News has reported that Chevrolet is developing a "sporty sedan," which may debut in 2028. The specifics regarding its powertrain and its official ties to the Camaro remain uncertain. Nevertheless, it's easy to envision a four-door design drawing from Chevy’s muscle car legacy, set to compete with models like the Dodge Charger and the anticipated Ford Mustang Mach 4.

      The four-door sedan body would likely attract more buyers compared to a two-door coupe. Simultaneously, it would allow the model to replace both the discontinued Camaro and the eliminated Malibu. Regarding its powertrain, current market trends suggest a preference for hybrid or partially electrified traditional engines instead of a complete shift to electric at this time.

      Corvette’s Future: Still V8, Not Fully Electric

      The next generation C9 Corvette is projected to arrive in 2029 with a V8 engine. The company’s engineering executive recently claimed that a fully electric Corvette is “science fiction.” He also stated that a plug-in hybrid version is not feasible, with a standard hybrid being more appropriate for a sports car. However, prior to the C9’s launch, expect a new iteration of the C8, which could be even more high-performance than the hybrid ZR1X with 1,250 hp.

      The EV Transition: Slow and Steady

      Chevrolet is not rushing towards full electrification. With federal incentives diminishing and EV sales weakening in the U.S., the company seems committed to a versatile strategy encompassing various powertrains.

      However, as Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions notes, Chevrolet needs to provide options: "When Chevrolet competes with mainstream brands – Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota – they must offer enough choices for consumers interested in electric vehicles."

      GM’s approach towards future EVs will begin with the revamped Bolt, expected to start production by late 2025 at the Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas. According to Mark Reuss, the new Bolt will belong to a new “family of electric vehicles,” maintaining a price point similar to its predecessor, which started at $28,795.

      The forthcoming Bolt EV is anticipated to be joined by a new compact electric crossover, positioned below the Equinox EV. This model might also be produced at the Fairfax site beginning in 2028 or 2029.

      Updates Across the SUV and Truck Lineup

      The entry-level Trax crossover ranks among the most popular models in the U.S. market, but since it is manufactured in South Korea (Changwon), it is susceptible to Trump’s tariffs. Chevrolet may update it in 2026 and expedite the introduction of the next generation in 2028.

      To circumvent tariffs, Chevrolet plans to shift Blazer production from Mexico to Tennessee in 2027. This transition will likely align with a refreshed Blazer, potentially accompanied by an updated Blazer EV in 2027 or 2028.

      The three-row Traverse, currently assembled in Michigan, could also see a makeover around the same period, followed by updates to the smaller two-row Equinox and Equinox EV in 2028.

      Additionally, the Trailblazer, produced in South Korea (Incheon), may undergo a generational change in 2029, as the current version has been in production since 2020 and received a facelift in 2023.

      Chevrolet’s midsize Colorado truck is also anticipated to receive an update in 2029, while the long-running Express van, in production since 1996, is expected to continue until at least 2026. Eventually,