Mustang/Camaro Battle Will Return

Many of you muscle car fans have been deprived of something very dear to you since the discontinuation of the Camaro in 2002. But, beginning in 2009, you will have your beloved Mustang/Camaro rivalry once again. Yes, it's official, Rick Wagoner announced Aug. 10th that the Camaro will go into production in early 2009 with all the makings of the perfect Mustang fighter.

Here's what we know: GM will build the Camaro on a version of the new RWD platform being developed in Australia by Holden with an independent rear suspension (something the Mustang lacks). There will be both V6 and V8 versions to satisfy all ends of the financial spectrum, each offered with either a manual or automatic transmission. There is a distinct possibility of a convertible version to compete with the Mustang convertible. Unfortunately, for those Pontiac fans, there is no word yet on the possibility of a Firebird model. But, with Pontiac's commitment to a fully RWD lineup, there is a good chance a Firebird will find it's way into production. Most guesses place the 2009 Camaro's styling very similar to the concept considering it received rave reviews when introduced at this years Detroit auto show.

At the unveiling, GM's Rick Wagoner expressed great thanks for the support he found for the Camaro in the blogging community. While he specifically mentioned GM's FastLane blog, we all know the support for the Camaro was overwhelming; it was unthinkable for GM to not make the Camaro. But it's done, so now we can all lay back and wait...and wait...and wait...until the Camaro enters dealerships once again in 2009.