GM Renames Camaro to 'Ke Mai Luo' in China, Priced from $76,400!

At next month’s Auto Shanghai in China, General Motors will launch the local market version of its flamboyant pony car, the latest generation of the Chevrolet Camaro - but with a twist; it will carry a different name in China. “The Camaro will have a sonorous Chinese name — 科迈罗 (Ke Mai Luo),” said GM in a statement today without giving any further explanations. And yes, just for the fun of it, we tried Google translate but nothing interesting came other than this (if you separate the words): ‘Section Main Luo.’

The Chevy Ke Mai Luo will be launched in China with the 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 engine at a base price of around RMB 500,000, equal to about US$76,400 or roughly three times the price of the Camaro V6 in the States ($22,680).

The Detroit automaker said than in recent years, China's luxury sports car segment is booming and that the market for cars priced between RMB 400,000 and 800,000 grew 141% in 2010.

“At present, this segment is dominated by cars with European design. The Camaro, with its “masculine” styling, will be a welcome addition” GM stated.

U.S.-SPEC 2011 CHEVROLET CAMARO

Honey, I Shrunk the Camaro: VW Beetle-based 1970 Camaro Z28 Replica

Some replicas are outrageous because they use such unworthy underpinnings in their attempt to clone iconic cars. This here Beetle-based Camaro Z28 replica is a prime example. The all-fiberglass miniature "muscle car" has a Beetle chassis, frame, floor and 1.6-liter engine with dual carbs. The latter was recently freshened up - always according to the seller.
Even though it's a replica, the mini Camaro does have a few original Chevrolet components. These would be the 15x8 rally wheels and 1970 Camaro lights and bumpers.
The car's owner says these replicas were built back in the '70s (and are very rare), which could explain the weird choice of chassis: it was a ver cheap solution. The car is said to look and run good, mainly because it was stored since 1994.
The car is street legal, so you can buy it and drive it away, but forgive me for not finding one good reason to do so.
It's being sold on a number of specialty websites, with prices ranging between US $4,150-6,500. Wonder what's up with that... Whatever the cost, I'd never go for something like this. Even the idea of associating the Beetle with the Camaro is revolting, not to mention the heresy.

By Csaba Daradics

Link: Collectorcars

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2010 SEMA Awards: Not Surprisingly, Detroit's Three Score a Hat Trick

The organizers of the SEMA show have announced the winners of the very first SEMA Award contest for the hottest and most popular car, truck and 4x4 -SUV models at this year's edition of aftermarket event in Las Vegas. According to SEMA, the inaugural award recognizes the most tuner-friendly new models, based on the number of vehicles exhibited at the show.
The winners for each category were the Chevrolet Camaro (Cars), Ford F-Series (Trucks) and the Jeep Wranger (4x4 -SUV) - and thereby making all three Detroit automakers happy...
"A booth space is a ballot, and the models these exhibitors have selected represent their vote," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.
And just in case you were wondering, here are the contenders for each category:

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