Countries such as Japan, UK and Australia won’t get the Camaro -  at least, not now. It seems that the plans for a right-hand drive version of the Camaro have been put on hold due to a change of priorities within GM. This is what Bob Lutz, GM’s vice chairman, said in an interview with journalists at the
2010 Geneva Auto Show. Maybe there are intentions to accent on hybrids and electric vehicles.

According to Motor Trend, Lutz said “It’s been pushed back, perhaps indefinitely. No matter which car company you work for, there’s never enough engineering money, talent and capital to do everything you want to do,” said Lutz. “So when we looked at the hybrids that we have to do, and the plug-ins that we have to do, we just had to priority rank it and I couldn’t argue with the priorities.”

“Unfortunately all of the markets came in with relatively low volume estimates. The UK was low, and…frankly I think Australia could have stepped up to the plate with some more. But when we finally looked at it there weren’t enough units to justify after all what is a fairly large investment,” he said.

Look at this perfect muscle car – the Z06 Carbon was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first appearance of the Corvette at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was the time when Briggs Cunningham and John Fitch won their class. The Carbon edition is actually a Vette Z06 with a ZR1 chassis with carbon skin. Only 500 examples will be made in only two colors – Inferno Orange and Supersonic Blue. But check out the official press release for more information:

2011 CORVETTE Z06 CARBON LIMITED EDITION
Taking track-to-street technology to a new level

DETROIT — When the 2006 Corvette Z06 was introduced, it represented the closest connection to the Corvette race cars ever. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 closed the gap between racing and production even further. This year, Corvette continues its tradition of track-to-street technology transfer with the 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.

“Designed to further incorporate technology developed through racing, the Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Corvette’s first race in the 24 Hours of LeMans,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet General Manager. “With a limited production of 500 units, this car is a must-have for the true Corvette collector and driving enthusiast.”

Chevrolet Corvette. Let’s start with the fact that last year, Ed Welburn, GM’s vice president of global design, invited GM’s 10 styling studios to submit design proposals and some of the results were “absolutely phenomenal”. He also added – “There is a lot to pick from. The direction that we take is very important, and the decision has not been made.”

Obviously this move from GM are aimed to attract buyers in Europe, where the car has little appeal, and young U.S. buyers. According to The Power Information Network, the current average age of a Corvette buyer is 54. Critics says it looks big with a cheap-looking interior. Welburn agrees with the interior “problem” – “The execution, materials selection–it’s got to be a much better interior. Our customers desire that.” And we’ll add what industry says – a redesign is due in two to three years.

Welburn compares today’s Corvette with Porsche 911 – they are about the same size, but the styling makes it look larger. Let’s cite Welburn again – “We have to develop a design that feels trimmer, meaner, to go along with the incredible performance that the car has.” He also intended it’s about time for development of the Corvette, but the new Corvette can’t be so far away in concept than today’s Corvette.

Official press release:
Geneva, Mar 2, 2010 – The Dodge Car Brand continues to offer customers around the world driving excitement, functionality and aggressive styling.

“The focus of the Dodge Car Brand is creating an all-new spirit and life built around strong American heritage in products that provide performance and personality,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Dodge Car Brand and Senior Vice President – Product Design, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Dodge Charger SRT8 and Challenger SRT8 command attention by offering benchmark, all-around performance that appeals to unique customers who celebrate their achievements by living life to the fullest.”

At the 80th Geneva International Motor Show, the Dodge Car Brand showcases two iconic models – Dodge Charger SRT8® and Dodge Challenger SRT8 – both of which deliver the best of modern American muscle-car characteristics: unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and proven technology.

In 2009, the Dodge brand comprised nearly 35 percent of Chrysler Group LLC sales in markets outside North America, led by Dodge Journey as the highest sales volume vehicle and Dodge Caliber also as a top-five sales contender.

As the Chrysler Group product portfolio develops in markets outside North America, Dodge will become a specialty brand with a focus on regional sales for specific models.

Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in more than 120 countries around the world.

Project Silverback – This is a one-of-a-kind custom built Pro-touring 1967 Camaro with many modern upgrades. No expense was spared on this rotisserie nut and bolt restoration. The underside is as clean as the top. It is finished in a spectacular metallic silver with continuous black racing stripes and is complimented with a custom black interior.

The cowl and firewall have been shaved and painted silver along with the fabricated inner fenders to house the 396cid big block. The engine consists of many high end internal and external parts. The Mattson custom aluminum radiator with electric fan keeps the engine running cool. The custom Chris Alston chassis was painted the same color as the exterior. It is equipped with rack & pinion steering. The rear suspension consists of a Shock Wave Air Ride system and Detroit Speed 3″ leaf springs. Wilwood 4-wheel disc brakes with slotted and cross drilled rotors and polished hubs. The custom interior includes extremely comfortable Procar seats. Check out the gallery after the jump.

Geiger Cars is a famous and traditional importer of American muscle cars in Europe. The tuning company presents the Geiger Ford Shelby GT with a power upgrade and a few styling modifications. The Geiger Ford Shelby GT is powered by a 5.4 liter V8 engine with 3.3 l compressor with 1.6 bar supercharging pressure that develops 810 PS / 541 kW at 6,700 rpm and 945 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm – this is just amazing!

To handle all that muscle car power, the Geiger Ford Shelby GT is equipped with custom cylinder heads, a modified injection system, larger throttle valves, a sport air filter, 100 mm air flow meter and a cold air box. Some other modifications are an aluminum rocker arm, a forged crank drive, a 3 disc carbon clutch, a reinforced transmission with shortened 5th and 6th gears, an increased differential and engine oil cooler. Geiger rates the top speed of the Geiger Ford Shelby GT at … 354 km/h. The price will be announced at later time. Check out the specifications and image gallery after the jump.

A Resto-Mod on an actual Mach 1 body made to look like a 1969 BOSS. Features a Keith Craft Racing 408cid Stroker motor with 525hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque, Tremec TKO 600 5-speed transmission, custom aluminum driveshaft, 9″ rear end with 3.50 gears, Wilwood 6 piston front brakes and 4 piston rears drilled and slotted, custom True Forged wheels 18×10 with 295-35-18 rear and 18×8.5 with 255-40-18 front Nitto tires, Rod and Custom 1969 Mustang II front suspension and leaf springs in back with Fays 2 watts link. Also has a two tone Debeers black paint hood scoop and stripe on the hood and tail light panel done in semi-gloss black with the rest of the car in gloss black.

This car was a rotisserie restoration. The interior features black micro suede Corbeau seats with the back seats done to match along with the door panels, a custom built 4-point roll bar, JME gauge cluster, Corbeau 5-point harness and Alpine stereo system. The engine features Griffin radiator with custom fan shroud and electric fans, MSD ignition, power steering, Billet Specialties black True Trac serpentine belt and pulley system, Vintage Air conditioning, custom exhaust, Spintech mufflers, Aeromotive and Russel fuel system and much more. Was recently featured in the new “Muscle Car Milestones” magazine this past December. Look at the gallery on Read more!