Maybe, despite high summer gas prices, we can't resist the lure of a broad-shouldered muscle car. Maybe we can't resist the lure of a poorly-reviewed movie. Whatever the reason, Chevrolet can't keep up with the demand for its new Camaro.
USA Today reports, "General Motors says it's struggling to meet demand for its new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, with some buyers paying $500 to $2,500 more than the sticker price. The Camaro is creating enough buzz to play a key role in GM's turnaround. It is drawing showroom traffic - every dealer got at least one initially to build interest - while GM is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection."
The news is a bit of a surprise, coming just one year after Americans snapped up small, fuel-efficient cars. Kicking Tires comments, "While its price tag isn't bad, starting at $22,245 for the V-6, a Camaro is not going to be mistaken for a utilitarian vehicle anytime soon, even if it does get 29 mpg on the highway."
Jalopnik reports, "GM thinks it's so hot it may even catch the Ford Mustang in monthly sales when it has enough available - no small feat given the 'stang sells with a drop-top model alongside the coupe and the Camaro's only got the coupe."
Edmunds Inside Line gives Michael Bay the credit. "There is a wait list for the new Camaro, triggered in part by the success of the film sequel Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen."
So what should you do if you're dying for a Bumblebee of your own? GM spokesman Adam Denison told Edmunds a buyer can, "Check around various dealerships and ask who is getting an allocation and when. Or they can ask what the wait list is like."
Or you could simply be patient. Some of the Camaro's sales are bound to be a reflection of pent-up demand for the long-awaited car. It may be much easier to find out at a reasonable price in a few months, after all of the early buyers have waited for theirs.
If you're in the market for a new car, check out the U.S. News rankings of this year's best cars as well as this month's best car deals.
