One of our favorite Instagram pages, @generalmotorsdesign, recently posted a concept sketch for the Chevy XP-873, also known as the “Mini Camaro.”
“Low, lean and handsome, project XP-873 known as the Mini-Camaro, seen here in a sketch by Roy Lonberger was intended as a five-passenger, low-cost vehicle,” GM Design said of the sketch on social media.
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Developed in the late 1960s, the Chevy XP-873 concept never saw production. It was intended to be a small and economical yet sporty and stylish car. It was an inspiration for one of the most notorious models in GM history: the Chevy Vega. Introduced in 1970, the infamous Chevy Vega was plagued by engine problems, assembly defects, rust, and recalls, marking a botched attempt at producing a desirable compact car to compete with burgeoning imports.
Despite the problems of the Chevy Vega, the Chevy XP-873 still represents what could’ve been if GM had gotten it right on its first serious shot at a compact car. It did go beyond just sketches, and a real prototype was built. It was a 2+2 coupe wearing traditional sports car styling with a long hood, a sloping roof, and distinct body lines, not unlike a Chevy Camaro. The front end of the prototype wasn’t quite as sleek and thin as the drawing it was based on, but it still had a distinct and sporty look.
The Chevy Monza that replaced the Vega was a little closer to the vision of the Chevy XP-873, especially in its sleek 2+2 form. Unfortunately, performance was middling, and it inherited some quality control problems from the Vega.
The idea of the “Mini Camaro” was never fully realized. However, our sources have told us that the only way a seventh-generation Chevy Camaro gets greenlit by decision-makers is if it’s affordable and attainable while also being profitable. A plan was presented and a case was made by a group inside of GM, only to be “blown apart” by management for lacking profitability. If the next Camaro needs to be cheaper, there’s a chance it could be smaller in the vein of something like the Toyota GR86, which isn’t too far off from what the Chevy XP-873 was meant to be.
Comments
Interesting Sketch & Beautiful Car, GM could have produced it
Looks like a Henry-J
Avanti? Pinto? Carpi?
Pinto.
Like a maverick and capri from side and an a anti from the front
Avanti
Horrid!!!!!!!!!!!!
From the article: “However, our sources have told us that the only way a seventh-generation Chevy Camaro gets greenlit by decision-makers is if it’s affordable and attainable while also being profitable. A plan was presented and a case was made by a group inside of GM, only to be “blown apart” by management for lacking profitability.”
Okay. I get that. GM has always insisted on a suitable “business case” for all products. They must make money and pull their own weight or they don’t get built and as soon as they cease making money, they’re cut lose even if it’s a halo product that adds mystique to a brand. GM has never cared; it’s dead unless it’s contributing.
Why then is GM building 10 EVs that don’t make a dime. They’re all a drag on the company and they’ve got more coming. I know they think maybe someday they’ll make money but that’s never been allowable before. There are now two standards at GM. An ICE vehicle must make a ton of money so it can all be lost on unprofitable EVs.
EXACTLY what I was thinking as I read the article!!!
Why such a double-standard?? (It’s either a requirement for new model design/production…. or it’s not!)
If you want to sell cars, you have to give the market what it WANTS, not what some special interest groups say people SHOULD be driving!
(Yes, there is a market for EV’s and PHEV’s, but the larger market for ICE vehicles must not be ignored!)
My late Dad bought my younger sister a loaded white V6 Monza Spyder. Totaled it on the way to join myself and friends to go see Ted Nugent at the late, great Mid South Coliseum in Memphis. He replaced it with a beautiful blue Spyder that he let me spec out. He asked me if I would have added so many options if I was paying for it. Lol. Years later she hit a patch of ice and totaled. She and her husband replaced it with something larger and safer for the next ride. Those Monza Spyders were sharp and popular at the time. Friend bought a dark blue with 305 V8 5 speed. Sporty, quick ride.