Canada's Camaro

General Motors Corp. will invest C$740 million ($662 million) at its Oshawa, Ont., Canada, car plants for a new-model lineup to include the '09 Chevrolet Camaro.

General Motors of Canada Ltd. President Arturo Elias made the announcement at the Oshawa plant in mid-August, less than two weeks after the auto maker confirmed the concept muscle car will be built.

Camaro output is to start at the end of 2008, with the sales slated to begin in first-quarter 2009. A low-volume vehicle, initial sales are expected in the 100,000 range.

Canadian Auto Workers union President Buzz Hargrove says the size of the investment clearly indicates GM has more product plans for Oshawa.

The Camaro will stem from GM's pending Global RWD Architecture, formerly known as Zeta, which has been under development by GM Holden Ltd. in Australia.

The RWD platform is expected to underpin the next-generation Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo in 2009, better distinguishing them from the front-wheel-drive and slightly smaller Chevy Malibu in the future. Potential RWD candidates for Pontiac include a new G8 sedan and perhaps a revival of the GTO or Firebird. Buick is expected to get a replacement for the Park Avenue from the architecture.

The two existing car lines in Oshawa produce FWD cars now: No.1 makes the Impala and Monte Carlo; No.2 builds the Pontiac Grand Prix, Buick LaCrosse and Allure.