Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

Last year was brutal for the auto industry, with sales down by 21 percent versus 2008. Sports cars were hit even harder, as many customers shied away from spending big dollars on what typically amounts to a second or third vehicle. The Chevrolet Corvette was no different, as America's sports car saw sales plummet 48 percent versus 2008 - the worst year for Vette sales in nearly 50 years. But was the drop in Corvette sales because of the economy, or its new pony car stablemate, the Camaro?

Wards Automotive claims that web data shows the number one competitor to the Vette isn't something like the Nissan GT-R or Porsche 911 - it's the reborn Camaro. But who in their right mind would cross-shop a track-ready thoroughbred with near supercar performance and a relative bargain price tag against the heavier, less agile, less exclusive Camaro? Apparently a lot of people. The Camaro had a rather remarkable 2009, with 61,648 units sold in its first year back. The new Bowtie coupe even managed to beat out the Mustang the last seven months of the year and came within 5,000 sales of besting Ford's iconic steed despite the fact that the Camaro didn't go on sale until spring.

With the economy still on the rocks, we're thinking there may have been some customers who noticed that the Camaro has the same V8 engine as a base model Corvette, seating for four and a price of entry that starts some $18,000 lower than Chevy's halo car. The Camaro is also a fresh face for the 2010 model year after an eight-year hiatus from the market, while the C6 Vette is now on its sixth year of production, and despite frankly incredible variants like the Grand Sport, ZR1 and just-announced Z06 Carbon, Chevy's top dog is getting a little long-in-the-tooth.

Either way, it's hard to argue with the fact that having two high performance, rear-wheel-drive vehicles in the same showroom is going to mean that there will be some cross-shopping. We're not complaining, though, because choice is a good thing, especially when the options are as nice as these two.

[Source: Wards Automotive | Image: Joe Raedle/Getty]Is Chevrolet Camaro cannibalizing sales of the Corvette? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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We talked about this in one of our Podcasts a few weeks ago. Here is some info from John Fitzpatrick (Camaro marketing manager) who was listening to the episode and e-mailed to clear it up...

 

Hey Jason did John happen to elaborate on the Mustang trade-ins? As in how many were conquest sales as opposed to folks who were on the fence in terms of loyalty and folks who had bought Mustangs because it was a relatively affordable V8 RWD coupe (ie; Camaro enthusiast conversions)?

 

Nope, I posted what he e-mailed me.

 

Which is why GM should come out with an even better Corvette to tick its sales along...

 

Followed by an even better Camaro (Z/28) to keep its sales along as well........

 

I like your way of thinking...

but my case.. and a few others that I know off.... we got the Camaro part in reason because we recently turned into Fatherhood. So, I need the back seat. My *** will eventually find another Vette to call home. Along with this Camaro cause this thing ain't going anywhere.

 

i want to hear more about this corvette z06 carbon.........

 

Press Release from G.M.:

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.”



The Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is another example of the expanded Corvette line-up. Five years ago, customers had the choice of a Corvette coupe or convertible. With the addition of the Z06, Grand Sport coupe and convertible and ZR1, Corvette enthusiasts now have more choices than ever.



“For track use, the Z06 Carbon is the best balanced Corvette yet. It combines the lightweight and naturally-aspirated Z06 engine with the road-holding and braking of the ZR1,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette Chief Engineer. “For technical tracks like Laguna Seca, the Z06 Carbon could shave up to three seconds off the Z06 lap time.”



This limited edition Z06 will boast Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with specific dark gray metallic calipers. These powerful brakes were first introduced on the ZR1. Black 20-spoke 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels complement the car’s Michelin PS2 tires. Other mechanical features include Magnetic Selective Ride Control for the first time on the Z06 and enhanced cooling. The car also features a special carbon pattern engine cover.



The Corvette Z06 Carbon will be available in two colors: Inferno Orange and the all-new Supersonic Blue. Black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body color spoiler, body color door handles, carbon fiber raised hood, and black carbon fiber rockers and splitter enhance the Z06’s dynamic design and reduce mass and aerodynamic lift. For track events, customers can also install the Euro-styled racing numbers that come with each car.



The Z06 Carbon’s ebony leather and suede interior is complemented by blue or orange seat stitching to match the exterior color chosen. Other features include a unique steering wheel emblem, sill plate and logoed headrest. The suede used on the steering wheel, shifter, seat inserts, armrests and doors add to the luxury of this limited edition Z06.



An optional Z07 performance package that includes the mechanical upgrades introduced on the Z06 Carbon can be added to a regular 2011 Z06. This package also includes Competition Gray 20-spoke wheels and all the chassis and cooling upgrades.



The CFZ Z06 carbon fiber package includes black carbon fiber rockers, splitter and roof panel with the full-width body color spoiler. It can also be purchased with or without the Z07 package on regular Z06 models.



The 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, as well as the new Z07 and CFZ Z06 option packages will be available in late summer.



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How would GM know that? They aren't going to quiz every Mustang driver that trades up. I'm pretty sure if you trade in a competitors make that is considered a conquest sale.

 

In early 2007 after buying my S-197 GT, Ford sent out a pretty comprehinsive questionaire.

Besides asking what I wanted to see in future Mustangs, it asked what sort of vehicles I've owned previously and what brands they were.

I filled it out completely, Ford knew my prior purchase history for at least 5 years and knew why I bought the cars I did, how I felt about them and what I wanted to see in future products.

Why wouldn't GM do the same? As GM wouldn't you want to know with some degree of precision why one of your hottest cars was selling like it was and how you could maintain that dominance?

As you imply, the dealers themselves aren't really a reliable surce of marketing info other than "yeah we got a bunch of Mustang trade ins because they thought the Camaro was really hot".

 

You would think GM would want to do something like that, but I just can't see them doing it...

 

Is Chevrolet Camaro cannibalizing sales of the Corvette?

No.

 

Quoted for emphasis. C6 Corvette has been out since 2005. People that want one most likely already have one.

 

I get one of those every time I buy a new car, and I got one for my 2010 Camaro.