With General Motors putting more and more distance between itself and the 2009 auto bailout, its prospects as a company seem to get brighter. 2013 will prove to be a very big year for GM though, as the company has announced that 13 new models will show up on dealer showrooms next year. That’s a lot of new metal.
But according to a GM spokesman in an interview with the Detroit Free Press, there will be at least a “couple surprises” that have GM executives “thrilled.” Let the rampant speculation begin?
First let’s get a few of the more boring (and likely) candidates out of the way. 2013 could bring a refreshed Chevy Volt model to dealership lots, joining the new Cruze, Malibu, Impala, and Chevy SS sedans that should arrive sometime next year. It is also likely that a crossover version of the Volt with more cargo and passenger room is in the works.
2013 could see GM finally bringing out a fresh look for the Camaro though, as it is about due for a mild facelift before the new generation hits. We’re also hearing that GM is going after the Millennial demographic aggressively, and could see fit to produce a small, sporty, technologically advanced coupe. It could even be based on one of the two Millennial-centric concepts that debuted at last year’s Detroit Auto Show.
Specifically, we’re hoping that GM brings a production version of the 130r Coupe or Tru 140s concept to life. With rear-wheel drive and a small turbocharged four-cylinder, it could get good gas mileage and still deliver halfway decent performance. More importantly, it could serve as a gateway vehicle to something more potent, like the Camaro. Gotta hook them while they’re young.