A Camaro Comeback?
Automotive enthusiasts are getting excited. GM filed to trademark the name “Panther” for automotive use, setting the table for a potential Camaro comeback.
GM filed to trademark “Panther” through the USPTO for the second time in two years. This development has Camaro enthusiasts talking. Will GM bring back the Chevy Camaro? Right now, drivers can only buy Camaros as used cars, but all that might be about to change.
Why “Panther?”
The name “Panther” has long been associated with the Chevy Camaro brand. It was the internal codename for the Camaro program back in the early days before the Chevy muscle car was released. At the time, it was being developed to compete with the Ford Mustang.
Before releasing the Camaro, Chevy changed the name, shying away from animal imagery. However, the Panther name has remained a part of the brand’s folklore throughout its history, and it makes sense that it would be making a comeback now that the Camaro has been discontinued.
The 2024 Camaro Collector’s Edition featured unique panther logos on the steering wheel badge, included the letter “R” on the exterior badging, and offered two “Panther Black” color options: metallic and matte.
How Sure Are We That It’s a New Camaro?
Given that Chevy discontinued the Camaro in 2024, it seems soon for a comeback. However, the name has never been associated with anything other than the Camaro in Chevrolet’s branding.
It’s still possible that Chevy trademarked Panther with other purposes in mind. Even if the Camaro is set to make a comeback, it won’t necessarily resemble the muscle cars of yesteryear. The seventh-gen Camaro could capitalize on the name without delivering the same goods.
Some people expect the Panther to be more of a small, affordable sports car than a Camaro-style muscle car. Chevrolet may plan to capitalize on the name’s associations without truly bringing back the Camaro. It’s also possible that the name is being saved for something bigger.
What Happened to the Camaro?
Wondering why Chevrolet discontinued the Camaro, to begin with? The order came from upper management and originated from the fact that the plans to develop a seventh-gen Camaro didn’t meet their expectations for key performance targets.
Some people believe that plans for the seventh-gen Camaro are still underway. However, it seems unlikely that such a project will receive the green light in the future, given that it hasn’t in the past. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel for Camaro-lovers, but it’s dim.
What to Do If You Want to Buy a Camaro
Are you interested in buying a Chevrolet Camaro? It’s probably not worth waiting around to find out whether the Panther moniker will be given to a new muscle car or something completely different. Instead, look into used cars.
You can find used Camaros for sale at Chevrolet dealerships across the country. When you buy from a dealership, you have a greater assurance of quality than you would when purchasing a used Camaro from a private party.
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