Is the end coming for the HSV Camaro? Chevrolet's muscle-car monster to be axed as US sales slow: reports

Australians might still bathing in the warm, petrol-powered glow of the just-arrived HSV Camaro ZL1, but there is worrying news from the brand's homeland, where reports that GM's iconic muscle car has been killed off have surfaced.

According to US reports, a sales slowdown in the USA for the muscle-bound monster has seen GM abandon plans for a new model, with the current sixth-generation version said to be the Camaro's last hoorah. 

If the reports are to be believed, then the Camaro will be phased out from 2023, with no all-new models scheduled. Interestingly, it will be the second time the iconic American muscle car has faced the axe, with the Camaro first killed off in 2002, before a new version was launched as a 2010 model. 

And according to US outlet Muscle Car & Trucks, the end is nigh once again, with the publication claiming "multiple sources within GM" have confirmed that work on the the seventh-generation Camaro has been suspended, and that the nameplate could be axed after 2023.

The problems are many, according to the outlet, but include a domestic sales slump that has seen the Camaro running third behind the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang in the American market, and the challenges of fitting a muscle car into GM's broader strategy of reducing emissions.

GM is yet to confirm the reports (nor deny them), with the American giant issuing a statement that instead points to upcoming updates for the current-generation Camaro. 

“We will remind you of our recently announced updates coming to the Camaro," it says. "An all-new LT1 model will provide customers V8 power with the design and affordability of our LT trim. The award-winning SS model will feature a new front fascia from the Camaro Shock concept. All of our updates are customer driven to improve the car and its driving experience.”

The reports follow the launch of the ZL1 in Australia, with the 477kW and 881Nm monster the most powerful HSV-badged vehicle ever sold here. HSV has also just launched an updated Camaro 2SS (339kW and 617Nm), too. 

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HSV told CarsGuide it won't be commenting on international reports. 

Should the Camaro live on? Or are muscle cars yesterday's news? Tell us in the comments below.