Mini Camaro coming? Chevy says no

Product chief Mark Reuss downplays priority of BRZ competitor

General Motors played down the possibility of fielding a small performance car positioned below the Chevrolet Camaro in the near future, one that could serve as a direct competitor to the likes of Scion FR-S, Ford Focus ST, Subaru BRZ or the upcoming Honda Civic Type R.

In a conversation with Automotive News, GM product chief Mark Reuss indicated that a number of significant business issues stand in the way of Chevrolet offering an entry-level performance car priced in the mid-$20,000 range. In particular, Reuss cited the fact that sales volumes tend to fall sharply right after such a vehicle's launch.

"Capital is not a black hole," Reuss told Automotive News. "On those cars, the price point begins to approach the segment of the next car up. We would spend a lot of money and resources, and what are we really doing?"

GM had previewed a small performance coupe in concept guise at the 2012 Detroit auto show, in the form of the Chevrolet 130R concept, but in the three years since its appearance, it has not followed up with another concept in that particular segment. At the time the 130R concept was touted as a potential sub-Camaro performance coupe, but was put on the back burner after the show. In the three years since there has been a sustained stream of hot hatches coming to market from competitors, though GM has not revisited the 130R concept or previewed anything similar in shape or segment position.

In Automotive News, Reuss admitted to liking that particular segment, but indicated that it is not a priority for GM at the moment.

"The real question is: Is that a big priority? For now, no," Reuss said. "Forever? I wouldn't say that."