General Motors has gone the extra mile to ensure the production 2009 Chevrolet Camaro is as close to the concept version as possible. Rather than using the exact same Zeta platform as the Holden Commodore and Pontiac G8, GM made the front axle centerline on the Camaro about 50mm further forward than on the two sedans, according to Motor Trend.

The expensive change was made to allow the Camaro and Impala to fit 20-inch wheels without compromising steering lock and turning radius. A Holden source told the magazine the car could even fit 24-inch wheels without issue. Does that mean the production Camaro will have wheels worthy of a show car? We think so.

At the Detroit auto show, GM officials again insisted the production Camaro would be very close to the concept — nearly identical, they say. According to the MT sources, the only visual differences will be a roofline about 3/5ths of an inch higher than concept, and an overall width reduction of about a third of an inch.

In terms of MSRP, GM sources told the magazine a V6 model will retail from $21,000. It will feature a 3.9-liter powerplant with a six speed automatic or manual. It promises to be considerably smoother than the truck-like 4.0-liter V6 under the hood of the base Mustang.