This future didn't used to be so far off, but thanks mostly to the failing economy and subsequent carpocalypse we may never see this bow tie warrior compete with the monstrous 2010 Shelby GT500. The top dog Z28 model would have received a version of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-Vs 556-horsepower supercharged LSA, which in turn is a variant of the 638 horsepower 2009 Corvette ZR1 LS9. A larger power dome hood would have made room for the intercooler-topped small block while a larger functional hood scoop would have drawn in cold air to feed the monster. A revised front fascia with large intakes would have been used for functional cooling of both the engine and the massive Brembo front brakes.

All bets are currently off in the high-performance pony car war, but we're extremely hopeful that we'll eventually see this historic nameplate make an official return. Until then, tuners like Hennessey Motorsport and Lingenfelter will continue to build tasty alternatives. [via Camaro5]

So we're starting to think GM's decided the auto show scene isn't where they're going to capture the next generation of car lovers. Instead, they're decided — why not take the show to the people by way of the silver screen?

Other than the Detroit show, how many other shows really draw the attention of the mainstream international media? So it kind of makes sense with the shows becoming places over-crowded with product and variant reveals and under-crowded with mass media. Why not reveal a concept for the first time at a place like the Detroit Auto Show — then reveal it a few months later for the "rest of the world" on the big screen. Sure, we're speculating here — but the idea itself may actually make some sense. Of course, this could just be some really evil Decepticon — but why sully the American Revolution by making a bad guy a Chevy concept? Just sayin'...

UPDATE 2: That front end really has a very distinctly distended fourth-gen Camaro vibe to it...old Camaro concept perhaps? Does Bumblebee go bad for a short time in the movie? Just some more speculation on my part.