Quick Facts: Early production begins in late 2008. Sales begin in first quarter of 2009. Styling is based on 1969 Camaro. New Camaro will be available with either manual or automatic transmissions and a choice of V-6 or V-8 engines.

The wait is almost over for fans of Chevrolet's new Camaro. Sales of the new car are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2009.

The original Camaro first rolled onto American streets in 1967. The styling of the new car is based on the 1969 model.

But Camaro production ended in 2002 with nearly 4.8 million produced.

When it rolls into showrooms, the revived Camaro will be available with either manual or automatic transmissions and a choice of V-6 or V-8 engines.

The new Camaro will closely resemble the Camaro concept car shown at auto shows around the country in recent years. Reaction to that concept car was enough for GM to give the new Camaro the green light.

“Camaro is much more than a car; it symbolizes America's spirit and its love affair with the automobile,” GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner said.