seeing as 2009 would be the 40th anniversary of the release of the '69 ZL-1 Camaros, would GM be so bold as to put the LS7 (a spiritual descendant of the ZL-1 engine, IMO) into the 2009 Camaro, maybe as a special version? This would definitely wipe the smirk off of any of the Ford guys who spring for the upcoming GT500.

Being an enthusiast, I think this would be a great idea. I don't know how the beancounters at GM would take it though. The Corvette guys would also definitely be up in arms, even though the Camaro's higher weight wouldn't bring it near the Z06 in terms of flat-out acceleration.

Even with these factors against it, I think it would be a great idea. thoughts?

 

I think it could very well be possible, especially considering that the vette is looking more and more likely to get a replacement for both the base LS2 and the LS7 by the time 2009 rolls around.

 

i still have my fingers crossed the LS7 will see it's way between the fenders of the 5th gen.

 

Me too!

There is NO REASON they can't do it either . I don't think it's entirely necessary to go with the dry-sump oil system like the Z06's have ... just put a regular oil pan on it. It doesn't have to be hand-built either (although it WOULD add to the exclusiveness and value). But it SHOULD be AVAILABLE in the car, and be ~500 HP .

 

Yeah, that would be a great idea, and like was said earlier, it would give the Camaro once again the one up on the Mustang. Chances of it happening are probably fairly slim, but hey, theres always hope.

 

Lets get the car off the ground first guys

I'm sure we will see some "special Camaros" but I wouldent expect them till after this decade (2011 - 2012)

 

^ ^ ^ I think several years of waiting has made some of us a little impatient!!

 

Well to expand on my statement. We all know special type cars are released in order to keep interest in the line to increase sales. I’m not saying the special cars will increase sales. For example a ZL1 may bring someone into the show room but they may leave with a V6 or SS.

That said I my guess on the 5th gens line up expansion to go something like this.

2008 (released late 2007): V6 and SS
2009: Convertible option added
2010: Z28
2011+: possible Super Camaro

Let not get ahead of our self though

 

as thankful as i will be if the camaro returns, i will be disappointed if we dont see some LE models that offer something a bit beyond a set of vinyl racing stripes.

i personally would like to see an SC LS2 - direct cobra competition. put a big pulley on it so it only makes a few more hp than an N/A LS2 to keep the hp ratings and insurance down... but we all know how hard pulleys will be to swap

 

Over the last 10 years, ALL special versions have been appearance only with the exception of the LT4 cars. If there changes to a special version are "material", the car has to go through testing all over again.

I would be very surprisedto see an LS7-based ZL1.

 

Im very aware of that. Other auto-manufacturers don't seem to have a problem with that

 

I'd be happy enough to have the Z28 as the top model.

A ZL1 would be just another car that I want yet can't have.

 

Keep in mind that regardless of who thinks what the Z/28 was, is, or should be, Chevrolet has to look at what potential buyers think the differences are. If because of the 4th gen SS program, overall, people think the higher end car is the SS, it will be very difficult to change that perception. Probably not a smart move to do while introducing a car that has been on hiatus.

 

I would be surprised too. however, wouldn't it be possible to test the "special" version of the car concurrent with the regular model? I'm sure they could do it.
And the reputation it would bring to the Camaro brand, coinciding with it's long-awaited return, would be a double knockout.

I'm sure there's someone over at GM who already suggested this. Whether or not they heed that person's words will remain to be seen.

 

I don't work for a car company, but as I understand it, the testing can be VERY expensive. I saw Jim Wangers on TV today and he said the reason the 2004 GTO didn't get hood scoops is that a whole bunch of testing would have to be redone.