Not Done Yet: Lutz says 'perhaps' to twin-turbo Camaro
11-16-2009 | 09:07 PM
#1
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Not Done Yet: Lutz says 'perhaps' to twin-turbo Camaro
Apparently, if you put Bob Lutz in a room filled with journalists asking pointed questions about specific vehicles, you won't get the industry-standard "we don't comment on future product" line. Following Maximum Bob's recent revelations about the CTS-V Sport Wagon and Coupe, along with a hybrid Chevrolet Impala, Buick Regal GS and a Caprice SS, when InsideLine asked Lutz about a twin-turbo version of the Chevrolet Camaro he simply responded "perhaps."
In addition to confirming a production version of the limited edition Camaro Synergy shown at SEMA and murdered-out Camaro, Lutz hinted at the possibility of a production version of the boosted, 425-hp V6 Camaro GM created for Jay Leno for this month's SEMA show. While it's far from a confirmation – and we all know how these things go with Lutz – it could be an indication that Chevrolet may be looking to beat Ford to the punch by offering a turbo'd version of its pony car. The only question now is when we'll receive an email from GM's PR team issuing the prerequisite denials... or an announcement that Fritz Henderson will require Lutz to wear a ball-gag at all future media events.
In addition to confirming a production version of the limited edition Camaro Synergy shown at SEMA and murdered-out Camaro, Lutz hinted at the possibility of a production version of the boosted, 425-hp V6 Camaro GM created for Jay Leno for this month's SEMA show. While it's far from a confirmation – and we all know how these things go with Lutz – it could be an indication that Chevrolet may be looking to beat Ford to the punch by offering a turbo'd version of its pony car. The only question now is when we'll receive an email from GM's PR team issuing the prerequisite denials... or an announcement that Fritz Henderson will require Lutz to wear a ball-gag at all future media events.
11-17-2009 | 09:09 AM
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ever since i saw that car and read about it, i think it would be a pretty cool z28. granted its not the v8 that the z28 is used to having but it sure would top some of the v8's it has had in the past. not to mention it would be an amazing handler. with the CAFE restrictions in place and new ones coming in place, it makes sense to do this. theres a reason this motor was in this car, and i think it is to do this. stir up talk and see what everyone thinks. it will be used somewhere in some vehicle. im sure. im all for it.
11-17-2009 | 10:02 AM
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11-17-2009 | 10:11 AM
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The automatic-only Z26 Beretta and Z34 Monte Carlo might be a different story -- I never had any direct exposure to either of those -- but I'd argue that most people don't even remember those. For that matter, most people don't even recognize "Z28".
That doesn't even address the fact that the Zxx moniker is used for lots of different stuff. Z51 = performance suspension option, but never a badge. Z66 = street suspension for trucks, seen as a badge on Silverados and Avalanches. Z71 = off-road suspension for trucks. What GM has been consistent about is that Zxx is an RPO code indicating an optional suspension package. Sometimes there are other components that come along with that package, and sometimes there aren't.
Last edited by JakeRobb; 11-17-2009 at 10:14 AM.
11-17-2009 | 10:49 AM
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I'll concur with Jake. My '89 Z24 with Yokohamas & Konis would easily corner with (if not outcorner) my '97 Z28 with its stock setup. With 1LE stabilizer bars & 275/40-17 tires on the Camaro--not so much. Still the first gen Z24s definitely earned their "Z" status.
11-17-2009 | 11:45 AM
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From: Chicagoland IL
Chevy could do well with a reborn Z24 package.
11-17-2009 | 02:36 PM
#15
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From: Hemlock, Mich.
I find it hard to get excited over a car that with the added weight of twin turbo chargers and related components will be no better off than a Camaro SS weight wise and lack the V-8 tourqe monster between the fenders.
Camaro is a great looking car, but if you want the best all around performing 4 seat pony car I think Ford has this one in the bag. The next two years Mustang is really going to kick it up a notch.
Camaro is a great looking car, but if you want the best all around performing 4 seat pony car I think Ford has this one in the bag. The next two years Mustang is really going to kick it up a notch.