One of the many cars I've owned in the past is a 1993 Honda Civic coupe. It weighed ~2400 pounds.

Unfortunately, something like 65% of that weight was over the front wheels, which made the car extremely unstable in certain conditions, and not as enjoyable to toss around in corners as a car that light should be.

I was listening to the most recent podcast (#74), where they mentioned weight reduction, and in particular, taking some weight out of the rear end.

I'd just like to voice my opinion that I'd rather have a 3400lb 5th gen with 50/50 weight distribution than a 3000lb 5th gen with 57/43 weight distribution (which is what you'd get if you took 400 pounds off the rear of the aforementioned 50/50 car).

For reference, my mostly-stock '02 Z28 weighs 3546 (with driver), and 1995lbs (56%) of that weight is on the front wheels.

There is a fine balance point here. I think the 4th gen was right on the edge -- any more front-heavy and it wouldn't be much fun to drive in anything but a straight line.

I'm sure the engineers have thought of this... I just wanted to share my thoughts.

 

as close to 3500lbs 50/50 as they can get.

 

I think this goes back to the IRS setup. Engineers may be looking to lighten the rear end of the car by using some more aluminum pieces, etc. Even still, the IRS will no doubt be heavier than the live axle the 4th Gens had, so I wouldn't worry as much about weight distribution.

If the goal is to come in below 3600 pounds, they're going to have to look everywhere for a pound or two.

 

and they should.

 

Listen to yourselves. When has a Camaro or any other ponycar for that matter had "near" 50/50 weight distribution?

If that's what you want, then you don't want a Camaro.

 

I agree, but I don't think that gives Chevrolet carte blanch to not try to give us the best balanced, lightest Camaro possible. I'm not nearly as concerned about weight distribution as total weight period, because the IRS is heavier. I don't think 55/45 is too far out of whack.

To me, 3800 pounds for a pony car would be disturbing.

 

Just because it hasn't happened before doesn't mean it can't happen later. I can't see a arguement for NOT having 50/50 if they could do it. Since when does a ponycar have to have less than ideal handling?

 

If a BMW 3-series can have be near 50/50, why can't a Camaro?

I'm not looking for perfect balance. I just don't want them to forget about balance when they're thinking about weight reduction. Furthermore, the lighter a car is, the more important that it be well balanced.

 

No one said it should be less than ideal. It should be ideal for a ponycar. What you guys are talking about (50/50) is typically only found on highend sports cars and race cars, not ponycars.
A 3-series isn't a pony car. Granted our M3 does handle like its on rails, but then I'd suspect a IRS Camaro would be almost as sweet.

 

Give me one reason is SHOULDN'T be found on a pony car? I see zero reason to not have it if it's designed that way. It can be a pony car and still handle like a sports car .

 

i dont think a 50/50 balance can be acheived on the camaro without investing a lot of engineering hours, which will drive up the cost. look at the c6 z06.. its got 50/50 distribution, but its got a magnesium engine cradle, carbon fiber body panels, and a balsa wood floor and cost is ~ mid 70k range.if GM could find a way to achieve a perfect 50/50 distribution without driving up the cost then im all for it

 

Get a 2009 Camaro ANYWHERE NEAR 3000 lbs of empty weight, and not only would I not care one bit if it had 57/43 weight distribution, but I'd go put a deposit down on one tomorrow!

We all know the possibility of both of those happening....oh well.

 

Excuse me thats EXACTLY what I want! M6 on a budget performance wise with Muscle car power. Or did you forget that a Z28 is a car that is actually supposed to handle???? Im so sick of hearing how everything is about the most power for the buck and that this car cant be refined or be a corner carver! I dont expect perfection but I would like them to try!

Im sure the IRS will be heavier than a live axle as mentioned. The battery could also be put in the trunk. Im sure theres a dozen tricks they could come up with.

 

I didn't say that a 3-series is a pony car. I'm pointing out that a relatively mainstream coupe that is neither exotic nor a "sports car" by most people's definitions can be 50/50, and asking why the same shouldn't be true of Camaro?

Nowhere in anyone's definition of "pony car" does it say "must be front-heavy".

 

Uhhh. A 7 series has 50/50 or close to it if I recal correctly. Now race car or not it is a "cost is no object" BMW, so your point still stands.

I think this is useless arguement though, they know they need to keep weight down and they know it needs to handle well.. The simplest way to accomplish the latter is to keep the distribution as even as possible. :dunno:


((Damnit why cant I type tonight ))