Everyone's talking about the 5.3L. I say just seriously detune the 400+ hp (LS2 right now) motor: less cam, more restrictive intake, exhuast, etc. You now only have 1 block to produce for 2 V-8's, just with different configurations. Hopefully with less power comes better gas mileage, need for higher octane gasoline. You now don't have to setup for 2 blocks and 2 different sets of everything. On the same hand, this has great potential for future enthusiasts. Buyers choosing the lower rated motor simply swap a few 1000$ worth of parts, bam... you're at 400 hp. You already have a blueprint on how to do it. Okay, now I'm kind of rambling, but the point is still the same: Why have 2 separate engines? Just have separate Horsepower choices... call one SS, call one RS, call one Z28, whatever you want. From a cost cutting stand point, I think this would be quite valid to the penny pushers at GM.

edit, if this has already be stated and debated, tell me, I didn't want to read all 10 pages and I'm in class

 

That's a fine idea but the engine differences have to be real and not just a hood, stickers and an OEM cold air kit.

 

Me. But finances won't allow it until at least 2010-2011, I will be a DC then and will hopefully be working to take over a practice.

 

Abidar, yea you just pretty much echoed what i want to happen. Its totally cool though cause at least i know i'm not alone. In my current financial situation, i will have to opt for the 25K dollar camaro. So if that happens to be a zippy 5.3L thats tuned pretty highly, i would hesitate because cheap tuning potential is a big selling point for me.

If GM squeezes extra HP out of that 5.3 liter to beat Ford, then intakes, exhaust, and reprogramming (all things i will be doing to my 5th gen) may put alot of strain on an engine and will perhaps hurt the car over time if it is a daily driver. (i will drive it like i stole it)

On the other hand, if that is just a detuned 6.0 or 6.2 liter, then i KNOW that this engines potential is so much higher than i could ever probably attain. So i could mod the crap out of it and still drive it on a day to day basis with probably no extra engine wear. I'm also wondering what type of warranty will be on the new camaro, 36K miles?

 

No youre definately not alone. And with a thread on 9mpg Impalla on GMI after thinking about it that would be a hard sell for me now that I think about it. On the other hand heard nothing but good on the LS2!

 

I just read through that thread. Yikes...like all the other posts, I'd have to think something is wrong with that car. Buffalo looks like he knows what he's talking about. He's not making it up, but it is just one case. I'm a realist though, if the 5.3 isn't cut'n it, than it's a no go for me.

Still, I think people are focussing too much on the 5.3. Camaro could get something different.

 

Thats what I'm beginning to think.

 

Wrong again. Regular people buy the mustang. it's those people that GM needs to make the Camaro a hit. You just dont get it, the Camaro is NOT a corvette. GM could have take then the route you want and created a niche car. They chose not to do that. To seel the numbers they need to it has to appeal to the masses and that means regular people.

 

I think the focus should be on the HP not the engine itself.

 

How am I wrong again? Who buys a Camaro for its practicality? Who buys a Mustang for its practicality????? It is a fashion statement. When I said regular people, I was referring to people who buy a car to get from point A to point B. You know, pretty much the majority of the car buying public out there. You obviously have no idea where I have been trying to come from. GM create the niche market I want?? Where did I say anything about the Camaro should not sell in volume? See, this is the kind of crap that happens when someone skim through a thread without reading everything completely.

I have an idea. Lets make sure the Camaro has stow and go seating. That may sell a few more units. Maybe they can fit a 3rd row of seats back there too. Its a freakin coupe, its useability is limited enough already because of that simple fact. I don't know how practical you seem to think the new Mustang is, but the back seat still sucks in that, and they still get stuck in the snow.

 

The problem is, most people on this board want a corvette for half the money. You average mustang buyer (the target demographic for the camaro as well) just wants a car that sounds good, looks good and moves pretty quick.

 

Once again, you are the one that does not get the point. You are basically posting without reading response. People drive mustangs from point a to b everyday. It is not a weekend car like the 4th gen. Most people cannot afford more then one car. They have to make is serve all the functions they need in day to day life while still "making a fashion statement". Making the car suit the majority instead of the minority will insure it lasts. As said before, there will always be higher levels of hp available in the upper level models.

 

Ok. I don't really understand where I have been wrong at all though. I have said time and again the base car needs alot of attention. Why did the base car even pop up into this discussion like this? The thread is about a mid level engine.

 

The base car will be a v6. Notice a lot more people are buying the GT these days. Also, look to the LX platform cars. People want a V8 but not the insane 0 to 60 and 1/4 mile that a 400hp engine will bring. Give them that choice. Then build an upper level v8 or v8's to satisfy the performance nuts.

 

Once again, you don't seem to be wanting to read what I have said, or are misunderstanding it greatly. The base car needs to be good, and needs to attract the masses in the coupe market. Where have I said anything about the car should only suit the minority????? Mustangs are a fashion statement, and I know these kinds of cars get driven everyday. Mine does. Have you ever had a Mustang?? I have, for quite some time actually (well over a year). They aren't that much more practical then a 4th gen. I know plenty of guys that consider Mustangs weekend cars as well. If the car did not have its cool factor, it would not sell like it does. If practically is a huge concern, there are far too many offerings out there that would do a better job at that at the Mustang's price point.

The Camaro can't be an over the top vehicle that turns people off to it immediately, but guys, it is a Camaro, not an Accord.