So we know the V-8 camaro is probably going to have 400-430 horsepower, and it's a good bet that we'll be getting a Z28/SS high level version with ~500.

We know the weight will likely range somewhere between 3650 and 3800 lbs.

We know the platform is actually REALLY good, going by previews of other cars using versions of it.

And we know that the goal is to stomp the mustang in all performance catagories when similarly equipped.

So I have a question, I don't know if anybody is allowed to answer it in any kind of official capacity.

The new Nissan GT-R was unveilved recently, with a spec sheet that reads: 480 horsepower, all-wheel drive, 52/48 weight distribution. Car and Driver was told that the curb weight isn't final yet but Nissan expects the car to tip the scales at 3800lbs (!!!). Even with that weight, the car has reportedly lapped the 'Ring faster than a 997 Porsche 911 Turbo.

So, the GT-R is a really popular, iconic car, especially with younger people (low 30's), but out of their price range (70k) for the most part.

With a good suspension set-up, couldn't the top-tier camaro perform comparably? I know that the interior won't be quite as nice, but the stats are pretty much the same (and perhaps in favor of the Camaro) except for the all-wheel drive. Weight is similar, with the Camaro likely weighing marginally less. Horsepower should be similar. Weight distribution is essentially the exact same.

Upstaging the impressive GT-R for 20k less would be a HUGE move, much like Corvette upstages the exotics for less than half the price. You'd need some serious aero-work and suspension tuning but the basic architecture and horsepower/weight seem to be in place. I know the all-wheel drive system on the GT-R is amazing, but how much of a lap-time advantage is that compared with simply a security blanket and/or driving "feel" booster?

What do you guys think? Is this ridiculous? Is it feasible? I'd LOVE to know if it's something Chevrolet has taken notice of and thought about.

 

Base Vettes will probably have trouble with the GT-R, so I don't see the Camaro being all that close. If Chevy is going to go after the GT-R, it will be with the Vettes, not the Camaro.

Also, there is a LOT more to a car than just tech specs -- not to mention the AWD, high-tech electronics and aero that actually generates downforce are definite advantages.

Sure, you could almost certainly use aftermarket parts to make a Camaro beat the GT-R and still save money, but that is going down the "modded v. stock" route.

However, the thing to remember is how many people actually use that much car on a regular basis? Almost none. At that level, it is more about bragging rights and bench racing than anything else. People will buy the camaro because it is cheap, American V8 thrills. Near-rich people will buy the GT-R because it has all the latest tech gadgets and they say they can beat a 997T. Different cars that will almost never be cross-shopped.

Heck, I would be happy to see the base V8 trounce the Evo X around the 'ring.

(side note: I hate the GT-R's interior design -- no matter how good of quality it is (which Nissan isn't exactly known for anyway), it still is quite ugly)

 

Yeah I know that stuff. I said there'd have to be some major aero and suspension work done in order to be competitive. I'm talking about a possible ~50k super high end version of the Camaro, not the Base v-8. With a 50k budget, I think it'd be feasible.

 

I can not see Chevy building a $50k super Camaro if that was your main question. I just can't see many people buying it when there are $20k Camaro's littering the streets. It just doesn't fit the brand of the car. Personally, I can think of a lot of other cars I would rather have for $50k.

Now, tuners (like Saleen, for example) might step up. But, even then, look at the s281 Extreme. Sure it sounds impressive, but I can't see it beating the GT-R (and it costs $70k).

Which is why I was saying Chevy would use the Vette to go after the GT-R. But, it probably already beats it with the Z06 for similar money (if not close). So, why make a Camaro that does the same thing for even less money (and less profit)?

 

The GT-R is in another stratosphere. Leave it for the Z06 and the ZR1 to mess with. Camaro needs to focus on the Ford Mustangs and Dodge Challengers of the world.

 

The GT-R is more in the sports car class where the Camaro is more a performance based coupe class or the modern class of what passes as a pony/muscle car today.

 

*NOTE*:

C6 Z06 lap time around the 'Ring: 7:42
GT-R lap time around the 'Ring: 7:38

It makes me sick, and seems to defy the laws of physics , BUT, it seems to be valid. The Camaro probably won't be able to out-perform/out-handle the 'Vette (which, BTW, the base C6 ran 7:59) so don't expect it to keep up with the GT-R anytime soon ... at least, not through corners .

 

Fixed.

To answer your question, the GT-R and the Camaro aren't even in the same class of vehicle, let alone price range. There won't be any cross-shopping between the two cars. Their intended missions are completely different. It's basically comparing apples to oranges.