Wait a minute...

If you could choose between a 300hp V6, a 300hp V8, and a 400hp V8, which would you choose? I thought you were agitating for a low power V8, but now it sounds like you want the top model. Or am I misreading?

 

What if you like the styling and handling of the Camaro, but don't want 400hp? It seems even less sensible to get 400hp if 300 is plenty for you.

 

Top model, but I sure know if I was looking for a daily driver RS-style Camaro I'd want the small V8. It would obviously have more TQ but would still have to be pretty economical, very close to the V6's MPG. I wasn't discussing this for myself. We can say what we want now, but the economy and gas prices in early 09 are what will truly decide what many people are actually going to buy.

 

At this rate, in a few years we'll be seeing a thread titled "The new Camaro inline 4 might be the best model of the entire lineup!". Maybe at that point, the Camaro will come with FWD and a hatchback.

 

One thing you guys are off base about is that a 300Hp V6 is identical to a 300Hp V8. Not true.

 

thats why i'd take a V8.

 

I'll catch some flack for this, but whatever: I don't think there's a clear "winner" if you were to compare the two.

Take the LS4, and the LLT.
303hp/323lb.ft V8, and a 304hp/272lb.ft. V6

The V8 has more peak torque, and spends most of it's time above 300lb/ft.
But the 3.6L pulls hard all the way to 7000rpms. The V8 stops at 6000. And it has one of the most linear torque curves I've seen out of an engine (thanks to the VVT and DI). So unless someone wants to do some integration to find real numbers, it could be safely said that the V6 has the same, or possibly more power under the curve as the V8. All while having better fuel economy.

Unless someone's choosing based on principal of 8 cylinders alone, the V6 is, overall, a better engine! And I have a sneaking suspicion that GM tinkered with it, too. I don't think it's going to be a simple transplant from the CTS to Camaro.

 

I just wish there was a focus group in St. Louis that I could be invited to.

 

First, I don't think that's a fair comparison, because the LLT is a new generation, high technology engine. Multi-valve, DI VVT, DI, with a higher compression ratio.

But even then...ignoring that...the LS4 still wins. The peak hp/tq of the LLT is 6400 and 5200. For the LS4 it's 5600 and 4400. Big difference. Enough to make you want to get the V8.

If you care about that sort of thing. If you want a grocery-getter, you don't.

 

Ok, so you don't actually want one of these cars you're asking GM to build, then.

 

if they are geared similarly for their powerband, then the only real noticeable difference would come up if you lined them both up from a stop with slicks. also, you have to take into account the shape of the curves and how much hp/tq is falling off by the shiftpoint.

 

Nope, just making the case for it. They won't build it anyway.

 

Or if you lined them both up with street tires. And if both have manuals, you can shift wherever you want. The V8 wins.

 

Yeah. I think a low power V8 is one of those things that people think would be popular, but which actually isn't. Those who actually care about V8s want the big one. Most of the rest are quite happy with a V6 that gives about the same power and better mileage. At least that's how it seems to me.

For me personally, I'd rather have a big six than a small V8. But a big V8 is usually best!

 

Of course, of course. Why are people disputing that?