LS1LT1

iTrader: (16)

GM hints Camaro V6 might get more power in 2011.

In the never-ending muscle car war between the Camaro and Mustang, Ford's V-6 model currently has the advantage as it boasts better fuel economy and more horsepower for the 2011 model year than the 2010 Camaro. Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette marketing manager John Fitzpatrick hinted to us today that the entry-level Mustang's horsepower lead may be short-lived.

When specifications on the 2011 Mustang were released, after noting the startling fuel economy improvement of the V-6 car to 19/31 mpg city/highway, we found it amusing that the car's new 3.7-liter unit made exactly one horsepower more than the 3.6-liter, 304-horsepower V-6 Camaro.

We asked Fitzpatrick whether Chevrolet would respond to the numbers challenge (the 2010 Camaro V-8's 426 horsepower already trumps the 2011 Mustang's 412 horsepower) in the next couple years. He told us, "you might see it sooner than that," noting that details on the new 2011 Camaro will arrive in a few weeks.

"It's really great to see [Ford] stepping up their game," Fitzpatrick said, explaining that he believes Ford used the Camaro as a benchmark.

88blackgt

Who gives a **** about upping the power; drop the weight and get the best of both worlds. GM will probably do the same stupid **** and raise the power and lose a mpg or so. Make it get better mileage, not more power.

LS1LT1

iTrader: (16)

I agree, the weight reduction would be a win-win when seeking both speed AND fuel economy.
Better yet, they should up the power AND reduce the weight.

assasinator

with such a heavy chasis they are stuck in the same tail chase as dodge and the challenger: up the liters to 6.4 and power to 475 instead of using a lighter chasis.


if chevy can afford the next gen and make it light it wouldnt be necessary to chase ford. the 3.6 DI is already a stratified combustion engine. there simply isnt more there from a BSFC standpoint. they WILL lose economy if they make it larger displacement, add cam duration, or tune the intake and give up low end harmonics.

i havent reverse engineered a DI motor. but ive read plenty on the tuning by BMW on theirs. extremely high compression managed by lean burn slow flame travel.


nissan is a good example of going to far for the average car. premium fuel required engines make more power, but joe shmoe cant afford it. the ford uses regular unleaded. chevy needs to keep it there.

IMO.

Spoolin

iTrader: (8)

How many people have T/C their camaro V6's?

Darksol

For all LS1's premium fuel is recommended from the factory.
There is a lot of cars that the manufacturer recommends it.
If a few bucks per fill up is a deal breaker, take a bus.