GM VP Confirms Camaro Z/28
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Well this is awesome news in the long run. For the short term it sucks, because Alpha will not be ready for anything sooner than a 2014 model. So we have a long wait for the Z/28.
This is the route we want the Camaro to go. Alpha is a much smaller platform and will mean that the Camaro version is a stretched small platform instead of a shrunken big platform. From the engineering documents i've read on Alpha, this could mean a Camaro as light as 3400lbs. I wouldn't count on that though...assuming IRS and a fully optioned interior package, i'd figure on a weight right around what the current Mustang is. Maybe just a hair lighter. Combine that with the certainty that all engines will be at least AS powerful as they are now (312hp, 422hp, and 550hp), the alpha-based Camaro should easily dominate it's segment.
This is the route we want the Camaro to go. Alpha is a much smaller platform and will mean that the Camaro version is a stretched small platform instead of a shrunken big platform. From the engineering documents i've read on Alpha, this could mean a Camaro as light as 3400lbs. I wouldn't count on that though...assuming IRS and a fully optioned interior package, i'd figure on a weight right around what the current Mustang is. Maybe just a hair lighter. Combine that with the certainty that all engines will be at least AS powerful as they are now (312hp, 422hp, and 550hp), the alpha-based Camaro should easily dominate it's segment.
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Right now, the new Mustang runs side by side with the new Camaro, despite being significantly lighter and down ONLY 15hp. Theoretically shaving 200lbs off the Camaro would make it quite a bit faster than the GT - with ONLY 15hp more. This tells us that GT will need 30-40hp extra to run even with the Camaro given the same weight. Combine this with the likelihood of the fully loaded Alpha SS being about 3600lbs, which is actually LIGHTER than the current fully loaded GT, and even if NOTHING is changed with either engine, the Camaro becomes a near runaway winner.
Basically what i'm saying is that Ford will have to do ALOT to the current 5.0 to be able to stay ahead of the Camaro assuming GM stays on course and moves it to the Alpha platform.
Also remember that this alpha Camaro will likely carry the Gen V (DI, VVT) LS (or whatever they designate the motor).
So no, i'm certainly not presenting this all as fact, but it's a damn good argument if you ask me.
#14
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If they wait for the smaller platform as suggested for the Z28, that makes me hopeful for a high revving screamer in a stripper package. Maybe a rendition of the 5.5 and low options to be around 3300-3400 pounds again pushing 450hp...that's a Z28.
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Nah it'll be the Gen V version of the LSA i'm sure. I'm still going to be surprised if they actually call the top car "Z28". I would love to see "ZL1" or something like that. "ZR1" worked out awesome for the vette.
#17
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It works the same way with value as 3rd gens are starting to rise because guys can now afford the car they always wanted in high school. aka a Z28.
While I do think ZL1 would be a much cooler name, only small percentage of the market has even heard of that before. It's done plain and simple to sell cars, and they sure as hell weren't going to call it an IROC.
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Not really. The new 5.0's are getting in the 12.60's/12.50's at 114/115 alot by owner drivers now, check the Mustang boards. A guy even ran a A6 3:31 to a 12.56 if I recall, very impressive. It takes some good driving and a few bolt-ons for a new SS to run those times. I've been a GM guy all my life, but the new 5.0 is a quicker, better handling, not to mention overall better car then the new Camaro.
#20
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ford will leave the 5.0 alone for as long as GM allows it to. the 2010SS and hemi challenger saw to that. ford will release limited edition cars to compete with the alpha based camaro. the new 2012/2014 stang chasis will have to compete then. ford just isnt into upping than ante year over year. they never have, and never will. its about profits. if camaro sales hurt the stang, ford will respond. if not, ford will make NO changes. just reap the profits.