flowmotion

Would a turbo V6 save any weight?

Just a thought.

boxerperson

Turbo'd version of the V-6, 400hp
Strengthened transmission based on the v-6 version, with cooler
Lightweight 18 inch rims with brembos inside
Functional aerodynamic upgrades front and rear. Follow the ZR1's method, no big spoilers.
Retuned, stiffer suspension package
Faster ratio steering
Lighter weight body panels wherever possible. Dunno what the current ones are made of but a fiberglass hood, front and rear quarterpanels, etc
Lightweight recaro seats inside. Alcantara or some other grippy synthetic preferable to leather
More focused interior appointments. No unnecessary gismos, but all the regular niceties: power windows/locks, A/C, etc.
Z/28 specific interior badging and a special interior color combination available only on Z/28
Any and all basic lightening "tricks" used without dramantically altering daily usability (less sound insulation, lightweight components inside wherever possible, etc....not drastic stuff like aluminum/magnesium frames etc)
Z/28 specific headlight and grill treatment. The LED halo from the RS could be changed in shape, maybe a different pattern on the grill

I figure this will give the Z/28 the ability to best the SS in the twisties (figure on the same weight as the R/S), the same straight line ability (or slightly better since turbo 6's have better power curves than NA V-8's),some much needed visual differentiation, and keep costs in check.

Ideally a base Z/28 would have the same standard options as the base R/S package, except with the different wheels, aero, engine, body panels, and the recaro seats and some of the other minor weight mods. Given this, it could probably start in price right around where the SS1/RS does, maybe a grand higher. All the luxury appointments available with the SS2 package should of course be available. With the lightweight wheels and a couple body panels and less sound deadening, combined with the turbo 6 instead of the LSx, weight could probably be kept just under 3800 for the unoptioned Z/28.

Also, to keep purists happy, the no-cost option of replacing the Turbo-6 with the SS's V-8 engine/tranny, while keeping all the other Z/28 specific items including badging should be available, since as I understand it, the assembly line for the camaro is quite modular and could probably do this easily. Performance might be better with the 6, but some people will of course want the 8.

The Turbo-6 is likely already in the works, that's the direction that the industry is headed so far as I can tell. It might be a smaller displacement version based on the same block, for durability. Anyways, it might take a couple years but I think the modifications I listed would be able to come out of parts bins for the most part, at least 2 years from now.

skorpion317

I voted for a modified LS3. The supercharged engines are just too heavy.

The Z/28 should be the Camaro's version of the Z06. If ANY weight can be removed from the car (without giving up standard features), it should be done. Even if the car weighs 3700 lbs., that's still better than 3800-3900 lbs.

IZ28

Ha, 3,800-3,900Lbs would actually be good since an S/Ced Camaro will be over 4,000Lbs easy. The SS is already in the 3,900's.

flowmotion

boxerperson - I think that's an interesting and feasible idea. Only question is how well the "purists" would take the V6 -- my gut feeling is that for a high-end model they would almost exclusively want a V8.

boxerperson

Given the current climate, I think it'd go over well. I know there's quite a few people who'd take a turbo-6 over a V-8. Having it attached to the Z/28 name may prove contentious for some of the traditionalists, but the response to the R/S has been overwhelmingly positive. Having the no-cost option of the SS engine for those people who prefer that route would cost little to nothing for GM to do, and appease the people who believe that's the way it should be done. The general public, who are the REAL targets, would be very accepting I think, and that's the key. Having the Z/28 be nothing but a niche model for the hardcore Camaro faithful would be like repeating the mistakes of the 4th gen, which sacrificed too much for the hardcore and languished in sales because of it.

I know which engine I would prefer. I love my V-8s, but if a turbo-6 means a bit less weight, the same horsepower, and a fatter torque curve....well, that's just more appealing to me. The sound would be different, but these new direct injection V-6 engines sound so much better than the old 3800 series that the camaro guys are used to...I don't think it'd be that big of an issue. And the other modifications I listed wouldn't be very costly and would keep both weight and cost in check. The platform the 5th gen runs on is not a light platform, but it IS exceptionally rigid and better engineered than any camaro platform that came before. We can't feasibly turn the Z/28 into a 3500lb track beast without massive amounts of money, but we could turn it into a 3780lb one.

From everything that I've read, the camaro's handling is extremely good and very intuitive. It FEELS good to drive, and that boosts driver confidence. As much as I wanted a lightweight car, a 400hp 3780lb Z/28 that has confidence inspiring handling and great balance, along with some real racing touches like recaro seats and a bunch of small but racing-inspired "nods" inside and out.....well, it could prove to be a better performer on a track than something like a 350z or even the upcoming 370z, both of which are supposed to be "drivers" sports cars. And it'd have all the normal amenities and conveniences of a modern 2+2. It'd sure whip the crap out of the Infinity G37, the current 2+2 GT car that remains affordable to the middle class. And we already know even the regular SS would crush the Mustang.

Z284ever

GM's turbo V6 program - purportedly 420 hp - has been cancelled for alittle while now.

tmoney1

i personally thingk v6 turbo cars are cool, but not for this camaro. This is an american symbol and americans love big and that is why we need to stick with the V8.

boxerperson

That sounds like an excellent way to kill the car

boxerperson

Cancelled? I know the northstar replacement was cancelled, but the turbo-6 program is dead too? Or just delayed? That would be really bad....ford's moving ahead with theirs.

Z284ever

Cancelled.

tmoney1

well then i guess it is already dead because there is no way in hell they are going to go with your little turbo six plan as a TOP DAWG model sorry man.

blackflag

Ss + ls7 = z/28

Xilant

Big price difference between the Z06 and C6 if you want to look at it that way...