Lutz throws dirt at LSA-powered Z28
07-11-2009, 04:04 PM
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Lutz throws dirt at LSA-powered Z28
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/11/l...u-s-z28-likel/
On the bad news side, in a separate blog post, Automobile reports that Lutz kind of throws dirt on the idea of an LSA-powered Camaro Z28 (though he doesn't specifically state that the program's toast). He says that for "mainstream" sports models like the Camaro, powerful sixes (like the one in the Camaro LS and LT) and turbo fours (like the one used in the now-dead Cobalt SS, HHR SS and Solstice GXP) are more indicitive of the automaker's future direction in that regard. Hmmm. Well then, how about bolting a blower to the direct-injected V6?
Welcome back, Bob. This sounds like it could get pretty fun.
Welcome back, Bob. This sounds like it could get pretty fun.
07-11-2009, 09:44 PM
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I hope we do get to see the Z/28 in the near future. It'd be a shame to kill it off.
I'd like to see V8s continue to be used in future Camaros. They're a part of the car's DNA. Maybe not giant supercharged 550+ HP V8s, but at least a 350+ HP N/A V8.
I'd like to see V8s continue to be used in future Camaros. They're a part of the car's DNA. Maybe not giant supercharged 550+ HP V8s, but at least a 350+ HP N/A V8.
07-11-2009, 10:39 PM
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If there is one thing Americans are good at doing, its making a V8. The fact of the matter is we've been making V8's for over 8 decades and reasearch consistantly changes throughout. The fact that Lutz is thinking that a V6 and 4 banger are the Camaro's future shows that he is weak and can't take a stand for himself, traditional Lutz always wishy washy to the hype and whats popular at the time, never thinks into the future.
I know in that R&D group at GM agrees that theres still plenty of potential in the small block V8 for power and MPG's. I'm down for powerful V6's and turbo 4's, but don't associate the name camaro Z/28 with an engine thats not part of its 43 year long tradition. Use those engines for another car.
I know in that R&D group at GM agrees that theres still plenty of potential in the small block V8 for power and MPG's. I'm down for powerful V6's and turbo 4's, but don't associate the name camaro Z/28 with an engine thats not part of its 43 year long tradition. Use those engines for another car.
07-12-2009, 01:04 AM
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There's talk on one of the other Camaro boards that a 3.8 V-6 turbo could find it's way under the hood.
At first people were thinking the old Buick 231 but they've concluded that it would probably be a version of the HF V-6 that GM is running now.
Maybe something to go up against Ford's 365 horse turbo V-6.
Who knows? Time will tell.
But a blown HF V-6 would probably put down some serious power.
At first people were thinking the old Buick 231 but they've concluded that it would probably be a version of the HF V-6 that GM is running now.
Maybe something to go up against Ford's 365 horse turbo V-6.
Who knows? Time will tell.
But a blown HF V-6 would probably put down some serious power.
07-12-2009, 05:10 PM
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There's talk on one of the other Camaro boards that a 3.8 V-6 turbo could find it's way under the hood.
At first people were thinking the old Buick 231 but they've concluded that it would probably be a version of the HF V-6 that GM is running now.
Maybe something to go up against Ford's 365 horse turbo V-6.
Who knows? Time will tell.
But a blown HF V-6 would probably put down some serious power.
At first people were thinking the old Buick 231 but they've concluded that it would probably be a version of the HF V-6 that GM is running now.
Maybe something to go up against Ford's 365 horse turbo V-6.
Who knows? Time will tell.
But a blown HF V-6 would probably put down some serious power.
Would a twin-turbo 3.6 making 450hp be a great option? Yeah, sure would. But thats a lot of cost, complexity and packaging over lets say, a DI V8 or even an enhanced LS3.
For Ford, who hasnt be able to put together a V8 engine that makes power and effiency, its a good idea.
But this is GM. They got the powertrain stuff down.
07-15-2009, 02:23 PM
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I think some of you, and Autoblog, are reading way too much into Lutz's comments. Thinking that turbocharged direct injection 6s and 4s are more indicative of what will go under the hood of mainstream performance cars in the future does not contradict a plan to put a supercharged V8 under the hood of a non mainstream top line performance car in the near term.
07-21-2009, 12:52 PM
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