V-8 questions

Right now I am contemplating getting a new Camaro. I am still deciding between a V6 and V8. I do have a couple questions about the V-8.

First does it run on 87 octane or do you need premium?

Second the dealer told me that when cruising on the highway the engine will shut down 4 cylinders to save on gas milage. My dad told me his friend bought a car that does the same thing back in 2003. He said that shutting down 4 cylinders doesn't work that well. He has had some problems with it and that it didn't really save him on gas milage once he is cruising over 45-55 mph. I figured that the technology has improved. Anyone know how well this works on the camaro?

Yes, you can run 87 octane in the V8. According to the owners manual "For best performance, use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 91 or higher. You can also use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but the vehicle's acceleration could be slightly reduced, and you might notice a slight audible knocking noise, commonly referred to as a spark knock".

The automatic's are the cars equipped with the V8 engines that do the cylinder shutdown. There is a slight improvement in gas mileage.

so can we run race fuel?