The more we hear of the "Big 3", getting bailout funds from the US tax-payers, we're hearing more and more that the US car buyers are, frustrated by Detroits lacluster offerings to the consumers. Consumers who instead of buying Detroit's bland looking gas guzzelers, are instead opting for foreign makes that have more asthetic appeal as well as much higher MPG ratings.
The stories are pouring out, (most currently from Motor Trend Magazine) ; that, GM might decide to shelve the upcoming Z, stating "Some inside GM are questioning whether selling a super-fast super powerful 2-door Chevy Coupe that will likely get no better than 13-19 MPG is the right thing to do for a company that's had to beg for money from a bunch of politicians who seem to think it really ought to be building gas-sipping Prius clones."

My take on this supercharged LSA V-8 delivering 556 horses, that can thunder from 0-60 in 4.1 seconds or less, than can nail the 1/4 mile in 12.3 seconds with max speeds in excess of 193 MPH with the 6-spd manual; is that it would be nice to own; but, like the article eludes to,...it's likely GM will knuckle under and either can this Z's roll-out or make it a strictly limited production run giving each car individul numbering; and priced to ensure a solid profit margin,...($70k range maybe). Ten years from now owning a gas powered engined vehicle getting 13 MPG will hardly see much road time and likely just take up a lot of valuable garage space. Z28 enthusiast are again likely to be left out in the cold, until GM pulls thier heads out of thier *****, and commits to producing a fast, economically feasable sports car that won't have us remaining slaves to OPEC!
just my 2 cents.

 

I would actually debate that GM would be very wise not to build the Z/28. Sure, some people will buy it, but not enough to justify all the costs and at 70k, why not get a Z06?

I'd love a Z/28 as much as anyone else, but GM needs to stay afloat in this economy and in order to do that I think they should focus on the current Camaro.

I haven't even seen commercials for the new Camaro on TV at all, but do you know how often I see Mustang commercials? That's where GM needs to put their money right now.

 

I havent seen a Mustang commercial since the convertable ads in the superbowl in 2005, so I guess it depends on the market.


My opinion is this on this uber-Camaro.
1) It shouldnt wear a Z28 badge, but thats for another thread
2) Goverment wants GM to build cars that people want to buy, and this uber Camaro will sell every unit, no matter what the mpg. It will be a huge profit driver, and will help spur sales.
On the other hand, making such a car when the goverment is giving money does put GM in a hard place as they must make cars that are good in the eyes of the public in reguards to gas milage. Coming out with a big supercharged muscle car would be in bad taste.

NOW, GM could kill three birds with one stone.
Take the SS, cut 100-200lbs out of her, upgrade exhaust and intake, forged wheels, improve braking, stiffen suspension, and enhance design and you have a Z28 that is lighter, gets gas milage comparable to the SS (weight offsets the additional power), and you keep an icon going without disturbing the green peace freaks, you have people pour in for a Z28 model, and you keep the enthusiasts happy.
Thats a whole mess of birds. Target the M3 in every catagory.


It sure as hell wont be 70k..thats stupid. For an additional 40k (over 2x what a SS costs) it better be dressed in carbon fiber and have a full drivetrain from Ferrari.