With all the debate about the base model Camaro's engine choices, I had this thought today:

The base model Camaro will obviously be competing with the base model Mustang (and if there is one, a base model Challenger). We're not sure what V6 the Camaro will be getting, or if there are possibly two choices in the works. Power outputs are also up in the air, with anywhere from 240-300 HP being mentioned.

The 2008 Cobalt SS/TC will put out 260 HP from it's turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder. It will also weigh less than the Camaro. Both cars will have a similar MSRP, if GM is pricing the Camaro as close to the Mustang as possible. Being that the Camaro will slot above the Cobalt in GM's performance coupe lineup, is it possible that the Camaro will get a more powerful V6 to compensate for it's "little brother"?

 

possibly...but the Cobalt Sport is a tuner car. put on a better turbo, etc...it's a car designed to be riced out, unfortunately.
My point is, it's in an entirely different category of car. So if the V6 in the Camaro isn't more powerful...it shouldn't be a big deal.
But it probably will be

 

I just have trouble comparing the Camaro with a ricer looking compact...

 

i wouldnt mind seeing the turbo/SC 4-banger in the camaro. they can be modified from GM in the cobalts with warranty to be over 325hp. not too bad and when not on the pedal too much you can get good mileage out of them.

once someone finally decides to take the freakin cams out of the engine and start using solenoids or other 'electronic activated valves', we can start tuning and timing to infinite limits and to the tenths of a degree or possibly even more. removing the cam and valve train alone should net another 100hp out of an engine, it's a huge loss and takes serious power to turn that cam. and with today's technology and OBD3 coming out...internal memory in the PCM could have 2 programs within it from the factory. a WOT or high performance option and a fuel saver economy mode. triggered by the throttle and varied through the solenoids. very simple, very effective, but for some reason noone's doing it.

 

First of all how can you say a Cobalt SS is rice? It's made in Lordstown Ohio with GM parts. None of that is Japanese made. Explain to me your reasoning. Second you won't see a turbo 4 in the base Camaro. We will see a v-6 to compete with the Mustang and v-6 Charger, and possibly v-6 Challenger. The v-6 will probably be the "High Feature" v-6, however I think it would be cool to see the direct injection v-6 in it. As for a stock Cobalt SS turbo vs. V-6 Camaro it's Cobalt hands down sorry.

 

Rice no longer defines Asian imports. It is implied to all vehicles that are modified and looked at as a "tuner" car..the fact its FWD, a compact, and sports a 4cyl declares it "rice" more so then upon which continent it was designed/produced. That being said, ricer is kinda a dumb term that gets attached to cars like the Cobalt SS/SC, Turbo before their owners even get a chance to slather on the APC gear.

But on topic. The very most important job of the Base V6 Camaro is to be CHEAP and popular..thats what has helped the Mustang survive, and apart of what made the Camaro/Firebird suffer in the 4th gen. You need to sell the **** out of the base V6 cars and dont worry about drowning them in expensive performance that will add to the sticker price. GM just needs to keep it competitive in performance and in price with the Mustang..how it is compared to the Cobalt and it's Turbo motor is irrelevant and unnecessary as anyone getting into a base V6 Camaro is obviously not buying it for performance above all else, its important, but not necessary.

Another thing to keep in mind. The Cobalt SS needs to eat too. The base V6 Camaro, with alot of its sales going to non-performance enthusiasts should rightfully not outperform the high end performance trim of the Cobalt. That would put a damper on the Cobalt SS owner when they can get worked over by the middle aged women in a base V6 Camaro.

 

Simple answer , no . The Cobalt SS is a top of line model in a completely different class of car . One that has got very competitive . The base Camaro will not be as qwick or handle as well as a Cobalt SS/TC . The SS/SC's are already very few mods away from being as fast as Mustang GT ...and on roadcourse where chassis performance is key , in stock form ....the supercharged car WILL hand a GT Mustang it ***

 

the cobalt SS slaloms faster the a 06-08 Z51 vette btw
rice by my interpratation is defined by visual mods and no go fast mods..
example..i was watching tuner tv or some **** on speed the other day..
this guy had something like 30 grand into his car..the works, stereo, wings, bodykit gullwing doors tv's dvd player i mean the WORKS..opend up the hood..dust and grime everywere stock motor..he started and it burnt more oil then desert strom

cobalt SS is NOT rice..it has the go to back up the show

 

I would hope to God the Cobalt SS Turbo would smoke the daylights out of the base V6 Camaro, otherwise what would be the point?

 

Avoid the cobalts guys. I owned an SS/SC for a year and a half, and had to have it in the shop a total of 71 days. Then, after GM refused/did not know how to fix it, i had to trade it in for reliable transportation. In the 18months that i owned it, it depreciated 10,000 dollars.

Though i'm sure the new LNF engine/powertrain is much stronger than the LSJ, its still an economy car with a turbo.

Of course i may have gotten a bad apple, but I don't have the luxury of being able to try another car every time mine breaks

Anywho, regardless of weight, power, and MPG, you have to consider one factor that that makes all the difference......

REAR WHEEL DRIVE.

Try launching a 2900lb car with a 5spd, forced induction engine and FWD. Its inconsistent, uncomfortable, and hard on the axles, tires, tranny, and motor mounts.

If your one of the 1% of enthusiasts that actually do Auto Cross or circle track racing, get the balt. But if you EVER plan on racing in a straight line, get a 5th Gen maro because IMHO any engine will do compared to the balt.

 

Don't expect it to smoke it in a straight line from a dig. I could be wrong though, however FWD just has a physical limit on the street as to how much power it can transfer to the ground from a dead stop.

To little RPM and you bog, to much and you wheel hop. And before anyone says "just get drag radials"........read below

Trust me, we already thought of that. The Cobalt SS may have a new engine, tranny and suspension, but its still got the stock economy car axles

 

Pretty sure you did . Mine is modded @ 66K miles and its been the picture of reliablity . Its not that bad launching it , hehe .

 

That shouldn't be an issue with the Cobalt SS turbo.

 

Nice times with the balt btw. I only wish i could ever touch the 13's in mine.

After stage 2/I/E/H, i was in the high 15's and put 131 to the wheels on a dyno dynamics dyno. Can you beleive being rated at 245 from the factory (before bolt ons considered) and only dynoing 131?

Can you say Lemon?

LoL the launch on that car is terrible anyway ya put it. But to be honest, after motor mounts, transaxle mounts, a torque dampener, and some pretty spiffy driving, i was able to launch it somewhat strong.

I loved the cobalt, especially the ungodly good handling, but I'll be danged if i'm gonna pay for 131whp and have GM tell me theres nothing wrong with it.

It all turned out in the end, i got a Hemi

 

Your stage 2 put down 131 to the wheels? Please tell me your joking? I have seen NA stock quad 4s dyno higher.

You had a good launch and ran a 15 at best?

You had the biggest lemon on the face of the planet.