I think that right now, the LS3 (or whatever it would be called), is pretty much a lock in. The debate is what's going below it and above it.

And I agree with Jason as well. In fact, we had a nice discussion about it over lunch in Detroit. The issue being debated internally though, is if the entry level V8 has similar power to the V6....why have that power level V8 available.

 

Ding, ding, ding.

That's what I've been saying all along.

We need bigger power, not smaller power.

 

Can't say that it would surprise me, shouldn't have to wait that long for a Challenger though.

 

Good. I like your supplier better. What a fine upstanding gentleman he must be - unlike those lowly heathen, philistine dregs who preach MY '10

 

I am a loyal guionM/Fbodfather believer, banking my automotive futures on their prophecies. So let it be written, so let it be done...or something like that

This whole thing is like interpreting Nostradamus:

"In the 2nd year of the re-emergence, the two princes combined powers to unite and put forth. The unstoppable force was woken from its slumber, and laid down its wrath upon the kingdom by the great lake."

This is interpreted to mean: Two years after the concept unveil, Lutz and Wagoner gave the green-light to pull the Camaro out of hibernation. The Camaro immediately dominated Detroit upon its return.

 

Whoa! That's pretty deep, dude.

 

Im still confused as to why there cant be a 250-275hp V6, a 325-350hp V8, a 400-425hp V8, and a 475-525hp V8? I realize that would be 4 engine choices, and thats assuming that we will get the super super Camaro, but my main point is with the V6 and the base V8? Im not seeing how that difference isnt enough? There is at least a 50hp difference, maybe more, not to mention a large difference in perception, sound, and torque curve.

 

I could tell but:

A. I'd have to kill you

or

B. Make you drive a Mustang.

(if I were you, I'd go with A..........)

 

Alrightythen...........I now need a new keyboard as I passed an entire glass of iced tea thru my nose when I read "number 2"

God Bless ya.........but I'm just a fellow enthusiast .....I just got lucky to be able to work on these magnificent machines!

 

Yeah I remember you used the same threat with me once. BTW, I sold the Mustang a few months back, and recently bought a new Chevy. I'm now up to seven.

 

No, there needs to be OPTIONAL big power. Scott will be the first to tell you that a lot of potential women buyers were scared off by LS1 HP levels. I imagine there are a lot of non-enthusiast males who also would like V8 rumble but fear "400hp" regardless of how much more driveable modern engine management makes it.

Mustang has been super successful with the following formula:

1. V6
2. Modest powered GT
3. Special editions to quench the big power fanatics.

I'd like to see the Camaro do this:

1. V6 base car
2. LS4 ~325-340hp optional base engine
3. LS2 performance model
4. LS3 ultra performance model

 

i know i seen many pics.. but...

 

I admit I have not read this entire thread, but I see Scott is currently perusing the site because of that telltale green dot, so I figured I'd get my .02 in while the big cheese is around

Indeed, Charlie and I had a LONG talk about the base V8 model. We need it. Badly. IMO, it is the most crucial model in the entire lineup. Many of us don't need or desire 400+hp. But we DO want a healthy 325hp or so V8 that with a stick and DoD, could literally pull 30 MPG or more on 87 octane gas. A 325hp V8 is far superior to, say, a 275hp V6 (or whatever the base engine may be)...why?

1) THIS IS A MUSCLE CAR. Last time I checked, muscle cars featured V8s
2) Being "the most affordable V8 car on the planet" has always given the Mustang and the Camaro unmatched cache to a yonger audience.
3) I sold 2 Formulas in '02 to 70 year old women who owned 3rd gen TBI Firebirds. They didn't care the 3800 was faster than their TBI. They didn't care it got better MPG. THEY HAD TO HAVE A V8, and I almost lost both deals because they had to pay $4k more over a base Firebird to get one!
4) Again, last time we had one, almost 60% of Camaros sold were base RS V8s...back in 1992.

Go check out my thread on this one...the people are speaking, and I PRAY Scott and GM are listening. Scott, if you are reading this right now, you WILL be signing the strut tower of my '09 Sunset Orange base Camaro 5.3 at BG in September, 2008 Make an affordable V8, and I will definitely buy. I don't need 400hp for 28-29k...325hp for $25k is the magic #. PLEASE make it happen...the buyers will come

 

One last thing...nothing compares to the sound, the feel, and the torque of a V8. Give the power to the people...V8s are the reason many bought F bodies. A powerful V6 only, then a step to a 400hp V8 just isn't the same...

 

You misread me. Horsepower is horsepower. If you can get 300-340hp out of a V6, you really don't need the entry level V8. My wife likes a little power too, but she has no clue if her car is a V6 or a V8. About all she cares about is will it respond when she punches the throttle and how often she has to fill it up. A V6 can fulfill this just as well as a low powered V8 with AFM.

The past 10 years is ancient history in the auto biz. How many V6s were making 250+ hp in 2002? In 1992? Several manufacturers are doing this today and getting 31mpg highway. 300+hp is not far off, and will probably be here by the time Camaro returns. While AFM is a great equalizer for V8s compared to V6s for highway MPG, they aren't going to get the same kind of mileage around town where most of the driving is actually done. In short, for the majority of ponycar buyers, why would you pay up for a base V8, when a V6 can do eveything you need for less money.

Furthermore, you contradict yourself by saying...
While trying to argue the merits of a low-end V8. The tag "Muscle car" means performance, and generally suggests "best in class" performance is your primary goal. Then why even offer an neutered version of the V8 Camaro? Why not go for the jugular like GM already does with the Monte Carlo and Impala with their "SS" versions?

I just don't see a need for four engine choices on the new Camaro.