Just when you thought that the Chevrolet Camaro stories had finally come to an end, our spy photographers have gotten the scoop on another Camaro model under development. Although still in mule form, the latest shots indicate that a more fuel-efficient Camaro could be on the way. You’ll recognize this hacked up Holden [...]

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http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrole...-cylinder.html

Just when you thought that the Chevrolet Camaro stories had finally come to an end, our spy photographers have gotten the scoop on another Camaro model under development. Although still in mule form, the latest shots indicate that a more fuel-efficient Camaro could be on the way.

You’ll recognize this hacked up Holden Commodore from last year as a 2010 Camaro mule. Several months ago, we photographed this one running around outside the Milford Proving Grounds with an odd bump in the hood. Normally when we see hood bumps, it usually means a forced induction or hybrid powertrain is hiding under the hood. And since the supercharged Z28 model is officially off the table, the picture is a little clearer.

At the time we couldn’t say for sure what was under the hood. Now, thanks to GM product czar Bob Lutz, we think we have a pretty good idea what this mule is.

During an interview at London’s Motor Show, Lutz confirmed they had been testing the 2.0L turbo four cylinder from the Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Redline for use in the Camaro. We think this mule has that very powertrain.

We observed this mule doing several stop and go tests, running up to about 5mph and then stopping. We think this may have been to test for possible turbo lag.

It’s still up in the air whether GM will go ahead and produce the turbo’ed 4 cylinder Camaro. A new 216hp, 2.0L Ecotec motor debuting in the Opel Insignia may also be a possibility for the Camaro.

 

I doubt we'll see it. Why? the 2.0 Turbo will be producing 300hp soon in the Sky and Solstice. Why put out 2 engines, a turbo 4 and a V6 BOTH putting out 300 hp in the same car? Doesn't make any sense. The gas milage will probably be identicle for both as well. I know in the Kappas it gets 28mph. (260hp version, in a much lighter car).
Plus that article said the Supecharged Z28 is 'OFF THE TABLE". And Scott said it wasn't dead. So, who you gonna believe?

 

Why would a turbo 4 need cowl induction? Since they have it wrong and Z28 is not "offcially off the table", I say it is a supercharged Z28 mule.

 

i just knew a 4 banger was in the mix....make it near 15 grand and college kids will buy...as it is now those under 20 are buying mitsubishi's around here

 

um, read what you just wrote...

specifically, the "turbo" and "forced induction" part...

 

I'm with you. Being that they "know that the Z28 is dead, it HAS TO BE a turbo 4 cylinder".

 

I should have said "cowl induction". Good catch.

 

Wow....what a completely uninformed conclusion.

The "bumps" on the hood wouldn't really serve any purpose for the LNF, or any other engine that I can think of. If anything, they're just raised hood vents. Unless the LNF is getting a cowl-mounted intercooler (highly unlikely), there's no reason to believe this car is a 4-cylinder Camaro mule.

 

This makes no sense to me. Why would they use a Commordore as a test mule when they now have production Camaros? Why not simply install the 4 banger in a Camaro body?

 

Ummm. Anyone notice the snow on he ground? This is one old pic.

 

It says they photographed it in Milford a few months ago.

 

leftlane news = Z28 is not off the table.

 

The 2.0 liter turbo has better highway economy than the 2.4 NA base motor. That leads me to believe it should be able to do much better than a 3.6 liter NA motor.

 

The old test car had the 'bumps' too, they just weren't covered. They are testing equipment. Also, they may still be testing the V8, but they have real V6 cars now, so they would just turn them into a mule.