The lack of a "base" V8 will lose sales to the mustang GT crowd since they can get 2 extra cylinders, even if it doesn't have as much hp.

 

No it won't, the SS (or Z28) will be the "base" v-8, just as the GT is Fords "base" v-8 model. A true base v-8 would be like the 3rd gen v-8 RS's, had a TBI 305 in them.

 

Asked and answered.

Let us not put the term "base" V8 on the SS as there will be nothing "base" about it. You'll be able to option it out from basic to luxury, or in "Ford" terms, GT to Mach1.

 

Hey I can hold out hope until they announce the line up! Rain on someone elses parade, thank you very much!!

Note the use of "" around base, I am sure the first V8 offering will be able to be optioned up quite nicely!

 

That very thought has been replayed in my head every time somebody says the "Base" V8....

 

thats not a good analogy at all. The MaCh1 had a different v8 than the base GT.

2v/3v 4.6 = base
4v 5.4/4.6 = premium

 

So here's what we're down to.


2009 Challenger R/T 375hp/404lb-ft 4041lbs 15/23mpg >$30K
2010 Mustang GT 400hp/360lb-ft ~3500lbs >15/>23mpg high 20s

2010 Camaro ? 400+hp/400+lb-ft <3800lbs >15/>23mpg $??



****edited. The insider over on SVTperformance says 2010 stang GT is the 400hp 5.0

 

For all intents and purposes, if I was going to save for a V8 Camaro, I'd mentally prepare for the LS3 and nothing else.

If I was going to stockpile $40,000 in my bank account, and be open to paying my local Chevrolet dealer Shelby GT500-like markups, and wanted a car that would have to have carnal knowledge with that same dealer simply to get on the list to get one, I might consider taking a good long look at the LSx engine that's under the hood of the upcoming CTSv.

If I expected 2 normal affordable V8s to choose from in my next Camaro, I'd advise to stop expecting it.

That's why I made a point to say the current Mustang.

The Dodge Challenger is priced right along with the Pontiac G8 GT, and will be just about as loaded. I wouldn't bet too much on Camaro's V8 being any cheaper. Mustang GTs currently cost $27K, and will likely go up a few percent by this time next year. Safe bet puts the V8 Camaro no lower than $28,000.

Untill we actually see the weight of a loaded Camaro V8, I wouldn't put my neck in that guillotine of 350 pounds, least you loose your head over that assertion.

Don't use the Hemi in the heaviest truck (Dodges are heavier than Chevys-GMCs, and are more powerful by far than Fords) as a yardstick. Use the LX cars instead. The upgraded Hemi will see improved performance and fuel economy.


Actually, Ford engineers actually did come up with an engine to compete with the LS1, up to and including using a upgraded 5.4 V8. The problem was Ford management which saw no need to spend the money to pump more power into the Mustang GT when the car was selling as well as it was. That changed around 2000 when Ford finally got serious about competing with GM's F-bodies. the results came up through the Bullitt, Mach 1, and finally the blown Cobra.

Even the current Mustang used the LS1 as a benchmark for acceleration. And there's more Ford can dial up from that engine on short notice with next to no investment. We'll be seeing that next year.

 

Didn't Bob say something along the lines of "the boys down at powertrain are already talking sh*t and he's got their back, no way is ford going to One-up the Camaro?" Have faith, even with the weakening economy, that this car will succeed.

 

Well that's good to hear. Because the 5.0 is bringing it.

 

No, Rob. Bob never said anything like that regarding Camaro versus Mustang.

Both Ford and GM are being secretive regarding the output of their V8 powered 2010 Camaro and redone 2010 1/2 Mustang, so there isn't much way of one knowing how much power the other will be putting out until later this year when final tuning is done.

If the next Mustang GT maintains it's 3500 pound weight (Ford has already manage to cut a few pounds off of the current Mustang over it's life so far) and the engine output is close to 400 along with corresponding increases in torque & Ford's history of good gearing, and Camaro comes in at the weight of the last GTO with the same horsepower figures and GM's history of gearing for fuel economy, I would in no way assume that a V8 Camaro outaccelerating a Mustang GT is automatically a given.

 

I'm with a couple of you guys. GM can't afford to market the Camaro just as a tire shredding beast with a huge hp number that, unfortunately, people will have the misconception that it's going to suck gas down like nothing else. I have high hopes that this car will get better fuel mileage than my M6 4th gen. car. I love when people ask me what kind of mileage I get and I tell them 23-24 mpg. When I can keep my foot out of it at least. What I don't understand is why so many people are always ready to believe the sky is falling when we get information about the 5th gen. car. I hope there are enough powertrain options to keep this car alive for another 40 years, but it isn't always going to have a V8 as an engine option. I have a sinking feeling that soon we'll see the second death of the pony and muscle cars. I know that I don't want to pay $6 a gallon to drive my Camaro all summer, in what, two years if we're lucky. I think that there was a poll on here last year about what HP is too much? I would like to see the Camaro get a slightly detuned LS3 or whatever will be dropped into the Vette, something around the 400 mark and call it good, how many of you guys really need 500 or more? If you do, order a crate motor from GMPP for your car. Do I really wish there will be a rebirth of the ZL-1 yeah sure, would I buy one, no. Chevy knows there are the enthusiasts out there that want the small block powered cars and maybe I'm in the minority that GM will not disappoint, we may not like what we have to pay for it.

I have a qustion though. Is the premium price I've heard referance to like the gas guzzler tax?

 

I believe it was in reference to the Mustang pricing.
It will cost more. How much is yet to de decided.

 

Hey, OK, a turbo 4 cyl with a manual 8 or 10 speed trans and high ratio rear gear. Just rev the crap out of it. Just like a ricer. Only a bit heavy. But, you can install a fart can for sound. That would be fun! B.