I have seen a number of people on here post about wanting an almost bare bones, top dog, V8 available. Something that I am interested in as well, to an extent. I still want the power windows/locks, A/C, and what not, but don't want to have to get leather interior and stuff like that just to get the top dog motor. I was thinking that GM could do something like this....... tC Spec package ........... with the Camaro and call it a COPO.

Let's just say hypothetically that there are going to be these packages:

(Remember HYPOTHETICALLY, I DON'T KNOW, so don't go ranting about these)

Base: 3.9L V6 250hp (standard equipment: power windows, locks, etc)
RS: 3.9L HO V6 300hp w/ appearance package and optional SS handling package (larger brakes, sway bars, etc)
SS: 5.3L V8 375hp w/ handling package and optional RS appearance package (bringing back the RS/SS )
COPO: see next paragraph.
Z28: 6.2L V8 450hp w/ model Z28 specific appearance package and handling package.

The COPO would have the base Camaro appearance and standard equipment, except for additions necessary for other "packages" (like if the base wheels would not clear the SS brakes). The SS handling package, and the Z28 motor. Beyond that there would be only a hand full of options. They could even go one step further than the Scion package and make it available in any color the Camaro comes in. Pricing would be somewhere in between the SS and Z28.

I would not think something like this would take much more to develop, since all of the parts would have already been developed for one package or another. I personally would love to see something like this come out. Not only for the enthusiasts, but for GM as well, companies like GMMG and Baldwin Motion would definitely take notice of this.

Anyway, just a thought, what do you guys think of this?

David

 

i would definitely spring for a bare-bones package. i'm shopping for a new silverado soon, and i basically want a stripper with a/c, v8, limited slip, chrome bumper, and spare tire lock as the only options.

if i could, i'd do the same thing with my camaro. cloth, a/c, a basic cd player, manual transmission, and let me pick my engine. i would love to get the same (or very similar) engine as the SS with upgraded brakes and suspension.

 

It wont happen, it would increase cost of the car across the line.

 

The problem is...no matter how many people say they want a "Stripped car" Every single person has a different idea or different level they want the car to be stripped to. Like you just said u still want your a/c...power windows...etc
If you had to pay more money for a stripped model ...with only the options you want..then you would for a regularly optioned car...would anyone do it? chances are NOWAY!!!!

 

Let's say Ford offered the GT500 powertrain and brakes in a base Mustang V6 Deluxe body. How much would that save off of the $43K MSRP? Not much. Would it be lighter? Not significantly.

So if it's not a bunch cheaper and a bunch lighter/faster, what's the point?

 

excellent point. some people want ac delete and radio delete. no power windows and locks etc. how stripped is stripped? Besides, I am not sure a base Z28 is going to be less than a loaded SS. I think that is what people are going for, just don't think they are going to get it.

 

Better bet would be to take a poll of people here (who have bought NEW) that actually bought stripped 4th gen Z28s or base Formula Firebirds. That includes no t-tops, cloth interiors, etc.

Everyone loves the idea of a stripper. But when it comes to actually buying one, the herd tends to go with the most goodies they can afford or buy used.

 

actually it would not

 

Yeah…actually it would….

Do you have any clue about how modern cars are package and engineered?

When you don’t package items standard, like AC and power windows you have to double you engineering cost.

Simple example: You want roll up windows? You have to engineer both power controls and the mechanism for the manual roll up.

Plus most of a car lines profit is made from the higher optioned models. For example the 4th gen V6s were sold at nearly breaking even or sometimes at a loss. The 4th gen V8s, especially the fully loaded SS’s not only carried the line but made most of the profits.

Thus if you had a model such as this stripper, with more engineer cost in the drive-train and hardware but with out the profit making options, that will also sell very low numbers it would be a double loss.

This car would not sell. This has been discussed in depth over the year in this forum. Strippers have not sold to the general public since the 80’s. It is a very different market than it used to be.

The enthusiast crowd alone would not generate enough cash to provide this model.

It doesn’t make sense from so many auto business standpoints its not even funny.

So how exactly do you figure I’m wrong? No…… really….please prove me wrong…

 

+ 1.

 

+2

Also, why do you need a "bare bones" model? Isn't that the point of customizations.. to customize the car to how you want it? Plus, you get more pride and joy out of it knowing yours is the only (or one of few) like it... and you know you did it yourself (or, well, it was your idea at least lol).

 

that's exactly what I would want. Top of the line V8 with just the AC, power accessories, cruise, and a 6spd manual.

 

guionM, stars1010, Z284ever, Good Ph.D, I have nothing but respect for you guys, but I think you are misunderstanding me.

I know a true stripper would not happen, Scott has said as much more than a few times, and that is perfectly fine by me. I am not talking about removing anything that would come standard on the car. Heck, I am hoping they don't spend the money to develop things like manual windows/locks and drum brakes, and am confident they will not mess with this like radio delete, a/c delete, or anything like that. I just don't see the point, and I know that the more they develop the more cost is added.

What I am proposing is taking a base line car with everything that comes standard, putting the base V8 suspension underneath it (which is a nonissue if like the 4th gens it is the same as the V6 suspension), slapping the Z28 engine/tranny into it, and making a few options available. Options for transmission (hopefully), interior/stereo, sunroof, and stuff like that, but no wheel options and no appearance options. They wouldn't have to develop anything for the car that hadn't already been developed, just install part "A" instead of part "B". I wouldn't think this would add significantly to the price of the line. Look at that Scion tC spec package that I posted the link too, they developed pieces that are package specific (which is not what I am suggesting) and the cost of the car is $1,400 less than the base model.

This whole thing is only relevant if Chevrolet continues to make the top dog of each model (like the current crop of SS's) almost "loaded only" options, which I hope is not the case. If they do continue, I know most people looking at a V8 Camaro would just buy the SS or the Z28, but what about those people that don't want leather, don't like the appearance package, or are planning on getting aftermarket wheels, but want the top motor? This isn't a package for the masses. honestly, if I was Chevrolet, I would make it an ORDER ONLY package. Think of it as more of a package for the enthusiast and aftermarket. The aftermarket is where I think this package would shine (much like Scion thinks their tC spec package will), it would give companies like Baldwin Motion, GMMG, Unique Performance, and others, a less expensive starting point. Both enthusiasts and aftermarket companies would be putting on their own wheels, appearance packages (or choosing not too), and suspension packages anyway.

Am I looking at this the wrong way? Is this still not possible?

David

 

I never knew about that. I'm trading in my 06 Corolla in a couple months so I am gonna look into this. Would you happen to have any pics of this tC?
I voted for the gutted Z/28, but it would never be gutted the way I want it from the factory (1960s era super stock).
edit: Never mind, I don't want to deal with hubcaps.
I did however get a ride in a factory supercharged tC. Nifty little car that tC...

 

Here

David