While reading the numerous transformers threads, a thought occured to me. I don't believe that the car could be released before mid 2008 at the earliest.

Here is my logic. The Camaro is rumored to have the LS3. This engine is set to debut in the 2008 Corvette, which most likely will mean a Summer/Fall release. I doubt that Chevy will let the Camaro debut the new 'Vette mill before the 'Vette does; and I do not see them repeating the 04-05 GTO mistake of having the initial year come out with an engine that is scheduled to be replaced the next year with a higher performing mill.

I could be way off base, I definitely have no access to inside info (well anymore than anyone else on this sight does ), but based on the stated importance of this car, I just can't see it coming out any sooner than CY 08 as an 09.

 

I hope you get a surprise on a build date but motors I would not worry about.
Scott said at the awards last weekend that Mustang after 4 years with no new camaro was just not catching up in performance and when the new one comes they will be that far behind again. Also next gen engines are in the works and LS2-LS6-LS7 will be of the past by then and the concept is E85 fuel ready. What ever it is motor wize it will far top a Mustang and besides selling alot of them that is the number one goal of top dog sold. I look for a good running V-6 for the masses as well

 

Whether they prove to be factual or not, you made some very intelligent points.

... and I didnt mind the LS1/LS2 GTO debacle, cuz i snagged a brand new 04 for my wife for 19k.

 

How was the LS1/6 to LS2 switch a mess? They upgraded the engine in the 2nd year for the GTO and in the 3rd year for the CTS-V. Whats wrong with upgrades? I don't expect cars to keep the same engine forever. Camaro didn't. I also don't expect a car to get an all new Corvette powertrain a year before the Corvette.

 

when the LS2 for 05 news broke so early, it hurt 04 sales... forcing GM to pretty much give away the 04s that were piling up on showroom floors.

as I posted, I snagged a $33k GTO for $19k in December of 04.

 

Mike,

Right now the LS2 smokes the 4.6, no debate there. But like ChrisL posted, I am not sure that GM will release an LS2 Camaro only to have the LS3 come out the next year and have ~50 more hp. Just a thought as I said.

 

What I was getting at I don't think any of the 3 engines I listed will be offered and know on knows yet but I think it will be a newer motor

 

The Transformer movie is set to be released summer of '07. That would be perfect timing in terms of marketing to release an '08 model year Camaro. This date also coincides with the '08 model year Corvette so both cars can come out with the LS3 at the same time. IF (big if) the Camaro is ready to deliver end of '07 as a MY08 I don't think Chevy will postpone the Camaro by one year just so Corvette can stand alone with the new engine as they've done in the past. GM needs to release the Camaro as soon as it's ready, and for them the sooner the better. Isn't the GTO back in '08 also? It all ties together.

I get a feeling GM is being so secretive about the Camaro production date because the program is much further along than many perceive it to be. They surprised the world with the concept and they're going to do it again with the production date (I hope so anyways )

 

The LS2 has been around since 2003. By 2007, its last year, it will have been in production for 5 years. LS1 lifespan = (97-'02)-6 years in Corvette, 5 in the F-body). LT1 lifespan = ('92-98)-5 years in Corvette and 5 years in the F-body. 5-6 years has been the typical life span for the performace V8. Plus I believe there are stricter fuel requirements GM wants all it's vehicles to be compliant with by 2008. I'm trying to remember this off the top of my head so correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Forget everything I said. 3 years is a short life span

 

for something better



has GM Powertrain disappointed us yet? I'm not worried. Whatever engine(s) they use will bring the goods.

 

GM has always had excellent powertrains, just lacking in worthwhile vehicles to put them in.

 

I agree with this statement, but there's a big "however" attatched.

The problem was the initial pricing of the GTO in general. GM priced it too high to begin with, and idiotic Pontiac dealerships tacked on too much of a premium. This was a well known problem.

Case in point: In fall of 2004, the new Camaro was a rumor at best. I was car shopping and have to admit that I was even considering a new Cobra. God I hate Ford's, but GM didn't have a pony car.

I looked at a GTO and they wanted $40K for the friggin thing. In fact, they wouldn't even let me test drive the machine. Down the street a Chevy dealer was selling new Corvettes for around $40K.

So, new Vette that I can test drive all day long, or new GTO that I can't even start up - both for same price? I'll take the Vette, thank you. **** Pontiac and the GTO all to he11.

$19K for a GTO? I'd consider yourself extremely fortunate. There were far more GTO ripoffs than there were good deals.

 

Camaro debuted in 1967 with the brand new 350 cubic inch small block Chevy, the only car to have such engine.
And Camaro could launch with the LS2, and have the LS3 making over 430hp as an optional engine...one year later.

 

1 way to look at it is...if they do introduce a new motor, your going to have to wait a while for aftermarket parts for that motor, but by the time the camaro comes out, there should be lots of LS2 bolt-ons available, so you'll be able to bolt on a few extra horses.