I say that in offering a truly super hi-tech engine as their base model GM is making a bid for the ricer crowd.

I was so glad that dropped the idea of making the pushrod 3.8 V6 as the base model. While the worked for generations in giving a good foundation of sales and profits to support the market for Z28's and SS's with the "secretary specials" and "wannabes" who could not afford the insurance of the V8 F-Bodies. A new way of marketing is what is needed here.

I am sure that future CAFE considerations hadl alot to do with going with a Variable Valve Timing, Direct Injection DOHC V6, but you can see that such language speaks volumes to the Gen X's, Y's and W's who were born and raised on Honda VTEC's and Mitsubishi G63B's.

Heck my speed mechanic's son was born and raised on SBC's, BBC's and Turbo GN's and T-Type Regals but he and all his friends are big VTEC heads for the same reason that middleage guys like me (49 years) were into SBC and 5.0 Fords. They were cheap easy and accessible.

GM got its back againist the wall. It's gotta do something to be relavent. Outside the US they act like a real car company. Like Democratic party realized four years that it had to expand its base beyond the treehuggers and latte drinkers so GM has to expand its market beyond SUV's and Vette owners.

In offering a 22,000 $ 300 HP V6 Camaro w/IRS that will beat the pants off a Mustang GT is a great start. And the Camaro looks a hell of a lot sleeker and nicer than te BMW 135i which is also 300HP. Who knows when a mild turbo kit we maybe talking LS3 perfomance(or even Nissan GT-R performance) in V6insurance bills

 

I sure hope that the Camaro has a wide appeal, not just focused on a small segment of the population. One thing I do know is that in order to appeal to people that prefer imports, you don't refer to them as "the ricer crowd"! As much as the drivetrain my appeal to those that have driven performance minded imports in the past, I don't believe the styling of the vehicle will appeal strongly to that group (especially the interior styling).

 

Well, I doubt it will 'beat the pants off of a Mustang GT', I'm sure it will hang with it. I will agree that it beats the pants off the Mustang in styling though.

 

This V6 Camaro extends the car's appeal out of the typical "Muscle Car" group...I agree that the younger people will look at it more kindly with all the three-letter acronyms, and I also think that since it has respectable performance AND fuel efficiency, it will appeal to many older people looking for a stylish weekend cruiser. And...it may not be a "luxury" car...but it can hold its own against the G37, etc as far as performance, fuel economy, and it absolutely slaughters it in terms of value bang-for-your-buck...I wouldn't be surprised if a few (very few) of those buyers cross over to Camaro.

It was a VERY smart choice to use this engine for the 'base' models; possibly the best decision (among many good ones) they made regarding this car, imo.

 

Well I have to reply and comment on this. I have been lurking around for about 4 months and I absolutely love the concept and I was on the fence for the Camaro. I could not decide on the Nissan Z or the Camaro........Having the opportunity to be in Miami today on business I just happen to run and take a look at the new Camaro and my response is WOW. I am no longer on the fence with this car and I am really excited that they decided to use the LLT with the performance that it is said to provide. Pictures do this car no justise, it is absolutely beautiful. Order will be placed when I get back to Chicago .

 

insurance is not based on engine displacement and power any more, It is all about safety today. My old v6 cars are way more to insure than my new v8 cars

 

isn't that because old cars are cheaper to insure then new ones??

 

it all depends on statistics.

 

Having had a 3800 Camaro, I felt the power was decent- It was a good balance of power & Economy for a daily driver.

I have little interest in the SS Since it's MPG is going to be so poor, IMO, GM should offer a "smaller" V8 for those who want the grunt but dont need 400+ HP. Thats what I think makes the LS1 such a great engine!

Anyways, I'd love to have a 3.6 Camaro LT2 with M6 and RS Package Make mine Red, white, or dark red.

 

With the exact drivetrain as the bullitt people have gone as fast as 12.8s. Mark my word the new v6 Camaro is nice but in no way will it hang with the Mustang GT, although it will destroy the v6 stang.