Ok then RussStang, where are you getting your info from?

As for me, I've been following this info and comparing what has been posted on numerous sites. Most importantly, the info I posted on the SRT8 has been verified by Autoblog.

If you are so "in the know" share your sources.

I only post what I have been able to verify through accurate sources.


And, if you're implying that GM will put the LS3 in the car, and charge $35K, your nuts. Everything I've ever seen (right out of Maximum Bob's mouth) puts the Camaro at just shy of $35K in the fully optioned V8, and the LS3 is not going to be an option, at least in the first year.

If you "know" something definitive, please share. Don't use innuendo, use facts.

 

I don't have any straight facts, but it is pretty obvious from the innuendo that a base v8 is still trying to be pushed under $30k, and that base v8 will likely be the LS3. It can't be that hard to believe, because Popular Hot Rod wrote an article about it awhile back.

Spend some time reading stuff around here, and the information you can pick up from insiders is pretty generous. I certainly can't comment on autoblog, but from what I have read on another board a few weeks ago, that lineup for Dodge is not completely accurate. There is working being done on a bigger Hemi, for starters. Also, there are no plans for the L76 to be used in the Camaro. As Z284ever (Charlie) has stated numerous time, that engine and possibly the LS3 may not even be in production by the time the Camaro comes out.

When did autoblog become the definitive source for information? Also, can you show me the quote where "Maximum Bob" made that statement? He has stated to the contrary before.

 

That would be surprising to me -- from a marketing perspective. If Dodge brings out the 420hp-ish Challenger around $35k+, I can't see Chevy pricing their 420hp-ish Camaro $5k (or more) less. That would seem to indicate the "rest of the car" would be incredibly cheap.

Also, the G8 GT is just under $30k. I can't see Chevy putting in the more desirable LS3 in the Camaro and selling it at the same price. It would be worth more, so they should charge more for it. Otherwise, there will be a natural tendency to think the car is incredibly cheap (and not in a good way). Whether or not it actually is won't matter too much as the impression will be the same regardless (and manifest in a cheap/negative brand image).

Also, lets not forget about CAFE. It would actually make sense to have a hi mpg L76 derivative as well as a hi-hp LS3 derivative as well.

They like to talk how they have surprises up their sleeve. It wouldn't surprise me if they release two engines that are new to the Camaro by time it comes out.

 

No.

 

By '12, (maybe before?), I fully expect the Camaro to get the new smallblocks. I think we'll see a version of the LS3 at intro though.

 

Thank you Rampant for saying what I have not been able to (clearly).

Let's not forget, the other SRT8 vehicles sell for $39,500 and up. That's if you can find one that doesn't have a dealer mark-up on it. Therefore, I cannot fathom why anyone would expect an SRT8 Challenger to sell for $35K.

Everyone, including those on the Dodge message boards, expect the 425hp Challenger to be in the low $40K range.

GM will price the Camaro to make money...not to make us happy. They are in the business for the business. If they price a 435 hp, LS3 based Camaro at $42K, they'll still sell as fast as $1 condoms at a **** festival.

Just simple math...

 

For the "base V8" I can easily see the LS3 at intro, followed a year later by the LS3's replacement. (Whatever that is.) So it may be worth to wait until the 2011s roll out... at least.

 

They won't though. GM has stated they want to keep the top dog price around the $40k mark, and the top dog isn't only going to have 435hp. The rumor mill has it the top engine is going to be blown. Big power numbers there. Besides, there is no math to add up. LS engines are pretty similiar in price from what I understand; GM will make roughly the same profit on an L76 in a Camaro as they would an LS3.

The last time significant engine talk came up on this board, this is what the insiders hinted strongly at.

v6 3.6 300hpish
v8 6.2 400hpish
blown v8 6.2 500hpish

There apparently is some talk from Scott over in the other thread about two v6s again, as originally planned.

 

That's exactly how I see it.

V6 3.6L - the LLT is @ 302hp (or a derivative)
V8 6.2L - the LS3 is @ 430hp (or a derivative)
Blown V8 6.2L - the LSA is @ 525hp (or derivative of LS9, or ? )

Based on the roadmap for the next few years, those selections make the most sense to me.

 

Well, RussStang, if this is true, I will be pleasantly surprised. Mr. Settlemire, when he does release information, is honest with us. (when you mention Scott, I'm assuming your talking about the "F-Bodfather")

If GM can somehow stick a 400+ hp LS3 into the first gen Çamaro, and keep the price in the low $30's, my 96 may have to go bye-bye.

And, if they can somehow commit to releasing a near 500hp blown Camaro, and keep the price under $40K...my 96 is gone as well as my first born!


The thing is...GM has disappointed me before and I try not to get too excited until the car is in the lot.

 

I really doubt that. If you're talking $42K for a loaded convertible, sure, I can see that. But in my opinion, $42K for a BASE 435HP Camaro would be GROSSLY overpriced considering that a base Corvette currently retails for only $4,000 more. For a V8 Camaro to sell in volume, there needs to be a hell of a lot more distance between its price and that of a Corvette. I've always hated the "Camaro is the poor man's/working man's Corvette" saying, but it may not be too far from the truth. I know that not ALL Camaro drivers aspire to own a Corvette, but a V8 Camaro has definitely served as a "gateway drug" to plenty of Corvette sales. Having a new Vette and Camaro only $4K apart would probably cause quite a few potential Camaro buyers to jump to a new Corvette instead. Sure, GM would still be getting their money, but at the expense of Camaro's sales volume which is key to the Camaro staying around.

As far as the price of the V8 Challenger being in the low $40K range.......who cares?? Let Dodge worry about their potential customers choosing a 430ish HP 5th Gen for $10K less than the Challenger. More sales volume for the Camaro .

I still don't see what the hang up is of NOT having an LS3 in the "base" V8 Camaro. For this being an enthusiast web site, some seem awfully eager to accept well under 400HP in a V8 . Hell, some would seem to be happy with 435HP in the "bad-***" instead of the 500HP+that I think most would hope for. I must have missed something.....when did we decide we wanted to neuter the V8??

And yeah, I've already been told in other posts by those obviously much wiser than me that I have unrealistically high standards, am greedy, and would be much better off with a Corvette as I am not a "real" Camaro guy....so no need to point out the obvious.

 

Just to clarify, $42K would not be for the BASE (i.e. no frills) model with the LS3. (Hypothetically speaking) It would be for a fully optioned LS3 "based" model (as in a LS3 block with a variation of the head designed for the L76).

I totally agree, $42K as the starting price would not be a good investment.

 

Depending on how "loaded" it is, yeah, I can see that.

 

A Camaro with an LS3 won't be a "base" model. While it may be the "entry" level V8, it ceratainly won't be "no frills".

 

i pretty much agree with this lineup but i dont believe that the LLT is going to be the base engine..

i'm thinking they'll use the 3.9L @ 240hp.. maybe the LZ8 w/AFM or the LGD w/ flexfuel