Hypothetical question... let's speculate for a minute that the 5th Gen car ends up being heavier than the 4th Gen car... does this necessarily mean "the end of the world"?
and...given the hypothesis that it turns out to be heavier, what if, at the same time... it got better gas mileage, was faster from 0-60 and in the 1/4 mi., plus was a better handling car than the 4th Gen - especially given the IRS.
I wonder how many people would refuse to buy the car on that fact - that it was heavier, but was more economical, faster and handled better?
Sure as all hell wouldn't bother me if that were to be the case.
I've already tried to make a similar point previously in this forum...
http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...X8#post4649654

Best regardSS,

Elie

 

What other cars have motors with "direct injection" ? Im not sure but the only thing that comes to mind when I hear direct injection is the E46 BMW M3 but I'm probably wrong.

 

Elie, I see your point, but honestly I want more. It's not enough for it to simply surpass what the 4th gen was. The 4th gen is long dead.

BTW, every performance aspect which you mentioned, could ALL be simultaneously improved by sensible weight control - with no trade offs for it.

No disrespect, but stating that weight is of no concern as long as fuel economy, acceleration and handling are improved from the long in tooth previous model, reminds me of an Al Gore "carbon credits" scheme.

 

The big difference between this and the "carbon credits" scheme is that carbon credits don't actually do anything but allow someone to maintain a higher carbon usage based on someone else using less carbon. What was proposed that you object to is actual gains in performance and gas mileage in spite of increased weight, a far different scenario than the "carbon credits" scheme.
Clyde

 

Of course it will out accelerate a 4th gen. I don't think anyone doubts that it will come with north of 350 hp. If the 5th gen comes with 100-200 more hp than the 4th gen, how could it not out-accelerate it?

Of course it will get better mileage, it will be required to. It will have powertrains acouple of gens beyond the last car. How could it not?

Of course it will handle better, the 4th gen traces it's chassis development back to the late '70's. The new one had better handle better!

All of these things are givens. After all, it will have technology years...decades...beyond the last car.

But, just because the Camaro will see a quantum leap in technology, compared to the previous car, enabling this performance - it doesn't mean that weight gain, (or substantial weight gain) is non-issue.

Lots of current vehicle outperform and are heavier than the 4th gen. A Charger SRT-8 for example. As nice as it is, it would make a **** poor Camaro.

 

No disrespect taken - I understand completely where you are coming from. I agree that there's more potential for performance in a lighter car, all things being equal.
I don't have any hard facts at my fingertips, but I'm thinkin' that in order to cut weight substantially, the more costly the materials are that would have to go into the car.
A Corvette Z06 weighs what... 3150 lbs. or so? What would a comparably constructed/equipped/ 5th Gen "Top Dawg" weigh... and how much would it have to cost? That could very well be the "trade off".
I think we must realize that GM's intent is to put this car out there "at a Chevy price", which precludes the car approaching the specifications (and of course price) of an "exotic". That's the domain of the Corvette, I guess.
What I can tell you is that GM is acutely aware of the emphasis that the enthusiast community puts on the issue of weight. I have every confidence that the "powers that be" will do everything within their means and within the parameters that have been set for this car to address this in the most efficient way possible.

Best regardSS,

Elie

 

Darned right! It's a freakin' pig on gas and handles like a bull in a china shop!

Best regardSS,

Elie

 

GM realizes that weight is a killer, handling and MPG wise,braking etc.

I'd definately want the car to be lighter than let's say a current GTO.

 

!! About time we start hearing more about what will be int he car!

Now we just need a price range...

 

Geez man, why wouldnt you want a 500+ horse factory car? You dont want the V6 because it doesnt have enough power? Yet your not excited about a high horsepower car.

I think they are well capable of putting a fast car together with a enjoyable car. Me myself I dont think GM will step up to the plate with the fords. I want a car that will stomp a gt500's ***, but i bet it will not happen. I wanna see the LS9 in their top dawg.

If they make a base, SS, and Z28, you dont think you can find something to please you?

My message is PUT ***** IN THIS CAR!

 

We expect all members here to be able to express their point without being insulting. This is not an unrealistic expectation.

 

Fixed

 

My question is why was it when the camaro was first a go everyone was hoping for atleast 450+ now that they are getting what they want the complaining begins. If you want a 300hp car get a v6 if you want 500+ go all out. Im sure there will be an option in between but if not if you cannot afford a 500+ car get a v6 and do some mods to get 400 or so and save on your insurance. Are some of you people embarassed to drive a v6 or what? There will twice as many v6 cars sold as the lowest v8 model, that is what will keep the car alive. So just be happy the engine isnt under the windshield and think of the advantages over the 4th gen. If you want to save some weight swap the IRS for a solid rear (mustang cobras do it and some vette also) its good for about 300 pounds.

 

The base V8 Camaro should have about 400-430hp. At just below $30000, that would be a he11 of a deal. A 500hp Camaro coupe would have to be priced above a base LS3 430hp Vette coupe (about $45000). As long as the $75000 Z06 has 505hp, it wouldnt be logical for GM to price a higher horsepower Camaro much less than that. The big question remains: which V8 is the Camaro going to get for the $29995 car? LS2 or LS3?

 

Didn't they phase out the ls2?