I couldn't say since I've yet to drive a G8 GT. That being said, the G8 didnt see Nurburging.

 

I'll wait for details. I'm thinking of a G8 -- either GT or GXP -- instead. Two more doors, larger greenhouse, big trunk and back seats for only 136 pounds, or whatever it turns out to be. For the same reason, I'd buy a Charger over a Challenger or a 3-series sedan over a 3-series coupe, etc.

Given the lack of RWD platform options at GM, I too understand why they chose Zeta. It was the best fit.

When you talk about "a very attenuated life-cycle", what's that based on? Desire, rumor, inside info? The Camaro is heavy compared to what people wanted, but it's not heavy compared to the rest of the market, ignoring the Mustang. Looking at other 350-450hp V8 cars out there, the new Camaro seems to be in the lighter 50%, actually.

 

Well I can say I am disappointed.. I was expecting somewhere in the neighbor hood of 3700lbs for the base v8.

That said it is still not detracting me from probably purchasing one as long as its priced in the high 20's.

For all you "its a camaro and the camaro fan boy will buy regardless of weight" people (and you know who you are). I'm not a camaro fan boy, personally until I saw the 5th gen, the camaro was in my mind a piece of @#$#, and gens 1-4 will continue to never be on my purchase list, I don't care about history, heritage, badging, etc.

For the "they screwed up because of the weight" crowd, give me a link to a brand new sub 30k, RWD, 400+HP V8, 2 door, 4 seater that is under 3900lbs. I will go test drive it today. Until then this is still the best one (can you say best in class) you will be able to buy in 09.

So in closing, yea it seems like GM hit one out of the park, regardless of the disappointments (current and those to come).

 

You may not have to wait that long.... "ASAP" is what I've been told.


It's based on more than just speculation.

 

Honestly I don't follow the 5th gen area here too much, but let's face it. Everyone was upset when production stopped and demmanded there be a revival. This is what you're getting. The fourth gen died for several reasons and GM is trying to adress those reasons and step back into this market with the Camaro. I don't think you're going to see a camaro have it's own platform ever again so you'll have to deal with the weight restrictions and hope they can compensate elsewhere. It's either that or this isn't the car for you. Me I'll wait and see what offerings are actually out there before I get up in arms and absolutely write off any ponycar.

 

My word I hope that 3900 lbs is incorrect (though ChrisL's response seems to suggest that is at least quite close). And 2 tons plus for the Z28? OUCH! The GT500 is an absolute pig at 3920 lbs. This particular Mustang guy wouldn't even consider that car - despite its HP. We better HOPE that it makes 520 RWHP (can GM still get away with 'underrating' a car with the new system?) - its going to need every bit of it to even stand a chance of getting into the 11's (stock) with any regularity and with anyone short of an Evan Smith type of driver.

Personally, I don't give a flying flip how much they might have cut off of the G8. The G8 is a very nice car for what it is. I have no issues there. But Camaro? Man.....I hope this stuff is wrong.

Bummer. Major bummer.

Bob

 

It is what it is. Physics is physics, right. Weight was more or less a done deal once Zeta was selected.

 

Can you tell us what the general consensus was with the disciples at the recent Camaro summit when curb weight was discussed? I'm not asking for any inside info from GM or anything that you can't say. Just the general reaction from the group on this issue.

 

BMW 550i 3946 with manual, 3968 with automatic.
BMW 650i 3814 with manual (don't know auto)

BMW put some effort into weight reduction with the 650i, and both have a fair amount of aluminum in the suspension and other strategic points. These cars have 360hp -- so the LS3 Camaro will have at least another 50hp -- and probably more like 75 -- to go with its extra 60 pounds. For all the disappointment, the Camaro (and the G8) is actually competitive with other modern designs.

 

For any of you like me that got your Car & Driver in the mail yesterday and read the Mustang Bullit vs. Challenger SRT comparo, I'm sure you noticed the Mustang's roughly 3700 lb weight. Kind of throws out the "you can't make a car with decent weight at a decent price" argument doesn't it? So Camaro wil be more expensive than the Mustang, yet will weigh more (almost as much as the nearly 4200 lb, much larger Challenger SRT.

 

I'm looking at the issue right now. The Bullitt is listed as 3536 lbs.

 

Was IRS really worth the weight gain?

 

this was probably posted somewhere but I'm to lazy to read.
edit:well good then nm lol

So this new camaro with all plastic panels, aluminum block, composite intake, foam bumpers manages to weigh 350lbs more then my 80TA which is made out of cast iron and heavy duty thick metal panels. LOL and here I was thinking what a pig my 80 is. But hell now I can surmise with it's 450HP it's actually going to be faster then a car triple it's price and almost 3 decades of technology newer.


The 3rdgen to me still remains the epitomy of lightweight+nice looks+good handling.
Just add and LSx and you have it all. Oh wait I did

To bad they don't make 91/92 firebirds with LSA's in them these days from the factory.

Oh well GM did what all their competition did. They made a retro muscle (like everyone else) car with lots of HP (like everyone else), lots of weight (like everyone else) and a similar price (like everyone else)
I'm not mad, just disappointed. They certainly didn't do anything worse then their competition. In fact the engine will surely be better then the competition.
I guess I'm just disappointed their goal was simply to be equal to the competition, to copy whatever one else is doing these days.
That's ok, it's the safe bet. I get that. It's par for the course from Chrysler and Ford, I guess I just imagined GM was better then everyone else. That they could do things not imaginable with the other guys. To make something so incredible that even a die hard ford or mopar fan couldn't help but be so overly impressed with it.
My standards are set pretty high though and things like that come along but maybe once in a generation. But I happen to have each one of those glimers from each one of those generations. Just look at my fquick page. Someday i'll probably have a 5thgen, just not right away.

 

It was posted in this thread.

 

So here is the crux of it. LS3 = no blower and related components at 3900 lbs to a comparable setup on the Mustang at 3600 and a lower price. Now, with the SS's extra horsepower, I'll concede the price issue, but again it kind of makes the "you can't build a 3600 lb car at a decent price" argument rather weak.