OK, I can kinda see the reasoning behind that, but I would argue that we may now be talking about another car all together. Is a V8 without the go fast parts still a Camaro (or should it be) or is that more along the lines of a Monte Carlo (what ever it's future holds), or another V8 rear drive near luxury coupe?

I don't think the Camaro name is associated with anything 'non-go fast'. I think people fall into one of two groups with both the Z28 and Mustang GT. They either really know how to drive or they know know how to talk like they really know how to drive. I don't think either group is interested in a 'mid level' V8, or would admit to having it.

Again, I understand the arguement for it, but I don't perceive the need in the market. Even offering three different compression engines of the same size to cover the spread seems doesn't make sense to me.

But, I could be wrong. I'm in design, not marketing.

 

There have been intermediate V8's of one kind or another sprinkled throughout most of Camaro's life... I don't think anything bad would come out of it.

Heck, look at Corvette... the LS6 vs LS1 kind of parallels this to a point...

 

I never got the "Its got too much power" argument. First off, people shouldn't be afraid of 350-380hp. If you're that afraid, you shouldn't be behind the wheel of a performance car to begin with. These people should be out looking at a camry or a civic Si. Secondly, a 360hp ls2 would be fairly docile and tame (till you mash the go pedal). 360hp is very controllable in a factory tuned street car. 3rd, chances are, the z28 would probably get stuck with this intermediate v8 and that idea probably wouldn't sit well with the z28 crazies . Chevy already has 3 models. Bottom is base v6, middle is z28, up top is the SS. Instead of making the v8 optional on a RS version of the v6, they would most likely do what ford has done and positition the z28 to play the role of the middle guy.

Personally, i'd say go all out and drop a slightly detuned ls2. If Ford only offered one v8 for the Mustang (say slightly detuned 4.6 Dohc (280-300hp) for 96-01 and detuned version of S/c'ed 4.6 (340-350hp) from Cobra for 03+), then the GT most likely wouldn't have gotten its *** handed to the last decade. This is where having only one v8 (and sharing it with high-po vette or in the mustangs case Cobra) can work to the enthusiasts advantage.

Assuming the camaro gets a 240hp 3.9L, then that would provide enough motivation for the average consumer. This all but voids the need for a sub 300hp intermediate v8 in my opinion.

 

It ma y seem that everyone that wants a camaro wants the top model, and that they are all performance enthusiasts. But if that is the case, what is the v6 for? Like has been said many times the Camaro is simply a sporty, stylish car for some people. An intermediate v8 would be for those people that enjoy some power but also dont need to be ripping off 12 second quarter miles.

 

I've said all along that an intermediate engine is a waste of money, on the assumption that the intermediate is a different displacement than the primary performance engine.

I think the spread is pointless too.

There will end up being three levels anyway.

 

The only reason I can see for going with a 5.3L over a detuned 6.0L is that some people might think that 6.0L is too big. Most still think that displacment = bad gas milage.

 

I think most people would see the gas milage before 6.0L V8. Your typical shopper checks the "quick stats" of cars and would most likely pay more attention to the milage than engine size.

Unless of course it's a performance enthusiast. Then 6.0L sounds better!

 

Well, a couple of things. The GT IS Mustang's intermediate V8. And I don't think it's a matter of "non-go fast" for Camaro. A 300+ hp Camaro would go pretty well.

I just think that somewhere between a 240hp V6 and a 400-ish hp V8...there is a big unaddressed market to take advantage of.

 

These are, I believe the V6 buyers. You get the milage, the insurance break, and the performance. Remeber the old 3.8 put out 200hp and was not condiered a slouch. I don't think the posers or'curb side racers' out there would opt a mid level V8 when they can brag about having the "big engine".

Personally, the only reason I could see an advantage to the 5.3 over the 6.0 is if it weighed less and offered better chassis balance and dynamics.

 

The only car using the LS1 is the GTO. When production of the 5.7 ends, what will the GTO use, the Vette 6.0, or a 5.3?

I would suspect that the next Gen GTO might be lighter, and a bit more refined, and its customers will be satisfied with a 300hp 5.3. If so, it might support the case for a 5.3 in the 5th gen, with a 6.0 as an SS option.

A 5.3 5th Gen or GTO can be even lighter - everything from the crank, flywheel, DS, axles, can be lighter, doesn't need to handle the HP and torque the 6.0 puts out.

 

I think it's pretty much confirmed that the GTO will get the LS2 in 2005.

 

This is the kind of topic that GM has to take outside to focus groups and general public participation to get an answer for.

A bunch of gear-heads (like us in this forum ) can't see past the "my car is fastest" sign to view the rest of the world behind it, much less holding it up.

I'm 'bout ready to post a poll asking "How much HP is enough for you?" or "Should EVERY car have a huge V8?"

 

Yes, but since traditionally the Z28 and SS have been below the 'Vette in HP rating (save for the '96 SS), I think the current three engine line up (RS, Z28 and SS) should cover the gauntlet nicely.

 

Any idea if the new engine choice will displace more or less than the LS1?

 

Just a guess...

GM is going up in displacement across the board from all current indications.

When you can knock down the kind of mileage they can with the LSx family WHILE increasing displacement, adding doo-dads and making the engines heavier and more expensive makes very little sense.

That's all great news for us, as you can pack only so much explosive in an artillery shell... but you can always make the gun bigger.

Having the biggest gun is a good thingy.