Here's a good point!

I think that Pontiac might want to increase the volume on the next GTO....and of course NOT with a V6. Certifying a 5.3 for the "volume" GTO makes it's availability in Camaro pretty much a no-brainer.

 

That's assuming there will be more than one GTO model available.

 

That is my assumption.

 

There's no way the GTO will get a 5.3L.... 6.0L minimum.

 

interesting topic...
i think the people who say we dont need an intermediate v8 are overlooking the people already mentioned- people who want the status of a v8 without tire-ripping power (well, atleast not too much tire wripping power )
i love to see it when people bring up the 3rd gen in regards to this because if you look at it, most people bought the base v8 which was really nothing compared to the tpi versions of it but they still just wanted the v8 status and sound
i myself would want nothing less than the top level v8, but i can see where your average joe wants a v8 rwd car but doesnt want to pay more for it really (i.e. he (or she) would rather pay 26k or whatever for a base v8 rather than 29k for the top model)
also, just *my opinion*, i think it'd be better for a 5.3 model rather than a less compression ratio 6.0
i do side with the people who think that average car buyers think more displacement=more gas

 

Hello real-world man... welcome!

 

The thing is, would a detuned 6.0 be a substantial amount cheaper to produce than the LS2 V8..................I'm thinking no. The reason the TBI V8 was cheaper to produce is that it was totally different than the TPI cars and used much lower tech and was very basic. Does GM have something like that now? I don't think so. The only thing they could do is maybe use a carryover V8 from the LS1 based engines but would they do that? They would have to produce that motor on top of the next gen LSx motors and I doubt that will happen.

 

I would expect a detuned LS2 to cost just as much to build as the regular LS2, maybe more since more testing and egineering changes would have to be done.

I'd like to see a another displacement come out that isn't shared with the trucks, like a 5.5L. Too bad this will never happen

 

It appears that the genIII/IV smallblock is a victim of it's own cost efficiency. Sure, the LS2 may not cost much more than a milder 6.0L. Just like the LS6 doesn't cost too much more to manufacture than the LS1. Unlike Mustang, Camaro's V8 will only have one basic configuration. 1 cam in block and 2 valves per cylinder.

I guess it would be easier if we had our choice of SOHC, DOHC, 3V, 4V, normally aspirated or supercharged. It would be a more orderly way to go from cheaper to pricier...instead of all V8's having comparable production costs, which the LSx has. The LS2 probably costs LESS than the Mustang GT's entry level 3v 4.6.

So the LSx is cheap....so, a high perf version doesn't cost much more than a standard version......so now what? If the LS2 had a bigger cam (which would cost the same as a smaller cam), it would pump out 450hp. Is that the only V8 that Camaro should have?

I don't think so.

Unless the goal is to sell 15-20,000 Camaros per year.

 

are you saying it's bad that it costs about the same across the board?
i think it's a great thing because it's more efficient since it's off of one basic design, parts are interchangeable, and they can just beef up the price on the higher hp models without sacrificing profit on it

and i do agree with you that it shouldn't only have 1 v8
althought i'd take one that pumped out 450 hp

 

That's exactly my point.

 

I think we're looking at the wronf ENGINE in the first place for the mid level Camaro.

Branden did write a while back that most likely the 3.9L V6 will make its way into the base model at 220hp. However, there will be also a dealer installed supercharger to go on that V6. This would be the same supercharged V6 that would go into the AWD G6 in a few years.

Wouldn't a dealer installed supercharger make sense for a mid level Camaro? That would produce a good 280-290hp and would require no more development into a smaller displacement V8 or a "detuned" LS2. It would be the cheapest and most practical solution. It would also produce enough power to go pound 350Z's for just about the same price .

Base V6: 220hp, $22,000
S/C V6: 290hp, $26,000
LS2 V8: 370hp, $30,000

 

Yeah, a dealer installed SC would be a neat way to penetrate the "tuner" market too. In fact a 3v 3.9 making upwards of 270hp may be available in afew years also. Both of these would undoubtedly give respectable performance.

But, in this segment...only one engine configuration has the requisite panache....and that is a V8.

 

How about something below 5 liters? BMW used 4.4 L (and got great power from them), Mustang uses 4.6L... Perhaps GM should outsource and install Ford's modular 281 as mid-level engine. Only slap bowtie symbols on valve covers. Then I could put that old sticker to use by having it say across the windshield POWERED BY FORD.

I think that's a smashing idea.

 

Tell me you are joking. Now.