I'm thinking 240HP = base, 340HP = midrange , 400HP = top model.

 

The hardtop was really more of a test of a more of a single purpose driven model of the Corvette. It's release in 1999 could almost be considered a stopgap measure. In fact I read a press release from 1997 that a hardtop would be available in a few years powered by a 375HP motor. The hardtop was originally cheaper because in reality, it wasn't much better than the coupe, and sacrificed some of the luxury.

Parallels can be drawn with the release of the 2001 Z06. It had 385HP because they hadn't finished designing the new cam. Also the Commemorative Vette package includes a carbon fiber hood for no apparent reason (except to test the painting process).

 

hmmm...haven't had time to read this whole post (too many sites to lurk --- er -- uhmmm...visit

BUT....one of the arguments I hear is to have a midrange V8 for lower insurance costs......AIN'T gonna happen (lower insurance rates, that is.........) Furthermore....300hp......or more in a midrange V8...guaranteed higher insurance rates......

I'm confident you'll see three engines....but for reasons other than written here.

(sitting back...stirring pot....................)

 

Great minds think alike!

I think the magic number is 320.

It's enough to keep ahead of all the 260-280 hp V6's that'll be all over the place by then.....and enough to keep ahead of those pesky Mustang GT's.....but maybe more importantly...it's not TOO MUCH.

A 5.3 would need to be in a relatively high state of tune for 320 hp and that's not what we're really looking for. That's why a 6.0L may be an attractive choice...and this is why......

crYnOid, brought this up previously but, let me expound on it.

How's this sound.
A 6.0L with a milder cam and lower compression than the LS2. It would be tuned to run on 87 octane. It wouldn't come with all the suspension, brakes, etc. upgrades the LS2 package would have.
It would also come with a very restrictive exhaust and intake (I know....please stay with me on this). So, if 320 is just right for you......great....drive it stock forever.

But if it's not, and you're alittle bucks down for the top package....replace the restrictive pieces with aftermarket headers, cat back and airbox. VOILA! 360+hp for the budget hotrodder!

A great mid-level V8 car for those who are not necessarilly looking for or interested in the "king of the hill" performance model....but also, a relatively low buck and attainable V8 Camaro that is extremely hotroddable for those so inclined.

 

Processing your post syllable by syllable.



OK....I give up, what's the reason.

 

I dont see why a lower end v8 wouldnt lower insurance rates... It certainly couldnt raise them! (give us the mid-v8 anyway )

 

Even a detuned 6.0 is going to produce axle twisting torque. It'll still need a T-56 and a HD rear end plus upgraded cooling system.

Considering the 5.3 truck motor is making 295 cammed for low end torque, 320 would be a breeze for the 5.3 in a car application that trades torque for hp. Then you can get away with the lighter duty 5 spd(whatever's in the Mach1), glass solid axle 7.5" rearend, and cheaper cooling system.

I think a cost cutting 5.3 RS could sell for 22-23K easily and still make money for GM. It would be nose to nose with the GT in performance and beat it on price.

 

I don't think that would be worth the cost differences across the board. Overall, I think it would cost more to produce 3 driveshafts/rear ends/etc (V6, mid V8, HO V8) than just one that's strong enough for the top model.

Any chance that the 3 valve heads will be available by the time the Camaro returns?

True a V8 always equals higher insurance costs, so that shouldn't be any reason to keep mentioning that here.

Did the SS cost more to insure than the Z28? If so, then I'm sure that was because it simply cost more.

 

IMO the reasons Red hinted at but were not talked about in this thread are: Emissions, CAFE, and Insurance.

I think a 2nd V8 at a cheap price would be a good seller to most everyone HERE. But in todays auto world what the customers in our segment would like to buy takes a back seat to those three things above unfortunately.

Red had said several times before and just now again there will only be one V8. I believe him.

So I guess:

I-5 base (210 hp base, optional turbo or eaton type SC for 265hp)

I or V 6 mid level (285hp)

V-8 (390 hp)


If I were in charge tho I would add a turbo diesel as a base motor. This would appeal to both Europeans and stingy Americans, especially those folks that live in places like California and Arizona and New Jersey where regular gas is expensive but diesel is cheap cheap cheap by comparison.

But I admit I am also am a total fan of diesel engines and think they should be optional on everything here just like they are in Europe.

 

Nope....there very well could be a midrange V8...but a midrange V8 in the 300 plus horsepower range is NOT gonna get you cheaper insurance rates........don't believe me? Go do some insurance quotes out there............

 

Diesel in a Camaro <==> Ferrari with special off-road package

 

It seems, then, for all practical purposes and low insurance rates, there will be 200+ HP V6, < 300 HP mid-range V8, and 300+ HP top-end V8.

 

I know my insurance on my 87 Camaro is lower than my husband on his 95 Camaro. Heck even his 90 vette is slightly higher than my Camaro. Basically same engine little bit more power.

 

I'd like to know sonce when is 300hp not enough? This would be a intermedaite V8 afterall. It would still be plent fast and if its not just jump up to the top of the line 6.0

Stick a 4.8L in it---redline at 6500 and "rate" it at 295hp

 

Who cares whether you call it 320hp as long as it really makes it.

Call it 275hp and underrate it by 45. You guys underrated the '02 Z28 by about 55hp. Why change now?

Otherwise, you'll have to beat the Mustang GT seriously on price to make it worth buying.