Alpha: All things to all enthusiasts.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 1998
Posts: 854
From: neverneverland
How's about they make Alpha I4 and V6 only and then have Camaro carry the costs of a new extended front section that accomodates a V8. This would give a car that has the same wheelbase as a 3 coupe but the long hood, badass look of a pony car. Just thinking off the top of my head, this would put Camaro right smack dab on top of NG Mustang in size and weight.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,306
From: Jersey Shore
Well all know what happens though when you extend dash/axle ratio...weight.
3 series coupe carries a long nose/short deck look and fits a massive DOHC V8 between its fenders.
Id also love to hear about the dimentions on the Gen V SBC.
3 series coupe carries a long nose/short deck look and fits a massive DOHC V8 between its fenders.
Id also love to hear about the dimentions on the Gen V SBC.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,123
From: Melbourne, Australia
Don't forget that the 5G exceeds Federal crash standards. While other (newer) cars are expected to gain weight to meet crash standards, the Zeta Camaro would be expected to stay relatively static in weight for a while yet given it's already safer than other cars in its class.
EDIT: The other thing to note is the battery location of the Zeta Camaro... given Camaro is considered a large car, it's ironic that there is no room for the battery under the hood. So, how much better will Alpha be insofar as packaging in this regard?
EDIT: The other thing to note is the battery location of the Zeta Camaro... given Camaro is considered a large car, it's ironic that there is no room for the battery under the hood. So, how much better will Alpha be insofar as packaging in this regard?
Last edited by SSbaby; Apr 22, 2010 at 06:55 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,165
From: Sterling Heights, MI
In other words, GM's Alpha will be lighter than GM's future Zeta (or Beta) platforms. So it's really a no brainer as to which direction GM will take for Camaro.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,165
From: Sterling Heights, MI
Don't forget that the 5G exceeds Federal crash standards. While other (newer) cars are expected to gain weight to meet crash standards, the Zeta Camaro would be expected to stay relatively static in weight for a while yet given it's already safer than other cars in its class.
EDIT: The other thing to note is the battery location of the Zeta Camaro... given Camaro is considered a large car, it's ironic that there is no room for the battery under the hood. So, how much better will Alpha be insofar as packaging in this regard?
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 289
From: Springfield, MO, USA
Well, Camaro did "only" get 4/5 stars in the government's front impact crash test, I remember it taking a bit of ribbing for that considering how extra weight was supposed to mean "extra safety" according to some circles...
Not sure if it was "no room" or if it was relocated for better weight distribution. Racers do this all the time.
Not sure if it was "no room" or if it was relocated for better weight distribution. Racers do this all the time.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,285
From: Albany, NY
GM just needs to focus on the simple marketplace targets for the Alpha. There is no way it can be all things for all of GM's RWD needs. Really Alpha should be a Caddy first and adapted for the Camaro. If Alpha's target is the BMW 3-series, Lexus IS and MB C-Class then there are a lot of similar needs that can trasfer to a Camaro. I'd limit engine choices to just V6 and V8. V6 for base Camaro and ATS and V8 for SS or Z/28 and V-series. Limit trans choices to one manual and one auto. The 8 speed auto is a great idea but limited in scope for RWD.
4cl. or Turbo 4cyl. will probably be in the mix. This is 2014/15 we are talking about. V6 Camaro already puts out 312HP. Should be 330HP-350HP by 2015. 4cyls. will be used for cars in the 200-300HP range.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
How's about they make Alpha I4 and V6 only and then have Camaro carry the costs of a new extended front section that accomodates a V8. This would give a car that has the same wheelbase as a 3 coupe but the long hood, badass look of a pony car. Just thinking off the top of my head, this would put Camaro right smack dab on top of NG Mustang in size and weight.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 1998
Posts: 3,252
From: Knoxville, TN
Don't forget that the 5G exceeds Federal crash standards. While other (newer) cars are expected to gain weight to meet crash standards, the Zeta Camaro would be expected to stay relatively static in weight for a while yet given it's already safer than other cars in its class.
EDIT: The other thing to note is the battery location of the Zeta Camaro... given Camaro is considered a large car, it's ironic that there is no room for the battery under the hood. So, how much better will Alpha be insofar as packaging in this regard?
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,215
From: Coppell, Texas
How's about they make Alpha I4 and V6 only and then have Camaro carry the costs of a new extended front section that accomodates a V8. This would give a car that has the same wheelbase as a 3 coupe but the long hood, badass look of a pony car. Just thinking off the top of my head, this would put Camaro right smack dab on top of NG Mustang in size and weight.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,705
From: Oakland, California
Why wouldn't you want GM to have 8 speeds autos in RWD cars? All the competition will have them. Better performance and fuel economy.
4cl. or Turbo 4cyl. will probably be in the mix. This is 2014/15 we are talking about. V6 Camaro already puts out 312HP. Should be 330HP-350HP by 2015. 4cyls. will be used for cars in the 200-300HP range.
4cl. or Turbo 4cyl. will probably be in the mix. This is 2014/15 we are talking about. V6 Camaro already puts out 312HP. Should be 330HP-350HP by 2015. 4cyls. will be used for cars in the 200-300HP range.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,214
From: City of Champions, MA, USA
I often wonder if the trend will continue. Do you think in 1969 they were talking about how much more powerful the cars were going to be in 74-75?
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,132
From: Santa Clara, CA
The ATS has a clean sheet. The Camaro, if rumors turn to be correct, will be the third car off of the chassis after ATS and CTS.