Alpha, Alpha + and Beta...
03-26-2010, 08:38 AM
#16
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I was thinking this too. My line of thought had more to do with the previously established notion that Holden was the goto part of GM for RWD know-how and that Daewoo and Shanghai were centres for small FWD vehicle development.
I would think that with a decade of Sigma development behind it that Cadillac (or is that GMNA?) would have its head around RWD too, so why got to China for any reason other than cost?
I would think that with a decade of Sigma development behind it that Cadillac (or is that GMNA?) would have its head around RWD too, so why got to China for any reason other than cost?
If it's any consolation, Alpha and Alpha + will be developed in North America.
As far as Beta, still very early on.
03-26-2010, 10:24 AM
#19
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03-26-2010, 10:42 AM
#20
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Honestly, I respect Google's decision to pull out of China. But, it might be the downfall of Google as well.
03-26-2010, 10:45 AM
#21
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As for Beta, it's no more than vapourware at the moment, so anything can happen. Besides, I really don't think I'll ever be considered part of its potential target market, so my feathers aren't too ruffled at all.
03-26-2010, 05:03 PM
#22
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03-26-2010, 05:09 PM
#23
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Probably a step or two further along than vaporware, but yes, anything could happen.
03-26-2010, 06:35 PM
#25
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Maybe a 3400 pound 350hp V6 would have better overall balance and handing (and be plenty fast!) than a 3700 pound 450hp V8.
03-26-2010, 07:22 PM
#26
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I like where you're going with the V6.
Considering that the weight of a HFV6 is about the same as a smallblock V8, I can't imagine the weight difference being 300 pounds.
If we're lucky enough to get a 3400 pound 350 hp V6, then the 450 hp V8 would probably be around 3500. I'll take one of each!
EDIT: If your 3400 pound V6 is an intercooled twin turbo, the V8 may even be lighter.
Last edited by Z284ever; 03-26-2010 at 07:36 PM.
03-27-2010, 12:52 AM
#27
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non-DI 3.6 ..370lb dry weight / LS7.. 458 lb dry weight . Very generic scenario , but the V6 isnt light enuff to come out lighter than a V8 after adding the components of a twin turbo system
03-27-2010, 02:35 AM
#28
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Still - it's possible to have a 425+hp V8 in a Car that weighs about 3500 lbs.
There are 4th Gen F-body owners that already have that. So yeah - it's possible. Although I don't doubt that days of the large V8's (6.0L+) are coming to an end. Still it's fairly easy to imagine a 4.8-5.0L V8 - based off the 3.6L LLT V6 - pumping out 410-430hp.
There are 4th Gen F-body owners that already have that. So yeah - it's possible. Although I don't doubt that days of the large V8's (6.0L+) are coming to an end. Still it's fairly easy to imagine a 4.8-5.0L V8 - based off the 3.6L LLT V6 - pumping out 410-430hp.
03-27-2010, 05:45 AM
#29
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I like where you're going with the V6.
Considering that the weight of a HFV6 is about the same as a smallblock V8, I can't imagine the weight difference being 300 pounds.
If we're lucky enough to get a 3400 pound 350 hp V6, then the 450 hp V8 would probably be around 3500. I'll take one of each!
EDIT: If your 3400 pound V6 is an intercooled twin turbo, the V8 may even be lighter.
Considering that the weight of a HFV6 is about the same as a smallblock V8, I can't imagine the weight difference being 300 pounds.
If we're lucky enough to get a 3400 pound 350 hp V6, then the 450 hp V8 would probably be around 3500. I'll take one of each!
EDIT: If your 3400 pound V6 is an intercooled twin turbo, the V8 may even be lighter.
The engine itself should be nearly 100 pounds lighter, and it is, going by these weights.
If the V6 is engineered for maximum weight reduction, then the V8 is going to need a heftier transmission, drive shaft, diff, brakes, spindles, wheels, tires, etc. I would even expect the V8's chassis to perhaps be a bit wider, to fit a 90 degree engine where a 60 degree or inline normally goes.
Go look at cars like the Merc C-class, where they actually do engineer separate V6 and V8 models. It's 300 or so pounds difference.
Now maybe they'll build one car for two engines, and then you'll be looking at a 100 pound weight difference like today. But then it's likely 3600 for the V6. We don't want that.
03-27-2010, 08:52 AM
#30
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The LS7's dry sump must weigh afew pounds....
Last edited by Z284ever; 03-27-2010 at 10:46 AM.