Red,

I think I may just have to do that Can't take an inviation like that sitting down, can I?

Just look for the white and orange streak...although in that crowd, I probably won't be the only one. I take it you won't be all that hard to find, eh???

 

well....last year, we had group pics of 30th Anniversary Camaros, group pics of 35ths, and group pics of Pace cars.........Very impressive photos............so I'll be lookin' for ya!

 

Come to the NJ/NY area for a change.

 

Red,

I take it hotels fill up quick? I should get on this. And indeed, if there is a 30th grouping, I will be there...

 

I'm wondering why the V8 model even requires a seperate designation?


And for the Z/28 folks, from what I've been reading, it sounds like you would be happy if the Z/28 was a suspension package that requires a V8.

For the SS folks, you just want a V8 and good looks, right?

So, howz about dis...
<start magazine revue of the 5th Gen Camaro>


We were invited to the GM Proving Grounds in ****** for first hand testing of the newest edition of an old friend. After an extended hiatus, the American Muscle Car is back! To celebrate it's 40th Anniversary, General Motors is bringing back the Chevrolet Camaro!

Our first impressions of the car were quite blurred. In fact, that's about all we could see of it as we drove by the track in our long term STS-V. From a distance we couldn't tell exactly what this car was. All we could tell was that it was fast, very fast. When I rolled down my window to give to the security guard at the gate, I heard the echo of a performance tuned exhaust just past the bleachers. The security guard noticed my curiousity, so he smiled and said "Have fun!" as he pointed at the blue GM tent.

We were greeted by a familar face. The one and only Scott Settlemire was grinning from ear to ear as he opened my door and lead me into the tent. Once inside I understood why he was so elated. Before me was a site I was afraid I'd never see. A brand new 2007 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 in hugger orange with white and black Ralleye Stripes sitting on big chrome wheels with steamroller tires. It was sitting there at idle, but it looked like it was going 100 miles an hour. There were obvious references from its forebearers, but this was a totally new automobile unlike anything I've seen. And there is no mistaking the idle of and American pushrod V8. It sent chills down my spine.

"Quit gawking at it and let's take a ride!" Scott suggested, but my mind must have heard something about roasting hides. And that I did! All the way through 4 gears! Soon I was smiling just like Scott when we arrived. Apparently he was the one driving it as we were pulling in. "Had to make sure it was warmed up for ya," he said with a grin.

After several minutes of playing around for the camera, I brought it back and strapped on the timing equipment. Using the 1-mile straightaway and a few laps at top speed we had the crucial information.

0-60mph in 4.6 seconds
Standing quarter mile in 12.7 @ 112mph
60-0mph in 111ft
.93 Skidpad
Top speed of 175mph

Just a few short years ago those were almost the exact numbers that the C5 Corvette was putting out!

We also tested a base V6 model. The standard engine is the aluminum 265hp/250tq 3.6L V6 from the Cadillac CTS with your choice of a 5 speed automatic or a no-cost 6 speed manual transmission. Base price of $19,995. This is the quickest car in the sub-$25k price range we've tested at ********** magazine! Our Yellow test car ran a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds! That time is almost on par with the LS1 V8 Camaro from 5 years ago! If you stay in it, the quarter mile comes in 14.1 seconds at over 100mph. And that's just the 6 cylinder folks!

To really get the blood rushing, check option box LS2 for the X.XL aluminum V8 straight from the Corvette. It is advertised at putting out 375hp/390tq compared the the Vette's 400/400 rating, but it feels like so much more. The same transmissions are standard with an optional 6 speed automatic with manual override.

These awesome times are credited to the strict diet the Camaro was put on. The car now weighs in at 3200 with the 6 cylinder and another 100# for the V8. There is now less overhang with less total length. The move to an independant rear suspension has helped reduce unsprung weight and helped packaging issues.

For those of you that like the twisties, be sure to check the box for RPO Z28. It adds revised shock, spring, and swaybar settings to reduce body roll, larger 18x9.5 inch wheels and 285/40ZR18 tires to grip the road, and 13.5" brake rotors with 4 piston calipers all around from ****, and Z/28 badges to the fenders that look like they were picked off the sides of a 1969 model. However, this package is only available for V8 equiped Camaros*



[Sidebar]If you check the Y2Y option box when ordering, your Camaro is sent to SLP. After dealing with Ford Ranger trucks and front wheel drive sedans for the past few years, SLP is back in the F-body game. But don't worry! They haven't forgotten what horsepower is!

On V8 models SLP adds their special SS hood and an opened up exhaust unleashing another 20 ponies pushing to total up to a staggering 395horsepower! The package also includes 18x9.5 SS wheels with 255/45ZR18 tires and more aggressive chin and trunk spoilers with aerodynamic ground effects.

What is very cool about this is that you can now get the Z/28 and SS packages together! In fact, the V8 car we tested was fitted with both packages and we were pleasantly surprised by the numbers it put up. (See above)


SLP has even brought back the RS package for the V6. This time around it is more than just a badge and stripe package (but those are included.) It now adds free flowing intake and exhaust systems similar to the SS, but accoustically tuned for the 6 cylinder. Combined they give another fifteen horsepower. The wheels are upgraded to 18x8s all around to clear the calipers of the **** brakes from the Z/28. Customers can even upgrade to as suspension package similar to the Z/28 but specifically tuned for the weight difference of the engines.

 

I just want to make it clear, that is not a real story. (I wrote it.) I wish it were true though. Maybe someday some of it will be

 

Do your self and favor and quit anyway, You'll live longer (not a bad incentive).

Jason E, if the base model has enough muscle, there wouldn't be a need for a base v8. Look for the next v6 to hopefully have around 230-240hp which is fairly decent, appealing, and sporty by todays standards. There most likely will be a supercharged 6 offered somewhere in the GM lineup, and that engine or blower might fill the place of a base 8 well. Still, i think most would opt for either the N/A 6 or the v8. There may or not be a strong business case for either a base 8 or a S/c 6. We'll have to wait and see. Scott is hinting at a 6 and an 8 with a variety of outputs like the 4th gen, and i think that might be the best solution.

 

uuhhh....been there at least a half dozen times in the past year...and posted when I'd be there.

Bowling Green is more centrally located.....has an assembly plant and a museum...and a Museum Staff that knows how to put on a great show..........no excuses from you!!!! ROAD TRIP!!!!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Red Planet
uuhhh....been there at least a half dozen times in the past year...and posted when I'd be there.

Bowling Green is more centrally located.....has an assembly plant and a museum...and a Museum Staff that knows how to put on a great show..........no excuses from you!!!! ROAD TRIP!!!!

Really, I had no idea. How does some1 find out your "schedule?!" That's a little too far to drive RP. And I'm glad you weren't that crazy for that 5th Gen concept in PHR.

Oh and 1 more request. Keep that Chevy "chrome bar" as far away as possible from the 5th Gen!!

 

It isn't that far for an "F-body lunatic" to drive to see 1,000 F-bodies in one place.... I question your commitment.

Me, I can't make it this year. Wish I could, but I have a couple other money-sucking trips planned over the next few weeks. I fully plan to go in '04.

 

It is too much, I ain't driving places where I have no clue where I'm going!! I see F-Bodies from all Gens all the time, there's a cruise night like everyday here and lots of muscle/show cars. I'll wait until he is in my area, doesn't make sense to do all that. Maybe go with some1 else I know that would really like to meet him, even though he's spoke to RP over the phone already. Oh well, I speak to him on the internet.

 

It sounds to me you are implying I said the base engine should be a V8...I do not mean to say that. I DO believe the base model should have a V8 available though. Soooo many people just WANT the 8...a supercharged 6 will not do. They say "this is a muscle car, I need a V8."

Sure, the proposed 230-240hp V6 you mention above would be more power than any IROC shy of a '90 G92...but so what? It isn't a V8. People want a V8. A cheaper, midrange V8 I STRONGLY feel is crucial to the car's overall character and image. If it came down to a 270hp 4.8 V8 or a 300 (??) hp 3500 blown V6, I'd STILL pick the V8 for a midrange option. Less power, but so what???

It isn't a true, American muscle car without a V8. Give a 230hp 6 standard, a 270-290hp midrange 8, then whatever higher up. But I had people buy Mustang GTs over Formulas for 2 reasons...

1) "I don't NEED this much power, but I want a V8"
2) "Why pay more??"

Many were happy with a 23-24k V8....EXACTLY what the F bod was missing. Personally, if I had the option of buying a 24k midpriced model over a 28-29k Z28, I'd buy the midlevel. I've said this many times before...consider how many 305 TBI RSs were sold versus TPI Z28s in '91-'92....I rest my case

 

wellll........here's a thought........get together with some of the clubs that are caravaning to Bowling Green......several from the east coast. And then perhaps you can meet a whole bunch of people in person and find out that there's Fbody life beyond the internet!

Seriously, I think you need to figure a way to get there and spend some time talking one on one with people from around the country....you may just find that there are other opinions out there...and other thoughts perhaps you hadn't considered.

As to when I travel....I usually post on SSOA, SLP, and this site under the clubs section....or "anything goes" when I'm going to be in the area....we usually meet at the Marriott or whatever hotel is close to the airport.............

 

I talk to lots of F-Body owners of all Gens in person and on the internet.

SLP Day sounds good though and you'll be pretty near me, we'll see.

 

No, i know you didn't say the base engine should be an 8. I was implying that a sub-245hp v6 would be sporty enough for your average consumer, and that it would void the need for a mid-level sub-270hp base v8. To your average consumer, Is the extra 30-40hp worth the extra cost of insurance and fuel? It certainly isn’t to me. If there’s going to be a mid-level v8 engine, I’d hope its output is closer to 330hp rather than 270.

Those who gripe about the power levels, insurance costs, and such should actually be looking at a 6 rather than an 8. I don’t see why anyone would think a formula is too expensive either. Base price started at around 22-23k, and decent optioned formulas could be had for 25k which isn’t bad considering the 350hp Ls-1 that comes with it. I also laugh at the “it’s too powerful” comment. 350hp is powerful, but the Ls-1 was also very docile, smooth, efficient, and drivable. In keeping with your argument, Isn’t a “true muscle car” supposed to ooze power?. Isn’t it being powerful more inline with the camaro’s muscle car image?

I know I’m coming off as anti-base v8 here. In reality, I welcome the idea of a sub-300hp engine between the 6 and the high ouput 8. I also think you make some very good points. I’m just playing devils-advocate here