I was interested in how the 3 matches up, so I took the liberty of adding it to your table.
It saves 165 pounds, which is not a lot. It has a less standard equipment too, though it's impossible for me to say how much difference that makes. The six speed auto adds 66 pounds to both.

But it seems pretty clear that just dropping one size category won't save that much weight, though every pound helps. What it does do is provide a smaller car that fits more easily in tight urban parking spaces.

Btw, since it came up in another thread, I looked up the weight of the 328i Coupe, and it's 3351 pounds -- 11 pounds heavier than the sedan.

 

The Caddy gains a lot, because you're adding a supercharger and 250hp. I think it's pretty clear than BMW has two versions of the 5 series -- one optimized for the 6 and another optimized for the V8. The 550i weighs almost as much as the M5. The Charger goes from an aluminum block V6 to an iron block V8, increases wheel size to 20", gets larger brakes, etc. To me, it's pretty clear that there is a single chassis for the G8 and probably the CTS too, which would explain why the V6 CTS and G8 (and Camaro) are so heavy, relative to the others. See also Infiniti M, which takes the GM route.

 

That seems like a plausible scenario. And the sad part is, it probably wouldn't be called Camaro.

Perhaps once things gel abit, it might be time to start a new crusade....

 

Why not? the 4cyl.? no V8? overlapping time frame with the Zeta Camaro?

 

An LSA may be in the range, but so is the Dodge and the BMW.

When you compare a $40k G8 GXP and an $80k M5 and find they are within 40lb of each other, that (I feel) is evidence that Zeta really isnt the portly pig people say it is.

 

I think you'd also have to consider content. The M5 has every techno-gizmo-doodad you could imagine, eg., active seats, (a computer activates electronic motors in the seat to tighten bolsters depending on G's being pulled and also fires up multiple fans in the seat to ventilate you). Stuff like that. The GXP, OTOH, is faily basic in content, ie., no nav.

 

Put it like this...

The 5th gen Camaro had better sell in good numbers. I'm hearing more than one report that influential people at GM are unhappy with the weight and size of this car. Very unhappy.

The future of the brand itself it seems, is at grave risk.

Like I said, let's hope Camaro sells well for now - and Alpha moves forward.

 

Actually, Audi markets its Quattro system as sporty. Even though it's cars are FWD-based, their engines are longitudinally mounted (except for the A3 which has transversely mounted engine since it's based on VW Golf/Rabbit platform).

Even the original large A8 (released in mid 90's, 1996 I think) had two choices for a while: Quattro AWD and FWD.

The latest Quattro system gives preference to the rear wheels, 60% of torque goes to them and 40% goes to the front. This is done to better approach handling of a RWD car with the stability of AWD.

 

I do. And all those added toys increase weight - but could GM match content and then strip weight to match for BMW prices? Its not like BMW's engineers are really better than everyone else or have some magic tricks they use on their cars.

The 6 cylinder 5 series is lighter, but it also has less power (even less when the DI motor comes standard on the G8 sedan) but at M5 territory I think GM could do it. The Aussies are pretty crazy.

Also, I dont know the sales volumes between the VE and the 5 series, but that would certainly have impact.

 

If it's THAT bad... how did these infuential people at GM let the car get produced as it is?

 

One has to wonder. No one can accuse me of not ranting about it for years.


I think this car started it's gestation so long ago, that people weren't thinking about 2011 CAFE and $5 gas. I also think there was a push to use an architecture which could package 500-600 hp - hp which we'll never see now.

 

I'm sure the car had its internal detractors. Those folks are probably lining up ready to shower the car's proponents with I "told-you-so"s if the car fails to sell. I don't think the car will fail.

 

i do. i think it will fall face first in the third year. gone in the 4-5th year.

 

What nice...positive sentiments. I have to wonder if a whole heluvalot of it is mere opinion.

Explain exactly how a class-leader can fall on it's face (assuming they keep it class-leading)? Oh, nevermind...somebody will come up with something...

 

I kinda agree. They need to come out with a cheap version that slots under the v6. With as overbuilt as it is, though, I dont think they'll be able to shed much more off the price.