By the time we see a new Camaro, I wonder what the automotive landscape will be like? Which car will be the bad boy on the block that Camaro will most like will face off with?

Mustang ?

G35 coupe ?

GTO?

Other?

 

There will be this "new" gadget on all cars. You will press this little red button on the side of the car and it will fold into a brief case.

 

Mustang will continue to be its rival.

Current Z and G35, most likely not. But should they release turbocharged ones - yup, for sure. Actually most likely, they will be in a league of their own.

GTO - all depends on what powerplant the GTO will have, but surely it will be a competitor because I'm certain enthusiasts will modify them. It's LS1 afterall.

Also, rumors are that Supra will be released in 2004 with V8, we'll see how it will fare against Mustang.

Perhaps some other RWD cars will come out as well.

 

if we see a new Camaro

 

By the time the next Camaro comes out, we won't be seeing an LS1 in them, or in the GTO.

 

Actually, from my perspective, I see alot of future Camaro in the G35 Coupe.

Not so much in it's actual styling or it's gadgetry...but in it's chassis configuration, size and general proportions.

In addition to Mustang and others...I hope GM "benchmarks" the G35 in any future Camaro program.

 

Competition between individual performance cars is alot less direct than it was a few years ago. Take the current crop of import roadsters. (Mazda Miata, Honda S2000, BMW Z4, Mercedes SLK and Porsche Boxster.) All of these cars are rearwheel drive, but they are so different in design philosophy and price range that I doubt there is much comparison shopping.

Similarly, I doubt anyone is going to testdrive a Mustang GT and Infinity G35 coupe on the same day. (Regulars to this sight will probably do it just to prove me wrong.) Most people probably won't even associate the G35 with the Nissan Z35, despite the fact that the Infiniti takes the place of the old Z 2+2.

Performance cars are discretionary purchases, and individual buyers have a pretty good idea of what they want before they start kicking tires. While there are always alternatives, the battle isn't FOMOCO vs. GM vs. MOPAR anymore - even with the new Mustang, GTO and possible Charger revival. This market is inherently tied to image and reputation. There isn't even a fixed market size when it comes to performance cars. By and large, more products will draw out more buyers. It isn't like selling sedans or minivans.

 

Anyone, please name a muscle car given to us by the Japanese. AFAIK there has never been one... because they just don't get what muscle cars are all about. RWD, torquey V8, rumbling exhaust, *drag* racing heritage and a body which looks good wearing drag radials... sorry but the Supras and 350Z's of the world need not apply.

Maybe DCX will put out a new Charger; that could qualify even if it has four doors. Mustangs will be around, as will GTO's and Camaros. Should be good!

 

A G35 vs Mustang GT may be a stretch.....but, at least from a cost perspective, I can see someone considering a Mach 1 or Cobra, also considering a G35.

I see the G35 Coupe as Nissan's "Camaro"....and I can't help but be impressed with what they have done.

 

No doubt, DCX will be in the hunt. They are poised to create the largest RWD renaissance in automotive history. From mild (2.7 V6), to wild (HEMI V8)....they will have a full range of RWDs to choose from.