I just got through reading that monstrosity of at thread under Corvette vs Camaro. Oddly enough, I thought I was reading another SS vs Z28 thread, the kind that gave Scott headaches.

One item came up more than onece regarded having a Camaro that beats the new GT500 SVT Mustang.

My question is.......WHY???

Say for a moment, there are 2 V8s in the 5th gen (instead of the same V8 with some pathethic lip service about it being 2 V8s from GM's spin doctors). One being an engine that put out the same performance as previous LS1s, and another engine that was alot quicker. Assuming that top Camaro version wasn't as quick as a GT500, but cost $4-5K less, would you really care?

I'm guessing the next Camaro may be as fast as the SVT Mustang is..... currently. But performance is a moving target, and Chevy's "affordable performance" mantra precludes any rip snorting, no compromise Camaro a few of you are advocating, in favor of a more balenced more sales oriented approach.

I don't believe Chevy needs to go after the GT500 with the next Camaro. I think General Motors needs some type of car to run with it, but Chevrolet isn't the one. $40,000? Heartstopping acceleration? At least 4 seats? Gaudy looks??? This task has PONTIAC written all over it.





As for which Camaro should be top model, that's easy. SS.

Why? Because those buyers have proven they will pay alot more simply to have a car with all the bells and whistles. Sure, the LS2 engines don't cost any more to make than, say, the 5.3s, and if GM came up with a version of the LS2 that has many of the characteristics of the LS7, it would probally be built with an eye towards low cost as well. But anyone who thinks that the top performing Camaro is going to be low content is kidding themselves.

High performance car that's loaded with tons of standard equptment? That has "SS" written all over it.


As for Z28, let's be honest here. I loved the Mustang LX of the 80s. I wanted a base Z28 when I ended up with my loaded '97. I'd be all over a decontented GTO like a cheap suit. But I know enough to realize that if GM had to depend on people like me to buy their performance cars, they'd be out of business, there probally isn't enough of us to hold a good softball game. When "normal" people buy brand new cars, they tend to go all out. This is especially true of performance cars.



Z28 isn't the lead performance car it was once upon a time. It was most certainly true in the 4th gen, and was also true in the 1st gen. It was arguably true in the 3rd gen as well. Look at the IROC Camaro. I think so.


Just an unsubstantuated guess, I would say the next Z28 is simply going to be a handling package. I'd expect very little flash, and much the same-as-base-model appearence as the 4th gen, with perhaps a better set of rims and tires. I'd expect acceleration to be marginally better than the Mustang GT, but handling to be far superior. IF the Camaro comes with both live axle & IRS, I'd expect the base model & the Z28 to have it. I'd expect the price to be competitive to the GT.

The SS I'd guess would be a on par with the GT500 in appearence flash appeal. I'd expect it to smoke the Mustang around the track but put out less horses, be slower in a straight line, but be far cheaper and not as limited in production as the GT500.

 

yes

 

The GT500 proves theres a market for it, so why not? I don't see a reason not to build a GT500 fighter.

 

Everyone watch out....



































Here comes The Judge!!!!

 

Because Ford doesn't have Corvette. Camaro can't *BE* mustang.

 

Agreed to a point.
While there is always the chest pounding bragging rights, with the Corvette, why bother.
I think that SS and Z28 should share top billing.
SS gets luxury items(DVD navi, heated leather seats) while Z28 gets road racing items (tuned Bilsteins, large cross drilled rotors, etc).
Both share engine's, but Z28 is the Z51/Z06 of Camaro.

 

Judge, Hi-Po SS (be it a Chevelle or a Camaro) or even the Challenger SRT, one of these will gracing my home when (if?) they come out, provided that they are a) a 2 door coupe (as opposed to coupe like styling, poor Trevor, I bet he wishes he never said that ) b.) have inspired styling (leaving this one wide open, I like the new Mustang styling wise, likewise I really like the GTO , However, I do NOT like the current LX styling) c) have a 6 spd manual and at LEAST 400 HP, d) continue the trend of quality built American cars and e) do not cost as much as a Corvette (which is an excellent value, but beyond what I want to spend (and reasonably can afford to) at this stage of my life.

As a longtime Camaro fan, I am absolutely hoping that the new Camaro (if it is built) will fulfill all these criteria. While my Comp G is a great car, my first love is the pony and gt 2+2 sports car. 2008 is when I will be ready to buy (need to pay off the 2002 truck first), I sincerely hope that the General is ready to give me what I want.

 

No guy we DON'T need one, but at the same time if SS is going to be the top dog and its going to be 400 hp or less....Why have a Z28?

Count me OUT if Z28 is going to be another boring motor in a box 21st century Mustang LX car.

 

If a high HP GM crate engine costs so little online why will the Camaro need to be so expensive if it's got a lot of power. I think there should be three engine options as well, and I think the most expensive Camaro should be way under 40 grand.

 

I'm really torn....I think Z28 (or Z/28 for the purists ) deserves respect. I'd like to see it as more than just "V6 car looks with a solid V8". Who knows.

I completely disagree that the GT500 fighter has to come from Pontiac. The GTO was never and is never going to be the Mustang's main competition. If you want a GTO capable of running with the Mustang GT500, why even bring back Camaro? Hell, just have several offshoots of GTO from mild (355 HP LS4, 400 HP LS2) to wild (500 HP LS7) and leave it at that. *runs for cover*.

I know I know, Corvette rule. I have to believe the base Corvette could be pumping out 450 HP or so by the time a GT500-fighting Camaro arrives on the scene. If that's the case, you'd still have a top Camaro slightly slower than the base Corvette (due to heft) but have the muscle to at least put up a decent challenge to the blown Ford.

 

 

I wouldn't be worried what engine was going to be in the next camaro, I think GM has that area covered ( new 5.3 with 355hp). I'm just worried about if it is going to look good and have a strong rear-end.

P.S. how many new camaro buyers drive their car around a race track against a GT500? 1/4 mile performance please

TONY

 

If they can keep a new Camaro under 3500 pounds (if possible), then a 400hp top level Camaro could put up a pretty good fight with the GT500(heavy bastage). It may not have the mod potential, but if they can make it perform better in other areas then it might not matter to some people.

 

if it looks good and has a Min of 360HP i'll replace my C5 with one.

 

There needs to be a camaro to compete against the fastest model mustang, so yes, we do need one that is as quick as the GT500.

Also, is $40k really that much? I fully expect a loaded, top end Camaro costing that much by 2007. I also don't expect to have a Z28 for as cheap as $25k.

Why shouldn't we have a camaro to compete against the top of the line Mustang? Its a rivalry that's been going on since '67.

If we don't have a model as quick as the GT500, then don't call it a Camaro.
:-)