Since every GM Gen IV truck V8 will have DoD in the next 1-3 years the "added complexity" is here to stay. Whether or not you agree with the way CAFE regulations are setup you got to want better gas milage.

Dodge is claiming 20% better mpg with MDS (DoD)

 

If 17mpg is the result of a 20% improvement, I'm not impressed.

It makes me wonder if MDS is such a transparent system because they never bothered switching it on. In the last couple of model years that Cadillac offered the V8-6-4, the system was left disconnected when the cars left the factory.

Perhaps DoD systems work best if they're only used for EPA testing.

 

I agree, maybe the 20% is just at 55mpg. The actual % will very based on speed and rate of acceleration.

 

Engine controls have come along way since the V8-6-4. Every test I've read of the DOD on the Hemi says it's very transparent. Only thing that tells you the cylinders have been deactivated is a small icon on the dash.

Also, aerodynamics play a part in milage. The 300C especially doesn't apprear to have a very aero front end with it's large vertical surface area (truck?) and large open grill (truck?).

I'd really like a chance to drive a DOD system from either GM or DCX.

 

yes, but only in v6 and if the 5.3 is a mid level engine. Offer a 320hp, DOD RS model to add to the appeal of the Camaro. Put low number gears in and a double OD trans and you have a easy 30mpg.

 

Who wants low gears though? How low are we talking?

 

Didn't the 3.8 V6 and 5 speed post an EPA rating of 30mpg? It was in a brochure in 2000-01.

 

3.08

 

I voted no, but only because I don't want my V8 powered 2009 Camaro Z-28 sounding like a flippin' four-banger at cruising speeds. I'll certainly order DoD on my next Tahoe or Chevy truck, but on a performance based sports coupe???? Unless they figure out a way to make it not sound like a Honda with a fart-can exhaust... NO WAY!

 

well, they havent tested DOD on Zeta or a Camaro yet, or if they did, we dont know about it. We dont know what it would sound like, but if it did sound like a 4cyl model, they wouldnt put it into production just like they didnt do with the Vette.
If they can make it sound normal when activated, then leave it only to the 6 and mid level V8.

 

I'm sorry to bring this up again, but did I miss the post where it says DOD activates at idle?

Isn't it ONLY AT CRUISING SPEEDS when less power is needed? I don't think it would activate at idles since you'll need the power pretty soon (red light, cute girl on sidewalk, etc.).

Also, no one has complianed about the DOD Hemi sounding like a 4 banger. I think you're all over reacting a bit.

Of course I might be wrong...again.

 

The LT1 came with 2.73 on the A4 cars.

With a 6 speed automatic, 2.73s wouldn't be as bad as they were on the LT1.

I think a Camaro with 325HP 5.3L DoD V8, 6 speed tranny, 2.73 gears getting 35mpg hwy would apeal a lot to the "I want a V8 and good mpg and I don't know jack about cars" crowd.

It would also be good press for GM and V8 lovers in general. The Enviro-freaks couldn't use the V8 Camaro as a scape goat, they would have to stick with bashing SUVs/trucks

 

Someone posted elsewhere about the issue of a V8 sounding like a 4-banger when activated. I have no problem with the technology. However I could give a ratsass whether or not my performance sports coupe gets good gas mileage. I want it to sound good all the time and be able to deactivate the DoD if I choose to.

 

Someone will hopefully chime in about it not being used on the C6 because of the idle. Also, from the same post, I read that DoD also reduced the overall RPM redline on the car, even with all cylinders firing.

Sorry, but if the price is a crappy sounding engine for only 2-3mpg, then that's a resounding "no". Put that on the Cavalier/Cobalt and let them run on two cylinders to make up the difference.

 

It will only sound like a 4cyl if the exhaust is not fixed. It was changed on the truck to where you cant notice it.
The C6's exhaust could not be tuned to bring the V8 tone back, so it was killed. And the DOD does add interia to the valvetrain, but would only cut some 500rpm off. I dont think that this could be used in the SS or Z models, but the RS and SC models, hell yes. The SC and RS models need to make up the bulk of the sales. Making more power then the mustang, and getting better MPG then a Civic Hyrbid! It would be a great "neato" thing to the Camaro and really attract people that normaly wouldnt want to a sports car because of the gas-guzzling idea.
I think DOD for the base models should be a no-brainer, but like teh C6, the performance end should be a no.