I am a former GM fanatic who only purchased GM products. I have since bought a Toyota (which I plan on selling next month) and a Dodge Ram Hemi. I want a RWD sedan with a V-8 that the wife will agree with for less than 35K. I am currently looking at an Infinity G35, or a Chrysler 300C (another Hemi is tempting), but would prefer to gravitate back to the general. Here is my wish list, please comment.

1. Under 3800 lbs
2. RWD of course
3. Gen IV small block putting out 350+ flywheel HP
4. Availability of a T-56 or a 5 spd auto (six would be nicer)
5. Light on the creature comforts to keep things affordable.

How many of the legions of F body owners who are aging would kill for something like this?

 

http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/...w?modelid=4009

1. 3600lbs - check
2. RWD - check
3. 325ho Gen III - close
4. T56 or 4-speed auto - close enuf
5. base model - check

all for US$30,000

 

I'll pass.

At 35k, it isn't going to have enough content to interest me anymore. I wanted relatively inexpensive and fast at one time, and bought a Camaro SS.

For all out performance, it's a Corvette or nothing now.

High performance sedan?

I'll step up to a CTSv in that case.

 

Just get the 300C, and rest assured that you got the best RWD fullsize car on the market.

 

Aren't you describing the GTO?

 

Well the 300C is the only 4 door rwd V8 car that is out at the time that is under 35k.................not counting the Crown Vic because that doesn't really count anyway. Don't forget that the 300C still hasn't been released to the public yet so it's merits have not been determined just estimated.

 

Just curious.....

What content do you require...beyond a $35K car...to stay interested?

 

1. Under 3800 pounds?
Only if you want a live axle. The CTSv weighs 3833, the Lincoln LS is 3728, and the 300C is pushing 4,000 pounds, so if you want IRS and a V8 in a car bigger than the Mustang sized 3 series, it seems 3800 (+/- 100#) is the weight it's going to be.

2. RWD?
It's coming. Just give them a few years.

3. 350+ Hp at the flywheel?
That is pushing at least 425+ horsepower net. You won't find anything like this for under 35 grand today, and aren't likely to in the forseeable future. You pay for performance.

4. Manual?
Again, let's see what happens.

5. Light on creature comforts?
No one will buy it, gauranteed. That idea was floated for the Corvette coupe, and surveys iced it. 4th gen Z28s were based at virturally firesale prices ($23K and 160 mph!!) and no one bought them. Impala SSs were loaded to the teeth with standard equptment, and they increased sales each year.

People who buy sport sedans tend to want them loaded & drive automatics. They also tend to be older and less cost conscious than Mustang and Camaro buyers (Impala SSs sold mainly to late fortysomethings at about $7-8K more than Z28s).

 

With a 4 door big mid and full sized sedan, I would actually want it to be decently loaded up with creature comforts.. Because its main purpose will be to haul people in comfort and style.


At $35k, I would like a decent leather interior, sound system, and airbags all around me, and traction/stabiility/yaw control built into it.. But I think I'm asking too much? Considering the CTS-v will be going for like $50k..


Then there's the GTO that almost does it all, except its in 2 door form, but based off a full sized car platform. Would be awesome if they brought the full sized V8 car over here.. If it was at the $35k price point though... Cadillac would have to start offering something special for their CTS's to avoid getting its toes stepped on..

BTW, how big are the Infinity G35's on the inside? My train of though now is, if I'm getting a 4 door sedan, it will have to be full sized with a roomy backseat, since I'd be expecting to have people in the back to sit comfortably. I already have my fast 2+2 car..

 

"Flywheel HP" is typically considered the same as "net" HP". IE...the HP the engine makes at the flywheel with all accessories installed, etc.

Other common terms include "Gross HP", which is not typically used today, and would show a higher HP value than net, and rear-wheel HP (RWHP) which is of course the HP measured from a chassis dyno, and will always be lower than net or flywheel HP.

 

listen to guionM, he knows what he is talking about, minus the HP subject, no offense...

 

If I'm not mistaken, Ford does theirs at the back of the tranny, so I was under the impression everyone does it. If I am mistaken, then I stand corrected.

None taken. I'm not that thin skinned.

 

I was thinking the same thing Bob.

 

Everyone has their strenghts and weaknesses. guionM has all GM's future plans years before most people, heck before some GM people actually! But weaker on the real world HP and racing info of performance cars. Not a knock but I'm up on that aspect of the game so I notice any figures that are off.

Like Bob C said that HP figure is flywheel or BHP, brake HP. Its the actual power rating of an engine as it sits with all components. For a LT1 its 275 or 285hp. It doesn't measure the power through the trans, or rear end. That would be rwhp.

 

I'd like to see a smaller Chevy RWD sedan.

Think BMW 3 series size with an LS1