Then why hasn't a successful case been made for a 2+2 kappa coupe?

also
The Solstices' convertible top is probably on the 3k side of that or less. It is a bare bones top. A fully loaded Solstice MSRPs around 25k and GM doesn't wxpect to make much of a profit from the solstice, if any, a base camaro must at least brake even if it is going to survive.

 

Where is the profit ford will make?

 

 

And GM looses money on each one sold, Pontiac came out and said that. Now 20k units a year GM can deal with 100k+ it will NOT!

 

opps...fixed it

 

A base Camaro wouldn't need things such as a T-56, but it's upper models would. Unless there is to be a very large price difference between the base car and V8 cars, they must share alot of components. The car would have to be designed from the getgo to accept transmissions, auto and manual, that could withstand the power outputs of the V8 model(s). I doubt the Solstice's Aisin unit could handle it. I'm not just talking about the transmissions' power cababilities, but the designs of crossmembers, floor pans, center consols, etc. In addition to that, those aluminum suspension components would have to be up to the task of handling 400+ horsepower, even if the base car is only pushing 250. As was stated before, 20-30 inches would have to be added to the Solstice (just using it as an example) to get the Camaro up to "pony car" territory. That costs money. After that, just stretch the cabin to accept another seat, right? Sadly, the car would then have to be (to the best of my knowledge) re-crash tested, which equals more $. It would not be an easy or inexpensive process. The Solstice can do it for $19995, but I very much doubt a vehicle that is significantly larger, with several different models, and a myriad of changes could.

As to the cost difference between coupes and convertables, I admittedly am not an expert, but was the Solstice/Sky not designed to be a convertable from the beginning? It seems to me, that would negate some of that cost difference.

I would love nothing more than for GM to build a car to my exact personal specification, but it ain't gonna happen. The Camaro will not be coming from a coachbuilder's or Chip Foose's shop. The 5th gen must appeal to a wide audience. The car must be semi-practical for everyday use. Sadly, for hardcore enthusiasts and me , the car must be able to do more than be an autox toy, drag vehicle, or occasional weekend crusier. I'm not saying that it shouldn't do those things too, but it needs to be accessible to the people who will decide whether the car enjoys long term success or not............the average joe.


-Mike

 

Believe it or not, I agree 100%.

But the original point was in reference to Guy's $20,000 statement.

 

thats my point. for $20k you get a hand built low volume convertable even ford can't do that plus if you take those things out you'll save $$$ enough to add things like pws, pdls a/c etc.

 

It's been looked at, trust me. But adding another row of seats, V8 and 400-ish hp would require so many changes - not much would be left of Kappa. It would need to be essentially ALL NEW.

 

Eh? I read all his posts. I only challenged the more questionable points (there'd be more I could bring up but I'm not sure why I should bother). If that offends you, sorry. Maybe you should skip reading this thread, unless you have something meaningful to add...
...maybe the real reason you're irritated is you know I'm right and you wish he was, due to some agenda of your own (one indication: your lack of meaningful posts refuting my points). Perhaps you should become a 240Z owner too.

Wow, talk about selective reading. Here are a few Dan B. posts to jog your memory:

Nooo, none of THOSE statements were inflammatory. None of those things would cause someone who loves GM's cars and trucks to get a little annoyed and post a reply. Oh no

I've no objection if another member loves imports and posts about it here... and even if I did, I have no authority to do anything about it. But what, exactly, do people expect to happen when they come to this site (hint: check the URL) and brag about how great their Datsun is at the track and how it dominates FBodies and Corvettes? And about how keen are the Lotus Elitist, the Toyota MR2, and of course the fabled ancient Datsun Z-car? I agree Dan B also made some positive-on-GM posts such as complimenting the weight discipline on the Corvette... that's great. But don't expect me to sit by idly when someone makes statements like the above. No sir. I have all the respect in the world for Dan B. the CamaroZ28.com member, and his racing accomplishments too for that matter. (Moreso than he does for me, judging by what he has been calling me ) But don't come into a Denver Bronco's bar ripping on the Bronco's without expecting some... reactions

Purple. At least we agree on one thing!

http://mwshowgo67.com/formula95/images/p062604_1644.JPG

 

But the Camaro won't be "a hand built low volume car". It must be a mass produced car that can be profitable. *see mustang

How many base Solstices do you think GM will sell? GM did that just so they could say they can, not because they expect to sell a lot that way.

How many base Mustangs do you think Ford will sell? Remember, they are priced the same.

Expect a Camaro optioned and priced like the Mustang.

How about this. Replace all of the alloy parts you can with steel like the Camaro will have and take away the Convertible and leave it optioned the same (a very striped car). How much would it cost? How many would sell?

 

Leave the ecotec in. It would be a modern Vega.

 

In stead of talking about kappa, why not start with Sigma and how to turn it into a pony car chassis, like what is happening...

 

At age 24 I sometimes think I have a better feel for business decisions than most here.

That being said... I need to put the finishing touches on my proposition for a chromoly fabricated 9" rearend for the F5.... (j/k)

 

The "new" Zeta will be more Sigma based than the "old" V-car based Zeta. But like Ford's D2C and DEW98.....it will end up being essentially a new platform.