It'd be cool to see a 302 Z28 again like the 1st Gens with all the upgrades. If this were an option I'd definetly like to see it, but since it's probably not gonna happen and they have to be different, I say do it this way:

SS: 370HP V8, smoother more compliant but still high performance suspension, upgraded and refined interior, unique hood, spoiler, rims, and optional fender to door stripes. Every option out there is available for this car. This is the daily driver performance car that most cars can't touch. It looks sporty/cool and would sell alot.

Z28: 420HP V8, limited content, tight no-compromise suspension, upgraded brakes, rims, tires, and exhaust. Only T-Tops are available (as in no convertable) and you have to pay for the Auto. Optional racing stripes, unique functional hood, and different spoiler. This is our top car that takes out the other competitors top car. Obviously these wouldn't sell as much either but would create image and exitement while also being historically correct. This car looks like it's serious and means business. It's the Camaro that you better not mess with, unless you have work done.

 

I would consider myself a Z/28 FANATIC !

But, I really have no interest in recreating a 302 for the 5th gen. I'm looking for the spirit of Z/28....not it's 1960's SCCA mandated displacement.

 

302?

Ummm... no thanks.

As much as I love the ultimate mouse motor, even Chevrolet dumped it as soon as they could get the SCCA to accept a 350 in the 1970 Z-28.

If the current LS derivative is 6.0L... then that's what it gets.

 

Well, I've given some ideas in the past... but I think it should be something substantial.

Two things that are on the top of my list are:

1) A different motor... even if "different" is as small a mechanical difference as LS1 vs LS6.

2) AWD on one of the models.

 

Yeah, I think I remember you mentioning an AWD SS and a RWD Z/28.

What does everone think of that?

 

I'm not saying that the SS should totally outperform the Z28, I'm just saying that the Z28 seems more of a 1/4 mile car than a road course car that I see the SS as. Could we actually get a "functional" hood scoop on the SS this time?

AWD on one of the models might work, but it'd be a heavy bish. For all you Z28 fanatics out there that want a "stripper" car, why would you want options that the SS has?

 

to AWD

Hey....you asked

 

You have that backwards. RPO Z28 was originally created to be a road race car for the SCCA Trans Am road race series sedan class.

The SS Camaro was the 1/4 mile version.

 

First i like the idea of 2 separate engines. AWD as an option i think would be a good thing. We have to be open some change for advancement. If not the car can not keep competive. My .02

 

I have to admit, at first, I wasn't too keen on the idea of AWD availability on Camaro. My initial impression was..."what are they trying to do, to my RWD pony car?!" But the more I think about it...the more brilliant I believe available AWD is for Camaro.

AWD, will open up a whole new segment for Camaro. There are alot of people who may not consider a Camaro because they percieve RWD as bad for winter driving....these people will be addressed. There are alot of people who just want the "sure footedness" of AWD...regardless of winter....these people will also be addressed.

BTW, Chrysler's LX RWD platform will be available with AWD....thanks in part to some component commonality between it and the last Mercedes E-Class.

 

i say same motor but maybe and upgraded intake manafold and exhaust for rhe SS... its too expensive to give ever car a differnet motor, you know that

and AWD would sell these cars alot better. everyone complains about them being 'unpractical' but if you made it all whell drive that would have it twice as practical...

 

STOP RIGHT THERE!

Since when have Camaros ever been practical cars? A "practical" daily driver the Camaro is not, was not, and never will be. If you want "practical" there are several other cars in GM's stable that would fit the need.

I wish people would quit trying to bastardize the Camaro just to make in a more practical car. It does not need AWD, it does not need four doors (ala RX-8 style), it does not need a half dozen powertrain combinations, it does not need a rear seat that fits adult sized humans, and before anyone suggests it, it doesn't need a rear hatch/compartment like the Malibu Maxx.

I will not eat green eggs and ham, I will not eat them SAM I AM!

 

agreed, doesnt need 4 doors, doesnt need more passanger room, doesnt need to be just a fast car... it has to be a camaro. im just saying, AWD has no negatives, why wouldnt you want it? yes, not typical, classic camaro... but def a good thing, then i wouldnt have to take the bus to school when it snows

 

I agree about not making Camaro over-practical. Don't need a big back seat, don't need those little rear doors, don't need lots of cargo space....but about that AWD........

Generally speaking, I prefer 2 wheel drive dynamics over awd.....certainly if it's RWD, but often if it's FWD also. AWD always seems alittle heavier, slower, lazier...I guess, than RWD. I sure wouldn't want my road race inspired 5th gen Z/28 to have AWD.

But after considerable reflection, I have come to the conclusion that AWD can be an important and integral part of the next Camaro strategy. WE are not going to buy 100,000++ Camaros every year. Who will then? Camaro needs to expand it's audience...and AWD is a tool to help them do it.

Around these parts, I know people who would never consider a Camaro....because of our winters. An AWD Camaro would make that a moot point.

And maybe an AWD Camaro can capture different enthusiasts too. AWD has a performance following you know. I can imagine the impact that an AWD V8 Camaro might have at the drag strip, for example.

I think the choice of having AWD on certain Camaro models is a winning idea.

 

An AWD Camaro doesn't fit in with Chevrolet's pricing. Period!

Chevrolet has always been GM's blue collar, value brand... the lone exception being Corvette.

I'm not saying that an AWD Zeta based car shouldn't explored... I'm just saying it shouldn't be a Chevy.

Pontiac, Buick and Cadillac are GM's upscale brands. If we are going to see an AWD Zeta platform car in NA, it should be a Buick, or better yet a Cadillac.