Alright guys lets make a list of all the possible parts bin parts that could be used in the 5th gen.

I will start with stuff we already have in production or has already been developed FOR SURE

Sigma SLA front suspension
Sigma IRS rear suspension
Kappa SLA front suspension
Kappa IRS rear suspension
Y-body SLA front suspension
Y-body IRS rear suspension
GMT 355 solid rear axle
GMT 355 front struts
Zeta front struts
Zeta IRS rear suspension
4th gen SLA front suspension (cheapest SLA front)
Sigma short floorpan (CTS)
Sigma long floorpan (STS)
Zeta floor pan (only LWB confirmed)
V-car strut front
V-car IRS rear
3.9 VVT OHV V6 (with and w/out DOD)
LS4 DOD 5.3L V8 (auto only)
LS2 non DOD 6.0L V8 (auto or stick)
GMT900 solid rear axle
GMT360 solid rear axle
RWD 6 speed autos (6L80E 1st in STS-v and XLR-v)
Standard GM parts bin electronics ranging from radios and speakers to seat tracks, door hinges, power side mirrors...

As you can see GM has a lot of parts to peice together its own unique platform for the 5th gen (and possible siblings). Don't think that GM doesn't know all of this and it isn't planning on using any or ALL of these potential parts on its Mustang competitor.

As for build location Wilmington has 90K/yr excess capacity. The former G-body plant is open as is the former Grand Am plant. Don't forget that the Oklahoma GMT360 plant that makes the LWB versions is heavily underutilized.

Now here is the thing to maximize the profit potential per car and achieve a great handling car what parts do you use to make the perfect 5th gen?

My take is SLA front from 4th gen, Zeta floor pan (hopefully there is a short version/maybe a modified Ute one), live axle from GMT355 or GMT360 (with SSR improvements for handling and additional refinement), styling has been done for quite a while. Interior bits should be top drawer (let Wagner babysit this one and fire anyone that gets in his way). 3.9 base motor, LS4 w/resonators for rumble at idle, LS2 or L92 top model. Asini 6 speed on 3.9 or 6L65E auto. 6L75E on LS2 (auto only for DOD). 6 speed manual by ZF or Tremec (which ever is better at that time) on top V8 or high capacity 6 speed auto with tiptronic shift paddles from Corvette.

 

Ding Dong the live a.... , .... er ......witch is dead.

 

I personally think Kappa would be a good starting point. It's obviously cheap to produce (Solstice starts at $20K), and already has excellent handling characteristics (read: IRS).

It would obviously need modifications to support a 4-seater and to fit a V8, and they'd probably need to beef up the rear differential a bit, but it's the best starting point GM has. Imagine a $20K base model or a $25K Z28 with an IRS, standard!

I'd leave out the possibilty of Corvette parts (save for the engine in top-range models). Probably too expensive.

 

Kappa looks good theoretically....but practically may be unworkable for a future Camaro.

Suspension-wise...I'm pulling for the Sigma full monty....front and rear.

 

Would a tweaked version of the 4th Gen SLA suspesion be better than a strut suspension? I never thought about them using the old design, but it is one of the few good bits from the old F-body. As the old saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I also think this would be much cheaper than ANY(strut or SLA) new front suspension since the design is paid for.

 

Maybe at the last second , the 8.5 " wicked witch of the east will fly in on her broom

The LS4 is a FWD only engine . A V6 they would likely use if there still using it be a 3.8 , what V6 is going in the Zeta Holdens . I could not see them putting anything remotely close to the 3.6 or 2.8 VVT engines already certified for RWD . A good indicator of the base V8 I can probably say with some safety, again , is whatever is powering the Zeta Holdens due out reeeeal soon . And a already RWD cetified LS2 for a high end V8 . By 2007 , that 400 hp LS2 figure will no doubt swell a bit .

 

I really really like the 4th gens front suspension . If for anything , its soooooooo damned easy to work on . I really hope they dont get a 3rd gen type front suspension again .

 

Amen to that.

 

I used LS4 because people know what it is. There is a truck certified DOD 5.3 but I don't know the RPO code. The Holden Zetas as well as the last V-car get the 3.8 DOHV VVT v6 based off the 3.6 but with a larger bore. The Camaro could use it but cost would be higher than the 3.9 and it would make about the same power.

 

Kappa won't cut it guys.

You really DON'T want the Kappa (chassis, drivetrain, or components) as the basis for the next Camaro.

....unless you want your powerplant limited to no more than say a 3.6 liter V6.

 

And one that is very heavy and unbalanced. Both Guy & Charlie are right, you don't want Kappa for the next Camaro. If Kappa couldnt be stretched to accompany the Nomad, how could a Camaro work?

 

I would like to see:

Base (Sport Coupe): 3.5 or 3.9V6 ~200-225hp
RS: 3.5 or 3.9V6 Supercharged: ~250-275hp (Possible 5.3LDoD Option <300hp)
SS: 5.3L High Output ~350hp - Loaded every option
SS/Z28: 6.0L ~400+hp (Possible 1LE option - Stripped Down - Z28 Only)

Oh and btw, I want a Convertible available with EVERY package. If I want a SS/Z28 1LE Convertible, by god let me order it...

 

1LE convertible? What would be the point of that?

 

I just want to see a Camaro period.

I think two models (a V6 and a V8) for the initial re-entry year is about as much we should hope for; followed in 6-12 months by a convertible and a Z06 version sometime after that.

 

"Options" IMO