500+ HP Camaro Z/28 is Dead; 450 HP SS is Top Dog
7/11/08, 07:35 PM
#2
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Normally this is where we’d speculate on the reason for this move by GM, though, do we even have to say it?
Current National Average for premium unleaded: $4.507.
Current National Average for premium unleaded: $4.507.
7/11/08, 08:19 PM
#3
Hmmm, seems unlikely GM was motivated to axe the Z28 out of fear that gas prices would seriously hinder sales. We are talking about a 5k unit a year car that would have almost certainly worn fairly serious ADM's for the first year or better. That makes it a bit difficult to believe GM is worried that owners are going to balk over an additional 2k a year in gas.
However, I could believe that GM is doing this because it brings them one tiny step closer to the better CAFE numbers the desperately need. Also worth considering is that the LSA now only has one 'customer' left, the CTS. Given this I have to wonder if the LSA engine program as a whole is long for this world.
However, I could believe that GM is doing this because it brings them one tiny step closer to the better CAFE numbers the desperately need. Also worth considering is that the LSA now only has one 'customer' left, the CTS. Given this I have to wonder if the LSA engine program as a whole is long for this world.
Last edited by jsaylor; 7/11/08 at 08:20 PM.
7/12/08, 08:25 AM
#5
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An interesting development, but not necessarily a surprise. I think the Camaro has a few more constraints to its power, performance, and product offerings than the Mustang, making the Camaro market/product placement more difficult for GM. With the extinction of the Ford GT, there is virtually no upper limit to Mustang performance. The GT500 can offer a 540-HP (KR) or even through Shelby a 725-HP fire-breathing Super Snake without any channel contention in the Blue Oval pipeline. (Such a Mustang does not affect any other Ford product sales.)
Chevrolet, on the other hand, does have potential channel contention with a 500, or 600-HP Camaro model. Potentially, Chevy could be stepping on potential Corvette sales. Of course, GM could hope that the loyal Bowtie crowd would buy one of each!
There’s been talk of a Mustang SVO revival, running in tandem with the rumors of a turbo I-4 being evaluated for the Camaro. Once again, I think the marketing advantage lies with Ford and works against Chevy.
Ford has a product history of a turbo-4 Mustang. The SVO was not widely successful, but there is a following for the SVO, which borders on cult status. Unless you count the MazdaSpeed3 as a Ford (which is not a coupe, but a 5-door hatch), a turbo I-4 Mustang would not compete directly with any other product offering in the Ford stable. There is nothing to prevent Ford from aggressively marketing a boosted I-4 Mustang.
The Camaro has no history of a performance-oriented I-4 like the Mustang. And in the case of the Camaro, Chevy faces a tougher dilemma than Ford faces—they already offer a boosted I-4 coupe under the Bowtie brand. The Cobalt SS is a decent offering and makes much more sense than a turbo-4 Camaro since the Cobalt isn’t saddled with the weight penalty of the new Camaro.
The build-up to the new Camaro has been a long-drawn out affair. I’m probably not the only one thinking the design is due for a refresh before it even gets to the showroom. It will be interesting to see, as gas prices continue to rise and economic woes beset Detroit, what offerings Chevy actually brings to the market with their new pony car.
Just my $.02 worth.
Chevrolet, on the other hand, does have potential channel contention with a 500, or 600-HP Camaro model. Potentially, Chevy could be stepping on potential Corvette sales. Of course, GM could hope that the loyal Bowtie crowd would buy one of each!
There’s been talk of a Mustang SVO revival, running in tandem with the rumors of a turbo I-4 being evaluated for the Camaro. Once again, I think the marketing advantage lies with Ford and works against Chevy.
Ford has a product history of a turbo-4 Mustang. The SVO was not widely successful, but there is a following for the SVO, which borders on cult status. Unless you count the MazdaSpeed3 as a Ford (which is not a coupe, but a 5-door hatch), a turbo I-4 Mustang would not compete directly with any other product offering in the Ford stable. There is nothing to prevent Ford from aggressively marketing a boosted I-4 Mustang.
The Camaro has no history of a performance-oriented I-4 like the Mustang. And in the case of the Camaro, Chevy faces a tougher dilemma than Ford faces—they already offer a boosted I-4 coupe under the Bowtie brand. The Cobalt SS is a decent offering and makes much more sense than a turbo-4 Camaro since the Cobalt isn’t saddled with the weight penalty of the new Camaro.
The build-up to the new Camaro has been a long-drawn out affair. I’m probably not the only one thinking the design is due for a refresh before it even gets to the showroom. It will be interesting to see, as gas prices continue to rise and economic woes beset Detroit, what offerings Chevy actually brings to the market with their new pony car.
Just my $.02 worth.
7/13/08, 07:43 PM
#7
I Have No Life
7/15/08, 05:16 PM
#11
Team Mustang Source
Another Reveal????
Monday, July 21st - 4pm
http://www.chevrolet.com/camaro/
What's left to show????
THE REVEALING OF THE 2010 CAMARO'S SEAT INNARDS!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.chevrolet.com/camaro/
What's left to show????
THE REVEALING OF THE 2010 CAMARO'S SEAT INNARDS!!!!!!!!!!
7/16/08, 08:49 AM
#12
Legacy TMS Member Pr
At least the seats will survive.
7/16/08, 10:00 AM
#13
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The 2010 Camaro has been out in the public eye almost as long as the S197 has been in production. It's about time for it to have a midcycle styling refresh and it hasn't even went into production yet!!
7/16/08, 12:15 PM
#14
Needs to be more Astony
7/19/08, 03:23 PM
#17
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Monday, July 21st - 4pm
http://www.chevrolet.com/camaro/
What's left to show????
THE REVEALING OF THE 2010 CAMARO'S SEAT INNARDS!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.chevrolet.com/camaro/
What's left to show????
THE REVEALING OF THE 2010 CAMARO'S SEAT INNARDS!!!!!!!!!!
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