Looks like GM might finally be admitting to some potential competition. But with only 500-600HP they're better off staying home and brushing that mullett. What's next? T-tops?

http://www.freep.com/article/2010120...ESS01/12030348

 

What do you mean "only 500-600HP"? that is right in line with the current GT500. This car is going to be a GT500 fighter while the SS will compete with the GT. Though I'm not a GM fan this should be a good match up for the GT500. I don't see why the Z28 would need more than 600HP to battle the GT500. My bet is GM as always will give it slightly more power than the GT500 I'm betting 560HP

300+HP V6s check
400+HP base V8 check
500+HP top model V8 check.
This is probably the most competitive Mustang/Camaro match ups we have ever seen!

 

It might be slightly higher than the CURRENT GT500, but not quite enough for the future variant. The Z will need all the help it can get to overcome it's weight penalty. But of course, like typical GM, it will be just good enough and will appeal to the tiny market of people who will buy one just because it's the top Camaro. Not because it's the top performer. Once again, a day late and a dollar short. And by god, don't want to upset the beloved Corvette owners by putting a serious engine in the Z, like from the ZR1.

The smart thing for GM to do is put the Z06 engine in it, make it a bit lighter and handle well. They could go after the Boss on the track and do the Z28 name proud. Chasing the GT500 is a battle they cannot win, not now and certainly not next year. Ford is not waiting to see what the Z is all about, the update has been in the works for some time now and is just waiting to upstage them.

 

it should be 600 hp to compete with the gt500, you are forgetting the camaro is a tank, that car will be 4,000lbs quote me on it.

 

true but couldnt they just gear it better instead? i mean the SS has 3.45's so whats stopping them from dropping 3.73's in it? i dont think it'll have 600hp. thats way too much than the Z06. i'll believe 550+hp though. kinda wonder why they didnt just boost the LS7's power to 550+ and stick that in the Z/28. (and of course give the Z06's LS7 550+ too)

 

Moving to 'General Vehicle Discussion,' but will leave a link for a day . . .

 

The Z28 will have the same engine as the Cadillac CTS-V. A supercharged 556HP 6.2. I don't see how it needs all this extra power to keep up with the GT500. Last I checked the GT500 isn't exactly a lightweight either and the SS Camaro with about equal HP to the new Mustang GT runs about identical 1/4 times despite being much heavier.

If you want to know what the Z28 will do look at a motor trend comparo of the GT500 SVTPP vs CTS-V coupe that is pretty much the exact same way the Z28 vs GT500 will shake out. The CTS coupe is a Camaro in a more expensive suit same car different sheet metal.

LagunaBeach, I don't mean to call you out but do you know something that the rest of us don't regarding the next GT500? I don't see Ford giving us much more revision to the GT500 for the rest of this generation. Think about it 2007-09 were mechanically identical throughout the first gen SVT GT500. The GT500 saw revision for 2011 because the GT and V6 saw huge gains this year they had to justify the price gap between the GT and GT500. Stock for stock a 2011 GT is about as quick as a 2007 GT500!

 

On the Motor Trend test Camaro SS ran 1/4 mile in 13.1. Mustang 5.0 ran in 12.7 and Shelby GT500 ran in 12.3.
CTS-V Coupe ran in also 12.3.

 

Yes! Stay tuned.

 

The majority of 5.0's are going faster than the majority of SS's especially the automatics lol.

the weight does play a part, best 5.0 right now is 12.37 best ss is 12.58 and it's been out way longer.

 

Phil, the argument Mark (LagunaBeach) is making is correct. GM can only benchmark against the current GT500. They better make the Z28 destroy the current GT500, or else prepare to be embarrased when the new GT500/cobra debuts. If we've learned anything about the new Ford, its that they don't rest on their accomplishments...

 

Exactly! There is no way Ford is going to coast for another few years until the next gen car debuts.

 

The Camaro still has some ground to cover in amortized costs, granted its based on an exsisting platform, but its still essentially a new car. This is a huge advantage for Ford since they didn't abandon the market and hit gold with the introduction of the S-197. GM probably doesn't have much financial wiggle room when it comes to making big improvements to the Camaro - suppossedly its getting an interior upgrade and I suppose when the next generation of LSx motors arrive it will get a shot in the arm in terms of power (but who knows it may just be increased economy?)

 

Excellent point. Some folks seem to be fixated on what the Ford of old would do in a situation like this; we're not dealing with that company anymore.

 

I am excited to see what come of the GT500 because of this. I am not sure how many changes will be made from now until the new Mustang arrives but it could have more than we expect. Or it could hold out until the new model 2014/15. I don't know but it should get interesting.

I am also interested to see the production Z28. I thought Jay Leno had a great idea with his TT V6 Camaro, that was awesome. Not for a Z28, just awesome in general.

 

I hear they are also testing Z28 prototypes with AT transmissions, if so it might mean a slushbox (in addition to the MT) future for the GT500 as well.

 

I can't wait to see if it bears fruit. I wouldn't bet the farm on a 556 hp rating for it as well :wink: I'll just point that out. And although Ford might not be the same company to sit around during HP wars anymore, keep in mind GM hasn't backed down from that criteria since the LT1 either.

 

Car & Driver got the Camaro SS at 12.9 while the GT ran 13.00. My point is that your typical drag race between these two cars is pretty much a driver's race. The Motor Trend clip I saw had the CTS-V clipping the GT500 by a tenth.... Once again a driver's race

 

I don't think the GT500 is going to have the weight advantage over the Z28 that the GT has over the SS. Both cars have huge wheels and brakes, both have big heavy motors..... The GT500 may have lost weight but it is still pretty hefty

 

I'm hoping Ford steps it up and puts a DSG in the GT500! If it can be put in a $40,000 EVO Ford can do it to a nearly $60,000 Mustang!