In addition to the much-discussed Camaro RS and SS models here on CAR CHAT, a Z28 model, with the 556 HP 6.2 liter V8 from the Cadillac CTS-V, is now planned, at least on paper, but could still be axed, along with the SS, due to budget conditions, the poor auto economy, future gas mileage restrictions, and GM's recent downplaying of high-performance V8s. Camaro convertible models are also undergoing tests.

I still plan to review a new Camaro as soon as they are released, depending which model(s) are available.



http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=7721

As Chevrolet prepares the Camaro for its much-anticipated launch this spring, it appears that GM's financial straits are not having much of an effect on future variations.

Spy photos confirm Chevy's intention to follow up the coupe with a convertible version — work is continuing on the droptop despite rumors that it could end up on the cutting room floor as a result of tight budgets. Expect to see it by summer 2010 as a 2011 model. The same is true for the mighty Z28, which will be the range topper above the base 300-bhp 3.6-liter V-6 and 422-bhp 6.2-liter V-8 in the SS. And talk has surfaced again of a less powerful V-6 or 4-cylinder entry level model.

But first, the Z28, as reported last July, will be powered by the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 from the Cadillac CTS-V. Rumors suggest this 556-bhp mill is preferred over the Corvette Z06's 505-bhp naturally aspirated LS7 V-8 because it's actually a less expensive engine to produce!

As for the base car's V-6 (which makes almost as much power as the V-8 of the Mustang GT), it's now reported that a new, less expensive engine will join the lineup. One possibility is the new direct-injected 255-bhp 3.0-liter V-6, but there is another option; a turbocharged direct-injected 2.4-liter I-4 from the Ecotec family as an alternative to a plan that was rejected a year ago involving the 2.0-liter turbo Ecotec from the Solstice GXP. Currently, this engine is not turbocharged, but it could be. The fact that the block was strengthened over the older non-direct-injected engine leads us to believe that it was designed for a forced induction application, and a turbocharged 2.4 would supply ample torque, fuel efficiency and performance for a base Camaro. So, would buyers prefer a 255-bhp 3.0-liter V-6 or a 260-bhp turbocharged 2.4-liter I-4?

 

CTS-V engine?

Ok, that's pretty awesome.

 

That would be cool (killer V8), but it won't make or break the product line.

IMHO, bad idea any I4 in the Camaro, I'm betting it won't make it into production.

 

I thought GM was ending the performance aspect of its vehicle divisions

 

CTS-V engine that is a de-tuned ZR1 engine and so forth and so on. GM is great at using their engines multiferiously.

But wasn't the original Camaro due out in 2004...........and it's still not out yet!

Who knows what will happen with this badboy...........time will tell, but it looks sick on paper!

 

True... that's why why I'm wondering how they'll pass this off as NOT being a "performance product", which is what's being eliminated...

 

Its already bought and paid for (the Camaro). Those engines are probably extras since the CTS-V was canned.

 

Not holding my breath on this one. I'd consider a turbo base Camaro. However, I said to myself the other day I would never buy a GM car. I was at a gas station and a Grand Prix, Impala, and Trailblazer were there. Each had some horrible noise coming from under the hood, wheels, doors, etc. Crappy.

 

Canned? The CTS-V is already on dealer lots.

 

Where did you get this information about the CTS-V being canned Bean??

This Camaro Z28 will be a collectors dream in year to come.. I've always wanted a muscle car.. GM has me shaking right now in a good way

 

Sounds like my dad's Aurora. Called it quicks in the parking lot of the Toyota dealer that it was being traded in to.

 

I agree, 4-cyl would not go well with the muscle car crowd.

 

Yes, that's the quandry. GM, at one level, seems to be putting high-perf V8's on hold, yet the Camaro's developers are going ahead with the SS and Z28 as if there were no official restrictions. That way, I guess (?), if GM management changes its mind, they will be ready for it.

 

CTS-V canned? No wonder they're crashing and burning with decisions like that.

 

A LOT of muscle can be put into a 4-cylinder if it is designed and turbo'ed correctly. The Subaru STI and Mitsibishi Evo proved that. Even the little VW/Audi 2.0T has a surprising amount of performance for its small size.