[NVR_DUN]

Check out the article in Autoweek about a dealer ad for deposits on the new Camaro:

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl.../60501004/1041

Cheers, NVR DUN.

[RUSTY69]

kind of an old artical, gm is going through with the camaro

[DjD]

Originally Posted by RUSTY69

kind of an old article, gm is going through with the camaro

I haven't seen anything from Chevy or GM making an official announcement on the car Eric. Did I miss it?

[tjlarge]

Dennis - I doubt if you have missed anything, many people confuse rhetoric in the press with actual production approval from GM. This particular program is in real trouble for a few reasons. One that has been mentioned in the press (somewhere ...) is: This thing is weighing in at almost 4000 lbs !!!! At this weight - we'll need the 400HP V-8 just to get it moving. Not very sporty or condusive to good fuel economy. This program is literally fighting for its life in Australia right now as we type.... In fact, my boss just transferred to Holden to go work on this program. I hope to get tidbits from him as this program grinds along.

[CFunK]

I have not seen the curb weight listed for the "new" Camaro. If you can point me in a direction that would be appreciated.

Second, my '97 TA weighed in at 3650 with me and a 1/4 tank of gas and still pulled consistent high 13's to low 14's, typlically within 3 tenths with only 275hp and pulled 28 MPG on the freeway. I suspect Dennis had similar results with his 4th Gen.

[tjlarge]

Sorry Funk - I just can't remember where I saw it. I read soooo much stuff.

And - yes it is possible to have decent performance with higher weight. But new vehicle programs have "target mass/cost/volume/etc" and if you're over/under an important target by a lot - it can kill a program. Also, the "base engine" (not just a thumper V8...) has to look good on paper too. I have confidence that they'll get it right - somehow - but it's not a slamdunk.

It may not be obvious, but GM is being much more critical of its programs now. They need to be great right out of the gate. In the past - we could afford (and somehow always justify...) less than successful vehicle programs - but no more. I think upper mgt is doing the right thing holding everyone's feet to the fire to get it right the first time - even if it means a few program get delayed or even cancelled.

[CFunK]

Originally Posted by tjlarge

It may not be obvious, but GM is being much more critical of its programs now. They need to be great right out of the gate. In the past - we could afford (and somehow always justify...) less than successful vehicle programs - but no more.

I agree, and my fear is this project may fall into that trap.

[tjlarge]

Originally Posted by tjlarge

Sorry Funk - I just can't remember where I saw it. I read soooo much stuff.

OK - I now remember where I saw this - this months Motor Trend mag. They talk about how GM has "approved " the convertible version and the Zeta platform weight troubles. They go on to say that the convert will weight another 150-200 lbs more (than the 4000 lb figure) and how this will impact performance.

In a morbid sort of way - the weight troubles could be good for us - it might be insurance that we'll get the biggest/baddest aluminum small block available to eliminate the Mustang/Challenger threat !! It will likely have to be derated a few horses so as not to tick off the Corvette folks - but that's OK by me....

[CFunK]

Thanks, I will check it out.