I was thinking that the automatic V8 may have a lower HP rating due to limitations of the automatic tranny... the Manual may get more due to higher-rpm threshold.
I'm thinking of a situation similar to the Mazda RX8 where the manual makes much more HP than the auto due to the 7000rpm limiter on the automatics torque converter.
At least that is how I interpreted that statement about two base V8's
Oh, and I think its REALLY funny that the 'base' V8 in the Camaro has more HP than ANY OTHER CAR I have ever looked at in my price range..
It just struck me yesterday... Subaru WRX STI, Nissan 300Z, Infinite G35 Coupe, etc... AND we have an option for MORE hp if we want! Crazy.
~LSx