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Originally Posted by Cobra_Commander
Yeah since the Camaro has IRS, which adds weight and cost, they couldn't shave weight with materials if they want to be competitive in price. I work in the auto business so I understand on a corporate level how 1.) keeping costs to a minimum 2.) while making a profit 3.) and keeping consumers somewhat happy is the main goal. Unfortunately out of all of those numbers 1 + 2 always come first when dealing with a corporation. But the truth is it's the only way to keep capitalism alive and without capitalism we wouldn't be the USA!
The handling is probably the easiest thing to fix for the Z28 because GM has so many options, although you wonder if it is that easy. With all the extensive research and development on the V6 and SS I think alot of people expected a much better handler, so who knows if GM can greatly exceed the SS and keep costs reasonable for both sides. We have to remember a Z28 cannot step on the toes of a Vette and the truth is the Vette is due for an extensive redesign including it's suspension and handling. GM is sick of the complaints about the leaf springs and how uncivil they are in real world cituations, because not many people bring their Vette to the track. Keep in mind the average Vette buyer is 55+ years old!
The one plus the GT500 has is it doesn't share much outside of the Mustang line-up. Where as you have the Camaro mixed and sharing off the G8 and CTS. So the GT500 gets a more open minded R&D because Ford doesn't have any models to work off of so it always has to be fresh yet cost efficient. And the GT500 never has to worry about stepping on anyone's toes in the Ford family. The GT500 is Ford's Vette, the halo car of Ford. I mean the GT500 just got the best engine Ford has arguably ever assembled for a sports car the updated 5.4L S/C from the Ford GT their first and last supercar.
And yeah I thought the 6.4L was going to get 500 HP. It's funny 500 HP doesn't seem like alot anymore whne you see our cars being tuned to have over 700+ HP. It's like wathing FOX Business and seeing the stock market and economy with all the Billions and Trillions being talked about than all of a sudden you hear 850 million and your like wow that's chump change! But 550+ HP stock is great even 500 Hp is amazing. But the truth is the Chally needs to go on a diet and a bigger engine was not needed. I guess they want to own one category from us and it's only going to be in displacement! I used to care about displacement till I realized it's not about the size of the engine that counts only the numbers it can produce!
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First of all welcome to our forums! You seem to good to be true to be driving the enemy! LOL Yeah I was a similiar situation to you. I will be waiting for Z28 although after reading your post and agreeing with alot of what you said, who knows if it is the right move? My bro is a Mustang guy and I always liked the Camaro. Although the new Mustang is nice in my opinion, especially the new GT500. I gained alot of respect for Ford in the last year or so I like what they are doing and the "evolution" process as you put it. Even though they really stiffed their 2010 buyers with the 2011 Mustang across the board every company has done that at some point. GM has done it numerous times with the Vette. I think that Ford had to bring out a fresh body so that something new was on the lot once the Camaro hit dealers.
Although it didn't work since Camaro is outselling the Mustang. But that is for two main reasons: 1. It is the newer hot item right now, Camaro has been gone for 7 years and now people are gitty it's back! 2. I think alot of people anticipated a big change for the 2011 Mustang knowing it couldn't compete with the Camaro the way it was. So as soon as the 2011 Stangs hit showrooms I expect the numbers to start being more even with both cars swithcing sales every other month.
I just hope history doesn't repeat itself where the Camaro is just a fad now that dies once people are over it. The Mustang I think will outlast any car unfortunately it's the original pony car/muscle car depending on who you ask. And it has the most support around the world and has been more influential and is the automotive world's largest icon according to multiple reports. I will keep a close eye on this GT500 it seems like it will be tough to beat!