[Stew]

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!

On the CHallenger I think the 6.4 could be a great addition. Right now removing weight is not really an option, it shares it's bones with the larger CHarger and 300 sedans, now if the 11 versions of those are lighter and the Challenger gets those enhancements for it's mid cycle refresh that year, it could happen. I do think the 6.4 will be a good option if it gets at least 500 HP. Since it will also be used in the CHarger, 300, and the HD trucks there shouldn't be much of a price increase which should give it a 7-8k price advantage over a GT500 or Z28. THis could get very interesting folks! What a great time to be a car lover!!!!!!