Well, maybe GM can follow suit with Z28...

[radz28]

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/18/s...se-v6-gt500-a/

"If you frequent every car blog on a daily basis, then you've probably seen these latest spy shots of the 2010 Ford Mustang in base V6 and GT500 trim, as well as completely uncovered views of the interior. We're acutely aware, however, that some of you rely solely on Autoblog for your daily fix. Therefore, we're bringing you these three sets of spy shots now, despite the fact they've been on the web for a week. We apologize for the delay, but some back-of-the-house complications kept us from publishing them sooner.

Regardless, it's totally apparent that Ford wants everyone to see these spy shots considering how naked these prototypes are. The batch of shots showing a blue, base V6 model gives the best view of the Mustang's redesigned front end, including the newly shaped grille, new headlights, hood and lower bumper. The two new interior shots completely give up the goods on the Mustang's new dash design, as well. Finally, the GT500 convertible shots show that the top dog model will indeed be fierce with a giant hood bulge and its own front end design.

Unfortunately, we've heard that the Mustang's engine lineup will carry over largely unchanged for the 2010 model year, though could be entirely revamped shortly thereafter to keep pace with its crosstown rivals from Chevy and Dodge."

I don't know, since Ford may be introducing their BOSS engine, if a S/C'd 5.4 will carry over, but this may be some justification for GM to do a Z28 (in whatever way you thing it should be made.) We know it's not dead, so what do you thing? Do you think GM will start to really focus on high-mileage cars (with Ford still using a limited amount of high power FI'd V8s) or will they compete directly with Mustang, as they've said in the less than recent past?

[Moose]

I believe the SS pretty much covers what Ford (Mustang GT) and Dodge (Challenger SRT8) are offering. And with the possibility of dealer installed GM Performance options, the SS should be able to handle the GT500 without much trouble.

That being said, I think I'll "Keep the faith" and hope Chevrolet offers a limited run, high-end model, ala; Z28 in the future.

[SS4EVER]

I agree with Moose. The Camaro SS has the potential to take on the GT500, while not entirely in stock form. But if GM concentrates on using their resources in offering quality, factory warrantied performance parts through GMPP, such as exhaust, headers, cams, supercharger, CAI, etc...

How cool would it be, buying your Camaro through a dealer and then as you are selecting your options you can basically build up your engine which will get factored into the final price of your car and now you have a 500hp+ warrantied 40k+ GT500 killer...

Or just offering a "Z28" package, that's a dealer installed package which could just add a GMPP supercharger + supporting mods to your Camaro SS and then they just put a Z28 badge on it and make it like a 10k package or something.

Because I hate to say it, but I really don't think GM would be able to competitively price a Camaro Z28 with the LSA against the GT500 & SRT-8. It would cost at least 5k maybe 10k or more seeing how expensive the LSA is itself.

[The_Blur]

The SS is so dominant over the GT that it might represent the GT500 tier, even if it is slower. This would make me believe in a forced induction or stage kit aftermarket within GMPP, but I wouldn't expect a Z28 to represent a GT500 killer.

I like that Ford will build a GT500 to beat the Camaro. It shows that both brands are serious about competition and performance.

I hope that some sort of Z28 comes out. I like Dragoneye's twin turbo V6 idea. It would compete with EcoBoost and would represent the classic heritage of having small displacement with similar power compared to the SS.

[SS4EVER]

Originally Posted by The_Blur

The SS is so dominant over the GT that it might represent the GT500 tier, even if it is slower. This would make me believe in a forced induction or stage kit aftermarket within GMPP, but I wouldn't expect a Z28 to represent a GT500 killer.

I like that Ford will build a GT500 to beat the Camaro. It shows that both brands are serious about competition and performance.

I hope that some sort of Z28 comes out. I like Dragoneye's twin turbo V6 idea. It would compete with EcoBoost and would represent the classic heritage of having small displacement with similar power compared to the SS.

I'm totally open minded about different engines personally. I wouldn't care if the Z28 had a twin turbo V6 or if it had the LSA, as long as it has the power.
However I think the traditional enthusiast may. To them (not all) I think big V8's and the heritage of the muscle car era that was synonymous with them is what an enthusiast would look into. And I think offering anything less than a big V8 may not sit well with them (I'd say oh well to that) however they would be the ones buying it so the success of the Z28 would be dependent on that.

Personally I wouldn't care.... TTV6 or V8 is fine with me...

Now what is scary is that what if Ford one ups the Camaro by offering the ECO boost power-train as maybe their base or mid level model.

Merely speculation but they could offer their twin turbo V6 as an optional power plant on top of the stock V6 they use... Now that would not only take out the V6 Camaro but it would also be a serious contender to the Camaro SS... Let's hope Ford doesn't see this comment...

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by SS4EVER

I'm totally open minded about different engines personally. I wouldn't care if the Z28 had a twin turbo V6 or if it had the LSA, as long as it has the power.
However I think the traditional enthusiast may. To them (not all) I think big V8's and the heritage of the muscle car era that was synonymous with them is what an enthusiast would look into. And I think offering anything less than a big V8 may not sit well with them (I'd say oh well to that) however they would be the ones buying it so the success of the Z28 would be dependent on that.

Personally I wouldn't care.... TTV6 or V8 is fine with me...

Now what is scary is that what if Ford one ups the Camaro by offering the ECO boost power-train as maybe their base or mid level model.

Merely speculation but they could offer their twin turbo V6 as an optional power plant on top of the stock V6 they use... Now that would not only take out the V6 Camaro but it would also be a serious contender to the Camaro SS... Let's hope Ford doesn't see this comment...

Maybe Ford should see this comment. It would force GM to see how seriously a twin turbo V6 would be taken. Suddenly, there would be a strong domestic market for the twin turbo V6.

[stovt001]

The Z28 does not equal high HP supercharged straight-line beast! So many people have it in their head that the Z28 can be nothing else, even though it has never fit that description in the Camaro's entire history. :bangdesk:

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by stovt001

The Z28 does not equal high HP supercharged straight-line beast! So many people have it in their head that the Z28 can be nothing else, even though it has never fit that description in the Camaro's entire history. :bangdesk:

That's why I like the twin turbo idea.

I'm having trouble rationalizing a Z28 with less power than the SS unless it is severely reduced in weight. It just doesn't make sense to me to introduce a new trim with less power than a successful existing trim.

[SS4EVER]

Originally Posted by The_Blur

That's why I like the twin turbo idea.

I'm having trouble rationalizing a Z28 with less power than the SS unless it is severely reduced in weight. It just doesn't make sense to me to introduce a new trim with less power than a successful existing trim.

Me either. And it won't. I mean it's pretty obvious that the Z28 has to be positioned above the SS. There's simply not a gap large enough to slot the Z28 below the SS and above the V6, and it's pretty much a known fact that it wouldn't happen.

The problem is that where the Camaro trim levels currently are at, they are above the competition in terms of offerings, power and refinement. Therefore will be the price. So the Z28 is going to have to be priced above the SS. And that's where the controversy just starts with the tip of the ice berg.

Which is why I think offering a strong level of factory warrantied performance support could just make the SS a competitor to the GT500 if the consumer wants.

And offering just a Z28 "package", instead of having come out with another model (which won't be hard to do) but won't be priced higher than the competition's top end models...

Just sounds logical to me that way.

And yeah as The Blur mentioned, the 3.6L DI, VVT V6 is a very technologically advanced engine, I'm sure GM could slap on a turbo or two to combat Ford's ECO-boost.

[GTAHVIT]

Originally Posted by stovt001

The Z28 does not equal high HP supercharged straight-line beast! So many people have it in their head that the Z28 can be nothing else, even though it has never fit that description in the Camaro's entire history. :bangdesk:

Dude, Lighten up. We understand that this wouldn't be the typical Z28. It's more of a ZL1.. But the conversation is so convaluted that it's just easier to say Z28.

Bear with us... Please.

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by gtahvit

Dude, Lighten up. We understand that this wouldn't be the typical Z28. It's more of a ZL1.. But the conversation is so convaluted that it's just easier to say Z28.

Bear with us... Please.

For a while there, I was a little frustrated with the whole supercharged Z28 idea as well. I completely see why this is frustrating. So much of this site was convinced of a Z28 at release until recently, and they still hold out for one later. GM basically has to offer a Z28 option to keep some of its enthusiast support. Some of these enthusiasts accept that business is bad for GM right now, so their patience is necessary. Others have demanded a Z28 or they will buy used cars or Fords because their passion cannot be satisfied with a 400-hp SS.

All of these sides are understandable. I'm with a separate crowd altogether. This is my first pony car, so I'm in it for a great experience in the fastest, best car I've ever owned. I can see those who have driven Z28s justifying to themselves supercharged or other high-performing Z28s out of the factory. I can also see why the limited evidence of such a car making discussion of why the LSA Z28 is so dominant a little annoying since it will probably never exist.

I wish that a Z28 and the SS were available at launch. That would make everyone happy.

[Moose]

Originally Posted by gtahvit

Dude, Lighten up. We understand that this wouldn't be the typical Z28. It's more of a ZL1.. But the conversation is so convaluted that it's just easier to say Z28.

Bear with us... Please.

Any Camaro fan, worth their salt, realizes the past history of the Z28.

People's comments regarding what a 5th Gen. Z might represent are based on all the internet thoughts/rumors.

IMO, if GM were to ever resurrect the Z, with todays abilities to offer huge HP and handling, the 5th GEn. would be able to be both a 1/4 mi. beast, and handle roadcourse duties. Look at the ZR1 as an example.

[MCPOAJ]

i bet that gm didn't make the Z-28 right off the bat for a reason i bet they did it so they could see what ford's "top dog" mustang would be and make the Z-28 even better but thats just my conspirecy theory.

[SS4EVER]

Originally Posted by MCPOAJ

i bet that gm didn't make the Z-28 right off the bat for a reason i bet they did it so they could see what ford's "top dog" mustang would be and make the Z-28 even better but thats just my conspirecy theory.

It makes sense, however all GM has to do is drop the 550hp LSA in the Camaro and they have a car that will beat the GT500. However, seeing that the next gen Mustang comes out in 2012? The Camaro will be out for a couple years, so waiting a couple years to unveil the Z28 around the same time the next gen Mustang comes out say at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show... all of the attention won't solely be towards the new Mustang...