Camino LS6

You know what's funny about this Camaro? It's almost big enough for me to want it like I would a Chevelle, not quite but almost. In a perfect world, I'd love to see a larger Chevy coupe, and a smaller Camaro. Ah, dreams.

He's in deep trouble...

Trust me, every possible ounce of weight that could be removed from Camaro was. It is as light as it could be while remaining true to concept, meeting price point, meeting fuel economy, meeting crash standards, handling the power, and being based on Zeta. A smaller overall Camaro (alpha) could best it without doubt, but at least zeta isn't vaporware. Chevy walked one hell of a tightrope creating this car, and they did a fantastic job.

And the 4th gen also had mostly plastic and fiberglass body panels. Of all of the exterior panels only the quarters were steel.

Because it is a cost balance between stronger, lighter, materials and more, heavier, materials to achieve the same goal. As horsepower increases, many,many, components need to be upgraded in strength and they gain weight. So a car engineered for high HP, will weigh significantly more than the same car engineered for less power. Even when equipped with a smaller, less powerful engine. The Camaro has to be capable of handling any engine GM wants to throw at it during its life cycle and much of the structure has to be "baked-in". So a V6 Camaro has much beefier structure than a similar car that is only engineered for a V6. That's why the ZR-1 weighs more than a Zo6, even though it uses more lightweight components. The components that need to be heavier make that much of a difference! As for the 4th gen Camaro being lighter, not only were its HP targets lower, but it also didn't have to meet the newer, more stringent crash standards the 5th gen does. Even more weight gets added in that process.

Actually BV, you are mistaken about the weight in the Camaro. A significant portion of it is due precisely to the fact that it is engineered for over 500HP. That is fact.

Agreed. That is one good thing about PA.

As I understand it, they are building the Targa now but almost all of the cars are sold orders. That may be all she wrote for Solstice. Damn shame.

Certainly seems that way.

Unclear. Not for long at best. Maybe not at all.

The lame get lamer.

Sweet!

The Solstice is an SCCA champion.

Think of it this way: Take the Camaro drivetrain and put it in a Torana-sized coupe and do this test again. Anyone want to put some cash on the slanted H? Because I'll take that bet.

As much as I love the G8 family, the Torana should have been here first.

I just don't see that happening...

I'd Much rather have a Solstice Targa than a TT, can't stand the look of that car.

Throw Pontiac into this mix, or send Holden zetas here, and I'm in.

Funny stuff.

Looks like the Targa will be one very rare vehicle.

Then there is Alpha...

What this really points out to me is the lack of a sub-Camaro sized RWD V6 offering from GM. Alpha much? GM is late to the party again! As for the Camaro, it is so much more car than this hyundai that the comparison is of dubious value.

Kit would be the way to go - too much "home engineering" otherwise.

He's quite right in spirit, but not so much in the examples or scope of his lineup. A smaller, more focused lineup is what should have been. Calling the death of Pontiac murder is spot-on, but he left out the years of torture at the hands of incompetent management.

Well, the timing is very,very, wrong. So the chances are slimmer than slim. I was planning on a 2011 MY purchase.