Quote:
Originally Posted by KMPrenger
The chasis they are using already exists (Alpha) and already accepts those engines. No added cost that hasn't already been spent.
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That's not true at all. You have millions in R&D dollars per platform. You have to engineer an entire new driveline. It doesn't matter that the chassis already exists and accepts those engines. You have a totally different configuration and everything has to be custom-sized and mounted. You're also going to need to design and tune a whole different suspension setup. Then there is the liability of adding a 4 cylinder to a line of carbs that have never had a 4 cylinder motor. The V6's and V8's are known sellers, and the I-4's will have to be subsidized through then. Expect the V6 and V8 costs to increase in order to pay for the I-4's debut.
The cheapest way to make the Camaro is to make one car with no options. Want a cheap Camaro? Every single Camaro is a black 2SS with a manual transmission. Prices would fall, or GM could sell them for the same price but at a much higher margin. This is why Ford initially only made black cars - just the availability of the options costs money because you have all that R&D into something that may or may not even sell.