[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by fielderLS3

These turbo fours get impressive mileage ratings from the EPA (which I guess is all any of the manufactures care about anymore), but in the real world, provide very little benefit...and if you drive one hard and keep them spooled, they can become even thirstier than the NA V6 engines they replace, while needing 40 cent a gallon higher premium to boot.

Premium is only recommended in the current T4 they use. Point valid and taken, but they won't disintegrate if you use 89.

Originally Posted by fielderLS3

Times are not changing....it is more of a repeating loop. We are living the late 60s over again right now, with the 70s-esque era of 4-banger MPG trimmed "muscle" cars right in front of us. And nothing says muscle like that four-cylinder buzzzzz.

I disagree...because of a very big difference between then and now. Then - performance was sacrificed in a big way. It didn't matter how much money you had, you just simply couldn't get it.

Today, you can...and even the "mpg trimmed muscle cars" will not sacrifice a dynamic driving experience in order to help the fleet average. That's worth recognizing...because it says something about learning from the past.

I don't like CAFE...but since it is what it is...I'm impressed with the direction they're taking. It could be a LOT worse.

Originally Posted by fielderLS3

Question is, will the V8 be available on the SS, or become limited to the high price, low volume ZL1. And what about those who want a V6?

I think the V8 will get more expensive. Look at the what they've put into the new LT1...it almost has to....but then, they said that about this generation's SS... As far as the V6...my understanding is that it'll still be available as another trim level. This is all of this, of course, hypothetical.

Originally Posted by fielderLS3

And lets compare the ATS vs. Camaro. The V6 Camaro has 50 more horsepower, and despite being over 300 pounds heavier and less aerodynamic, is about as efficient. 3.6>2.0T.

I was advocating to compare the ATS to what a 6thgen Camaro could be.

But in your scenario, you forget to take a couple of key things into consideration...the ATS turbo is designed to be a performance car. It's a couple of ticks faster to 60 and in the quarter. But it offers enormous benefits in handling thanks to lower mass...The 3.6L Camaro was tuned for mpg in LS trim, plain and simple...super tall rear axle gear, and all-season tires.

2-3mpg difference might not seem ground breaking, but they fight over fractions of a mpg when they build cars....and when the fleet average is calculated, this difference is enormous.

I guess all I mean to say is they're not thinking about this for no reason...but at the same time - it won't be something that'll embarrass the car's reputation.