Quote:
Originally Posted by DGthe3
The new V6 is going to have 284 ft-lbs, at least in the CT6. And the current one makes 278 ft-lbs in the Camaro.
But anyways ... peak torque is vastly over rated. Slightly taller gearing and any numerical advantage in torque is now gone. Whats important is the shape of the torque curve, and if the LFX vs current 2.0L turbo is any indication, the V6 has slightly better low end torque (from idle to about 2.5k rpm) than the turbo engine does (assuming its the torquey version of the 4 cylinder, some variants max out at 260 ft-lbs). What this means is that when you hit the gas as you're cruising along, the power is simply going to be there. And then the torque on the little 4 cylinder drops off pretty abruptly at 5 grand while the V6 keeps on pulling (hence the big difference in peak power). Thats why its important to know the shape of the torque curve, rather than just the peak values.
As for getting lots of power or torque from 'just a tune' or other simple mods ... yes, its possible. But is anyone actually managing to do it with that engine in the ATS, CTS, Malibu, or Regal? The ATS would probably be the most likely candidate for people trying it, and (very) quick google turned up exactly nothing. Maybe that will change with the Camaro, maybe I didn't look hard enough (it was a very quick search on my part). But something tells me that anything other than the V8(s) are pretty much going to get ignored by the aftermarket.
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The 8 speed will help in the TQ department for sure. I really like the current 6 speed, and its harder for me to imagine manual mode shifting the 8 speeds (lots of button pressing! lol) but in automatic/sport mode it should definitely be quicker than the 6 speed.
As for tunes for the ATS, they are out there and you can get impressive TQ numbers, but as you said, the TQ takes a dive after 4 or 5K RPM.
The LLT/LFX has a wonderful TQ curve, very flat. My V6 responds well to throttle input and seems to pull well from even a low rpm without needing to shift. But 280TQ is nothing close to the well over 400TQ the V8 makes.
This new V6 with lighter weight, more power, and more gears (and especially if they offer a PP option with a higher rear end ratio) should be a nice kick in the pants to drive, but will never satisfy the guys already used to modern V8 torque and want more. That's fine...this thread isn't about that. Its about giving the V6 performance options that it rightfully deserves.