[Number 3]

Originally Posted by spireland

Even with a simple change, its hundreds of thousands in engineering and production documentation changes. Not to say of all of the testing required with the new configuration. This has to be a 7-8 figure change in costs. How many ZL1s did they sell?

Can GM spread that much cost over a low volume trim, on a low volume car?

This sounds really cool though I can't imagine there is any business case to do it.

I doubt it's 8 figures, but it's millions for sure just to do the release work and certification documentation, etc.

And no I doubt they would sell a lot more ZL1s.

But two factors come into play that make it look better, and we'll never know for sure. One, it may be avoiding lost sales. Simply put they may see that all the people that want a ZL1 have one and a jolt will keep the volume up on what is likely the highest margin models in the lineup. Second, and probably even bigger is getting the volume up on a single SC LT4. You can then build them using the same tools, same processes and at double the volume. That and it eliminates an engine in LGR which is another plus, reducing some build complexity.

But of all the things they could do powertrain wise, this is the easiest. Easier that an LT2 in the SS.

[samurai]

Remember what happened to the Viper when Dodge announced the end of it. As soon as Chevy says these are the last ICE ZL1, I can totally see people making a run on them.


Having slight upgrades would explain the prototype with the emission test preparation installed and why they would take a Camaro on the ring (even though it was no ZL1). But of course all are just rumors currently.

[JitteryJoe]

I think it will happen. No reason to have 2 different engine versions when both engines and both cars are built in the same plants. Is the new CT5 wet sump? If so the engines would be practically indistinguishable from one another and could possibly get the wrong blower snout put on anyway.

[94turbolsx]

I think that older Camaro mule being out with new Z06's has nothing to do with the Camaro at all. It would be nice to get some sound clips of it though.

Further, I would be shocked if Camaro even got the latest variant of the LT4 as a send off. While the 5th gen Z/28 was the best kept secret in the automotive industry, 1 detail I think kills any shockers for the Camaro, no Alpha 2.0/global B electronics.

[CHerna]

Originally Posted by 94turbolsx

I think that older Camaro mule being out with new Z06's has nothing to do with the Camaro at all. It would be nice to get some sound clips of it though.

Further, I would be shocked if Camaro even got the latest variant of the LT4 as a send off. While the 5th gen Z/28 was the best kept secret in the automotive industry, 1 detail I think kills any shockers for the Camaro, no Alpha 2.0/global B electronics.

Agreed. The latest LT4 and Carbon ceramic brakes would be terrific for the final years, and I can see the chances of happening go either way. The Camaro not moving to Alpha 2 and Global B is reason enough to know it won't get MRC 4.0

[ember1205]

There's one reason that pieces used in the Blackwing could find their way to the last of the Camaro's... Extra parts that need a home.

If the Blackwing cars simply don't sell and GM is stocked on the parts, then they'll move them to the Camaro. Otherwise, I don't see GM investing in making a change to a dying car model.

[ckt227]

Originally Posted by ember1205

There's one reason that pieces used in the Blackwing could find their way to the last of the Camaro's... Extra parts that need a home.

If the Blackwing cars simply don't sell and GM is stocked on the parts, then they'll move them to the Camaro. Otherwise, I don't see GM investing in making a change to a dying car model.

I do not have an inside source or am completely 100% positive, but I beleive all Blackwings 6 and 8 cylinders were spoken for and sold out.

[ember1205]

Originally Posted by ckt227

I do not have an inside source or am completely 100% positive, but I beleive all Blackwings 6 and 8 cylinders were spoken for and sold out.

So, if no more of the cars get made, that could be another situation where there are "extra parts" assuming GM had to do minimum quantities of things and don't build enough cars to use them. Seems like it would be a dumb thing to do for GM to commit to such a small quantity of vehicles to sell...

[Msquared]

I could see one other reason for GM to do this even if they don't a single extra ZL1 as a result: free publicity. All the articles and videos and forum discussions that would occur as a result would be worth millions in advertising, and GM wouldn't have spend a dime on the coverage other than the R&D cost of the upgrade.

[Bhobbs]

Originally Posted by Number 3

A numbers game mostly but GM does not hate the Camaro so showing a bit of low investment love might just happen.

If you have GM may not hate the Camaro but they certainly don’t care for it.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by Msquared

I could see one other reason for GM to do this even if they don't a single extra ZL1 as a result: free publicity. All the articles and videos and forum discussions that would occur as a result would be worth millions in advertising, and GM wouldn't have spend a dime on the coverage other than the R&D cost of the upgrade.

The "any publicity is good publicity" adage might apply here, but I'm afraid a 18 hp bump after 6 model years wouldn't exactly be taken too kindly or seriously by the automotive media.

[CHerna]

It's not that they don't care for it, it's just business. Few enthusiasts actually put their money where their mouth is. Trucks and CUV's are the bread and butter right now.

[Bhobbs]

Originally Posted by CHerna

It's not that they don't care for it, it's just business. Few enthusiasts actually put their money where their mouth is. Trucks and CUV's are the bread and butter right now.

Dodge and Ford invest in their cars and have the sales to show for it. GM is content to let the Camaro rot until EVs take over. GM is a no longer a brand for enthusiasts. The Corvette is too iconic to kill off and Cadillac just rehashed the previous gen V series.

[ember1205]

Originally Posted by Msquared

I could see one other reason for GM to do this even if they don't a single extra ZL1 as a result: free publicity. All the articles and videos and forum discussions that would occur as a result would be worth millions in advertising, and GM wouldn't have spend a dime on the coverage other than the R&D cost of the upgrade.

Originally Posted by arpad_m

The "any publicity is good publicity" adage might apply here, but I'm afraid a 18 hp bump after 6 model years wouldn't exactly be taken too kindly or seriously by the automotive media.

The publicity part is done. They need to do -nothing- more to increase awareness for the car.

As mentioned, the HP gain would be paltry and would do absolutely nothing to move more units.