GM's Fitzpatrick Hints 2011 Camaro Could Catch Ford Mustang V-6's HP #'s

[Tran]

This just in from Motortrend:

In the ongoing muscle car war between the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, Ford's upcoming 2011 V-6 pony car appears to have the advantage, boasting better fuel economy and more horsepower than Chevy's V-6 contender. Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette marketing manager John Fitzpatrick hinted to us today that the entry-level Mustang's horsepower lead may be short-lived.

When specifications on the 2011 Mustang were released, after noting the startling fuel economy improvement of the V-6 car to 19/31 mpg city/highway, we found it amusing that the car's new 3.7-liter unit made exactly one horsepower more than the 3.6-liter, 304-horsepower V-6 Camaro.

We asked Fitzpatrick whether Chevrolet would respond to the numbers challenge (the 2010 Camaro V-8's 426 horsepower already trumps the 2011 Mustang's 412 horsepower) in the next couple years. He told us, "you might see it sooner than that," noting that details on the new 2011 Camaro will arrive in a few weeks.

"It's really great to see [Ford] stepping up their game," Fitzpatrick said, explaining that he believes Ford used the Camaro as a benchmark.

There's nothing like a little friendly competition between rival automakers, but last week, we told you about a report that suggested the Camaro could cause a little competition within Chevy ranks, taking buyers away from Corvette -- a vehicle that has seen dwinding sales over the course of 2009. Ward's Auto used its Web site metrics to assert that the Camaro is the Corvette's most cross-shopped competitor, but General Motors research shows a different conclusion. According to Fitzpatrick, less than three percent of Camaro sales were from those interested in the Corvette.

The Corvette is far from the only sporty two-door that saw diminished sales last year. "We are very much aware the car needs some refreshing," Fitzpatrick says. No doubt, GM is counting on special models like the Grand Sport and Z06 Carbon to help retain interest up in the model, for now.

GM believes the Camaro and Corvette cater to different types of customers. What's arguably more important is whether the Camaro will be capable of keeping its sales lead now that the 2011 Mustang is on the cusp of leveling the playing field in terms of power and fuel economy.

[2SSRSB]

"According to Fitzpatrick, less than three percent of Camaro sales were from those interested in the Corvette."

I'm part of that 3%!

[Brokinarrow]

I knew this would happen

[THE EVIL TW1N]

Originally Posted by Tran

This just in from Motortrend:

a 1 hp difference isn't much to catch up to. will it catch up on the MPG difference too though?

[Xanthos]

Heh. I knew they were going to respond. Its one of the reasons I'm holding off on my order until this summer.

That said, I'm hoping they put the turbocharged version of the HFV6 that was debuted in the Regal GS concept. 320hp/320tq would be a nice improvement, plus the ease of upgrading an already turbocharged car. They might not - I mean, just a retune could get them the 2 hp they need to be in the lead again, but I've got my fingers crossed.
- X

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by Xanthos

Heh. I knew they were going to respond. Its one of the reasons I'm holding off on my order until this summer.

That said, I'm hoping they put the turbocharged version of the HFV6 that was debuted in the Regal GS concept. 320hp/320tq would be a nice improvement, plus the ease of upgrading an already turbocharged car. They might not - I mean, just a retune could get them the 2 hp they need to be in the lead again, but I've got my fingers crossed.
- X

Regal GS doesn't have the 2.8T V6, it has the same 2.0T in the Regal CXL Turbo but with more horsepower/torque.

That said, GM is supposedly working on a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.0L SIDI V6 in the LaCrosse, CTS, SRX, Equinox, and Terrain...

[Xanthos]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Regal GS doesn't have the 2.8T V6, it has the same 2.0T in the Regal CXL Turbo but with more horsepower/torque.

I know its going to have the 2.0 turbo in the production version, but didn't the actual concept car have a turbo V6 in it?
- X

[Bert]

Originally Posted by THE EVIL TW1N

a 1 hp difference isn't much to catch up to. will it catch up on the MPG difference too though?

it will take more than 1 HP to catch up to the new V6 stang power to weight ratio, it weighs in at about 3,470 pounds vs 3,800 for the Camaro . . . so the Camaro needs over 330 HP to match the Mustang on power-to-weight, unless they also reduce the weight of the Camaro

the V6 comparo tests are going to be fun this year!

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by Xanthos

I know its going to have the 2.0 turbo in the production version, but didn't the actual concept car have a turbo V6 in it?
- X

The one shown at a press preview had the 2.8T in it...not sure what the other show cars ended up having.

[PYROLYSIS]

Its good to see that GM isn't content with letting Ford pull ahead. They've got the resources to design anything they want, its just a matter of whether or not they want to spend the money to do it. It appears that the success of the Camaro is allowing them to do that. Hope it continues!

[Xanthos]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

The one shown at a press preview had the 2.8T in it...not sure what the other show cars ended up having.

Thats what I thought... heh. Well, lets hope we get the 2.8 turbo for our camaros.

Might be too much to ask for, but like I said... fingers crossed!
- X

[Chip]

Originally Posted by Xanthos

I know its going to have the 2.0 turbo in the production version, but didn't the actual concept car have a turbo V6 in it?
- X

the Opel Insignia OPC has a 2.8 v6 turbo in it, that is the car the Regal GS concept is based on. I am crossing my fingers for a Regal GS or GSX with a turbo 6. a turbo 4 in a Buick is sacrilege.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by Chip

the Opel Insignia OPC has a 2.8 v6 turbo in it, that is the car the Regal GS concept is based on. I am crossing my fingers for a Regal GS or GSX with a turbo 6. a turbo 4 in a Buick is sacrilege.

Too late. Regal CXL Turbo has a 2.0T I-4.

[PQ]

I'm still amazed that there are HP was going on this day and age.