Report: 2012 Camaro to get new LFX V6 Engine

[Mr. Wyndham]

As reported on HOMEPAGE.

In addition to the new 2012 Camaro options/features revealed a few days ago, it seems there may be a new V6 engine in the future of Camaro. Labeled the "LFX", it seems to be a significant improvement on the already outstanding LLT V6 found in LS and LT Camaros.

The new engine option description is: "LFX 3.6L SIDI, DOHC, VVT, E85 MAX, Alum GM"

The LFX should displace 3.6L, like the current V6 found in the Camaro. And it's packed to the brim with advanced technologies like Spark-Ignition Direct-Injection, Dual Overhead Cams, Variable Valve Timing, and E85 capability!!

Those are the hard details...but a little research raises some other interesting points. It is likely that the LFX is going to build on the innovations of the 3.0L LF1 V6 found in vehicles like the Cadillac CTS, SRX, and Chevy Equinox. That engine features a composite intake manifold, integrated exhaust manifolds and optimized NVH/airflow treatments.

When the LLT was transplanted from the CTS into the Camaro, it picked up 8hp, or 2.6% because of different intake/exhaust efficiencies. The LF1 produces 270hp in 3.0L form in the CTS. If we scale up the displacement of the 3.0L engine to 3.6L, and use the same 2.6% power increase as the LLT, estimates have the new LFX producing anywhere from 325-330 hp when used in our favorite pony car!!

Here's some interesting documents on the LF1 (current CTS/SRX/Equinox engine) for your reading pleasure:

Dyno Sheet (PDF doc)

Spec Sheet (Excel Doc)

Description (Word Doc)

[LAWMAN]

very nice! a v-6 putting out that kinda power,stock,wow!!...i had a 99'ss that was putting down about 320-330 hp.and i believe that the z-28 in those years was about 300hp.?

[blaksabb]

The only difference I notice in the quick description is "E85 MAX". Could that mean that this engine has a higher compression ratio and is tuned for 91+ Octane? That alone would boost HP nicely and combat the inherent fuel economy drop when running on E85. It would require a reliable source of E85 and begs the question of how it runs on Premium Gas alternative.

[Jerseyrican88]

Hell Yea, thats what im talking about
:5thgenvert:

[v6sonoma]

Take that V6 stang! lol

[FenwickHockey65]

LF1 has a reputation for being a mediocre engine though. Should be interesting to see if GM has improved that design.

[GTPprix]

So I don't get any credit for tipping you guys to this? Guess I dont need to share the rest of the details then LOL

[Dmac]

This is definitely interesting....

[the Kolektor]

Thanks for the tip???!!?

[GTPprix]

Originally Posted by the Kolektor

Thanks for the tip???!!?

Sorry I was referring to the post I made outing the new engine (and the fact that the new IMPALA shares the same platform merch codes now) here and reported it saying it might make a good story to the mods then boom it shows up but not even a "hey thanks for the tip" LOL

(http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=147)

[Sawyer]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

As reported on HOMEPAGE.

In addition to the new 2012 Camaro options/features revealed a few days ago, it seems there may be a new V6 engine in the future of Camaro. Labeled the "LFX", it seems to be a significant improvement on the already outstanding LLT V6 found in LS and LT Camaros.

The new engine option description is: "LFX 3.6L SIDI, DOHC, VVT, E85 MAX, Alum GM"

The LFX should displace 3.6L, like the current V6 found in the Camaro. And it's packed to the brim with advanced technologies like Spark-Ignition Direct-Injection, Dual Overhead Cams, Variable Valve Timing, and E85 capability!!

Those are the hard details...but a little research raises some other interesting points. It is likely that the LFX is going to build on the innovations of the 3.0L LF1 V6 found in vehicles like the Cadillac CTS, SRX, and Chevy Equinox. That engine features a composite intake manifold, integrated exhaust manifolds and optimized NVH/airflow treatments.

When the LLT was transplanted from the CTS into the Camaro, it picked up 8hp, or 2.6% because of different intake/exhaust efficiencies. The LF1 produces 270hp in 3.0L form in the CTS. If we scale up the displacement of the 3.0L engine to 3.6L, and use the same 2.6% power increase as the LLT, estimates have the new LFX producing anywhere from 325-330 hp when used in our favorite pony car!!

Here's some interesting documents on the LF1 (current CTS/SRX/Equinox engine) for your reading pleasure:

Dyno Sheet (PDF doc)

Spec Sheet (Excel Doc)

Description (Word Doc)

Impressive!!

[xpanda305x]

Welll looks like ima have to sell my 2010 in 2011 lmaoo

[garcmol]

Spec sheet says 3.0 ltr engine. I haven't read all so don't flame just yet. Is the 3.6 version in prototype?

[BackinBlackSS/RS]

Originally Posted by GTPprix

So I don't get any credit for tipping you guys to this? Guess I dont need to share the rest of the details then LOL

Originally Posted by GTPprix

Sorry I was referring to the post I made outing the new engine (and the fact that the new IMPALA shares the same platform merch codes now) here and reported it saying it might make a good story to the mods then boom it shows up but not even a "hey thanks for the tip" LOL

[ssmike]

Any word on power increases to the 2012 V8's?

[GTPprix]

Originally Posted by BackinBlackSS/RS

Win I haz trophy now! heheeh

Aaaaaaaanyhow now that I've had my fun, tidbit time...

What I've seen so far..

-Larger Injectors
-Slightly Larger exhaust valves (not sure if those are production or not)
-Slightly higher cam duration and lift on both cams (again not sure if they made the cut)
-Revised Intake Manifold
-Moved from Bosch E69-4 ECM to Delphi E39 ECM (w00t for all you guys wanting to tune!)

[Brokinarrow]

Originally Posted by blaksabb

The only difference I notice in the quick description is "E85 MAX". Could that mean that this engine has a higher compression ratio and is tuned for 91+ Octane? That alone would boost HP nicely and combat the inherent fuel economy drop when running on E85. It would require a reliable source of E85 and begs the question of how it runs on Premium Gas alternative.

I seriously doubt that they would make the 'entry level' Camaro require 91 octane, as more people are going to want it for a daily driver, or because they don't have cash to throw at an SS. People in those situations (like myself) don't want to have to spend extra money on gas, and I'm sure this engine will still put out exceptional performance on the standard 87/89 octane.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by GTPprix

Sorry I was referring to the post I made outing the new engine (and the fact that the new IMPALA shares the same platform merch codes now) here and reported it saying it might make a good story to the mods then boom it shows up but not even a "hey thanks for the tip" LOL

(http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=147)

NG Impala's staying FWD on EpII unless something has changed.

[BackinBlackSS/RS]

Originally Posted by GTPprix

Win I haz trophy now! heheeh

Aaaaaaaanyhow now that I've had my fun, tidbit time...

What I've seen so far..

-Larger Injectors
-Slightly Larger exhaust valves (not sure if those are production or not)
-Slightly higher cam duration and lift on both cams (again not sure if they made the cut)
-Revised Intake Manifold
-Moved from Bosch E69-4 ECM to Delphi E39 ECM (w00t for all you guys wanting to tune!)

[GTPprix]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

NG Impala's staying FWD on EpII unless something has changed.

I had thought that as well BUT I've never seen this be wrong YET so hopefully its not (plus I've heard some grumblings to this end)

[Shifty 6]

Originally Posted by Brokinarrow

I seriously doubt that they would make the 'entry level' Camaro require 91 octane, as more people are going to want it for a daily driver, or because they don't have cash to throw at an SS. People in those situations (like myself) don't want to have to spend extra money on gas, and I'm sure this engine will still put out exceptional performance on the standard 87/89 octane.

I don't want to be a wet blanket, but I will. Does anyone know the price difference between 87 octane and 91 octane? It is typically about 20 - 25 cents per gallon. Even at 20 gallons that is a $4 (per tank!) difference. If you can't sqeeze $4 a week, might I recommend a used Chevy Cavalier, or Cobalt. I hear they get excellent mileage.

[stand-al0ne]

Doesn't anyone else think this is too early to speculate on new HP at this point?

The fact they are considering a new v6 for 2012 is cool, but any assumptions will be unfounded on any facts at this point.

And while this is neat, I would like to learn more about a factory turbo'd v6...now thats speculation worth talking about

[pennor]

I could care less about a few extra horses, but I totally stoked about being able to use E85 finally. So I've once again come up a year short. Should'a waited 'till '12 so I could get the E85 model!

Anyway, if there are any factory type's out there I would be REALLY interested to know if the 2010 E85 rating is due to actual changes being made to the injectors or the computer or if like the 2011 V6 changes they are simply advertising and rerating the engine for something that it always had the cability to do. With gas headed north of $4/gal this year I'd love to start buring E85 for a number of reasons, some environmental, some economic, and some tax advantages.

[Berean]

I guess I'm a bit confused. My understanding is that the LF1 and our LLT are the same engine family, not different engines.

It sounds like to me, they're going to make the current LLT E85 capable, with maybe a few tweaks to get additional HP (around 330 maybe?).

Am I missing something?

[b4z]

Hoping they have found a permanent fix for the timing chain issues.

With 330hp my guess is this will go in to the Silverado also.

And a 2012 Camaro with this motor and the FE4 suspension option would be a blast on the twisties.