[thePill]

GM has to be careful with power increases, the gas guzzler tax currently sits at 22.5mpg (25/24mpg currently with the 6M/6A). DI will improve mpg but I cannot see DI in the LS3 due to clearance complications with the intake pushrods. DI will be standard only in the raised cam 5.5l whenever it debuts.

A lower final gear ratio or a lower transmission gear set will also affect mpg, more than an HP bump. Gears offered as option though would not affect the rating at all. Ultimately, GM will cater to the masses and that would be the mpg crowd and CAFE/EPA. Yes, Horsepower sells, but MPGs are forever and that will mitigate drooping sales after pent up demand dwindles. I expect interior to trump an HP boost since the GG tax is so close.

Any improvements GM has in store for next year should be kept tight lipped. Releasing any info on upcoming changes will ultimately discourage loyal consumers from buying the current MY11. Impulse buyers usually don't stay with a product nearly as long as loyal GM buyers, and do their buying when the product is new.

As MY10 closed out on June 7th, there were 29k 2010s left unsold. Any leaks that would damage those sales or the sales of the MY11 is highly ill advised.