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Stratman: You're correct, "arse" was intended to push back gently, not start a war. I didn't mean to imply that not being a sports car was a bad thing. Sports cars are usually narrowly defined by one engine with limited options, whereas pony cars (Camaro, Mustang, Challenger) have always been offered as everything from "secretary cars" to tire smokin' muscle cars (we'll leave the Mustang II out of this). I think "Pony Car" or "GT" are better definitions. My "2 more doors, it's a sedan" example was unfortunate. I should have started with the BMW 3 Series comparison.
I agree that people didn't dream of V6 Camaros and Mustangs in the past. They bought them because they liked the look and feel of the car, but couldn't afford the V8. In these days of never knowing when gas is going up again, someone like me may try to get the look and feel of a Camaro in the most fuel efficient package possible, even if I can afford the 8. That's easy to do when even the lowest-powered rumored model packs 255HP. It aint 400, but it's 70 more than my 2 '82 Firebird 305s had. Point being: From my 140HP-Civic perspective, every Camaro will be powerful, even my proposed eco-model. As far as the 300 horse 6 goes, I think the days of getting a 6 because you couldn't get the 8 are over. If the 6 car handles a little better because of less weight up front (which I expect), many handling-and-power folks are going to prefer it, especially refugees from WRXs and EVOs and such (ask your kids).
There's not much point in continuing this thread. I offered it up to get some feedback and, hopefully, catch a dealer or GM person's eye. I'm going to continue to monitor this site as y'all get your cars and start working the bugs out for us late adopters. Considering the financial climate we're in, it's a miracle GM is going forward with this and we're very lucky. Every iteration of the new Camaro looks awesome and I can't wait to drive one. I'll let you know if I get a test drive and they make me an offer I can't refuse!
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