The unpacking has at least got to the point where I have my desktop operational. itunes and Camaor5.com, ahhhhhhhhhhhh
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Originally Posted by JusticePete
#3, is there a difference in how VW and GM 'own' the China based production companies?
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As I understand it, NO company is allowed own a controlling interest in China so you have to form a Joint Venture with a Chinese company.
GM has several and in some cases owns less than 50% but I believe counts the sale. One of GM's biggest JVs is SAIC (cars), the other is with Wuling (small vans and I believe they are building the Cruze). GM has been very adept at forming these relationships and JVs in China. The Wuling JV is providing very inexpensive trucks for SA and India. Of course I understand the Indian market doesn't much care for Chinese made products.
GM has also started a new brand in China, Boujun (translates into trusted horse if I remember correctly). Done again for China only with a JV.
Keep in mind, the China market is projected to nearly triple to 30 million units by 2020 or so.
China is passing many regulations on engine size, hybrid use and EVs.
Imagine what that will do to to price of oil and the impact that will have on the HP in our beloved Camaro.
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Originally Posted by htron50
If I may chime in, Mac baited the hook, JP bit, and 3 will be here shortly to REEL you in!!  (for what its worth) |
Quote:
Originally Posted by ShnOmac
It's been a while since we had a good technical discussion in here. I thought this would be a good thought provoking discussion! 
It works better when everyone chimes in....  |
Mmmmmmmmmm Camaro technical discussion.
Here is the question:
If by 2020, China is sucking up all the oil (and hasn't tapped into their own) and gas is current Europe or higher prices per gallon, will you want a high HP Camaro or a wonderfully balanced Camaro?
You can do some wonderful things in a car with 300 to 400 HP.
Did anyone mention AWD? GTR cough, cough.
Weight will be more and more critical for FE as will Aerodynamics. We still haven't seen the impacts on car design for the new CAFE regulations.
Packaging efficiency will be critical as well. I remember a good friend of my fathers stating prophetically during the fuel crunch in the early 70's (yikes that was a while ago), "Americans will not tolerate puting their family in a car the size of a refrigerator and driving them to Florida on vacation". America is vast and wonderful and personal transportation to simply go and do and see and be is part of our culture and heritage. So keep that in mind when we discuss future automotive trends.
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Originally Posted by OldScoolCamaro
....oooh, I got in on this late...., no biggie, I woulda suggested NJ (nut job)...LOL...we got lots of them here in "NJ" too..... aye aye (I I)...
BTW Pete wrote an excellent post last night on the ZL1 side where all the I-I's were going off, a recommended read for all, well done Pete....  |
I think we just call "Jersey", short for NJ and a reference as well to the Nut Jobs on the show Jersey Shore.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MisterCamaro69
As long as they design the dog house around a V8, so they can fit pretty much anything in the engine bay. If it's too much torque for the chassis, it'll give aftermarket suspension companies something to do  |
How about a small displacement high reving V8, say 4.0 Liters?
Quote:
Originally Posted by ShnOmac
I never really thought of "exotic" materials becoming main stream thus making them cheaper. Hmmmmm exciting times indeed.....
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Unobtanium is becoming obtainable with more wide spread application. Aluminium is more widespread than ever. But some materials still take too long to process. Stamping steel or extruding aluminum are still fairly fast processes for making high volume parts. Puting Carbon Fiber in a kiln to cure for 30 minutes to an hour still makes for a very expensive part.