I don't know how we can forget what we know when GM has such a rich engine history to build off of.
Let's take a step back for a second and try to look at the bigger picture. Maybe then we can fill try to in the blanks.
Look at the product cycles for the previous Corvette and F-body V8s. The Corvette has always taken out the lead engine for each new generation. Do we
really think the Camaro is going to change that? It's possible, but unlikely.
GEN II - LT1 93-96 4 model years
GEN III - LS1 97-04 8 model years
GEN IV - LS2 05-07 3 model years
GEN IVB- LS3 08-11? 4 model years (This puts us real close to the lifespan of the Gen III. Maybe right on if the LS3 lives on until the 2012 Camaro)
According to
this link the next gen Corvette is supposed to start production in summer of 2010, which would probably make it a 2011 model. (BTW, this guy has an excellent track record regarding future production plans) That'd be the perfect time to drop a new Gen V. So what does that leave us with in the meantime? The Camaro needs to stay a little behind the Vette for prestige reasons, as well as cost. The Camaro can't lead a brand new engine line because it'd add significant cost to the car. It's already entering a shaky market IMHO due to the fuel economy situation.
So if it's not going to be a brand new engine, we're left with an existing engine, or a variant of an existing Gen IV engine.
AFM = Active Fuel Management / Displacement on Demand
LLT 3.6L DI V6 280-300 hp <---Camaro base/RS sits here. Car already photographed with this engine, or something VERY close to it.
L76 6.0L V8 w/ AFM 355hp <---Maybe. It makes sense for a Z28. Soundly thrashes the Mustang.
Currently used in Zeta G8
L98 6.0L V8 w/o AFM 362hp <---
Currently used in overseas Holden Zeta cars
L92 6.2L V8 w/ AFM 380-403 <---Now you're talking, but you're starting to close in on LS3 territory.
LS3 6.2L V8 430 hp <---This would make a nice Camaro SS. This also backs up Steve Saleen's statements.
LS7 7.0L V8 505 hp <---Good base for a ZL1, but don't get your hopes up. Hand built with dry sump and exotic materials = $$$
LSA 6.2L V8 550 hp <---More $$$. But hmm...another 6.2L...
LS9 6.2L V8 620 hp <---Megabucks. But yet another 6.2...
So, in the last 12 months GM has introduced 3 performance engines, all 6.2L in displacement, based around the LS3 long block as a core. We're looking at a market that is going to place huge importance on fuel economy, so the DI V6 makes sense for the base car. The Z28 is also (hopefully) a volume car, so it'll need fuel savings too. The SS model would be a niche seller, so like the Vette, things like AFM aren't as important. But 415-430hp still puts you well shy of the 470 in the Mustang GT500. Likewise, if you bump up the LS3 to 450-ish, that steps on the toes of the Vette guys, and opens a huge gap between the 280-ish hp base Camaro and the SS.
The SS wouldn't need to win the horsepower-on-paper battle with the GT500 because it's got the edge in technology. It's got an advanced IRS, a lighter naturally aspirated aluminum engine, and it'll likely be considerably cheaper. If GM nails the weight and the gearing, they can beat the GT500 with considerably less power.
Which still leaves us with this mystery Z28 engine. My money is on either the L76 or L98 with AFM, somewhere in the 360-380hp range. If they're going to a common LS3 block, and if Steve Saleen is correct that it's a detuned LS3, maybe it'll get bumped to 6.2L too. 375 horsepower has a real nice ring to it.
