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Originally Posted by azfan
First it has to sell beyond the immediate hype.
Second it has to have a platform. I don't know how much smaller cars can really get, when you look at most of them being Malibu sized these days. I'm most curious what they're going to do with trucks. With the weight of a truck, i don't know how even a V6 is going to get 30mpg.
I am concerned with the Camaro, but more than just mpg. With hybrids, and electrics they can bring fleet average's way up. It's the platform issue that worries me with the Camaro. Possibly a shared , smaller, lighter, platform with Cadillac?
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I imagine lighter materials will get lighter weight out of similar size vehicles. Unfortunately, ever-increasing safety regulations add that weight right back on. Increasing fuel economy by itself really isn't the big problem here. Raising fuel economy while simultaneously adding mandatory safety equipment is.
As far as platforms, another poster brought up Alpha. I've been anxiously awaiting Alpha for a long time now. The 5th gen Camaro is bigger than I'd ideally like, but I'm trying to get over that due to all the other awesomeness that is the Camaro. However, Alpha is supposed to by about BMW 3-series size, which is just perfect for me. The Camaro's weight problems can be partially attributed to fitting it on a full-size sedan platform. Fitting a 6th gen onto a compact-midsize platform could significantly address the weight issue, allowing for smaller engines and ultimately improved economy. Early rumors said Pontiac might get an Alpha model to add volume to Cadillac's premium pricing, but since Pontiac is dead perhaps Chevy could still get a model. However, given GM's business situation, extreme risk aversion, and the government's takeover, I've about given up hope on seeing Alpha. I'm sure it got canceled, just like everything else that isn't an econo-box.