[stovt001]

A few problems I have with your post

1. Redundant GMC models are here to stay. Despite the implosion of the truck-as-luxury vehicle market, GM thinks there is value there. I would sharply disagree, but there you are.

2. Who says you need a V8 in a Silverado and Tahoe? The new DI V6 is making power similar to the lower end V8s in those vehicles. A high powered truck-specific V6 with an emphasis on torque is certainly not out of the question.

3. The question isn't the number of models with a certain type of engine. The question is the quantity sold of each model. That's the real unknown here. The problem with CAFE is that it does nothing to influence consumer behavior. So when 2016 rolls around, if gas prices are low and consumers are buying lots of trucks and SUVs, then GM will have a CAFE problem and will have to somehow limit lower-fuel economy models despite public demand for them. If, on the other hand, gas prices go high again and GM sells a ton of Cruzes, Volts, 4 cyl Malibus and Equinox/Terrains, then there will be room under CAFE regulations to sell V8 cars and SUVs, in a more limited quantity.

4. You are right on in your concern about government ownership. Normal business sense dictates you wouldn't kill off a profitable, high-demand vehicle like the Camaro SS just to make some trendy political statement, but the government clearly doesn't think that way. In the same way they want to torpedo GM's recovery by forcing them to keep a bloated dealer network, I can see them torpedoing a good-selling product.