Quote:
Originally Posted by brantley847
If the G8 GT is pushing 29k (which no doubt is an impressive car)...do you really think the Camaro would be less? Don't get me wrong...I love this car, always have..and always will...but on the flip side I believe the V8 camaro is a step, if not two head of the G8. Again...I HOPE you optimistic ones are right...but I dont expect to see a sticker price below 30k with the top dog running low 40k. Remember this beast is pushing almost 100 horses MORE than the mustang GT right?
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I see your point, and it is valid, but there are a few other things to consider:
1) The G8 is a full-size car with the same underpinnings as the Camaro. So most of the components are the same, but you're paying for more space and comfort. Auto AC, auto tranny, and upgraded sound come standard on the G8 GT. I'd be surprised to see any of those as standard on the Camaro. So while the Camaro may perform better, the G8 is more spacious and luxurious, balancing out the costs. Also, it costs more to ship a G8 from Oz than a Camaro from Canada (in reference to the US market at least).
2) Pontiacs are always at a higher price point than Chevys. Chevy is always the cost leader, and then there is the middle rung of Buick/Pontiac/GMC, and Saturn. Again, see the features list advantage the G8 has.
3) As far as pricing it with the Mustang, yes it may have about 100 hp more, but the fact remains these cars will still be cross shopped, and while they can justify a bit of a premium for the Camaro, they still have to be pretty close.
4) The last and final point: Under $30K is a very, very big barrier. Many magazines that do awards or comparisons using price points use $30K as a division price. So magazine X does a list of best cars for under $30K and best cars for over $30K, the Camaro could be compared to entry level cars from $10K up or BMWs, Mercs, Audis, Caddys, and all the other $30K plus cars. It is also a psychological point for the consumer. Prices that start with a 2 are much better than those that start with a 3. GM could have easily justified a mid $30Ks price point for the G8 GT, but they took the hit on the margin to get it under that magic point.