Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr T
Again, I ask the same questions to the powers to be (but rarely get an answer) if Ford can figure out how to develop, certify, and produce a model specific engine (i.e., Boss 302!) WHY CAN'T GM!!! Does not make any sense to me, all I have heard are excuses about durability, certification, yada yada
yuada, whatever.
Lets hear from GM!!
Don't get me wrong, I love the Camaro--just can't figure out 1) why it takes GM so long to respond to other companies product, 2) why they are not LEADING, and 3) why they always have excuses about tweaking engines for specific output. Just my $00.02
T
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I would bet that its taking them 'so long to respond' so that they can have a clear product cadence for the Camaro. Start with the coupe, then the vert, then the ZL1, then the Z28, then the new engines, then the next gen, etc. It keeps the buzz about the product alive which always gives customers a new reason to be in show rooms. The one wrench that was thrown in was that after release, everything was probably delayed by about one year due to bankruptcy. I would imagine that development of all non-essential product was halted in an effort to save cash. Convertibles weren't needed. Super high performance Camaros weren't needed. Track focused Camaros weren't needed. Factory drag cars weren't needed (like the Cobra Jet Mustang).
From GM's perspective its not about going model for model and beating Ford. Their biggest concern is how to make money. Throwing a bunch of off the shelf parts is cheaper than developing all new stuff, but the testing & tuning & validation for it on the Camaro isn't pocket change. Same goes for engines. To offer a Z28, they have to know that there are enough distinct customers for that car to more than make back their investment. Stealing customers away from the SS & ZL1 doesn't help a whole lot.
And don't forget ... right now the Camaro coupe and convertible are handily outselling the Mustang in all its forms, with fewer incentives. That means they're probably making more money off the Camaro than Ford is off the Mustang, and that is more important to them than braging rights are to you and I.