Why 2012 late release + crazy '13 gt 500

[Rocky918]

This is something I just cant seem to understand. GM is releasing a late 2012 model ZL1; they stated production will start in first quarter 2012 (which will probably mean no earlier than feb/march) when you can usually get 2012 models the summer/fall of the previous year. At the same time, its direct competitor the shelby gt 500 will be releasing a 2013 model (likely in late summer or only 6 months after ZL1) that is stated at 620 HP ... a customer with no brand loyalty will be more enticed to wait 6 months for 70 more HP over 550..
http://www.mostexoticcar.com/Cars,Ne...lby-GT500.html

So I dont get it? Why not push back the release date a few months, and release a 2013 ZL1 model with lets say... 600HP instead of 550? I mean it is kind of a horsepower war between them lol... It may not be 620 but on paper it looks a hell of a lot better to 'horsepower junkies' ... or is this just a ploy for the real 2013 ZL1 ? doubtful


Secondly, I notice the 2013 gt 500 switches over to a turbocharger... well those need to be going fast to generate that power so superchargers have more low end torque from my understanding whcih is what Id rather have anyway

[SUX2BU]

LOL at the turbo mustang rumors coming out again.

[Rocky918]

well that im not positive if is true or not... anyway, ive read from many sites about the 620 number ... dont want the gt 500 people getting cocky lol

[BackinBlack]

It wouldn't take much for an LSA motor to safely make 600BHP or even 650.

GM has only told us that it will make 550+. Be Patient.

Also, a 620HP Super Snake will set you back $100K from what I read, so let's roll that up next to the ZR1, not the ZL1, and see what happens.

[clutch]

does anyone know the weight specs?

[alex33x]

Originally Posted by BackinBlack

GM has only told us that it will make 550+. Be Patient.

Since GM want's to directly compete with the GT500, I'm thinking they'll match the HP on the GT500, or at least get close to it.

[Rocky918]

Originally Posted by BackinBlack

It wouldn't take much for an LSA motor to safely make 600BHP or even 650.

GM has only told us that it will make 550+. Be Patient.

Also, a 620HP Super Snake will set you back $100K from what I read, so let's roll that up next to the ZR1, not the ZL1, and see what happens.

from my understanding, that 620 HP IS NOT the super snake (dunno the picture of it is in that link) ... the super snake will have 800 HP while the base GT 500 will have 620HP in 2013 ... seems odd that GM releases the ZL1 only 6 months prior to that with 70 less HP... hopefully the 550 PLUS means way more

[REVENGE]

The only people who seem certain GM will limit the ZL1 to 550HP are people on this board. GM just said it would be at least 550HP. I have always said it will be at least 600HP but most people here seem to disagree. I don't see GM putting less HP in the ZL1 when its already going to be heavier.

Also people here have the silly belief GM will keep the ZL1 under the CTS-V power wise. I disagree with that too.

[tooslow]

As it has been pointed out on this forum many times by both the Mustang and Camaro faithful in dozens of threads, the Shelby SuperSnake is not made by Ford. On a related note, GT500's usually hit the showrooms in the spring, not the late summer, so it's very likely the 2013 GT500 and the ZL1 will be on dealer floors around the same time.

[Rocky918]

Originally Posted by tooslow

As it has been pointed out on this forum many times by both the Mustang and Camaro faithful in dozens of threads, the Shelby SuperSnake is not made by Ford. On a related note, GT500's usually hit the showrooms in the spring, not the late summer, so it's very likely the 2013 GT500 and the ZL1 will be on dealer floors around the same time.

well thats why I said gt 500 and not super snake since I know that :P

Anyway, thanks for correcting me if that is indeed true... therefore that makes me want to ask even more... why release a late model 2012? just wait a few months, make it 2013 model and put 600HP in it ... 620 > 550 (assuming it is)
... unless the 1/4 mile time is right on par with the 2013 gt 500

[lbls1]

I'm not worried about the ford rumors or even 600 hp. GM has to make sure that the zl1 comes in at the most efficient weight possible. If you pair a good weight with handling, sticky tires and even with the lsa current output then it should be enough to compete.

However, if the zl1 comes in over 4000 lbs and more than 50 hp down, then chevy may have to catch up.

[Blackdevil77]

Originally Posted by lbls1

I'm not worried about the ford rumors or even 600 hp. GM has to make sure that the zl1 comes in at the most efficient weight possible. If you pair a good weight with handling, sticky tires and even with the lsa current output then it should be enough to compete.

However, if the zl1 comes in over 4000 lbs and more than 50 hp down, then chevy may have to catch up.

I agree 150% The weight is my concern to. If this thing can cut some serious weight, it will definitely tear some serious ass

[TAPSHIFT]

[QUOTE=Rocky918;3073606]This is something I just cant seem to understand. GM is releasing a late 2012 model ZL1; they stated production will start in first quarter 2012 (which will probably mean no earlier than feb/march) when you can usually get 2012 models the summer/fall of the previous year.

They never anounced the 2012 ZL1 would be produced in the first quarter of 2011, just the 2011 Convertibles. No 2012 model year Camaros are being produced yet. 2012 cars WILL be released in the summer of 2011 after the production start in early June, I believe.

[Ltespd]

Originally Posted by Rocky918

well thats why I said gt 500 and not super snake since I know that :P

Anyway, thanks for correcting me if that is indeed true... therefore that makes me want to ask even more... why release a late model 2012? just wait a few months, make it 2013 model and put 600HP in it ... 620 > 550 (assuming it is)
... unless the 1/4 mile time is right on par with the 2013 gt 500

I agree with you! I think the smart thing for GM to do is release the ZL1 as a 2013. I personally don't want a 2012 car when 2012 will be almost half over. I got my 2010 SS in July of 2009. Its like having a new model year for a year and a half. Thats nice.