Question for the "it has to be a v8" folks...

[lbls1]

Let me say further....
I have nothing against smaller displacement engines. My first performance car was a '93 Lumina Z34 with the 6 cyl. engine, and I currently own a Malibu with a 4 cyl. engine. I like any motor that can perform and/or save gas.

The problem starts when you try to replace a traditional model like Camaro SS with a powerplant that can't fulfill all of its characteristics, such as the sound of a crackling v8 at start-up, or the roar of the v8 at wot(!), and the burble of the exhaust at low rpm idle. Camaro SS will not feel right in my eyes without the v8 and its traditional platform layout. If Chevy retires Camaro and creates another sports model, then I'd say go to town with the alternative engines, fuel sources and suspension platforms. In my own opinion, a Camaro cannot be anything else than what it has been over the years; A crude but well rounded performer that doesn't apologize for being what it is.

[jd10013]

Originally Posted by Sales @ CAI Inc

Do I want to see the V8 go by the wayside and get replaced with other alternatives, even if they make more power and are more fuel efficient, not really. That being said.....

It is kind of like the carbureted 350 guys who just cant get behind EFI and modern motors and wont run them. Are the newer EFI motors better in almost every regard, probably yes. Do most people who have grown up with the EFI motors think the 350 Carbureted guys are a little silly and not with the times for not wanting to make the switch, yup, a lot of times yes they do. Will our kids have 4 and 6 cylinder motors that have a lot more HP along with better fuel economy than what we are used to and have grown up with, probably. And then they will think we are the silly ones who are sticking with our LS motors when there are Twin Turbo 4 cylinders being made that are way faster. Most generations stick to what they knew and grew up with, that's where their heart and memories are. It will be the same for generations to come as these engines and vehicles evolve, you'll always have the guys who "Miss the good old days", and you'll always have people who are embracing and moving forward with the new technology.

Hopefully that makes sense, its Friday and its been a long week haha!

that's pretty much what I was going to say. like the V10's and even 12 of the past, the 8 will eventually go by the wayside in cars. there's just no need for it. 400hp is easy to reach in a 6. the "sound" and "nostalgia" will only keep them around for so long. before too long if you want an 8 your going to have to buy a vett or viper, or something in that category.

[BrutalSS]

Not me, I wouldn't buy a V6 Twin Turbo Factory car, unless it was a GTR. What pisses me off is how Ford is all "Some engine knocking is ok" on their Ecoboost engines. Um, I call BS on that.

[Rock-It Man]

What makes a muscle car?

Not horsepower, but low end torque is what makes it feel like a muscle car. And that can happen with a supercharger...more difficult with a turbocharger, but not impossible.

So yeah, I would buy a V6 Camaro if it had the grunt.

[KR4545]

I see it as a V8 will make the car go fast without screaming or breaking a sweat. Any V6 must be constantly run very hard to do that no matter how much twin turbo they shove in it.

[LTRS777]

Originally Posted by zr1chris

I would either jump to the Vette or just stick with 5th Gen or older Camaros.

same... its not just about hp numbers...

[SR71]

I'd keep my v8...if I wanted a v6 I'd have kept my Nissan.

[agent5]

Here is what I ask myself:
1. Can a V6 be as powerful as a V8?
A: Yes

2. Does it have the same feel even with efficient computers when it comes to response?
A: There is a slight difference and lag, even if greatly reduced compared to historical turbo's

3. Does it sound the same?
A: No!

4. Does it have that Muscle car feel, vibration and overall experience?
A: No!

Verdict- if it's not about power alone but more about preference then go for what you want.

[KR4545]

Now a V8 twin turbo, that's a muscle car but you have to wonder if that new mustang is even Y2K compliant. I don't think ford planned that far ahead.

[maddoggyusa]

GM already commented once about a turbo V6 corvette and said it didn't really offer them any fuel mileage advantage.

my buddy bought a new ecoboost F-150 and his mileage was horrible... not any better than a V8.

[cadyshac]

The government will kill off the V8 soon enough, no need to speed up the process. I will take a V8 with a lumpy cam every time but that's what I grew up with.

[Electric]

It's about the whole package. To me V8 is ideal for a sports car, but it's not a deal breaker.

[MBS]

another V6 vs V8 thread .

[Muscle Car Memories]

Originally Posted by shaffe

Was the last GT really a failure?? It wasn't meant to compete with Corvette, it was meant to compete with Ferrari's which it did. Also they are extremely desirable cars right now fetching even more than the MSRP was back in 04 and 05.

You are exactly right. The Ford GT's bring more now than they did when new. The new Ford GT coming wont be a failure and Ford isnt trying to match Chevy's Corvette sales, Ford is after way bigger dogs than the Vette.

The person who posted that has no clue what he talking about.