Not too long ago, I posted a thread about how big name muscle cars were going to be making their comeback over the next few years. Well, four months and three auto shows later and a lot has changed since then. So that's why I felt it would be a good idea to update you guys on the development of these vehicles. For those of you who have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about, here's a link to my original thread
http://www.car-forums.com/talk/showthread.php?t=5573 . Below, I'll cover the changes in the development of each car.
CHEVROLET: As rumors continue to circulate about the fifth generation Camaro, the engine possibilities seem to narrow down and take shape. Word is that there will be three different engine choices. Suprisingly, all engines are eight cylinders. The base Camaro will display the small block 5.3L V8 found in the new Chevy Impala SS and Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, producing 303 hp. The next step up, the Camaro SS, will have the 6.0L LS2 V8 under its hood, the same as that found in the new Corvette and GTO, with around 400 hp. Leading the top of the line, the Camaro Z28, will be an ultra powerful 6.3L V8, a detuned version of the 7.0L V8 found in the new Corvetter Z06, pumping out numbers anywhere from 460 hp to 480 hp. The 6.3L V8 also happens to be the same engine found in the Pontiac GTO Ram Air 6 concept. Production has yet to be confirmed, but with a good engine lineup, all the Camaro needs now is a retro look. Keep your eyes peeled, if it is to be produced, it should be hitting showrooms within the next year or so.
2007 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: 460-480 hp, 6.3L V8
Performance (0-60): 4.4 sec. (est.)
http://popularhotrodding.com/feature...amaro_12_z.jpg (GM's 2007 Camaro artist rendition concept)
DODGE: The Charger has arrived. The all new 2006 Dodge Charger debuted at the Detroit Auto Show last month, perhaps one of the most unique cars at the show. It's not suprising that the car debuted as a sedan, as it was rumored to be, but what did suprise the people at Dodge was the amount of public outcry over the vehicle. Which brings reason to beleive that a (SRT-8) coupe is not out of the question. Although Dodge officials deny any chance of a Charger coupe, something tells me that there might be some last minute recinsiderations with the SRT-8 version right around the corner. And with a two door 300C concept (
http://www.cwwcardesign.com/cars/chrysler300coupe.html), it is apparent that the LX platform has the potential to take a coupe form. What can be said is that if Dodge does decide to introduce the Charger in a coupe form, it will be unique in the sense that it would be the only SRT-8 car that doesn't have four doors; the coupe would be a first. The final decision will be left up to Dodge though, so let's hope that they use the response of the public to help them finalize their decision. The addition of a six speed manual wouldn't hurt either. But whether it arrives in coupe or sedan form, expect the SRT-8 to display a more aggressive grille, which may come as good news to those of you who were not so happy with the standard Charger's look.
2007 Dodge Charger SRT-8
Engine: 425 hp, 6.1L V8
Performance (0-60): 4.7 sec.
http://www.modernracer.com/images/do...errtfront2.jpg (Charger R/T)
FORD: Being the sole survivor of the SVT lineup and the heir to Ford's in house tuner treatment, the Cobra promises to be a car to look forward to. With it's debut rumored to be sometime in 2006, it was surprising that Ford has already released a press release for the car. But what's even more surprising was that the car exceeded everyone's expectations, even mine. Boasting the Ford GTs supercharged 5.4L V8 (instead of the last generation's 4.6L V8), the car is said to produce 465 hp! Can we say more power than you'll ever need? And what does all that power amount to? Try a quarter mile rumored to be in the low 12s! It looks as though SVT has come through this time, despite the losses of both the Focus and Lightning. With cars as good as this one, we can only beg to ask, what's next?
2007 Ford SVT Cobra
Engine: 465 hp, 5.4L supercharged V8
Performance (0-60): 4.2 sec.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v124/pmdemas/4ff6.jpg (SVT Cobra)
PONTIAC: As we well know, Pontiac decided to swap the 5.7L V8 with the 6.0L V8 for 2005. Now producing 400 hp, the GTO has more than enough horsepower to qualify it as a muscle car (at least as far as power goes). But the latest seems to be rumors of a brand new GTO for the 2007 model year. Engine changes for the new GTO have not been verified, but it could be assumed that with the new car, a new engine may be on the way as well. Now, only rumors can unfold the direction in which this car is headed. On a side note, something to check out for the 2005 is the new Sport Appearence package to add a little flavor to those lackluster looks.
2005 Pontiac GTO
Engine: 400 hp, 6.0L V8
Performance (0-60): 4.6 sec. (verified)
http://UltimateGTO.com/2005/05_00098_1.jpg (GTO with Sport Appearance Package)
There you go, the official update. Again, most of this information is from reliable sources, though not officially confirmed. Everything can be assumed to be true. Let me know what you guys think.
yuck.
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