Auto Trends

photo originally uploaded by technoholic19

The question of whether or not we will ever see a Z28 has been answered. Ed Welburn, Design Chief of GM has confirmed that the Z28 program is back up and running. The design itself had been signed-off clear back in April of this year, but as GM was unfortunately nearing the throes of bankruptcy, the cost and labor of such a vehicle was obviously not a priority.

With UAW contracts and labor costs leaned out, GM figures now is as good of time to get the ball rolling as any. They also have the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 to tend with, which has been up to its own improvements.

As things stand today, the Camaro SS with its 6.2-liter powerplant worth 426 horsepower, makes a pretty mean customer for the 4.6-liter, 315 horsepower Mustang. But Ford knows there’s only one replacement for displacement, and an intercooled and supercharged 5.4-liter was a good start for the Shelby Stang.

The 2010 Ford Mustang GT500 has been upgraded to the horsepower status of the GT500KR, which saw upwards of 540 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque last year. That is a solid 40 horses and 30 lb-ft of torque over the previous GT500. Shelby has also upped the ante to a 3.55:1 rear end ratio (compared to 3.31:1). Despite a rather hefty curb weight of 3900 pounds, the Mustang can still hurl itself from 0-60 in the low 4-second range, which is more than enough to take on the 5-second Camaro SS.

But the story does not end here…

photo originally uploaded on Facebook

The Ford Mustang GT500 has a new foe, and the Camaro Z28 will not be limiting its aspirations… to non-aspiration. The Z28 is noted to receive the very same 6.2-liter supercharged LSA V-8 that powers the Cadillac CTS-V. This combination will be good for about 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque. Figuring the Z28 will likely weigh-in at around 4000 pounds, its 0-60 could likely dip into the upper 3-second range, with a top speed nearing 200 mph (manual transmission).

So we know it will be fast, but what other changes will signify the Z28 from the SS.

The front end fascia will look a bit more fierce, with deep set fog lights and a slightly different grille. The hood could also receive a forward facing scoop (like the one on top of the page) or heat vents (such as the version featured at 2009 SEMA- directly above). Completing the package will be a new aggressive rear fascia, longer rear spoiler, exhaust cutouts, and “tuning-fork” 20-inch dubs.

The unofficial word at the GM headquarters, is this could be the baddest Camaro to come off the line since the ZL-1 COPO. As all good things must come with a very long wait, EPA certification will likely drag this beasts unveiling at your local GM dealer until the late 2011s. Considering the long line of VIP buyers that will be waiting at the door, don’t expect to get your hands on one until 2012.

Source: Motor Trend

Pontiac G8 GXP 017, originally uploaded by Vincent ??

It’s been awhile since we’ve visited Pontiac. What’s been going on lately?

I’ll tell you what has been happening… their last remaining stock of vehicles are getting sucked off the lots like ants invited to an anteater’s family picnic. This isn’t surprising news, as Pontiac did have some rather nice vehicles on hand as they closed the book to their story earlier this year. I’m of course talking about the Pontiac G8, G6, and to a lesser degree the Solstice. If you’ve been sitting on the fence about getting one of these soon to be extinct Tyrannosaurus’, you might want to think about kicking yourself off one side or the other, and here’s why…

Pontiac has announced that their inventory of popular vehicles is becoming dangerously depleted. Just how dangerous are we talking? Well, there were only about 16 Pontiac G8 GXP’s on hand as I wrote this. Considering there will be several more sources publishing these stats, you can assume this number is almost certain to dwindle as the day goes on. In case your not exactly familiar with what a G8 GXP is, I’ll make a rather long story short and sweet:

6.2-liter, 16 valve, V-8, 402 horsepower, 402 lbs-torque, Brembo brakes, 6-speed transmission, and no more than about 4.7 seconds from zero to 60.

While the G8 GXP’s are practically out the door and down the street, dealerships still do have about 530 Pontiac G6 GXP’s. While the G6 version of the GXP is definitely missing the 6.2-liter Corvette engine, you do get the price relief of about $10,000, starting the upper echelon G6 at around $28,000. The G6 features the 3.6 liter V-6 worth 256 horsepower and 248 ft-lbs or torque, the sportier front fascia (foglights, stainless grill), rocker panel moldings, dual chrome exhaust tips, “hammerhead” spoiler, and 18-inch GXP-only alloys. Not a bad way to go!

If you’re willing to forgo the GXP all together, there are about 570 Pontiac G8’s with the “GT” trim. The GT offers a 6.0-liter V-8 powerplant worthy of 361 horsepower and 385 ft-lbs of torque. On the negative side, the base G8 does not come with a “stick” manual option, but the six-speed automatic is a pretty smooth customer for those on a budget. The GT still clears 0-60 in 5.3 seconds, so you won’t exactly be getting left behind at the light. Fuel economy for the GT sits at a rather thirsty 15/24 mpg. Starting at $32,000, these won’t be around for too much longer either.

Finally we come to the Pontiac Solstice, which have about 139 base coupes and 160 GXP versions currently in inventory. The biggest difference between the base-model and GXP is about 100 horsepower, and you will notice the difference. The base Solstice has all the looks and feel of a sports car, but falls a bit flat for most enthusiasts, with its 2.4-liter, 177 horsepower, and 166 ft-lbs of torque. The 2.0-liter turbocharged GXP is a whole other story, featuring a robost 260 horsepower, 260 ft-lbs torque, and a respectable 0-60 in 5.8 seconds flat.

In these hard economic times, I can understand your reservations to part with your hard earned dollar. But owning an Australian, Holden-derived Pontiac G8 GXP just might be worth a two-month stint in the doghouse…

Just think about it, but don’t think too long!

Chrysler Building, originally uploaded by Mr Yankee

Chrysler in in the midst of spreading the news of their new 5-year plan. Let’s take a look at a few of its highlights and rumors:

Well, we have a few deaths and births of the Chrysler line to announce. As far as mid-sized pickups go, the Dodge Dakota will definitely be buried for the 2011 model year. It will be replaced by a unibody-based midsize truck that has yet to be announced.

The Dodge Caravan will stay on the boards through 2014, along with the Dodge RAM pickup truck Line. The RAM will be getting a major overhauling in 2012, featuring improvements to its fuel economy and emissions output. We’ve also will see a new commercial-grade van coming out for 2012, using a Fiat platform.

2011 will not see any Dodge Vipers in production, but there will be 500 introduced for 2012. Unfortunately, after this the model will be indefinitely laid to rest. Rumors tell us Fiat/Chrysler will have an all new (possibly Alpha inspired?) sports car ready to unleash later that summer.

Chrysler promises to be doing a total revamp on processes, focusing on overall quality, structure and strategy. They plan on designing vehicles with an all-American look, with only the inside portion being undoubtedly Fiat.

Chrysler reported today, that unlike what some experts have pointed to, Chrysler is sitting in a respectable position. They are “not burning through cash” and actually had $5.7 billion dollars on hand just two short months ago.

Chrysler has eluded to taking their focus away from older buyers, but not necessarily because they are going to focus on younger buyers, but because older buyers aren’t buying “mature” vehicles anymore. The new product line will be fresh, youthful, economical, clean burning, and will focus on fewer models. They will strive to deliver a much more powerful message.

The fuel efficient Pentastar V6 will be taking over a lot of the vehicles in the upcoming lineup. Expect power levels to be around 280 horsepower. 2010 should also see a diesel introduced for the Jeep Wrangler. Not only that, but it will feature stop/start technology, shutting the engine down at stoplights to help conserve fuel.

Look for Jeeps new slogan coming to advertisements near you:

i live. i ride. i am. Jeep

The Wrangler will most likely be the only true off-road Jeep made by Chrysler. The remaining will adopt Fiat car platforms, and focus on highway worthiness. In addition, the Chrysler badge will be making a change to retro-modern styling, spreading its “wings” once again.

Chrysler appears to have an intelligent plan on the table. Let’s see how they put it to use!