Sixth-Gen Camaro Z/28 With Flat-Plane V8 Was Apparently Planned, Then Axed
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A new report claims that General Motors had plans to offer a new sixth-generation Chevy Camaro Z/28 with a flat-plane crank V8 engine, but those plans were later axed.
Per a recent post from MotorTrend, which cites an insider going by the codename “Deep Burble,” General Motors was originally set to build a new Chevy Camaro Z/28 based on the current sixth generation, equipping the go-faster muscle car with the same naturally aspirated, flat-plane crank 5.5L V8 LT6 as the upcoming C8 Chevy Corvette Z06. Output is estimated to have been over 600 horsepower, similar to that of the new C8 Z06. What’s more, the proposed Camaro Z/28 would also likely have come equipped with a manual transmission, unlike the auto-only C8.
Although such a proposal undoubtedly has the enthusiasts out there licking their lips, MotorTrend goes on to say that it isn’t going to happen. The reasoning comes down to poor sales, which, as the publication paints it, is the result of the sixth-generation’s highly criticized styling.
Despite the Camaro’s impressive on-track performance, MotorTrend’s source says that the Camaro’s styling effectively cancels its desirability in the minds of buyers, thus leading to poor sales, and eventually, the cancellation of projects like the proposed sixth-generation Camaro Z/28.
With regard to Camaro sales, the nameplate had its worst first-quarter results in a decade earlier this year, selling a mere 7,089 units. That’s nearly 100 fewer units than were sold during the same time period of the 2020 calendar, during which 7,185 units were sold, as GM Authority covered previously.
Factors involved include the criticized styling already mentioned, as well as higher prices, low visibility in the cabin, and perceived low-quality materials in the cabin.
Back in July of 2019, GM Authority exclusively covered that there would indeed be no Camaro Z/28 model for the latest sixth-generation vehicle.
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Like everything else GM does, horse crap, including the new Corvette, C7 is a better car. Mary Barra, what an ass. Keeo going and it’s bye bye gm.
I live in LA. Most liberal woke place.
I think we don’t realize that companies posturing in this environment are being pushed to go EV. We and the Camaro is a victim of this narrative.
My 6.2 gets better mileage then the new state of the art v4 T. I tell people that they look at me incredulously.
I dont live in house. I cant get a EV and any of us not living in a home wont because the charging infrastructure sucks. I live across the street at a 440 charge station. Ive seen super Betas driving Prius’s in fist fights in waiting lines over charging stations. Actually the best thing ever to see. Lol
I dont blame GM. I see where they have made mistakes. But truth is this way bigger than marketing. Theres a weird cultural social shift/manipulation going on.
Truthfully with work and economy me buying new LT1 wasn’t exactly on radar.
I had to put my money where my mouth is, support and do it.
What’s really a bummer is seeing new powerplants and ICE innovation stop. : /
The Camaro is not ugly, and a somewhat restricted view out of the rear is not a deal killer. What’s killing the Camaro is GM’s utter failure to compete with Ford and Dodge. GM has left the Camaro out there to die a slow death while Dodge and Ford continue to innovate and update their muscle/pony cars. The Camaro isnt selling because STUPID GM isn’t promoting and “refreshing” the car with minor styling updates and a much needed boost in power to compete with Dodge and Ford… IDIOTS
Ugly, both inside and out.
Impractical, with a ludicrously small trunk opening and not even a convenient place near the driver to set a phone.
Dangerous, with unncessarily bad visibility.
Ugly, with an adolescent vibe and overcompensating aggro features. Not very lucrative to target a demographic that can’t even drive yet.
Yet someone thought it was a great idea and that person remains in power at GM.