New GM LF3 Engine
Sorry I've been awhile for a while everyone. I went on vacation in my Camaro, but am very happy to be back and writing. An article concerning the trip itself will be coming soon. For now though, some GM news:
Apparently, the R&D boys over at GM have been hard at work (while I've been hard at play) putting finishing touches on their new, more eco-friendly, twin-turbo LF3. This V-6 TT engine is meant to be a direct competitor to the Ford 3.5L EcoBoost TT engine in both power and efficiency. At this point in time, no official HP or Torque numbers have been released, but it should be expected to be equivalent to or surpassing the 355 HP of the 3.5L Ford Ecoboost. This number doesn't seem too far-fetched either, considering the power that Chevy has been milking from their LS engines for so long now, and also applying the knowledge that this will be a Twin-Turbocharged monster. Of course, the TT does mean that some Torque will be sacrificed for the added HP boost. Only time can truly tell, but I can only imagine performance numbers of 350+ HP, possibly nearing the 400HP range.
Providing further merit to those HP speculations is the very recent (March 22nd) announcement from John Fitzpatrick, the head of marketing for the Camaro. Fitzpatrick hinted to MotorTrend that the 2011 Camaro's V6 HP numbers could exceed the numbers of the 2011 V6 Mustang. If not 2011, very soon. When asked if those HP matching numbers would be met in the next couple of years, Fitzpatrick was quoted as saying “you might see it sooner than that.” This show of faith in the future HP numbers of the Camaro engine lead me to wonder how those numbers will be achieved, and if the LF3 isn't destined for Camaro SS or Z28 designation as soon as it is finished and ready for production. I would love to see that LF3 hitting the Camaro sooner rather than later, but will also happily accept just some more HP from the base Camaro build. I do like the V8 and would be sad to see it leave, so I would hope that when the LF3 is done GM could find a means by which the two engines could live in harmony within the Camaro body. We'll see. Time will tell.
April 6th, 2010 - 07:28
Yes I agree that the TTV6 will change the Pony Car game however there are those who will always want the rumble of a large V8 in the Camaro, especially the SS. The RS would be the perfect place for the TTV6 and I for one would be very interested in it. I also understand that paddle shifters are or will be available on the Camaro? I don’t know if the die-heart Camaro drivers understand the significance of this. I have a 08’ Solstice and would love to have the TTV6 with paddles in it, what a true performance car that would be, European F1 racing technology in America Iron! I also have a late year 09’ G8 GT, I love the fact that US auto makers are really getting into performance again and what fuel mileage. The G8 does better than the Solstice, unbelievable!
April 6th, 2010 - 09:33
I’ve heard nothing but very positive things about the G8, and would love to get behind the wheel of one. Yeah, there’s a discernible sound difference between V6 and V8, but that’s something I personally would willingly sacrifice for better and more efficient performance, but you’re right that the TTV6 is probably better suited to the RS. That being said, raising the HP numbers on the RS and making it a more technically advanced vehicle would really push it ahead of its major competition at that level.
Also, I’ve heard rumours about the paddle shifter installs, but haven’t seen anything making that official. If they do though, I would be all for this. I like the paddle shift system a lot, and know that a well designed system adds a lot of racing potential and benefit to the vehicle itself. You will lose the classic, stick-shift feel, but I am willing sacrifice the old for the new on my end, especially if it means improved performance and drivability.
Thanks for the comment, hope you enjoy the blog!