New Camaro 2LS Trim – 1 Extra MPG
In a move that's almost certainly motivated by Ford's release of 30MPG EPA numbers on their V6 Mustang, Chevrolet is adding a new trim package for their own V6 model Camaro. The new package, which will be known as the 2LS(derived from the already available LS trim), is an Automatic only trim that will not sacrifice HP numbers, but will offer an EPA rated 30MPG fuel efficiency. This 30MPG number is only 1 higher than the already impressive 29MPG efficiency rating for the Camaro, but presents a vehicle with equivalent fuel efficiency to the Mustang, and higher HP numbers, at the base V6 trim. For drivers who a V6 with a Manual transmission, they'll now be purchasing what will be known as the 1LS trim. The 1LS will be identical in numbers to the current LS trim level.
Chevrolet has achieved this extra 1MPG by changing the gearing ratio on the automatic Camaro. The trim itself has a few other features, though, beyond the enhanced MPG rating. The 2LS trim comes with: rear spoiler, 2.92 rear axle ratio, and standard 18″ LS steel wheels, and is set to retail for an MSRP of $24,700. All in all, this seems like a pretty intelligent and business-minded move by Chevrolet to do what was necessary to not be behind of Ford in any statistical category possible.
Camaro Z28: It’s Real.
If you've read any articles of mine concerning the possibility of a Z28 before, you've noticed just how skeptical I have always been. Well, today, I drop that skepticism completely and trade it in for a nice set of unbridled optimism! The Camaro Z28 is very, very, real, and we now have spy shots of a tester to prove it.
Captured out in the wild running comparison tests with other Camaros and a Mustang GT 500, these images show a beautiful, supercharged, 6.2L, automatic transmission machine in full spy car camo. Even through the camo, the very large front intake screens are obvious. Couple that with the more aggressive front chin spoiler, rear diffuser, and quad-exit exhaust system (also the bad-ass black 5-spoke 20" wheels), and you have got a gorgeous looking vehicle there.
The knowledge that this is a Supercharged 6.2L V8 also leads to some speculation. We can safely assume that it's not an LS9, as that monster is reserved for the ZR1 and the ZR1 only. The LSA, with its 556BHP, seems very likely though, as that number puts it right in line with the 550HP Mustang GT500, against which it is being tested. It could of course be a new Supercharged LS3 or LS99, but it seems more likely, with the LSA on the books, they would use that powerhouse for the Camaro Z28. If they are, that's great news, as reviews for that engine are fantastic. With the wide-open quad exhaust on the Camaro as well, and some tuning, they've probably got a few extra Horsies out of the LSA past what the Cadillac version of it was pushing. All in all, this news is incredibly exciting, and leads itself to wonderful dreams and worthwhile speculation. So, what do you think?
Future Camaro Speculation!
Well, GM officially announced that the Camaro would, at some point in the future, be switching to their new Alpha Chassis. The Alpha Chassis will allow for GM to build a lighter, more agile next-gen Camaro, and that's a good thing. Here's some more speculation concerning the future of the Camaro though! GM has announced that they have a new engine in the works for the next-gen Corvette, and apparently the C7 will be powered by a naturally aspirated, direct-injection 5.5L V8 putting out 440 Horsepower. While the displacement on this engine's smaller, the numbers are nice (and it supposedly vastly fuel efficient over its current C6 counterpart) , and I imagine we'll probably see this new Chevy Small-Block becoming the engine du jour of the next gen Camaro SS, in some fashion. To keep the Corvette price-tag in line, they'll probably tune it down some, but that still just means the engine's not far from unlocking all of those extra ponies. All in all, it seems like a nice step in the right direction of engine design by GM, regardless of the smaller displacement.