A Four-Cylinder Camaro?!?

Automotive News is reporting from the New York Auto Show that General Motors is considering a four-cylinder version of the upcoming Camaro, in response to rising fuel prices.

GM Vice Chairman, Bob Lutz, apparently told reporters at the show that the 2.0-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine, currently used in the Pontian Solstice and Saturn Sky.

The direct-injected four-cylinder engine is rated at 260 hp. The V6 Camaro will use the direct-injected, 3.6-liter four-cam V-6, from the Cadillac CTS, detuned from 304 to around 260 hp - the same as the potential four cylinder.

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Scheduled to go on sale early next year as a 2009 model, Lutz said that with the V-6, the Camaro achieves a nearly perfect 50-50 weight distribution. "With the V-6, it is not a heavy car. The Camaro will be a very lively and engaging car," he said.

Lutz sees the upcoming Pony car as delivering premium features compared to the current Mustang. Pricing, as a result, is also expected to be higher.

"We are going to be above Mustang," according to Lutz. "We have a very sophisticated suspension system and, frankly, a much nicer interior. We are not going to try and match the Mustang on price. We are going to be premium-priced compared to the Mustang."

CP