Is it an oxymoron for a muscle car to be turned into a fuel efficient vehicle?
People who are fans of such cars but have grown older and have to pay for that fuel are saying no!
That's why there are some advocates calling for a version of the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro that can achieve 40 miles per gallon on the highway and 30 miles per gallon in the city. (Pictured is the standard Camaro concept engine.)
According to the Detroit Free Press (via The Daily Times), such fans would like to see is a Camaro with a small block V8 engine a long wi th a battery powered motor. The electric motor would take the car up to 25 miles per hour while the V8 provides the power that Camaro fans have always expected.
Now, no one is saying that this is in Chevy-owner General Motors' playbook, nor are they saying that it is even a kernel of an idea. It's actually one of those "What ifs..." car enthusiasts love to speculate about.
But said enthusiasts point out that the technology is there. In fact, German automakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz has a hybrid system and they are willing to assist GMto help develop it.
So, is it an oxymoron after all? Evidence shows that performance car enthusiasts in general do not want a hybrid performance car. Honda tried with a hybrid Accord and a hybrid Lexus GS sport sedan. The Accord failed and the Lexus is struggling.
Our take? When a muscle car enthusiast sees how much money he can save and still get the performance, well, maybe attitudes will change. Sort of like having your cake and eating it too.