[BigAls87Z28]

There is a problem, and that 400hp is too much hp for 25k. 400hp just has a higher price tag. The cheapest 400hp car is the GTO at 34k. Next is the SRT8 Tripplets at 40, and the C6 at 43k.
You could have gotten a 305hp Z28 in 2002 for 25k if you orderd it, but no really did.
There needs to be a mid level V8. People want the power of a V8, but not super car power. People at 25k dont NEED 400hp. A 300-330hp 5.3 would do more then fine. How many 305 TBIs sold to 305/350TPIs? How many V8 RS's sold in comparision to Z28?
How many 307 and 327's are there to 350's and 396's?
A RS or SS priced at 25-28k, with plenty of options and 330hp,will sell like hot cakes to thoes who want a fast car(as fast as the last generation Fcar). It will match or beat the Mustang GT's price and performance, and fight for that mid level buyer.
Entusiasts will always buy the big V8. If anything the 4th gens showed us, is that entusisasts are always there to buy the V8. While the 4th gen's sales decresed, the number of SS and TA sales stayed the same.
There needs to be a mid level option, something that offers power and economy. A 5.3 with variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management, combined with a 6spd auto, would give great performance to thoes who want it, and give great driveablity and fuel economy when they dont. Its a win win situation. Hell, Id like to see a Two-Mode byrbrid Camaro, something the tree-huggers cant even get mad about.
There is a lot of potential with this car to make it mroe then it has to be.

And another thing, the "stripper" idea no longer exists unless its engineerd into the car. There are things that are expected in a new car today, and things like that are CD radio, power windows, power door locks, power steering, and at least a power driver seat. Stripping a car out would INCREASE cost of the car by having engineers design heavier components to replace the electric motors and relays. This is not 1966, the day of the stripper has gone and left us. The ZL1 would be the biggest flop on the market, like it was in 1969.