Skippy, in comparing to the Mustang, yes we have more base hp, but not this rumored Camaro and if GM uses the 3.6L V6, it is also doubtful.

1971Chall, although you are correct that fuel costs more now than it did back in the 80s, I have to disagree that this will work this time around. People tend to prefer NA engines to turbocharged in muscle cars. That is why the past attempts of using a smaller engine and boosting it did not catch on since GM also tried this with a V6 back when gas was expensive. The other thing is GM would be wiser to use one of their V6 engines to provide the best of all three worlds (cost, hp/tq, and fuel economy). By using the turbo I4, they will not be able to get any better fuel economy than their V6s can do. The power band will not be as consistent throughout the line like a NA V6 will, they will not last as long as a V6 in durability, and will more than likely cost more since they already feature GDI and a turbo which adds to the cost significantly over a V6 they would use. I also think that GM risks cannabalizing the sales of the Solstice and Sky by offering the same basic powertrain in another coupe at potentially a lower price that is roomier.

Although it might sound good on paper, the SRT-4 engine in the Challenger probably would not be a good idea. The engine is not a torque producer and may be disappointing in a car of this weight, also I would tend to believe that considering all the technology that is in that engine would boost the price above what the 3.5L costs. Plus it might hurt sales of the SRT-4, though it probably isn't as likely since the Caliber is a four door compact station wagon. What I think would be a wiser idea for Chrysler to do is eliminate the 3.7L V6 line and replace it with a V6 version of the Hemi. If they could utilize the MDS and use it in the Dodge version of the LX based cars like the Charger and Challenger, we would have the best of all worlds (fuel economy, hp/tq, price, etc.). Turbo I4s should stay in smaller and lighter cars, and V6s and V8s should stay in larger cars in my opinion.