[Blackbirdws6]

Folks have to remember there are different types of enthusiasts. Those who want a blank slate (cheaper base car, good engine, etc) and want to do what they wish with it (whether build it themselves or send it to a shop for a $10k+ upgrade). Then there is the group that would rather just spend some extra money, get the upgrades they would have eventually done and have a warranty to go with it. Then there is the crazier group who buys the top tier model and then proceeds to spend more on upgrades for the sake of being different or just want to have more. These segments can be broken down further but I think you get what I'm saying.

I agree pricing for cars has generally gotten out of hand but the market is supporting these types of vehicles and prices. You can spend just about $30k for a Civic these days.... That is what I found so appealing about the G8 GT ($29,995 base price and loaded it was around $33k). It offered everything I generally wanted in a good size package. You won't find a V8 rear wheel drive new car for under $30k. Maybe there is that amazing deal or that left over model on the lot but that's few and far between. It is also a fact that over 70% of new car loans are leases, not purchases. That tells you something. Manufacturers can increase the price which marginally increases the lease payment for customers. The car is now valued "higher" from an industry perspectiveand the consumer usually rationalizes that they can afford the new car since the incremental price difference in payment is justified. "My 5th gen was nice but man, this SS is such a better performer so it's def worth the extra couple hundred a month in payments."

I think we can all agree cars of today perform far better than those of the past and with added safety to boot. You expect the cost to be the same? Sure, brakes are brakes, shocks are shocks, etc but progress requires $. More performance in general means components now need an upgrade in durability and quality to last through the warranty period.

Bottom line, the car industry is a business and if the market supports a $47k SS Camaro, then GM will keep making them. If you want a more budget friendly performance vehicle, sorry but you will need to "settle" for a V6 Camaro. Most guys don't like the thought of that but keeping it in perspective, the new V6 Camaro will likely embarrass the older V8 models in many ways.

Personally, I went back and forth on spending the money on the Hellcat. Not to discredit the car or my decision, but deep down it is a high $20k car with a bunch of engine/drivetrain and cosmetic upgrades. Is that worth $30k more? I think you know my answer to that one. I considered upgrading the G8 to be a Hellcat killer but knowing me, I would have taken it a touch too far. I guarantee it would cost me at least $30k to produce a well sorted vehicle by a shop and then what am I left with? A highly modded G8 that would get pennies on the dollar for the upgrades should I decide to sell it. Like all modified cars, they will have their quirks and little issues. A new car can be the same but if that happens, I take it to the dealer and have them handle it. It's a very different vehicle than the TA but that was the point. The bird is the weekend toy where I can row the gears and makes lots of noise. The Hellcat is the car I can pack full of people, ride in comfort with all the bells and whistles while leaving it just as it is.