The highly anticipated, sixth-generation, 2016 Chevrolet Camaro was revealed on Saturday. Featuring an all-new, yet evolutionary style, a fresh, lighter architecture and a broader power-train range, the new Camaro promises to be faster and offer a more nimble driving experience, apart from being the most efficient of its kind till date.
Six all-new power-train combinations are offered, including a 2.0L Turbo, rated at an SAE-certified 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm). The 2.0L turbo will deliver 0-60 mph acceleration in less than six seconds and offer more than 30 mpg on the highway (GM-estimated), making it the most fuel-efficient Camaro ever.
Then, there’s a new 3.6L V-6 featuring direct injection, continuously variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), offering an SAE-certified 335 hp (250 kW) and 284 lb-ft of torque (385 Nm)
The top-of-the-line SS variant gets the LT1 6.2L V-8, which is SAE-certified at 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 455 lb-ft of torque (617 Nm) – rendering it the most powerful Camaro SS ever. Each engine is available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission with a rev-matching feature. In addition, the Magnetic Ride Control is available as standard on the Camaro SS for the first time.
Vehicle mass has been reduced by 200 pounds or more. Significant weight savings came from using an aluminum instrument panel frame instead of steel, which saved 9.2 pounds (4.2 kg). The use of lightweight components, including aluminum front suspension links and steel rear suspension links with lightening holes, in the new five-link rear suspension system contributed to a 26-pound (12 kg) reduction in the overall suspension weight.
The Camaro features a new, multi-link MacPherson strut front suspension with Camaro-specific geometry and double-pivot design to aid the quick-ratio electric power steering system. The rear is held up by a new five-link independent suspension setup.
All Camaro models offer Brembo brakes – they’re standard on the SS. On the Camaro LT, the available brakes include 12.6-inch (320 mm) front rotors with four-piston calipers and 12.4-inch (315 mm) rear rotors with single-piston sliding calipers. Camaro SS employs 13.6-inch (345 mm) front rotors with four-piston fixed calipers and 13.3-inch (338 mm) rear rotors with four-piston fixed calipers.
Goodyear tires are used on all models: The LT features standard 18-inch wheels wrapped with Goodyear Eagle Sport all-season tires and available 20-inch wheels matched with Eagle F1 Asymmetric all-season run-flat tires. The Camaro SS features standard 20-inch aluminum wheels with Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 run-flat tires.
Only two parts carry over from the fifth-generation Camaro to the new Gen Six: the rear bowtie emblem and the SS badge.
Styling is predictably evolutionary, and the new Camaro visually retains just about enough to be instantly recognizable as one. The front is defined by a cross-car grille/headlamp aperture, a signature cue that dates to the first generation. Standard lighting includes halogen projector beam headlamps and taillamps. RS and SS models add high-intensity discharge, or HID, projector-beam headlamps and LED “signature lighting” daytime running lights.
The nearly fastback profile flows into the pronounced haunches of the rear fenders, while the tail-lamps blend the horizontal aesthetic of the first generation model with a dual-element theme and aggressive tapers. Additionally, SS models have a unique rear spoiler. There’s also a new interpretation of the Camaro’s iconic red, white and blue “banner” insignia, displayed on the front fenders.
The 2016 Camaro comes with a choice of 10 exterior colors, five interior color combinations, lighting options and a full complement of dealer-available accessories available at launch – including wheels, stripe packages and additional accessories.
The interiors are driver-focused and integrates control technologies like a new Driver Mode Selector, which tailors up to eight vehicle attributes for four modes: Snow/Ice, Tour, Sport and – on SS models – Track settings. There are also high-definition, configurable color displays – including available dual, 8-inch-diagonal screens, along with a Interior Spectrum Lighting feature that offers 24 different ambient lighting effects on the dash, door panels, and center console.
“Redesigning the Camaro is thrilling and challenging all at once, but the secret is to offer something more,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors executive vice president of Product Development. “For Camaro enthusiasts, it retains iconic design cues and offers even more performance. For a new generation of buyers, the 2016 Camaro incorporates our most innovative engineering ideas with finely honed performance and leading design.”
The Gen Six Camaro goes on sale later this year, offered in LT and SS models, and will be produced at GM’s Lansing Grand River assembly plant in Lansing, Mich.
