It’s been the ongoing story around the collective automotive blogosphere that the next-generation Chevrolet Camaro will be both smaller and lighter, thanks to the vehicle’s adaptation to GM’s Alpha platform over the more rigid and heavier Zeta architecture it currently rides on. The downsizing will also reflect what’s going to happen in the engine bay, as sources have confirmed with us that a 2.0L turbocharged four cylinder engine will be found in the sixth-generation Camaro, which is still a few years out from launching.
The engine choice doesn’t surprise us, as the next Camaro shapes itself to be a more global performance car and has to adhere to countries that mandate displacement, and even CAFE fuel economy regulations here in the United States. It may be a one-size-fits-all approach, but it in no way means that there will not be a 300-something horsepower V6 or next-generation small block V8 in the lineup, either. And since the next Camaro will be smaller and lighter, it should still make for a fun drive no matter how many cylinders are under its hood.
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I really hope that the engineers manage to squeeze that magical 300 hp from that engine, or at least close to it. They can afford to go as aggressively as Mitsubishi and Subaru have done with theirs, since this, after all is a performance vehicle. Uh oh…I wonder if AWD is…you know what…lemme quit while I’m ahead! LOL!
Richard… We ha the Ecotech 2.0T tuned to 400hp, but it didn’t last for long. So if you’re asking if it can be done, it can.
The Cadillac ATS 2.0T is at 272, so it’s close.
Lovely car…I even like it in white
Gen . 6 Camaro – Smaller, lighter, turbo 4, rear wheel drive – what’s the reason for the 130r again?
one point I want to drive home is we are focused on smaller regarding next gen camero, and then we are focused on the alpha in regards to the ATS. The alpha will also under pin the next CTS so it is a diverse platform meaning the Camaro could still be larger than the Code 130r. They should definately do both…
Maybe 130r is the Camaro:)
Remember, retro does not sell;)
Nothing said it was unsellable.
It’s just sheetmetal, and the difficulty some have who think that there is more to be had from just sheetmetal. But I digress.
62Vetteefp,
Ha, I have an HHR… 🙂
The Camaro should be in a league all its own, with the Code 130r being smaller with a one engine option with potential for tuning…
I like the Camaro getting lighter but lets face it, it won’t come down in price. It will be be on the Alpha+ platform which is going to be bigger than the Code130R and over all may come in the 3600 lb range as opposed to 2800-3300 that 130r fans are looking for. The market is looking for lightweight, quick, and affordable fun. Even on a lighter frame and a turbo four, i dont see the Camaro coming down market to compete with the likes if the BRZ, Genesis, and Miatas of the world. Which makes an entry level sports can capable of tuning, like the 130R and needed element to a very weak performance line up in GM’s stable.
2l turbo Camaro funny 🙂 But certainly easier nowadays and it can work wonders.
turbo or no turbo horsepower is horsepower and torque is torque if a turbo 4 or twin turbo v6 can out put out respectable numbers for pony cars why not. and better gas milage is a bonus..but a muscle car needs an 8….
I’d kind of seen this coming since ford is doing that with their mustang… Turbo and direct injecting everything.. The ats 2.0 turbo gets around 32 and the 3.6 gets around 29-30.. If they are going to bring the 8 speed transmission next year that might be around 34 for the 2.0.. About the 130r, if they can make it like a roadster then there is still some room for it, but if not than its going to blend in with the Cruze and the Sonic.. I mean it is going to be looking sportier but I don’t see much difference in performance besides it being Rwd.. It could use the 1.6 and the 2.0 also..
Maybe the next camaro will start with a 300-horse turbo four, then one of the upcoming twin Turbo sixes as the mainstream performance model, and maybe a limited edition small block v8 (turbo? Supercharged?) as the zl-1? Just brainstorming. 🙂
So how are they going to differentiate the base 4 cylinder Camaro from the SS Code 130R with the same engine? You know, cause they HAVE to build the Code….
Some type of E-Assist for 0 to 30 combined with 300 HP turbo 4 for 30 to 150, and who would want a sluggish V-8. Don’t forget the balance shafts.
I drove a 1967 Rally Sport Camaro with the 327 CI V8. I believe that this will be the first Camaro with only four cylinders. If it sells well, then it is good for new Camaro sales and for Chevrolet.
The 3rd gen came with the Iron Duke as an option for a few years. This turbo engine will obviously be less of a turd.
It really just has to out handle and out power the mustang, with maybe the new 5.5 supercharged V/8 in the engine lineup. also has to look killer.
You know the new V8 is still 6.2 liters right?
yes i know but they are still talking about a new 5.5 liter V/8
I believe the bigger issue is getting the entry sports car buyers and the non camaro youth buyers. Just shoving a turbo 2.0 in a redesigned camaro and saying it’s more efficient, won’t do. The camaro is not going to come down market, most analysts agree on that point. Thus why the Code130R would woek well in drawing in buyers that were fans of the cobalt and Mazda’s miata but dont want to or can’t afford to step up to a full fledged camaro. GM does not have a clear entry vehicle in the sports car rear wheel drive segment.
The next-gen Camaro will shrink in every dimension and in weight, making it a much more direct competitor to the Genesis Coupe and the Subaru BRZ/Toyota/Scion twins. That, coupled with the addition of the 2.0T, should attract the market that they’ve been missing – the one you seem to be referring to.
I agree with hose who say the camaro can’t and won’t be the very entry level sport performance level car and also the junior corvette. for one thing there are many young drivers out there who won’t even look at let alone buy anything with the name camaro on it. that car to them is for old people. these are many of the brz buyers. also, the camaro will only get so small and lose so much weight. the code130r can start wimpy but very affordable and get up to quick but still affordable. then the camaro starts there and goes up to ungodly fast but pricey (still under the corvette though)
Please, no need for more retro. All the people who didn’t get a chance to buy a camaro when it was cool are now 70, and want fuel-sipping compacts or luxury sedans.
And please design a car we can see out of! Look at the size and length of the windows on this beauty:
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/detroit/2013/2012_bmw_4_series_coupe_concept/
The car does not have to be a wedge or a tank!
I agree for the most part, Ron. There can be a next Camaro, but it should have little retro left and be more practical than the current car, which won’t be hard.
WHY? WHY? WHY? DOES A CAMARO NEED A 2.0L 4CYL? WHOEVERS MAKING DECISIONS AT GM HAS BEEN MAKING A LOT OF DECISIONS THAT DONT MAKE ANY SENSE THEY REALLY NEED TO CHANGE A LOT OF THINGS AT GM GET SOME PPL IN THERE THAT ARE RISK TAKERS AND KNOW WHAT THE CONSUMERS/CUSTOMERS WANT GM IS SURVING BY THE SKIN OF THEIR TEETH AND I CANT SEE WHY THEY ARE OK WITH THAT IM A LOYAL GM FAN,BUT GM NEED TO SURPASS THE COMPETITION NOT BE ON THE SAME LEVEL AS THE COMPETITION THINGS COULD BE BETTER OVER THERE ITS SEEMS LIKE THE GENERAL HAS LOST ITS FOCUS AND VISION OVER THE YEARS
@GMPISSEDFAN Do you call over $1.5 billion in profit “surviving by their teeth”? I sure as heck don’t:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2012/10/general-motors-announces-q3-2012-income-of-1-5-billion/
But more to the point: how do you know that the market isn’t demanding a turbo-charged engine in the Camaro — especially when all signs point to buyers moving towards smaller and more mainstream sports cars such as the Hyundai Genesis Coupe? On top of that, a six and an eight will most likely remain available. I don’t see the problem…
Would a new Tri-Power or two four barrel 427 indicate better focus, or were you being facetious?
GMPissed, have you heard of the new EPA MPG requirements?
You should be GMThrilleded that they will still offer a V8. Somehow the auto companies find a way to keep performance and excitement at affordable prices even though they are FORCED to meet anti performance requirements (ie weight adding safety requirements and MPG targets).
Power to weight could work, plus the new MPG laws coming up, what else can you do, I’m sure there still will be a high horse V/8 option, i say go for it, just make it look as good or better.
Yeah, regulations pretty much make the turbo 4 necessary, and 300hp is no slouch, especially if the next car loses 300lbs. I like the thought of a twin-turbo 6 as the bread-and-butter engine with around 400hp, then an SS with a V8 and about 450 hp. Not sure a ZL-1 will make it with tightening regulations, except maybe in very limited numbers.
Always love how HP has changed.
My 62 vette weighs 3137# and has ~320HP (~220 hp base) SAE
12 vette weighs 3208# and has 430 hp base
12 camaro weighs 3750# and has 312 hp base.
I cannot tell you the MPG of my 62 vette. But it must be under 10.
Now we are asking a 4 cylinder to have 300 hp and for some that is not enough.
lol so true, 62vettefp. Reminds me of being at a classic and muscle car show this summer and a friend commented that he still likes those old cars, but his current car, which is totally stock, could kick the ass of pretty much any of them. And I added it would brake, corner, and get twice the fuel economy too. He has a CTS-V. 🙂
After reading all of this, I will be sure to never let my 2011 Camaro go. She’s my 4th Camaro, and if what you’ve all been talking about comes to pass, she’ll be my last. Muscle cars should not be competing for the market share of those who buy Hyundai Genesis coupes. It seems much more reasonable to introduce an (aforementioned) intro rear-drive car to the Chevy lineup than destroy the Camaro legacy by turning it into rice-burner competition. And I know many 5th gen owners who feel the same way.
Thank you Jersey Girl, perfectly said. Who in the heck would want to destroy a legacy like the Camaro and put a 4 banger in it?
Bring back the Cobalt or HHR SS and turn up the tuning table. Leave the 2.0l turbo market alone. It’s already congested. With the CLA coming out from Mercedes Benz in ’14 it will be too much for GM to handle taking a hit on the 2.0l turbo ATS.
STOP THE INSANITY!