After months of speculation, renderings and illustrations, a prototype of the sixth-generation 2016 Camaro has been spied undergoing testing. It’s nice to finally see the real thing, but don’t get too excited, because Chevrolet did an excellent job covering it up with secret-concealing camouflage.
While expertly disguised, you can still make out a few changes on the prototype over the current car. The A-Pillar looks more sharply raked and the front fascia appears to incorporate a low-hanging front diffuser. There are also dual vents on the hood and large wheels with low profile rubber. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to make out anything except for the quad exhaust tips from the B-pillar backward.
From what we can tell, this prototype supports claims we heard in March which stated the styling of the Alpha-based Camaro would be an evolution of the fifth-gen car. This is evident in the similarly shaped greenhouse, high beltline and nearly identical grille. The overall design looks slimmer compared to the Zeta-based car, however.
Underpinning the 2016 Camaro will be an extended version of the Alpha platform currently used in the compact Cadillac ATS and mid-sized CTS. Engine options are currently unknown, but expect the usual run of V8 and V6 options with a 2.0-liter turbocharged unit potentially making an appearance.
The photos don’t show much, but give us enough to say that if you were a fan of the current Camaro, you will have little not to like about the next-generation car. We should see the whole thing at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next year. For now, check out all the photos here and let us know what you think in the comments.
Comments
To much camo it looks to puffy. Can’t tell what’s under three. It looks like the back window could be curved like the 75 to 81 camaro.
Oh Christ, it looks like they’re going the conservative route. I was hoping for a more radical departure from today’s car.
Can’t tell a whole lot from these, too much camo, but the overall profile looks very similar.
While it will have some of the old look it will be much slimmer and less bulky.
The car will be lower and smaller than the present car but with the same wheel base. The shape will be more tapered to the rear than the last one. you can see that clearly in the greenhouse area.
I expect around 500 pounds less weight.
I really do not know why they keep posting the Turbo 4 unless something has changed as Al Oppenheiser clearly stated no 4 cylinder in the Camaro.
At least now they can stop with all the foolish concept drawings and get to something more realistic. This is why I have been so critical as they were so off base in many cases.
the last one the guy did in red was a little closer to what you will see just ignore the major body work in the doors as it would be too hard to make in steel.
The Camaro will be more sports car GT 2+2 like vs. more upright and boxy.
While it will carry some traits over it will never be mistaken for the 5th gen trust me on that.
Note these photos I suspect were not by accident. GM would never have let this many photos get out in this many direction by accident. Nor would it have been parked by two other vehicles to give perspective.
GM here I suspect is countering the GT 350 stories and now Ford all of a sudden releases the power numbers. Folks the war has begun.
I know Chris Doane and he has let us know in the past that GM will give him access at time to photo things they want seen. The spy photogs get a bone tossed to them from time to time. Even Dunne in his book stated how he at times would work with companies when they had a need to leak.
I would look to Detroit bases on these photo’s this will be the big intro this year.
Ladies and gentlemen; the “Muscle” war recommences.
The Mustang is on the road to full resurrection, aesthetics more efficient aerodynamics, more advanced engines and yield much improved
The Challenger does battle with his charisma, and his impressive 700 HP block, this in evocative body reminiscent of the 70’s Partners
Now it’s time for GM, and see what it does with the Camaro, I think he will drop weight, increase aerodynamic, improve interior design, and better fuel economy
Maybe lose some some aggressiveness …….. but will be a wonderful car
Regards From Spain
This will still be a two way fight with Ford and Chevy as the Hellcat is a hail Mary for a very over due car for replacement. The next model will not get that much power as MPG issues will become more and more tighter. The automakers will make
The Hellcat is a hell of a engine but the car is lacking and will lack till it is replaced. Chrysler is just that far behind and Fiat is that tight on money. This is why we see VW rumors of buying FIat.
VW is looking for strength in size an volume while Fiat has bitten off more than they could chew. They thought the Jeeps and Trucks from Chrysler would bail them out but their problems are much deeper. things are tough for everyone in the auto industry.
Ford will get a punch up here first but GM will counter with a car that will be better refined bases on the extra input by Cadillac into the Alpha. Cadillac’s work will make a world of difference in this car. We have already seen it in the Impala as it is a much better car than it would have been at that price if Cadillac had not use the same platform for the XTS.
What is that impala goffing around with that weird exhaust pipe?
Maybe a diesel impala? The chevy trucks with the diesel engine get a different exhaust tip than the regular gas trucks.
My dream 6th gen camaro:
Loses 600lbs to weigh in around 3300-3400
Visibility so you can see out of the car.
Actual trunk
Alpha platform with standard limited slip diff
Same old V6 is just fine by me, maybe mated to a new transmission? 8 speed auto? V8 would be sweet.
Well you will get the weight loss but I would be iffy for 3300-3400. I hope you are right but I will be a little more concervitive on that number.
Visiability will be better. The roof will still be low but I expect some work in the V pillar and the nose will be a little lower.
Trunk? What Camaro ever had a real trunk other than the hatch. Sorry I do not see this getting better unless they are hiding a hatch under the covers.
You will get a Alpha but limited slip will remain an option. Not all people want it in a V6 and it keeps the price lower.
You will get a 8 Speed as they will have enough of them by the time of production. Auto only for 8 gears.
I think you will be happy for the most part.
The war is on and so far in my opinion the challenger has won round 1….Complain all you want on the 4300 lb monster but its fact the showroom model ran a blazing 1/4 mile in …..11.2 – add slicks and its 10.8 – add nitrous and its WOW off the charts. Camaro LT4 option with a wgt of 3600 lbs and shabam….could be a 11 second car too. Now for the Mustang GT500 with the mighty worked over 5.8 brute to push the magic number of 700 hp. Now its a battle of the monster modern muscle cars. I myself want a touring vehicle since we will be heading out to lap the US with 100s of muscle heads in 2016. The new hellcat will be in my garage by then. It has a real trunk and the grandkids can fit comfortably in the back seat. My daughters 392 challenger is awesome and driving it on the highway is like being on a cloud. I love my older vette but with the Z06 price rumored to be close to 100k its out of the picture.
The war began a long time ago, up until now the Dodge was the lame duck and the slow car at the track, even the 392 isn’t much faster than a Camaro SS, but they’ve had the ZL1 with 580hp for years. So Dodge won round 1? No, more like a right hook in the 3rd round. While Dodge built the ultimate burnout machine, Chevy is building the ultimate sports cars.
The Alpha based Camaro isn’t going to lose 500lbs either. 2-300lbs sounds about right. If you can get a mid line SS at 3850lbs that will be one mean machine. Don’t forget, the LT-1 makes a lot of torque and the Chevy’s are traditionally a little larger than Mustangs. The 2015 5.0 is just now catching up to LS3 performance while staying a little soft in the torque department. They are currently faster in a straight line only due to their weight (which has gone up for 15) and the SRA (which is dropped for an IRS in 15).
Dude! Everything you’re saying sounds amazing 🙂 Too good to be true – I’m most doubtful of the 8 speed auto, seeing as GM will likely reserve that for the newer V8s, and keep the DI V6 mated to the older 6 auto.
By trunk, I mean a mere trunk opening expansion. The current camaro has decent trunk space, but the opening is very small. If you compare this to the trunk on a mustang for example, you’ll see the mustang has a reasonable opening – that’s what I’m hoping for.
For those upset that this prototype looks too conservative underneath the camo, let me remind you that the camaro is one of Detroit’s most heavily guarded secrets, hell the Z/28 was code named “Steve,” Al openheiser and his team did a wonderful job on the 5th gen while using an outdated sedan’s platform, I believe he’ll do an even better job on the now legendary alpha.
I, in no way believe that a 2.0t I4 will be seen in the Camaro. However, I do wish that the 3.6L be replaced (in this model) by a 2.8t V6. Not only would it be more efficient with a smaller displacement and VVT, SIDI, IVVL, and VTM, but it would be more powerful with 330HP and 340-355LB-FT. An 8-Speed Automatic and 7-Speed Manual are quite obvious. The LT1 and LT4 are also bound to be in the Camaro for SS and ZL1 versions. If there were to be a Z/28, a new 5.3t V8 with VVT, SIDI, AFM, and VTM that punches out 525HP and 535-550LB-FT would be amazing! I like the idea of improving the current design. Perhaps Chevrolet is saving the “all-out” design for a Code-130r type vehicle.
You will not get a 2.8T and I do not see a 2.0 happening unless GM has changed their mind since Al spoke out and said no 4 cylinder.
Also don’t just assume the 2.8 Turbo would be all that efficient.
The Solstice with the Turbo Upgrade was making right at 300 HP and 340 FT LBS and making all sorts of good MPG in the 2.0T. The added 300 pounds would take away a little MPG but not all that much.
The lack of a 4 is they do not want to dilute the Camaro with a 4 yet as that was a tough sale in the 80’s and they have hopes of a small coupe but are having a tough time to justify it as sales are not all that great at the competitors RWD coupes. Cadillac and Chevy would both like to have a sub Alpha.
But as I have said the refinement of this car will be much different than we have ever seen in a Camaro. It will be stronger, more quiet and stiffer than any Camaro ever built. It will have the best interior materials ever used and we will see a car that is not just one that ran out of funding before it was finished like we are used to seeing in the Camaro and Corvette.
The refinement of the C7 is only a hint to what we will see here.
It’s obviously a smaller car, which is fine and has been expected all along. Smaller, lighter cars can be a blast to drive. The one thing you can see is the wheel/tire package. They “appear” smaller, just as they are on the ATS and CTS. The car in the pics is sporting quad exhaust which generally means a higher performance version? Smaller diameter 18″ wheels might be fine on the Cadillacs, but it’s not going to go over well in this segment. The “it saves weight” excuse is never going to cut it.
I do not think these are smaller than 18 inch.
What you have to understand is that larger wheel create more issues than help.
While 20’s look cool they add a lot of weight and it is unslung weight at that. This hurts handling and ride in a major way in something that is expected to sporting.
Also this weight and reduced diameters braking and often ride.
The key is to cut the profile of the car to better fit the look of the car. Also the lower car profile will add to a lower center of gravity.
I agree they look good large but there really is a price to pay.