It’s not uncommon to see pre-production prototypes testing alongside different models. BMW’s F10-generation M5 has been spotted alongside 2016 Cadillac CTS-V prototypes and General Motors even acquired its own M4 for benchmarking its upcoming 2016 ATS-V against.
It makes sense to see those cars testing alongside one another, as they are models which will eventually compete against one another in the marketplace. We’re having trouble thinking of a reason why Chevrolet might be testing third-generation Camaros alongside its new Alpha-based sixth-gen model, though.
The photos first surfaced on Autoblog and show a very clean third-generation Camaro testing alongside some heavily camouflaged sixth-generation models. The sixth-gen Camaros appear to be V6 models, as they are sporting only dual-exit tailpipes, not the quad tailpipe set up seen on the V8 Camaro at the Nurburgring. The photographer also said the third-gen Camaro was emitting a V6-sounding engine note, leading us to believe it’s a powertrain development mule of some sort.
If the 80s car is a development mule, our only question is why? Chevrolet did away with much of the Camaro’s camouflage for its Nurburgring testing laps, so clearly they aren’t too worried about letting their design leak a little early.
Check out the photos here and let us know what you think the third-gen test models are hiding in the comments below.
Comments
Maybe they’re tryin to inject a little more of the “mullet” attitude back into the Camaro…
I don’t know about the 80s Camaro, but one thing I do want to point it is that I see a lot of the Stingray in the rear quarter panel of the next gen Camaro. The shelf along the scoop over the rear tires is very familiar looking. The rear in general is very Corvette with its flat look across the back. This particular model to me looks like its the convertible, mostly due to the longer, flatter deck lid compared to the models running around the Nurburbring.
That’s no standard F-body. It is riding high on it’s IROC wheels. Hood looks interesting too – like it hiding something taller than the standard engine. Definately not just a repaint of an old car…
I was gonna say t tops but the old ones being tested did not have them.
Maybe GM’s playful hint at a 4 cylinder turbo Camaro? The 3rd gen was the first Camaro with a 4 cylinder engine.
Well I rather do not believe we will ever see a t top as long as a convertible is offered. Not much sense in doing both.
Also with no real tires or suspensions on these older cars I suspect they are drivetrain test mules. They are more than likely using them for dialing in the emission and tuning on the engines in these cars. It is a very good chance the Turbo 4 is in one.
Keep in mind GM used a 4th Gen Camaro as a mule for the 5th gen Corvette. It was called a Cor-maro and I believe it is in the Bowling Green Museum yet today.
Even the ATS was tested under the last gen CTS body.