While photos of the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro have leaked and alleged engine specifications have surfaced (surprise, there’s a four cylinder!), we’re just coming up to the tip of the iceberg when it comes to knowing what the American icon has in store for us. But this post isn’t about the obvious. It’s not going to highlight how we all want to see a sixth-generation Camaro Z/28 or how we think the ZL1 should have the mighty LT4 supercharged V8. Because, duh.
Instead, we’ve brainstormed five points where we think the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro program could build on the already expansive fifth-generation portfolio. In short, we want to see new variants or features that could be absolute killer apps. Here goes…
Return Of The IROC Nameplate
Despite the International Race of Champions folding in 2006, we feel the name still resonates with Camaro enthusiasts. Dating back to the third-generation model, the IROC Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 (IROC-Z) featured an upgraded suspension, which in turn came with a lowered ride height and specially valved Delco-Bilstein shocks. The IROC-Z also had larger diameter sway bars, a “wonder bar” steering/frame brace, an optional Tuned Port Injection system taken from the Corvette at the time along with the same make of Goodyear Gatorback tires, and special badging to compliment the unique aluminum 18-inch offset wheels.
In the Camaro family hierarchy, the IROC-Z model slotted just below the Camaro 1LE. We hope there will be enough wiggle room for the sixth-generation Camaro to offer up something similar. Perhaps as a V6 performance package, whereas the 1LE could be reserved for V8-powered SS models, just as it stands today.
Hydraulic/Manual Steering
As good as GM has gotten at electronic steering calibration, there’s no substitute for the genuine telepathy that hydraulic steering, or even manual steering can provide. There are some drawbacks, such as added weight (with the hydraulic system) and a much harder steering effort at lower speeds (with the manual steering). But as any old-school purist can attest, the return of such a raw and real feeling is largely worth it. Maybe an electric steering system that cuts out at higher speeds could be the answer here. We’re practically salivating at the thought of a combination of the proven Alpha Platform underpinning the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro with a manual rack. We hope the engineers are, too.
A Roller, Sans Engine/Transmission
As seen with the fifth-generation model, Chevrolet Performance offering a rolling chassis Camaro is not impossible. And a sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro roller would not only be an interesting concept, but a unique one. The possibilities could be endless here. Imagine ordering a Camaro roller, and then ordering one of the many, many crate motors and transmissions from the Chevrolet Performance Parts catalog to fill the engine bay. Like… the LSX454R, for example.
GT3 Race Car
You could argue that between factory-backed Cadillac Racing and Corvette Racing teams, there’s little room for something like a Camaro GT3 race car. But that hasn’t stopped something the Camaro Z/28.R from happening. We hope to see more emphasis on the Chevrolet Camaro’s racing endeavors this go-round. Perhaps a company like Callaway, which builds GT3 C7 Corvettes for privateer teams, could assist.
PPV Model
Johnny Law is with no shortage of toys these days. So, would a Chevrolet Camaro police interceptor really be necessary? Well, yes. Mostly because we would like a decommissioned one in the driveway.
Comments
How about a really reliable automatic transmission that you can really beat on and it keeps on ticking? 😉
The Auto on the 5th gen was never a major issue for failure but the new 8 speed is nearly bullet proof and shifts very fast. It will be a step up so nothing to want for here.
You will not see an IROC. Why because of two reasons. 1 there is no IROC series anymore. 2 GM will not pay for the name rights again.
The car will have electric steering as the Cadillac and Corvette have proven the new electric systems to be first class on feedback today.
The Camaro will remain with Stevenson Motorsports and continue in the Continental series as it is one of the best racing series and is head to head with the best Mustang teams. It is like the old Trans Am series. It also does not conflict with Corvette. You spread out your motorsports not pile them into one class.
You will also see a strong presents of Camaro in NHRA with Pro Stock and the John Force racing funny cars.
Bodies in while will be available as they have been for years. No rollers as generally anyone buying a body will trash the stock suspension anyways.
How about a 4 door derivative– Like dodge has with the challenger and charger?
Perfect sounding name plate would be Chevelle. I know the 2 door Chevelle was more iconic, but they built ole Ty of 4D chevelles. My mom had one.
I like the idea of a 4 door sedan based on this platform but it would not share anything in styling with the Camaro.
The Chevelle name would work and make it to replace the SS model which essentially shared Camaro platform.
Like the idea or not the 4 door is the only way it would happen as the Camaro fills the coupe roll now. People forget how many Chevelle hardtop sedans there were over the years as few were saved or restored. Today a sporty RWD sedan here would be a nice fit.
Manual steering? LOL, like that’s going to happen.
I would like to see an IROC racing series again, but that’s not happening either. I can’t believe nobody could find the money to keep it going.
Jim the fact is racing is in a bad hurt now even in NASCAR, NHRA and INDY. Top teams are taking on multiple sponsors because they can get enough money from one anymore.
IROC lasted longer than it ever was expected to and with the stagnate economy it would be tough to bring back unless someone with a lot of love for it and a lot of money wanted to bring it back.
It would have been so easy to drop the cabin beltline down 2 or three inches to meet the curved crease arching up over the rear fender line . It wouldn’t have hurt the appearance and open up cabin visibility . Or , making the windshield an inch or two more vertical would have been even better and allowed for headroom and higher seating position . This current GM FAD to create a hot ? vehicle to enable this company to be relevant in today’s marketplace spills over to Buick , and Chevrolet cars . The 2014 Impala is probably being outsold by the 2012 fleet model , Buick car sales are soft and Cadillac cars are going nowhere . However, if you notice the newly introduced Caddie models , the greenhouse area is enhanced and the rear windows add visibility with a lower trunk line . Car sales are decreasing due to the huge popularity for crossovers , so more models being offered by GM will not solve the poor sales performance….why not just offer the buyers what they want , understated trim/tight exteriors with all around good visibility to open up the interiors to the max ?