What’s your initial impression of the 2016 Camaro?
Most seem to like the evolutionary looks employed by Chevrolet’s performance styling department, lead by Tom Peters, while a minority of others can’t seem to get past its similarities to the current vehicle.
While we’re sure much of the initial discontent will eventually fade into the background (remember initial reaction to the current Camaro and Stingray?), it would be interesting to know why Chevrolet’s designers chose to style the Camaro the way they did. Step forward, Tom Peters (who was also responsible for overseeing the designs of the C6 and C7 Corvettes and fifth-generation Camaro).
Peters recently sat down with Hot Rod Magazine to provide a complete overview of the various styling elements found on Camaro six. We’ve summed up many of his main points below but it’s definitely worth hitting up HRM’s full article if you want to get the full scoop. But here we’ve provided some cliff notes.
Front End
– Narrower with smaller, more squished projector beam headlights, Peters and his team opted for a front end that’s less “mad attitude” and more “in-the-hunt”– aggressive, but not wildly so.
– The team did hundreds of sketches for the front end and decided to stick with the narrow, wide front grill to emphasize the width of the car. The vents in the hood also help reduce pressure for better lift and heat soak.
– Like the current C7 Corvette, the front end and hood is a lot more sculpted than the previous generation. Just look at all the lines, creases and design elements in the hood.
Greenhouse
– Some owners complained the windows on the fifth gen vehicle were too small, but the team decided, “it won’t be a Camaro” with a large greenhouse. However, new rear view cameras, “better mirror technology” as well as side view and interior sensors are sure to help those wishing for more glass.
Back End
– Bulging rear quarter panels look both modern and classic while adding a look of power and strength.
– Chevrolet could have easily ditched the Mohawk (the indent in the top), but Camaro owners really like the look so the team decided to make it both longer and deeper.
– Unlike the fifth gen Camaro (and other old Camaros like the ’69), Camaro six doesn’t have side gills. Though Ed Welburn wanted them, the team eventually decided it had already been done and conceded they don’t look very sophisticated anyway.
– The gen six employs a smaller rear overhang, one that features a lot more sculpted lines and creases– just like the front.
– The rear quarter panel features a crisper, more defined crease around the window– you’d be right in thinking it looks a bit Stingray-esque.
– The team decided not to split the rear lights, instead opting for a more horizontal, more “jewel-like” single-fixture approach.
Horsepower and grip take the win.
Amid a legal battle with a GM supplier.
With multiple model years recommended.
Generally following the market trend.
View Comments
I like the current Camaro more as I'm a fan of big cars, weight be damned. I also like the current front facada more.
I do however love nothing the front and real lights. The rear tail lamps remind me of a 73Chevelle we had when I was a kid.
In my opinion , the goofy grin on his face tells it all , he's a legend in his own mind . This design of 110 inch wheelbase , is in the same vicinity as mid sized car segment of Camry , Fusion , Nissan Altima etc etc . With the gun slit windows , horrid sight lines and saves a whopping 200 lbs , does what ?? Bring a new dimension to the pony car segment or bring a new vision , perhaps based on the the famed previous generations birthplace ? No , it is simply a slave to the last model and suitable only to those of a certain height and weight . This isn't a car for every man , it is just a large sports car and to me this is just GM doing what it does best , be conservative , be unimaginative . Leave the new designs to Cadillac , I suppose !.
The only vehicle design that stirs my soul is the Buick Avenir....developed by the Aussies at Holden , I think GM , this bloated corporate giant , needs to can all it's Chevrolet designers , bring in a new batch that are not steeped in the old GM mentality ....try some of the Chinese or what's left of the Aussie contingent .
I think , several misadventures with the Malibu , a new Impala with severely sloped windshield , high beltline , giving compromised front , side and rear sight lines , component quality issues and disappointing sales . In my opinion , Chevrolet could tank if it weren't for the Equinox/Terrain and the Pickup lines .
I think you simply don't like GM. Why don't you go buy a Ford.
I love the new Camaro. I believe it will sell very well. That it is lighter, more powerful and I am so glad that the Camaro is getting new engines, and the 8 speed auto transmission right out. But, I will miss the side gills, so what if it was done before, it gave some character to the side profile. I have it on my 2011 RS, and it does not get old. I guess the aftermarket will pick up the slack.
I doent like that the beltline is still high...and the there are using technoligy intead of lowering the beltline giving the body good visiblity
I am a lover of Opel. Opel is part of GM. had the other manufacturers. I wish that GM would be the best. that Opel would be the best. But, unfortunately, is not so. The worst thing is when people are blind. and do not recognize themselves in trouble. There are certainly satisfied. For whom is this normal. big old w8 rwd and smoke tires and thats it and i am happy. big porsshe, ferrari rwd smoke tires do
I wish they kept the side gills. Don't care if they are retro, many people love the retro look. Honestly wish they would go back to the larger top grill and smaller bottom, it resembled the 1st Gen more. Come on at least bring back the side gills. I like the new camaro over all, I like the new back end looks. But the front and sides to me don't look as good as the 5th Gen does.
I like the new Camaro, but danged if they didn't go and make the car's outlines--especially around the roof & window lines, if you squint a little--look like the old Ford Torinos and Aussie Falcons. Good ol' GM--they're like that kid in class that's always copying off the other kids' desks.
Why is the camaro so easy to steal lost 2 to enemy action2013 zl1 and 2015zl1 thats a lot of money invested ,why should i buy agin .please someone contact me .email.
"The team decided, “it won’t be a Camaro” with a large greenhouse."
This is like saying "but it won't be a Camaro if it outsells the Mustang!"
GM: a collection of brilliant engineers under the jackboot of a mediocre bureaucracy of golf buddies.