Say hello to the all-new 2016 Chevy Camaro. Revealed today at the Detroit Belle Isle to a roaring aggregation of Camaro owners, enthusiasts, and fans, the model marks the sixth generation of the sports car and brings higher levels of performance, technology, and refinement.
To underscore how “all-new” the 2016 Camaro is, consider that only two parts carry over from the fifth-generation Camaro to the new sixth-gen. The two parts in question are the rear bowtie emblem and the SS badge.
From the outset, the new Camaro was developed to provide a faster, more nimble driving experience. This is enabled by an all-new vehicle architecture and by an all-new powertrain lineup that is broader and more efficient.
Lightweight Architecture
Engineers were tasked with making the 2016 Camaro as lean as possible. In doing so, the 2016 Camaro switches from GM’s Zeta vehicle architecture to the new Alpha platform, which is also used by the Cadillac ATS and third-generation CTS.
Designers evaluated every aspect of its architecture, which already is the most mass-efficient ever created by GM, and various supporting elements. Saving grams here and pounds there contributes to the car’s lower curb weight. As a result, the total curb weight for Camaro has been reduced by more than 200 pounds (90 kg) or more, depending on the model, compared to the fifth-generation Camaro. This creates a more nimble and more responsive driving experience while also allowing the the 2016 Camaro to be the most efficient Camaro ever.
Powerful And Efficient Engines
Three engine choices will be offered at launch:
- The base 2016 Camaro will be powered by GM’s ubiquitous 2.0-liter LTG turbo-charged inline-four making 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque
- The optional mid-level motor on the 2016 Camaro is GM’s all-new 3.6-liter LGX naturally-aspirated V6 making 335 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque
- The 2016 Camaro SS engine is the 6.2-liter LT1 naturally-aspired V8 making 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque
All three engines can be mated to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.
Refined, Evolutionary Exterior Design
On the outside, the 2016 Camaro is more sculpted and more muscular, but the theme is more evolutionary than revolutionary. The vehicle appears significantly lower and wider than before, even though it is within two inches of the exterior dimensions of the fifth-gen model. Engineers spent countless hours in the wind tunnel to improve cooling and reduce aerodynamic lift and drag. The result is a design that not only communicates the performance capabilities of the new Camaro, but also contributes to them.
All-New, Driver-Focused Interior
The interior is all-new, yet instantly recognizable as a Camaro. The instrument panel, for example, is a departure from the fifth-generation Camaro, but retains the Camaro’s familiar dual-binnacle-style instrument cluster hood. An available eight-inch-diagonal high-definition instrumentation screen can be configured to provide additional information including navigation, performance, and infotainment features. Another eight-inch screen, integrated in the center of the instrument panel, serves as the interface for the enhanced, next-generation MyLink infotainment system.
Advanced, Capable Chassis
The Camaro features a new, multi-link MacPherson strut front suspension with Camaro-specific geometry. The double-pivot design provides a more precise feeling of control, including more linear and communicative feel from the quick-ratio electric power steering system. At the rear, a new five-link independent suspension yields outstanding wheel control and reduces “squat” during acceleration.
In addition, the Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) is available on the Camaro SS for the first time. Previously limited to the Camaro ZL1, MRC reads road and driving conditions 1,000 times per second, and automatically adjusts the damper settings to optimize ride comfort and control.
The updates result in a car that drives differently than any other Camaro before it.
“The driving experience is significantly different,” said Aaron Link, lead development engineer. “Immediately, you will notice how much lighter and more nimble the Camaro feels. That feeling increases when you drive the Camaro harder – it brakes more powerfully, dives into corners quicker, and accelerates faster than ever.”
All Camaro models offer Brembo brakes – they’re standard on SS – optimized for the car’s mass and performance capability. On Camaro LT, the available brakes include 12.6-inch (320 mm) front rotors with four-piston calipers and 12.4-inch (315 mm) rear rotors with single-piston sliding calipers. Camaro SS employs 13.6-inch (345 mm) front rotors with four-piston fixed calipers and 13.3-inch (338 mm) rear rotors with four-piston fixed calipers.
Goodyear tires are used on all models: The LT features standard 18-inch wheels wrapped with Goodyear Eagle Sport all-season tires and available 20-inch wheels matched with Eagle F1 Asymmetric all-season run-flat tires. Camaro SS features standard 20-inch aluminum wheels with Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 run-flat tires.
With improved handling and performance, the Camaro SS delivers better lap times than the fifth-generation’s track-focused Camaro 1LE package.
Available Late 2015, Built In Michigan
The sixth-generation, 2016 Camaro goes on sale later in 2015. It will be offered in LT and SS models. The 2016 Camaro will be produced at GM’s Lansing Grand River assembly plant in Lansing, Michigan.
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Comments
Yes! Finally got to see it, I’m impressed with what they done. And 455 hp/toque great job.. handles better than last gen 1LE, puts down faster lap times so I know it could beat the mustang for sure.. Man it looks so good, the TV pics of course left me empth but this is really truly better than the gen 5..
These engines seemed to be very enticing. Ok folks, this design is evolutionary, but it looks refined. Also, from the information up to this point, I think that the Mustang will not be holding that # 1spot in this segment for too long.
I proclaim a WINNER! Didn’t like yesterdays spy photos, but this looks great! Can’t wait to sell a few!
will there be a track pack for the cars?
Like a 1le? would be cool to see those packs trickle down to the 4 cylinder and v6 too
Stay tuned on this 🙂
well done GM! The engine spec leaks were wrong. 455hp and tq, this is the pony car to buy.
http://www.chevrolet.com/2016-camaro/
This is why I did not pass judgment yesterday. The car holds a little 5th gen a little heritage of the past models and some C7 in the quarter panels and roof line. There is something here for everyone to latch onto.
Now on the other hand I love the interior all but the radio or the center multi panel in the center. It looks like an add on GPS unit. To improve the rest as they did and put that there is puzzling.
I love the blue!!!!!
The wing trash it but I like the lip spoiler it looks more integral and part of the car vs. the wing that looked tacked on.
They did good all accounts and only missed on a couple subjective small things.
Push Button START! Image 9 looks as if the whole chrome bezel around the aircraft like air outlet, becomes the knob to raise and lower the temp, as well as dual zone climate control. Not to mention the 200 mph speedo! I’m stoked!
OMG 455 hp I want one if they have improved the visibility.
C&D says they have:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2016-chevrolet-camaro-prototype-drive-review
And……it looks a lot like we thought it would, even better. I even like the interior changes. YEEHAW!!!
Car looks great and you can see how Chevy is really tying in their design language across their products. Some shots you can see a lot of Corvette C7 in it, which is not a bad thing.
While looks are always subjective, one thing is not subjective…performance. This car will beat the Mustang on every trim level, hands down. A true driver’s car.
Interior seems to have taken a huge step forward, and the powertrain and driving dynamics are very impressive. Its just a pity they couldn’t address the main drawback of this car, which is the terrible outward visibility
I’ve read a lot of negative comments on other sites. But I like it. And I like the front end treatment of the RS better than the SS which looks busy like a cheese grater looks busy. I don’t get the line button underneath the screen…almost tucked away and will force inattention from the road to make changes to heating and cooling. I like the styling, especially how they corrected the 5 gen rear quarter panel flair out abruptness at the door seam. The transition now takes place within the quarter panel. Good job!
Take the negative with a grain of salt as every Camaro as well as Vette always have a initial 40% love 40% hate and 10% indifferent. In the end 90% end up fine with it after they spend some time with one in person.
Then you always have your Mustang people who comment and will never like it.
Anyone remember the C7 at first and the initial reaction compared to now.
This car will do very well in sales and in over all refinement and performance.
This will be the most refined Camaro ever built. It is the first time one was funded in a way in development that it could take advantage off all areas and not just some.
Love the front facada. This should be the face of all Chevrolet cars–starting with new Malibu and Cruze.
This would make a nice sedan to challenge Charger and replace SS.
This generation is modern, something that will appeal to non Boomers which is very important for Chevy.
I love the new engine and reduced weight but please put a proper hand brake. I feel like all my fellow drifters and I just died a little with that electronic parking brake nonsense.
With 455 HP you don’t need a sticking P brake to drift Just the gas pedal! LOL!
If you can’t get a car with 455hp and 455tq to drift without a handbrake….
Pulling the ebrake is a must for immediate and sudden angle adjustments. Especially when you are deep into a drift and need to really get the tail to rotate around like NOW.
In the end a Electronic brake isn’t that big of a deal, because when you get serious most drifters just install a hydraulic lever actuated set-up anyway.
love the interior, looks real refined. I wonder if the 8″ center screen is standard across all trims or will base trims get a smaller screen? I know they said already the cluster screen is optional. This car is going to be a great seller and as Scott said initial reception is mostly always luke warm until reviews start pouring in.
There goes the truck fund! how about a ute with that SS front end!!!
I will admit; I AM pleasantly surprised with the overall result of the 6th gen. I was looking at 5th gen Camaro’s today on my way home from work and realized – at least to my eyes – that every single one looked painfully obsolete in comparison to this! Good job GM.
Now is it strange that I prefer the Turbo 4 and v6 nose to the SS front end?
Looks too much like the Gen5. For an extra 10 G’s , I can buy a C7.