General Motors has revealed the all-new 2016 Chevrolet Camaro at a special media event at Detroit’s Belle Isle, showing off a slimmer, sleeker pony car with a whole host of chassis and powertrain improvements.
First and foremost, the 2016 Camaro is lighter. Underpinned by GM’s global Alpha platform, the new car is more than 200lbs lighter than its predecessor. Backing up that weight loss is a full suite of new and upgraded engines, topped off by a 455-horsepower, direct-injected, 6.2L LT1 V8.
Earlier reports were correct regarding the available engine configurations in the new Camaro, but weren’t quite there on the horsepower figures. The V8’s 455 horsepower is backed up by 455 lb-ft of torque. Next down the line from the V8 is a 3.6L V6 boasting 335 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. The base engine is a two-liter, 275-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder.
For the first time, the Camaro SS will be available with GM’s Magnetic Ride Control active suspension, previously available only on the supercharged ZL1. Drivers can switch between three different programs that manage damper adjustments for various conditions or driving styles. Engineers have also improved the Camaro’s active exhaust system. Electronically-controlled valves can bypass the mufflers, improving performance and creating a louder sound. Alternatively, the valves can be set to a ‘stealth’ mode that is quieter than usual.
Also available on all Camaros will be a drive mode selector, allowing drivers to choose from modes that tailor multiple vehicle systems to varying conditions. Available modes will include “Snow/Ice,” “Tour,” and “Sport.” SS models will also feature a “Track” mode.
The new Camaro’s exterior styling is more evolutionary than revolutionary, carrying forward the vaguely retro-modern aethetic of the previous generation. Details here and there have been upgraded to accommodate new tech, including LED lighting.
The interior is all-new as well, featuring a “shifter-focused” center console, revised controls, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. GM promises higher quality materials throughout.
The engineering teams used structural modeling to improve stiffness by 28 percent compared to the current model, despite the chassis’ weight reduction. Steering and suspension components are said to have been engineered without as much need to compensate for chassis flex. With a curb-weight reduction of more than 200 pounds, engineers were able to reduce unsprung weight by scaling the wheels, tires and brakes for the lighter vehicle. 70% of the chassis architecture is unique to the Camaro.