Meet the Sixth Generation Chevy Camaro

Finally, the sixth generation Chevrolet Camaro from the 2016 model year is here! It was introduced two days ago at a special event at Detroit's Belle Isle Park. From what we can see, this car undoubtedly carries the spirit of Chevy's most popular car, but it is also lighter, more potent and features wide array of features. This basically means faster driving experience.

But, what's new here? Well, the new Camaro is leaner, it is built over a stiffer platform and features slightly smaller dimensions. Its size is accentuated by a sculpted exterior, tuned in the wind tunnel. The result is more aero-dynamism combined with better handling and efficiency.

As a matter of fact, there are only two things that have been kept from the previous generation: the rear bowtie emblem and the SS badge. To achieve this unique result, the Gen Six Camaro, Chevrolet has focused on three main points: performance, technology and design.

Exterior Design

The tighter and leaner stance of the Camaro has been created via the new light-weight architecture. It also makes the car more athletic and aerodynamic, because of its wider and lower look. Some of the new features of the exterior design are the LEDs, the ten exterior color choices (complemented by five interior color trims) and a lot of accessories.

In addition, the design was aerodynamically optimized after 350 hours of wind tunnel testing. The aim was to optimally minimize the drag on the LT models and enhance downforce on SS.

At the front the Camaro features cross-car grille/headlamp aperture, while at the back it adds expressive taillamps. Unlike other models, the SS have unique rear spoiler, but all models do share the more pronounced, sculpted roof panel. The last feature improves the rigidity of the roof.

Interior Design

As mentioned, the additional exterior color choices will be complemented by five interior color combinations. Furthermore, the cabin also benefits from the shifter-focused center console, the intuitive controls all over the place as well as the flat-bottom steering wheel.

All of the materials used for the upholstery of the interior are of the highest quality. Other cool features are the control rings around the air vents which are utilized for temperature and fan speed adjustments.

Technology

Nowadays cars are stuffed with technologies that make everything easier. There are three technology features exclusive to the Gen Six Camaro. The first one is the new Drive Mode Selector, which has the capability of tailoring up to eight vehicle attributes for four modes. The modes are as follows: Snow/Ice, Tour, Sport and Track. The last one comes only for the SS models.

The second feature is the Interior Spectrum Lighting, which can make the experience of the passengers amusing, because it offers 24 different ambient lighting effects on the dash, door panels, and center console. At last, the third feature is the high-definition configurable color display. There is also an additional screen but it comes on additional price.

Performance & Engines

The first thing regarding the performance that the engineers had to do is to make vehicle's body mass lighter. Hence, the new Camaro has shed more than 200 pounds of weight, thus achieving better driving experience and more responsiveness.

Next on the list were the engines. The range here features six different powertrain combinations. Common among them is that they are designed to show improved performance and efficiency.

In details, Camaro LT comes as a standard powered by 2.0L Turbo unit, which produces 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm). The 0-60 mph acceleration happens in less than six seconds, while the fuel consumption is more than 30 mpg on the highway. This means that this is the most fuel-efficient Camaro ever built.

The LT grade can be also equipped with the 3.6L V6. If this is the case, this means that we should expect 335 horsepower (250 kW) and 284 lb-ft of torque (385 Nm). Both engines can be mated to either the six-speed manual transmission or the Hydra-Matic 8L45 paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission.

At last, the most powerful Camaro is the SS and it is powered by the 6.2L LT1 V8 engine. We know this unit from the Corvette Stingray, but for the Camaro 20 percent of the components were changed and made specific for its architecture. The output of this engine is rated at 455 horses (339 kW) and 455 lb-ft of torque (617 Nm). This one can be connected to six-speed manual or Hydra-Matic 8L90 paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission.

Other vital performance features are the Magnetic Ride Control active suspension and the improved handling. Well, all Camaro models will have Brembo brakes, and will ride on Goodyear tires coupled with either 18-inch or 20-inch wheels.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro will go on sale later this year. It will be made available only in two grades: LT and SS.

Chevrolet Camaro (2016)