2016 Chevrolet Camaro Revealed: All-New Muscle Car Receives More Tech To Go With The Brawn

The sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro was revealed recently and featured a lot of improvements over its predecessor, offered in LT and SS models. A series of new powertrains, technologies, and most notably, an even more attention-grabbing design are just among the things that will further worry its closest rival, the Ford Mustang.

Being an American muscle car, we begin with the power, naturally. Available are three powerplants beginning with a mild 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot (275hp/400Nm) to a slightly more exciting 3.6-litre V6 (335hp/385Nm) while at the top sits a new 6.2-litre LT1 V8 borrowed from the Corvette Stingray providing 455hp and 617Nm of torque. Each engine can be paired to either a six-speed manual or Hydra-Matic paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission.

Matching the impressive power outputs is a new sculpted exterior design that is more aggressive than before while retaining the Camaro’s distinct look with sharper lines at the front and rear. The new shape is a result of Chevrolet’s 350 hours of wind tunnel testing aimed at optimising aerodynamic efficiency. Overall, the new car is shorter, thinner, and shorter than its outgoing model.

These details include a subtle “air curtain” which channels air around the wheels to reduce drag. Elsewhere, there are integrated brake cooling ducts and a unique hood with functional air vents, which improve engine cooling and reduce front lift. Also featured are LED headlamps, reserved for the higher-spec variants.

Inside, the cabin receives a new design as well with an eight-inch display screen serving as the interface for the next-generation MyLink system. The climate system controls are now integrated into rings surrounding the air ducts as well to improve cabin space. As Chevrolet puts it, “Although the interior is an all new design, it is still instinctively recognizable as a Camaro.”

The changes aren’t limited to what can be seen either. Beneath the metal, the all-new Camaro’s platform is 28% more rigid than before and total curb weight is now 90kg lighter, courtesy of unique architectural components of which 70% are unique to it.

Handling is also unlike the stereotypical American muscle cars of old either. Multi-link MacPherson struts make up the front suspension while the rear receives a new five-link independent suspension setup. The SS variant is now available with Magnetic Ride Control for improved ride and control as well. Drivers will have access to the all-new Drive Mode Selector that sets up the vehicle according to four available modes - Snow/Ice, Tour, Sport, and – on SS models – Track settings.

Goodyear Eagle Sport tyres are fitted as standard on the LT model, wrapping around 18-inch wheels. However, 20-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric run-flat tyres are also available on the higher variants. Brembo brakes handle the stopping requirements. Where the LT gets 320mm with four-piston callipers up front and 315mm rear single-pistons at the back, the SS models has larger 345mm front and 338 mm rear rotors, each clamped by four-piston calipers.

All these enhancements in performance and handling add up to considerable effect. Chevrolet claims the all-new Camaro SS delivers better lap times than the fifth-generation’s track-focused Camaro 1LE package which is a considerable machine as it is.
 

Watch the reveal here: