New 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, Improved Spirit

During the last few weeks, Chevrolet has been revealing little by little its latest model, the new Chevrolet Camaro 2016. Finally, the sixth generation of what is one of the most iconic American sports cars has been presented. It arrives to rival the also new Ford Mustang and uses the same recipe: make everything better. It offers more technology, new engines, higher levels of efficiency and better performance than its predecessor.

It is not particularly innovative in terms of design, it adopts more fluid lines, but retains that characteristic musculature of the fifth generation, which tries to evoke the original model. Despite being a completely new model, and smaller in size, it is still recognizable as a Camaro. The aerodynamics have been optimized during more than 350 hours in the wind tunnel.

The body is smaller in all its dimensions, with 4,78 meters long, 1,89 wide and 1,35 high and can be dressed in 10 different colors, as well as being personalized with different stickers. The headlights of the most basic models have halogen lighting, being xenon and with LED daytime running light in the high-end models or as an option. The rear lights can also have LED technology.

A more mature interior

The interior also takes a radical turn, providing a design more modern and higher quality visual, although characteristic elements of the design are maintained, such as the visor of the clock panel. The box is made up of two analog clocks and a 8 ″ screen. The dashboard is slightly oriented towards the driver and also has an 8″ touch screen.

We find design details such as air conditioning controls integrated in the air outlets, something already seen in the new Audi TT. This results in a cleaner dashboard. The electric parking brake is introduced as standard and a system of ambient lighting with 24 colors different and different effects. Even when the car is parked we can stun the most curious by leaving the ambient lighting activated in a transient loop of the 24 colors.

New 2.0 turbo engine

The Chevrolet Camaro 2016 uses three new mechanics, where the most prominent is the new engine 2.0 Turbo four-cylinder that delivers 279 horses of power and 400 Nm of torque. This engine will try to rival the Mustang 2.3 EcoBoost, despite the fact that the latter is somewhat more powerful, with 317 horses. With an average consumption estimated by the brand at 7,84 liters, it is the most efficient Camaro of all time.

One step above is the already classic 3.6 V6 atmospheric gasoline, which on this occasion is renewed incorporating direct injection, variable distribution and selective deactivation of cylinders. Their 340 horses and 385 Nm ensure a good and progressive power delivery. But as in all Camaros, there will be no lack of V8 engine. A 6.2 direct injection that dispenses 461 horses and 617 Nm of torque to the rear wheels, without mercy.

In the United States the initial range will be divided into LT and SS models, being the seconds those that equip the V8 engine. All engines are fitted as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, being able to opt for the eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddles on the steering wheel. The V8s include an automatic toe-heel function in the manual versions and the automatic ones also enjoy the selective disconnection of cylinders.

Aware that a 2.0 turbo engine is not the most genuine, units equipped with this engine have as standard active sound cancellation, while if we equip the Bose sound system, we will enjoy the engine sound enhancer through the speakers. The V6 and V8 also amplify their sound, but they do it mechanically with resonators that introduce the sound from the engine compartment to the passenger compartment.

A more dynamic Camaro

The engines are more efficient than ever, but Chevrolet has also worked on other aspects, such as reducing weight. The new 2016 Camaro is 90 kilos lighter than its predecessor, carrying out an important diet that goes through the extensive use of light materials such as aluminum. A 28% higher structural rigidity is also achieved. This helps make the Camaro more agile.

At a dynamic level, the best performance has been sought with aluminum independent suspensions and the piloted damping system called Magnetic Ride Control in the SS, which allows the suspension to be adapted to road conditions and our way of driving. Camaro SSs also enjoy some Brembo brakes of larger dimensions bitten by four-piston fixed calipers on both axles. The LT uses simpler four-piston calipers at the front and single-piston calipers at the rear, which bite into smaller discs. The alloy wheels are 18″ for the LTs, with the optional 20″ wheels being standard on the SS.

There will be different driving modes, specifically, four: Snow / Ice (snow and ice), Tour, Sport and Track, the latter only for the Camaro SS. These modes act on elements such as throttle management, gearbox, sound, steering, stability control, piloted suspension and ambient lighting.

Source – Chevrolet