Fast & Furious: 2016 Chevrolet Camaro coupe/convertible
Chevrolet has introduced the sixth-generation Camaro, offering drivers a higher level of performance, technology and refinement that is designed to maintain the sporty car segment leadership earned over the past five years. The Gen Six Camaro provides a faster, more nimble driving experience, enabled by an all-new, lighter architecture and a much broader powertrain range. Only two parts carry over from the fifth-generation Camaro to the new Gen Six: the rear bowtie emblem and the SS badge.
Camaro’s leaner, stiffer platform and slightly smaller dimensions are accentuated by a dramatic, sculpted exterior. Meticulously tuned in the wind tunnel, the exterior contributes to performance through reduced aerodynamic lift for better handling while enhancing efficiency. To make it not only the best Camaro ever, but one of the best performance cars available, Chevrolet focused on three pillars of development:
Performance - Vehicle mass has been reduced by 200 pounds or more, depending on the model, creating a more nimble, responsive driving experience;
Technology – Includes an all-new Drive Mode Selector, which tailors up to eight vehicle attributes for four modes: Snow/Ice, Tour, Sport and – on SS models – Track settings, segment-exclusive Interior Spectrum Lighting that offers 24 different ambient lighting effects on the dash, door panels, and center console, and high-definition, configurable color displays – including available dual, eight-inch-diagonal screens; and
Design – Featuring a more athletic-looking, sculptured exterior that complements the tighter, leaner architecture, all-new, modern lighting signatures including light-emitting diode (LED) technology, greater emphasis on customer personalization with wider range of choices, including 10 exterior colors, five interior color combinations, lighting options and a full complement of dealer-available accessories available at launch – including wheels, stripe packages and additional accessories, and aerodynamically optimized design that is the result of 350 hours of wind tunnel testing, reducing drag on LT models and improving down force on SS.
The sixth generation Camaro boasts a brace of three sophisticated engines including: a 2.0L four-cylinder Turbo, an all-new 3.6L V-6 and the LT1 6.2L V-8, making for the most powerful Camaro SS ever. The four- and six-cylinder motors are joined to either a Tremec TR3160 six-speed manual gearbox or a Hydra-Matic 8L45 eight-speed automatic transmission. The brawny 6.2L V8 prime mover is equipped with a choice of a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual gearbox with Active Rev Match or a Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission.
Approximately 70 percent of the lightweight architectural components are unique to Camaro. Through extensive computer-aided engineering, structural rigidity was increased by 28 percent, while the body-in-white mass was reduced by 133 pounds.
In their quest to make the 2016 Camaro as lean as possible, engineers and designers evaluated every aspect of its architecture and supporting elements, saving ounces here and pounds there that 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.
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 is available on the Camaro SS for the first time. Previously limited to the Camaro ZL1, the active suspension reads road and driving conditions 1,000 times per second, and automatically adjusts the damper settings to optimize ride comfort and control. All Camaro models offer Brembo brakes – they’re standard on SS – optimized for the car’s mass and performance capability.
Inside the passenger cabin, a driver-focused interior integrates class-leading control technologies, including a new Driver Mode Selector, configurable instrument cluster and a customizable ambient lighting feature. All-new interior features a shifter-focused center console with intuitive controls, flat-bottom steering wheel, and higher quality materials throughout. Unique control rings around the air vents are used for temperature and fan speed adjustments, eliminating the need for conventional buttons.
The available, segment-first LED ambient lighting system is integrated in the dash, door panels and center console and offers 24 different colors, as well as fade and transition effects that spread across the interior. There’s even a theatrical “car show” mode that cycles randomly through the entire color spectrum when the Camaro is parked.
The ambient lighting is one of eight attributes the driver can adjust using the Camaro’s new Driver Mode Selector– accessed via a switch on the center console. The system enables the driver to tailor the look, sound and feel of 2016 Camaro to their preferences and driving conditions.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 110.7; overall length: 188.3; width: 74.7; height: 53.1
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged four-cylinder – 275 hp at 5600 rpm and 295 lbs-ft of torque at 3000-4500 rpm; 3.6L direct-injection V6 – 335 hp at 6,800 rpm and 284 lbs-ft of torque at 5,300 rpm; 6.2L direct-injection V8 – 455 hp at 6,000 rpm and 455 lbs-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed manual, eight-speed automatic.
Cargo capacity: 9.1 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side impact airbags, dual head curtain airbags (coupe), dual front knee airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, traction control, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control, brake assist, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, automatic power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access with push-button start, OnStar communications system, rear vision camera, LED daytime running lights, battery rundown protection, and tire inflation kit. 2LT adds universal home remote. RS adds high intensity discharge headlamps and LED taillamps. 1SS adds run-flat summer tires, and limited slip rear differential. 2SS adds head-up display.
Optional safety features include: remote vehicle starter system, rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and side blind zone alert with lane change alert.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro starts from $25,700 for the 1LT coupe upto $48,300 for the SS convertible. Destination charges add $995.
