Chevrolet has released a video formally touting the upcoming sale of its 500,000th fifth-generation Camaro here in the U.S. – an event set to take place later this month. But the automaker also used the opportunity to offer a glimpse of the all-new Gen VI successor set for a May 16 reveal on Belle Isle in Detroit. Although still fully cloaked in manufacturer-spec psychedelic shrink wrap, the remade version of Chevy’s evergreen pony car has even edgier – albeit clearly evolutionary – lines, even more aggressive fascia treatments and is crowned with what appears to be a twin-bubble roof panel.
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Beneath its new wrapper, the 2016 Camaro is expected to share GM’s Alpha-platform mechanicals that are also found under the Cadillac ATS/CTS. That transition from its current Zeta underpinnings will make the new Camaro smaller, lighter and more agile — and also contribute to better fuel economy numbers which will be critical to its success and ultimate longevity in the coming CAFE-crunch years. No word yet on how mpg concerns will impact what we’ll see underhood. While rumors persist of a possible turbocharged 4-cylinder and a V6 is certain, twin-dual exhaust outlets on the 2016 prototype seen here indicate Chevy won’t be disappointing any V8 fans, either.
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Not much is known about the 2016 Camaro’s interior redesign. However, it’s fair to assume the cabin will benefit from a more contemporary appearance and offer higher quality/softer touch trim as well as the latest in GM connected technology from OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotpot to Chevy MyLink Infotainment. Given its role in the lineup, it would seem natural that hotter versions of this new Camaro also would offer the same Performance Data Recorder available in the latest Corvette.
UPDATED: Latest word from Al Oppenheiser, chief engineer for the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro is that the all-new Gen 6 car will be over 200 pounds lighter than the vehicle it replaces. While much of that efficiency-enhancing mass reduction comes from its new platform architecture, transitioning a number of key components from steel to aluminum and composite bits also has resulted in significant weight cuts. Oppenheiser specifically cites new alloy suspension hardware that’s 21 percent lighter than the existing pieces and a redesigned instrument panel support beam that cuts 9.7 pounds out of the 2016 Camaro’s curb weight.
In commenting on the impact of this wide-ranging remake, Oppenheiser notes: "We kept the cornering confidence and control that make the Gen 5 Camaro 1LE so fun to drive, and added a greater sense of agility. The new Camaro brakes harder, flicks into corners more quickly, and drives out of the corner faster. We expect it will set the benchmark in the segment and give many sports cars a challenge."
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