Chevrolet has promised time and time again that the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro would bring better laptimes than the Camaro 1LE, which was nothing more than a Camaro SS variation with some handling tweaks. After all of these promises, the specs for the 2016 model have been revealed and it’s looking like Chevy will make good on their promises.
Join us as we examine the 2016 Camaro and some of the various upgrades it has received. Everything from a new turbo four-cylinder powertrain, to a new transmission, and more!
Images: Andrew Trahan/Road and Track Magazine
First Impressions
It’s hard to really see the differences in a vehicle through pictures alone. Seeing this beautiful piece of machinery in person shows that the 2016 model has been trimmed down and slimmed up. If you compare the current and upcoming model side-by-side, this difference is even more distinct.
Some examples of changes include a wheelbase that is two inches shorter and an overall length that clocks in at two inches shorter than its predecessor. In short, it’s lower and wider in the build.
Never judge a book by its cover though because the interior is where things start to ramp up. The retro-inspired layout that didn’t wow critics is gone, replaced by a C7 Corvette inspired design that is spread across an ATS-sized dashboard.
The temptation to make a slab of lifeless knobs and dials is non-existent here. Instead, the dashboard has attractive angles and contours that showcase how much effort went into its design. There is also a user-controlled set of multi-color LED lights that Chevy prides itself on as a feature that buyers love.
An unorthodox choice in the design comes in the form of the air vents. These are typically up on the dashboard but in the case of the 2016 Camaro, they have been placed in front of the shifter with the temperature controls on the vent rings themselves.
It’s an interesting design choice, but one that doesn’t take too long to get used to.
A Peek Under The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro’s Hood
You may or may not recall the 2.5-liter Iron Duke. This unfortunate misstep in the Camaro’s history was the first time these cars included a four-cylinder engine. While the Duke did paint a bed reputation on third-generation cars, the 2016 Camaro is trying again.
In this case, the 2-liter turbocharged LTG is actually the base engine and it’s taken from the Cadillac ATS. The results are as follows:
- 275 HP at 5,600 RPM
- 295 lb-ft from 3,000 4,500 RPM
- 30+ miles per gallon highway.
Unlike their major competitor, the Ford Motor Company, Chevy is placing the I4 variation of the engine at the bottom of the price range. This is meant to make the transition from I4 to V6 and V8 more understandable for customers.
This is clearly a jab at Ford’s V6 model, and a good one at that. While you may thinking that the 5th generation of cars also has a 3.6 liter V6 engine option, GM is claiming that the new LGX engine is a new design that borrows nothing from the old LFX version.
The engine block looks the same, but the bore is larger, and cylinder deactivation is present for the first time. In the end it brings 335 horsepower at 6,800 RPMs.
A preview was showcased by GM at the Milford Proving Grounds where V6 cars were available to test drive. The consensus is that the lighter and more streamlined Camaro for 2016 gets moving quickly with the newly designed V6 engine.
When it comes to the V8 models, the engine is an LT1 which is famous for being the power behind the Corvette C7 Stingray. Hearing this, you could probably think it’s safe to assume this version will be pared down, but the opposite is true.
The engine brings 455 horsepower at 6,000 RPMs. The lower torque peak could be attributed to the “tri-Y” exhaust manifolds that are unique to the Camaro. This comes as a surprise announcement since the company estimates were originally showing a 15 horsepower penalty for the LT in the Camaro when compared to the C7.
What’s the Catch?
With all of these positive aspects falling into place, you may be asking yourself where the catch comes in. There is a slight caveat when it comes to the car’s sounds and volume. Several technologies are in place to try and make the turbo I4 have some growl behind it.
The V6 and V8 models will also have induction resonators that direct engine compartment sounds into the cabin of the vehicle. These models do have an interesting dual-mode exhaust system though. Valves open and close to adjust volume and flow during acceleration. There is a louder “track” mode and a softer “stealth” mode.
Final Thoughts
The true test of the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro will come in time when we have an opportunity to run more tests and amp up our time with the vehicle. Of course, it’s important for a car to leave a lasting impression and the 2016 Camaro has certainly done that.
Rejoice muscle car fans because it looks like the future is bright.
