2016 Chevrolet Camaro: Ushering in a New Era of American Muscle
In an industry always pushing forward, Chevrolet unveiled its sixth-generation Camaro in 2016, a bold step forward in the evolution of this iconic American muscle car. The Camaro's evolution aimed to keep it ahead of the pack in an increasingly competitive sporty car segment, building upon the reputation earned in the past five years.
An Uncompromising Combination of Performance and Technology
At the core of the 2016 Camaro's appeal is a commitment to an exhilarating driving experience, powered by an array of six powertrain options, including a 2.0L Turbo, a brand new 3.6L V-6, and the top-tier LT1 6.2L V-8. The last of these powerhouses pushes the limits of the Camaro SS, achieving an SAE-certified 455 horsepower (equivalent to 339 kW) and 455 lb-ft of torque (about 617 Nm) - a record for the Camaro SS. As an added bonus for driving purists, all engines come with a choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.
A Form Sculpted for Performance
Chevrolet honed the 2016 Camaro's aerodynamics to provide drivers with a vehicle that doesn't just look sporty - it is sporty. A slimmer, more rigid platform complements the car's aggressive, aerodynamically optimized exterior design. This careful tuning provides less aerodynamic lift, enhancing the vehicle's handling capabilities and overall efficiency.
The Driver-Focused Cockpit
The interior of the Camaro focuses on delivering a driving experience that allows for ultimate control and personalization. At the center of it all is a new Driver Mode Selector, along with a configurable instrument cluster and customizable ambient lighting, enhancing the interface between driver and car.
A Nod to the Past, A Leap into the Future
Continuity and change define the sixth-generation Camaro. Only two components, the rear bowtie emblem and the SS badge, transitioned from the fifth to the sixth generation. The Camaro redesign, while challenging, was an opportunity for innovation, blending traditional design cues with the latest in performance technology and striking design. Chevrolet's dedication to this balance is what makes the 2016 Camaro a beacon of engineering and aesthetic advancement.
Driving Forward on Three Pillars
The development of the 2016 Camaro was guided by three fundamental pillars: performance, technology, and design. Its lighter construction improves vehicle responsiveness, while the range of powertrain options ensures there is a Camaro for every driver. The focus on technology manifests in a range of control systems like the Driver Mode Selector and the customizable interior ambient lighting. Finally, the Camaro's sleek design is as functional as it is striking, with every line and curve fine-tuned for optimal aerodynamics.
The 2016 Camaro demonstrates how Chevrolet continues to push boundaries in the sports car segment, intertwining tradition with innovation, maintaining what fans love about the Camaro while incorporating the most advanced engineering ideas.
Driver-centric Innovations
The 2016 Camaro takes pride in its technologically advanced and driver-focused interior. As Ryan Vaughan, the interior design manager, states, "Given the level of technology and performance, the interior had to be modern and driver focused." He further reiterates that even though the interior design is entirely new, it's unmistakably a Camaro.
One noticeable feature is the new instrument panel, which significantly deviates from the previous model. It still retains the Camaro’s familiar dual-binnacle-style instrument cluster hood, providing a familiar feel to the drivers. This panel showcases analog instruments vital to the driver, paired with an optional eight-inch-diagonal high-definition center screen that offers additional data, including navigation, performance, and infotainment features.
Another eight-inch screen, seamlessly integrated into the instrument panel's center, serves as the interface for the enhanced, next-generation MyLink system. This redesign puts a high emphasis on performance driving with its center console and stack, incorporating the heating and cooling controls into rings surrounding the air ducts. This innovative approach eliminates extra buttons, providing a more spacious feel to the cabin and ensuring easy temperature adjustments while keeping the driver's focus on the road.
In another first, the traditional mechanical parking brake handle is replaced by an electronic parking brake. This shift allowed for an improved positioning of the cup holders, enhancing the range of motion when shifting in manual-transmission models.
A new addition is an available, segment-first LED ambient lighting system. This lighting system, integrated into the dash, door panels, and center console, offers an array of 24 different colors and various fade and transition effects. There’s also a “car show” mode that randomly cycles through the entire color spectrum when the Camaro is parked.
This ambient lighting is one of the eight features adjustable via the Camaro’s new Driver Mode Selector. This system allows drivers to personalize their 2016 Camaro's look, sound, and feel according to their preferences and driving conditions.
Driver Mode Selector Settings
The Driver Mode Selector Settings offer four different options: Snow/Ice, Tour, Sport, and Track (SS only). Each mode affects various parameters, including electronic throttle progression, automatic transmission shift map, automatic transmission performance algorithm shift, engine sound management (for models equipped with dual-mode exhaust), electric power steering calibration, StabiliTrak – Competitive Driving and Launch Control, Magnetic Ride Control calibration (for equipped models), and ambient lighting (for equipped models).
Production
The 2016 Camaro is set to be manufactured at GM’s Lansing Grand River assembly plant located in Lansing, Michigan. This commitment represents GM's confidence in the advanced design and innovative technologies incorporated into the new Camaro model.
-Ed
2016 Chevrolet Camaro
