6th Gen Chevrolet Camaro: 2017 ZL1, Z/28

[berettagt88]

2015 Mustang is toast the 2015 Camaro SS 1LE allready beat it in a Motortrend test the new Camaro is atleast 200LBS lighter But the big question is will GT6 get the new Camaro ?

 

[catamount39]

I hope for GT6's sake it doesn't.

 

[AudiMan2011]

There are a few differences in the nose, but other than that, it looks nearly exactly the same as the last gen facelifted model to me.

 

[catamount39]

There are a few differences in the nose, but other than that, it looks nearly exactly the same as the last gen facelifted model to me.

It actually looks chunkier than the last one.

New Mustang is still the best of the three...now if the Challenger could go on a diet that'd have slight chance of being equal to the Stang'.

 

[RocZX]

Leaked memo gives technology, design and performance info on '16 Camaro

Technology

• All-new Driver Mode Control, which tailors up to eight vehicle attributes – from the dual-mode exhaust to throttle progression

• Magnetic Ride Control suspension, which is offered on the Camaro SS for the first time

• Segment-exclusive, Interior Spectrum Lighting that offers 24 different ambient lighting settings – and offers a “car show” mode

• High-definition, configurable color displays – including available dual 8-inch screens

• Available wireless phone charging and next-generation Chevrolet MyLink with new smartphone projection

Performance

• GM’s award-winning Alpha architecture enables a more nimble, responsive driving experience

o The new Camaro is at least 200 pounds lighter than previous model

o Although based on Alpha, 70 percent of the components are unique to Camaro

• The most powerful Camaro SS ever

o 6.2L LT1with estimated at 440 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque

• All-new 3.6L V-6 featuring direct injection, continuously variable valve timing and –for the first time – Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation)

o Estimated 330 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque

• Most efficient Camaro ever, delivering more than 30 MPG highway

o New 2.0L Turbo with an estimated 270 hp and 290 lb-ft

• Handling and performance for the Camaro SS approaches that of the fifth-generation models’ track-capable Camaro 1LE package

Design

• More athletic-looking, sculptured exterior that complements the tighter, leaner architecture

• Aerodynamically optimized design is the result of 350 hours of wind tunnel testing – with reduced drag on LT models and 30 percent improvement in lift downforce on SS

• All-new, driver-focused interior with intuitive controls, flat-bottom steering wheel, and high quality materials throughout

• Unique control rings around the air vents used for temperature and fan speed adjustments, eliminating the need for conventional buttons

Expected questions:

Q: When will the new Camaro: start production / go on sale / arrive at dealers?

A: We are not ready to discuss specific timing, but can tell you we expect the first Camaros to arrive at dealers by the end of 2015.

Q: How much will the Camaro cost? Will it be more/less than the current Camaro?

A: We are not ready to announce pricing. I can tell you the current Camaro ranges from $23,000 to $43,000 and we expect the new Camaro will have a similar range.

Q: Why is the Alpha-based Camaro “only” 200 pounds lighter that the old Camaro? The fifth-gen was so heavy, it should have been 500 pounds lighter.

A: A 200 pound savings is actually quite remarkable: The Alpha-architecture is very mass-efficient, however the exterior dimensions of the new Camaro are within 2 inches of the predecessor. The team looked for every opportunity to save mass –from increased use of aluminum to shortening the suspension bolts to save a few grams. The result can be immediately felt behind the wheel – as the new Camaro feels incredibly light, agile, and fun to drive.

Q: How fast will the 2.0L Turbo/V-6/V8 be 0-60/¼-mile/top speed/Lap times?

A: It is too soon to discuss specific performance numbers, as we are currently finalizing the tuning and calibration of the new car. All I can tell you is the new 2016 Camaro SS is already posting better lap times than the 2015 Camaro 1LE.

Q: When will theZ/28 / ZL1 / 1LE arrive?

A: We are not ready to discuss products beyond 2016 model year for competitive reasons. However, I can tell you we plan to introduce new models and special editions at least every year.

Q: Why would you offer a four-cylinder in the Camaro? Didn’t you learn your lesson with the Iron Duke?

A: With the Gen2 Camaro, we learned buyers are not willing to sacrifice performance for fuel economy. As such, the new Camaro 2.0L Turbo is impressive performance: The 2.0L Turbo delivers 270 horsepower – which is more than any V-8 offered from 1971 to 1995 – and it’s paired with a lighter, more nimble chassis that makes the Camaro exceptionally fun-to-drive.

Q: Why are you offering the four-cylinder as your base engine, and V6 as an option, when Mustang offers the V-6 as their base, and their EcoBoost as an upgrade?

A: We felt 4-6-8 was a more logical progression for customers as they look for the balance of performance and efficiency that fits their needs. It’s important to note that Mustang positions their V-6 as a low-volume, low-feature model. To get a well-optioned car, Ford forces you to upgrade to the EcoBoost. We are taking adifferent tact, allowing customers to build a well-equipped Camaro with their choice of engines.

Q : Why didn’t you fix the rearward visibility for the next-gen ? That was the single biggest complaint for the Gen 5.

A: We talked to many Gen 5 customers about the visibility, and they made it clear they were not willing to accept changing the appearance of the Camaro’s iconic silhouette for the sake or rear visibility. We are using increased levels of technology to help with visibility, including a standard back up camera on all models, and available rear sonar.

Jalopnik

 

[05XR8]

Q: Why are you offering the four-cylinder as your base engine, and V6 as an option, when Mustang offers the V-6 as their base, and their EcoBoost as an upgrade?

A: We felt 4-6-8 was a more logical progression for customers as they look for the balance of performance and efficiency that fits their needs. It’s important to note that Mustang positions their V-6 as a low-volume, low-feature model. To get a well-optioned car, Ford forces you to upgrade to the EcoBoost. We are taking adifferent tact, allowing customers to build a well-equipped Camaro with their choice of engines.

So, unless GM have a box to tick for "Boost chip intercooler upgrade", they still force you to buy the V6 for more power when you want the 4-pot.

 

[Omnis]

I hope the interior is nice, because I don't want to look at the outside of the car. Ever.

 

[Eunos_Cosmo]

Q : Why didn’t you fix the rearward visibility for the next-gen ? That was the single biggest complaint for the Gen 5.

A: We talked to many Gen 5 customers about the visibility, and they made it clear they were not willing to accept changing the appearance of the Camaro’s iconic silhouette for the sake or rear visibility.

Dumb.

The Camaro doesn't have an "iconic" silhouette. Each model has been substantially different than it's predecessor....well...until now. You could even argue that the rakish c-pillar of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gen cars is more iconic than the massive buttress of the 1st and 5th gen cars. Either, way, its absolutely no excuse for the cartoonish pillbox masquerading as a greeenhouse set above the 4,000lbs bunker of the gen5 and 6 cars. GM; come up with something new. Please.

 

[Leonidae@MFT]

Only 200lbs lighter? No wonder they give it so much power. Both the turbo and V6 camaro will be beaten by the Ecoboost alone. And not to mention that their turbo motor is a disappointment spec wise, down by 40bhp and 20ft-lbs.. And even the V8 will need all the help and power it can have, as it's roughly same weight with Mustang GT..

 

[YSSMAN]

Consider that the Mustang GT clocks in at 3850lbs, give/take right where the outgoing 1LE Camaro SS leaves off. A weight advantage is a weight advantage, and we already know that the Alpha chassis is more than capable given what it has done under the ATS and CTS. I'm a bit disappointed the weight savings weren't a bit higher, but, they may be saving that kind of improvement for the next 1LE/ZL1/whatever successor.

What does surprise me is how much torque that tune on the 2.0T is producing, nearly 300 lb/ft - 15 more than the V6, which is apparently the new unit from the CT6. Here's hoping the refinement is way up on both, the old LFX was a bit rattly up top, a bad comparison to the other V6s from Ford and Chrysler, let alone the foreign competition. The 2.0T has proven to be a good unit, but, needs to be tuned up a bit as well. Still, its a solid base to start from given the weight savings, and with a starting price around $23k, that's quite a difference when comparing to its closest price/performance competition (ie, BRZFRSMX5).

I'm optimistic, but I know it isn't a world-changing car. They (GM) know what's made them money, they know people really liked the look of the Gen 5 car, they're not dumb enough to throw that away when this thing will be going global. As long as they've improved the interior, the fuel economy, and fixed those damn rear lights, I think they'll get plenty of praise from the majority of people who'd be buying them anyway.

 

[Slash]

What changed

Dumb.

The Camaro doesn't have an "iconic" silhouette. Each model has been substantially different than it's predecessor....well...until now. You could even argue that the rakish c-pillar of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gen cars is more iconic than the massive buttress of the 1st and 5th gen cars. Either, way, its absolutely no excuse for the cartoonish pillbox masquerading as a greeenhouse set above the 4,000lbs bunker of the gen5 and 6 cars. GM; come up with something new. Please.

The basic design from the second gen lasted the longest. There's two basic Camaro body styles.

 

[88GTA]

Only 200lbs lighter? No wonder they give it so much power. Both the turbo and V6 camaro will be beaten by the Ecoboost alone. And not to mention that their turbo motor is a disappointment spec wise, down by 40bhp and 20ft-lbs.. And even the V8 will need all the help and power it can have, as it's roughly same weight with Mustang GT..

Sounds like the 2.0T may be just as fast or faster than the Ecostang with those weight savings. I doubt it will start at the current base model's $23k but no way it costs as much as the $30k Ford version.

Even if it isn't faster in a straight line it should still be more nimble.

 

[Leonidae@MFT]

We shall see. Ecoboost 'stang is 3523lbs if memory serves, and at lightest, I think that the Camaro will still be over 3600lbs. Then, there's also the fact that the assumed power and torque rating of the Camaros 2.0T are lower than the 2.3EB's. Even the V6 'Stang puts out better numbers than the 2.0T, and beats the Camaro's V6 in terms of torque if memory serves.

 

[Aesthetics]

I'm both glad and disappointed that they didn't do more to it. It looks almost the same, but at the same time the front reminds me of a Toyota Camry and I am glad they didn't go any further on that.
In other words, it's not overly ugly, or close to being pretty. It's bland.

 

[Beeblebrox237]

I bet the moment Ford saw those photos they wet themselves with excitement. Mustang sales will go through the roof, I can't imagine that anyone would want to buy the fat, ugly Camaro over the pretty, athletic Mustang.

 

[catamount39]

I bet the moment Ford saw those photos they wet themselves with excitement. Mustang sales will go through the roof, I can't imagine that anyone would want to buy the fat, ugly Camaro over the pretty, athletic Mustang.

Seriously the Mustang looks like a Lotus compared to this pig of a thing.

 

[Blackbird.]

By exterior looks only the Mustang is now the best looking. Followed by the Challenger and then this... thing.

 

[Minty]

Wow. It actually looks like a cheap Chinese knockoff. They just keep making it uglier and uglier, at least the Challenger has it's simple "muscular" look going on, and the Mustang has it's curves. This looks like it has...no idea what it wants to be.

I don't care if it has world-beating performance, it's still ugly as sin.

 

[GTboyz]

What's with the rear bumper ?

 

[05XR8]

Maybe I'm playing GTA V too much. Every time I see a new car with block styling, it's like a GTA V knock-off . How ironic.

 

[Leonidae@MFT]

What's with the rear bumper ?

It looks like it's a big booty that is sagging with age..

 

[GTboyz]

I knew it, i knew from the moment i saw those side quarter window, it would look weird. I friggin knew it...

 

[RandomCarGuy17]

Honestly, I don't think it looks too ugly, but it certainly looks quite bland and once again; not really much different from the outgoing Camaro's design. It feels like that GM didn't try hard enough and since the visibility is apparently still an issue since GM doesn't want to change the "iconic" silhouette; they're definately going to need to make up these problems in their performance.

 

[88GTA]

GMI had a few better shots of the front from the CNBC pictures here.

They certainly haven't changed much in the styling, aside from the front lights, but I guess we shouldn't have expected them to change too much considering the popularity of the 5th gen. The actual performance reviews will prove how much work they really did with the new chassis because if the new SS is as fast as or quicker than the current 1LE, the Mustang is again toast on-track.

And yes I think the Mustang looks better than that ^.

 

[Adamgp]

I'm liking it more and more. A tighter, leaner version of the current car.

 

[88GTA]

Someone at GMI pointed out that the rounded hood looks like a bathtub and the NC Miata hood. It's now all I see, haha.

 

[Tornado]

Both the turbo and V6 camaro will be beaten by the Ecoboost alone

The current Camaro LT is around 3700 pounds claimed.
The current Ecoboost Mustang is around 3500 pounds claimed.
The new Camaro overall is "200 pounds lighter"
The new Camaro V6 engine is (nearly) a clean sheet design over the old engine with 20 horsepower more than the Ecoboost Mustang, with a loss of about double that in torque.


So there will be two cars of the same weight, one of which with more torque and one of which with more power. So no, I doubt its performance prospects are terribly bleak. The turbo 4 will be pretty hopeless, most likely; but that is the case for all of GM's turbo 4s so they will probably just tune it specifically for fuel economy so they can carry that flag around with it.

And even the V8 will need all the help and power it can have, as it's roughly same weight with Mustang GT

The current Camaro SS is 3900 pounds claimed.
The current Mustang GT is 3700 pounds claimed.
The new Camaro overall is "200 pounds lighter"
The new Camaro V8 engine (nearly) a clean sheet design over the old engine with 5 horsepower more than the Mustang GT, and significantly more torque.


So there will be two cars of the same weight, one of which will have more power and significantly more torque. So no, I doubt its performance prospects are terribly bleak.




Now, Dodge certainly has reason to worry, because without a suitable platform to replace the LX or suitable new engine design to replace the Hemi they may have to start taking drastic measures to keep up (like replacing the regular 5.7 with the fancy 6.4 for the Challenger R/T); but it's a bit early to jump to even that conclusion when we don't know if GM has screwn up the dynamics or interior again.

So, unless GM have a box to tick for "Boost chip intercooler upgrade", they still force you to buy the V6 for more power when you want the 4-pot.

Struggling to see how this is a problem. What GM has done is a far better solution than Ford's "force you to pay extra for an engine with little tangible gain while also detuning the base engine to try and make it look better."

 

[05XR8]

That's it, it doesn't matter. GM are acting like Ford got it wrong. Depending on what tune the Chevy 4 is released with, would it cost more to get the Camaro 4 up to EB levels? If so, then GM got it wrong.

 

[Tornado]

Based on the typical relationship between what Ford says Ecoboost engines can do over comparable engines and what Ecoboost engines are actually capable of, I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say that Ford has been getting it wrong consistently ever since they started throwing "Ecoboost" around as a buzzword. You need no further proof of people buying into the hype than to type in "turbo" in the search bar for the Mustang thread and go back to the last pages of the search. That the public seems to happily pay price premiums for Ecoboost engines that produce less power than the base motors (like in the Taurus, Edge and Explorer) for negligible theoretical fuel economy bonuses doesn't preclude GM from taking potshots at Ford over the issue when specifically asked.

 

[Beeblebrox237]

The problem with the Ecoboost engines is that there's nothing eco about them, apart perhaps from the 1.0 I3, and even those engines rarely achieve the claimed figures. The fact that Ford applied the Ecoboost moniker to the Taurus SHO, a car which struggles to achieve 20 MPG, proves that it's all just marketing and the engines only really deliver under test conditions. They're not bad engines; the power is certainly there but the economy isn't.

That said, I understand why they arranged the Mustang lineup like they did. They wanted to appeal to customers around the world, particularly in Europe, and in most places a smaller turbo 4 is considered better than a V6. They knew they couldn't market the V6 in as many markets as the I4, so they made the I4 a more expensive and more premium model (something which also fits more readily into the European market).

The Camaro has no chance of ever selling more than about 5 cars in the entirety of the EU, so GM only has to appeal to the American market, where bigger engines are perceived as being almost universally better and economy is less relevant.