New Chevrolet Camaro tested and tuned on 8 tracks, and Autobahn

To celebrate its return to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Chevrolet has shipped a surprise across the Atlantic for its European debut – the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro. The sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro revealed today was tested and tuned on more than eight tracks around the world as well as on the Autobahn, and offers higher levels of performance, technology and refinement.   Camaro, which goes on sale in the U.S. this year, has held a leadership position in the sporty car segment for the past five years. In Europe, Camaro will become available in spring/summer of 2016 as LT and V-8 models. Prices and final technical specifications will be announced closer to launch.   The Gen Six Camaro provides a faster, more nimble driving experience, enabled by an all-new, lighter architecture and a broader powertrain range. In Europe, three all-new powertrain combinations are offered, including a 2.0L Turbo and the LT1 6.2L V-8, which is SAE-certified at 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 617 Nm (455 lb-ft) of torque – for the most powerful Camaro V-8 ever distributed in Europe. The 2.0L Turbo and the V-8 both feature an eight-speed automatic transmission; the V-8 is also available with a six-speed manual.   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.    A driver-focused interior integrates class-leading control technologies, including a new Driver Mode Selector, configurable instrument cluster and a customizable ambient lighting feature.   “Redesigning the Camaro is thrilling and challenging all at once, but the secret is to offer something more,” said Alan Batey, Global Chevrolet brand chief. “For Camaro enthusiasts, it retains iconic design cues and offers even more performance. For a new generation of buyers, the 2016 Camaro incorporates our most innovative engineering ideas with finely honed performance and leading design.”   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 90 kg (200 pounds) or more, depending on the model, creating a more nimble, responsive driving experience Most efficient Camaro ever, with a new 2.0L turbo SAE-certified at 275 hp (205 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft)– with an estimated (GM) consumption of less than 8 l/100 km (equivalent to more than 30 mpg U.S.) on the highway, 0-100 km/h acceleration is expected to be reached in 6 seconds (0-60 mph in under 6 seconds) The most powerful Camaro V-8 officially distributed in Europe ever, with a new 6.2L LT1 direct-injected Small Block V-8 rated at 455 hp (339 kW) and 617 Nm (455 lb-ft) of torque Magnetic Ride Control active suspension available on Camaro V-8 for the first time Technology   All-new Drive Mode Selector, which tailors up to eight vehicle attributes for four modes: Snow/Ice, Tour, Sport and – on V-8 models – Track settings Segment-exclusive, Interior Spectrum Lighting that offers 24 different ambient lighting effects on the dash, door panels, and center console High-definition, configurable color displays – including dual, eight-inch screens. Design   More athletic-looking, sculptured exterior that complements the tighter, leaner architecture – and offers 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, wheels and stripe packages available at launch Aerodynamically optimized design that is the result of 350 hours of wind tunnel testing, reducing drag on LT models and improving downforce on the V-8 All-new interior with shifter-focused center console, intuitive controls, flat-bottom steering wheel, and higher quality materials throughout Unique control rings around the air vents used for temperature and fan speed adjustments, eliminating the need for conventional buttons “We have had the incredible opportunity to meet literally thousands of Gen 5 Camaro owners who provided direct feedback on what they loved about their car and what they wanted for the next-gen Camaro,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “As a result, the 2016 Camaro builds on what made the current Camaro such a success with more power, more agile handling and more technology.   “We expect it will set the new benchmark in the segment – and give a new generation of enthusiasts a reason to fall in love with Camaro.”   Lightweight architecture and chassis systems  Approximately 70 percent of the 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 60.5 kg (133 pounds).   In their quest to make the 2016 Camaro as lean as possible, engineers and designers evaluated every aspect of its architecture – already the most mass-efficient ever created by GM – and supporting elements, saving grams 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 (90 kg) 200 pounds.   Significant weight savings came from using an aluminum instrument panel frame instead of steel, which saved 4.2 kg (9.2 pounds). The use of lightweight components, including aluminum front suspension links and steel rear suspension links with lightening holes, in the new five-link rear suspension system contributed to a 12 kg (26-pound) reduction in the overall suspension weight. With the lighter, stiffer architecture and more powerful engines, the Gen Six Camaro V-8 delivers better lap times than the fifth-generation.     “The driving experience is significantly different,” said Aaron Link, lead development engineer. “Immediately, you will notice how much lighter and more nimble the Camaro feels. That feeling increases when you drive the Camaro harder – it brakes more powerfully, dives into corners quicker, and accelerates faster than ever.”   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 V-8 for the first time. 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 V-8 – that are optimized for the car’s mass and performance capability. On Camaro LT, the available brakes include 320 mm (12.6-inch) front rotors with four-piston calipers and 12.4-inch (315 mm) rear rotors with single-piston sliding calipers. Camaro V-8 employs 345 mm (13.6-inch) front rotors with four-piston fixed calipers and 338 mm (13.3-inch) rear rotors with four-piston fixed calipers.   In Europe, both the Camaro LT and V-8 feature standard 20-inch aluminum wheels.   More powerful and efficient The new Camaro will be offered with three different powertrain combinations, each designed to deliver improved performance and efficiency.    The Camaro LT’s standard engine is a new 2.0L Turbo, rated at an SAE-certified 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. For power on demand, it offers a wide torque band with 90 percent of peak torque available from 2,100 rpm to 3,000 rpm, and maximum torque from 3,000 to 4,500 rpm. The 2.0L turbo is expected to deliver 0-100 km/h acceleration in six seconds (0-60 mph in less than six seconds) and consume below 8 l/100 km (offer more than 30 US mpg on the highway (GM-estimated), making it the most fuel-efficient Camaro ever.   This 2.0L turbo engine is offered with the all-new Hydra-Matic 8L45 paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s based on the Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed, but scaled for the performance envelope of the smaller engine and offering an estimated 5-percent efficiency improvement over a comparable six-speed automatic.   Camaro V-8 is powered by the 6.2L LT1 engine introduced on the Corvette Stingray. About 20 percent of the components are specific for the Camaro’s architecture, including new, tubular “tri-Y”-type exhaust manifolds. It also offers advanced technologies such as variable valve timing, direct injection and Active Fuel Management (on automatic-equipped models) to help balance efficiency and performance. Output is SAE-certified at 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 617 Nm (455 lb-ft) of torque, making it the most-powerful Camaro officially distributed in Europe SS ever.   The LT1 engine is available with a standard six-speed manual transmission – with new Active Rev Match technology that “blips” the throttle for perfectly timed downshifts – or the Hydra-Matic 8L90 paddle-shift eight-speed automatic.   Both engines have been carefully tuned for a distinctive performance sound. All 2.0L turbo models feature active noise cancellation, which uses sound waves to cancel unwanted cabin noise. European versions equipped with the standard Bose audio system also feature engine sound enhancement, which amplifies the native sounds of the 2.0L turbo engine – and can be disabled based on the driver’s preference.   The 6.2L V-8 features mechanical sound enhancers – resonators that direct induction noise from the engine bay into the cabin. This engine is available with a dual-mode exhaust, which features electronically controlled valves that bypass the mufflers under acceleration, delivering improved performance and greater sound levels. With the dual-mode exhaust, drivers can personalize the exhaust sound, from a “stealth” mode to the most aggressive “track” mode.   “From every angle, you’ll never mistake this for anything but a Camaro,” said Tom Peters, design director. “We’ve taken that iconic design and amplified its proportions to reflect a more dynamic driving experience – like the T-shirt on a muscular physique.”   The front of the Camaro is defined by a cross-car grille/headlamp aperture, a signature cue that dates to the first generation. The new, expressive execution gives the Camaro a stronger, more determined face. It also displays a new, nearly fastback profile that flows into the pronounced haunches of the rear fenders, enhancing the wider, more aggressive stance.   A more expressive take on the taillamps blends the horizontal aesthetic of the first generation with a dual-element theme and aggressive tapers for a contemporary appearance. Additionally, V-8 models have a unique rear spoiler.   Standard lighting on LT and V-8 models includes high-intensity discharge, or HID, projector-beam headlamps and LED “signature lighting” daytime running lights – including a sweeping LED lightpipe integrated in the headlamp and an LED light pipe integrated into the front fascia. LT and V-8 models also feature LED lighting for the rear taillamps, including auxiliary LED light guides that mirror the shape of the front signature lighting.   In many cases, the exterior design not only communicates the performance capabilities of the new Camaro, but contributes to them. For example, the teams spent more than 350 hours testing the Camaro in the wind tunnel, meticulously tailoring the exterior to improve cooling and reduce aerodynamic lift and drag.   Aerodynamic details include a subtle “air curtain” on the front fascia, which guides air around the wheels rather than into the wheelhouses, reducing drag. Also, the Camaro V-8 has a unique front fascia with integrated brake cooling ducts and a unique hood with functional air vents, which improve engine cooling and reduce front lift.   All models share a more pronounced, sculpted roof panel that improves the structural rigidity of the roof for greater refinement. The roof is assembled using laser brazing, eliminating the need for “ditch channel” seams and cover trim, giving the car a sleeker appearance while saving half a kilogram compared to traditional spot welding.   There’s also a new interpretation of the Camaro’s iconic red, white and blue “banner” insignia, displayed on the front fenders.   Driver-focused interior and technologies   Like the exterior, the interior is completely new yet instantly recognizable. The instrument panel, for example, is a departure from the previous model, but retains the Camaro’s familiar dual-binnacle-style instrument cluster hood.   “Given the level of technology and performance, the interior had to be modern and driver focused.” said Ryan Vaughan, interior design manager. “But although the interior is an all new design, it is still instinctively recognizable as a Camaro.”   The instrument cluster features analog instruments to provide the driver with essential performance information, as well as an available eight-inch-diagonal high-definition center screen that can be configured to provide additional information including navigation, performance, and infotainment features.   Another eight-inch screen, integrated in the center of the instrument panel, serves as the interface for the enhanced, next-generation MyLink system.   The new center console and center stack are designed with high performance driving in mind. For example, the heating and cooling controls are integrated into rings surrounding the air ducts. Eliminating the associated buttons makes the cabin feel more spacious, and makes adjusting the temperature easy while keeping your eyes on the road.   An electronic parking brake replaces the previous mechanical parking brake handle. This enabled the cup holders to be repositioned for improved range of motion when shifting in manual-transmission models.  

An available, segment-first LED ambient lighting system, integrated in the dash, door panels and center console, 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
Source: GM