Chevrolet understands what customers expect from the Camaro, and the all-new sixth-generation model is poised to exceed those expectations. According to GM, only the parts carried over from the last Camaro to this one are the bowtie and the SS badge. The new Camaro rides on GM's Alpha platform, which is shared with both the Cadillac ATS and CTS. It's an incredibly stiff and light foundation for a performance car, and coupled with weight loss elsewhere in the build -- 200 pounds in total -- the Camaro packs quite a punch.
The new Camaro is offered in four trim levels: 1LT, 2LT, 1SS and 2SS. It is also the most fuel efficient to date, thanks to three fantastic new engines. The 2.0L turbocharged four puts out an impressive 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque while posting a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds and returning an estimated 30 mpg on the highway, according to GM.
The direct-injected 3.6L V6 features variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation -- a V6 first -- all of which combine for 335 horsepower and 284-pound-feet of torque, plus up to 27 mpg on the highway. GM claims it will hit 60 mph from a stop in just over five seconds. The engine is the most powerful naturally aspirated V6 in its class.
Finally, the 6.2L V8 is also direct-injected and makes a healthy 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque -- enough to propel the Camaro SS to 60 mph just 4 seconds. It, too, features cylinder deactivation, and the engine returns an estimated 28 mpg on the highway.
Suspension is handled thanks to double-pivot control arms and struts up front and a five-link setup in the rear. Chevy's adaptive Magnetic Ride Control damping system is optional on the SS and provides fully adjustable control for aggressive cornering.
A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all Camaros, while an 8-speed automatic with steering wheel paddles is optional. In the SS, it features rev matching during downshifts.
The Camaro is available in either coupe or convertible form, and trim levels are more or less equal. The chief difference, of course, is the automatic drop top, which can be controlled by either the key fob or a button on the dash. It can be lowered at speeds up to 30 mph.
The entry-level 1LT Camaro offers standard automatic headlights with LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and, when equipped with the manual transmission, a limited-slip differential. Included inside are 8-way driver and 6-way passenger power-adjustable cloth seats. A rear vision camera, cruise control and a tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel are also included, as are a 6-speaker stereo, Bluetooth and 4G LTE WiFi connectivity and Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment on a 7-inch touchscreen. An adjustable Drive Mode Selector is also standard and includes Tour, Sport and Snow/Ice settings.
The 2LT adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated and ventilated leather front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an upgraded infotainment system with an 8-inch screen and Bose premium audio.
In addition to its monster V8 engine, the 1SS trim is outfitted much like the 1LT but also adds xenon headlights and LED taillights, quad exhausts and a rear spoiler. Beneath the surface there's a limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes and suspension, and a Track mode is added to the Drive Mode Selector, for extra aggressive performance. The 1SS rides on run-flat tires and 20-inch wheels.
Finally, the 2SS Camaro builds upon the 2LT with the Convenience and Lighting Packages, which add heated, auto-dimming outside mirrors, illuminated sill plates, a heated steering wheel, inductive mobile device charging, a heads-up display and improved gauge cluster, and rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning.
Popular options for the 1LT and 2LT include the RS Package, which features appearance items like xenon headlights and LED taillights, 20-inch wheels, and a unique grille and front spoiler.
Safety features include several airbags, including full-length side curtain, traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, and OnStar with automatic crash notification, remote unlocking and turn-by-turn navigation.
Efficient, Powerful Engines
Interior Quality
Standard Features
Performance
Convertible Availability
The Chevrolet Camaro is completely redesigned for 2016. It represents the dawn of the car's sixth generation, and overall it is a smaller, lighter, more sophisticated and capable performance car than its predecessor. Engines include a new turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder, a 3.6L V6 and a 6.2L V8, with either 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmissions available across the range. Pricing ranges from $25,700 to $41,300.
The all-new sixth-generation Camaro improves upon the outgoing model in every way. More importantly, the new Camaro goes toe to toe with rivals like the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger. The turbocharged 4-cylinder returns impressive fuel economy, and the available V6 is the most powerful in its class. With upgraded cabin materials, selectable driving modes, and slick retro-modern styling, the 2016 Camaro is hard to beat.
