The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro has been updated to help it take the fight to the new Ford Mustang, with an all-new chassis, upgraded power trains and more technology headlining the improvements. As a result, the Camaro is now stiffer and lighter, as well as being slightly more compact in size. The weight savings were possible by modifying the 2016 Camaro’s chassis architecture, body and interior components to cut weight without sacrificing quality.
Unfortunately for Australian muscle car fans, the new Camaro is no longer based on the underpinnings of the Holden Commodore. Instead it rides on GM’s new “Alpha” rear-wheel drive platform that weighs some 90kg less than the current model, thanks partly to the liberal use of aluminium. Parts such as the instrument panel frame have also been changed from steel to the more light-weight aluminium, in an effort to further reduce weight. A selection of new technologies have also been fitted, including GM’s new Driver Mode Selector, customizable ambient lighting and a configurable instrument cluster.
In GM’s press release, executive vice president of Product Development Mark Reuss said that, “Redesigning the Camaro is thrilling and challenging all at once, but the secret is to offer something more. 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.”
Three engines will be available at launch, including a 205kW 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol, a 250kW 3.6L naturally-aspirated V6 petrol engine and a 340kW 6.2L LT1 naturally-aspired V8. All engines can either be mated to GM’s six-speed manual transmission or a new eight-speed automatic.
While production of the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro is set to begin by the end of the month, right-hand drive availability has not yet been confirmed. A Holden spokeswoman said if that changed, Holden would be interested in adding the car locally.
“The Chevrolet Camaro is an iconic product and the sixth generation all-new vehicle will offer even higher levels of performance, technology and refinement,” Holden said in a statement. “However, a RHD variant is not in the current plan. If this was to change, Holden would of course take a very close look at this exciting car.”
But the company did confirm that it remains committed on fulfilling Jacoby’s promise of a true sports car for the brand – but admitted details of that plan remain under wraps for now.
“We have no announcements to make regarding our future product today but we will continue to leverage GM’s global portfolio and as promised will deliver a true sports car as part of this strategy,” the company said.