2016 Chevrolet Camaro - Review

► Edited by : Shahen Tharammal
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PRICE : For 2016 Chevrolet Camaro - $25,700

The biggest change for the new model year is the addition of a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder as the Camaro's base engine. Although small, the turbocharged mill cranks out 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, putting it nearly on par with the V8s offered in the Camaro during the 1990s

Shifting through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic, the Camaro 2.0L turbo can accelerate from 0-60 in as little as 5.4 seconds. Despite that strong performance, the four-cylinder-powered Camaro should return better than 30mpg on the highway.

A 3.6L V6 stands as the Camaro's step-up engine and includes many upgrades over last year's V6, including direct-injection and Active Fuel Management for better economy. Also available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed auto, the Camaro V6 pumps out 335 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque and is capable of running from 0-60 in 5.1 seconds. When equipped with the eight-speed auto the Camaro V6 returned 19mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway.

All Camaro models ride on General Motors' latest Alpha rear-wheel drive platform borrowed from the Cadillac ATS. That new architecture means the Camaro is more rigid than before, but, perhaps more importantly, significantly lighter, too. A four-cylinder Camaro is 390 pounds lighter than last year's V6 while today's Camaro V6 is 294 pounds lighter than the model it replaces.

Exterior styling for the latest Camaro is all-new but isn't radically different from the last iteration of the iconic muscle car. The Camaro retains its long hood/short decklid design philosophy, with a sloping roofline adding to the car's sporting proportions. Rearward visibility remains a Camaro problem thanks to thick C-pillars and a relatively small rear window.

Like its exterior, the interior of the latest Camaro is new but still familiar. The pony car's center stack has been totally redesigned and now includes an available eight-inch high-resolution touchscreen (a seven-inch touchscreen is standard) running Chevrolet's latest MyLink infotainment system with WiFi connectivity. The system is also compatible with Apple's CarPlay. A second eight-inch screen resides in the Camaro's main gauge cluster and provides a wide range of information, from performance specs to direction from the optional navigation system.

The Camaro's climate control system has been totally redesigned and now features two large air vents in the center stack that also double as controls for the HVAC system. Storage in the Camaro is essentially limited to a small under-armrest cubby and the glove box.

The Camaro's front buckets offer a decent amount of space, but the car's high belt line and chopped roof don't make for an airy cabin. The Camaro's rear seats are extremely tight and are best suited for small children.

EXTERIOR

Although the 2016 Camaro isn’t radically different than its predecessor on the outside, it’s quite obvious that each panel and detail has been reworked. Less noticeable but back by the official specs is the fact that the new Camaro is a bit smaller than the previous car. It is about two inches shorter in length, mostly due to a shorter wheelbase, an inch slimmer in width, and an inch shorter in height. It also has shorter overhangs, which basically makes it seem less of a pony and more of a sports coupe.

Styling-wise, it remains recognizable as a Camaro. Up front, the grille/headlamps arrangement changed mildly in shape and size, sticking to the slim layout introduced by the previous model. The mesh for the grille received a new design, while the headlamps showcase a new LED pattern that circles beneath the main light bulb and into the turn signals. All models but the range-topping SS feature horizontal chrome strips between the "bowtie" emblem and the headlamps.

Bigger changes are noticeable below, where a larger intake replaces the previous unit. On the SS model, the trapezoidal gap uses the same mesh pattern from the upper grille, while the remaining trims feature horizontal bars and chrome inserts. Two additional vents with horizontal DRLs flank the SS’ grille, while other models use vertical LED strips. Both enhance the Camaro’s aggressiveness, but the SS’ layout is obviously the sportiest. The bulged engine hood continues with minor changes, which is great news if you ask me.

Around back, modifications include a nicely sculpted bumper and new taillights. The latter seem to have a bit of Corvette in them, sporting a quad-like appearance rather than the unitary look of the fifth-gen gen. This is an all-new design for the Camaro, which strays pretty far from the previous design that relied heavily on the first-gen Camaro’s taillights. Purists might not like it, but it’s a fresh look that suits a 21st century Camaro just fine.

The black, diffuser-like piece is a lot thinner now, no longer extending into the license plate area of the bumper. It’s actually closer to an actual diffuser design-wise and improves the rear end’s look dramatically. Again, it’s an evolution toward that sports coupe appearance both Ford and Chevy are aiming for their muscle cars. All versions feature round exhaust tips. As usual, the SS employs a quad-pipe layout, while the rest feature one tip on each side.

When viewed from the side, the new Camaro stands out thanks to a more dramatic, fastback-like roofline and more muscular fenders. All these changes make the coupe more aerodynamic, a result Chevy says it obtained after 350 hours of wind tunnel testing.

INTERIOR

Step into the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro and you'll find a cockpit that blends themes of the previous-gen Camaro and current-gen Corvette. The flat-bottom steering wheel design is shared with the 2016 'Vette, and it includes fingertip paddles that shift through the gears in automatic-equipped cars and enable the rev-matching feature in Camaros with the manual transmission. Chevrolet also integrated the tachometer, speedometer and central driver information screen into one complete group for a cleaner, more modern look. Gone is the quartet of retro-inspired engine information gauges forward of the shifter; air-conditioning vents with knurled surrounds that control the temperature have replaced them.

While the exterior evokes the last-gen Camaro, the cabin is much more modern and contains references to the current Corvette.

Interior quality is a bit hit-or-miss, depending on what panel or trim piece you're checking out. GM's incorporation of its latest touchscreen interface is promising, however, especially considering the integration of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. We haven't fully tested it, but it will be interesting to see how the latest MyLink system compares to the Challenger's excellent Uconnect touchscreen and the Mustang's new Sync 3 system.

The front seats are more comfortable and supportive than before, but the dinky backseats are strictly for small children or contortionists. You also need to be a bit of a contortionist to see out of the thing. As with the last Camaro, a high beltline and low roof means outward visibility in all directions is sorely lacking. Plus, with a limited amount of light entering the cabin through the narrow windows, the interior can feel dark and claustrophobic. But hey, it's a Camaro, right? The point is to look good and turn heads, or so the logic goes.

SPECIFICATION

► Year:2016
► Make:Chevrolet
► Model:Camaro
► Price:$ 25000 (Est.)
► Engine:inline-4
► Transmission:6-speed manual
► Horsepower @ RPM:275
► MPG(Hwy):30
► Torque @ RPM:295 @ 3000
► Displacement:2.0 L
► 0-60 time:6 sec. (Est.)
► Top Speed:155 mph (Est.)

FEATURES

For its levels of performance and equipment, the Camaro is priced very well, and configuring one only takes a few steps through a simplified order sheet.

Coupes and convertibles come only in LT or SS trim—for now, at least.

Prices for the 2016 Chevy Camaro start at $26,695 for the turbo four coupe with a manual transmission, in the 1LT trim package. For the same car equipped with a V-6 engine, it's $28,490. The mighty V-8-powered 1SS with the 6.2-liter V-8 begins at $37,295.

Losing the roof pushes the entry price to $33,695 for a 1LT-equipped Camaro Convertible, with the top-end 2SS coming in at $49,295.

All Camaros come standard with power windows, locks, and mirrors; a rearview camera; cruise control; Bluetooth with audio streaming; an AM/FM audio system with a 7.0-inch color touchscreen, six speakers, two USB ports and an auxiliary jack; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (late availability); keyless ignition; power front seats; hardware for in-car 4G LTE data services (subscription for data required separately); 18-inch wheels; and driver-selectable drive modes.

With the 2LT and 2SS packages comes a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen; dual-zone automatic climate control; Bose audio; and heated and ventilated front seats.

On SS models, Chevy adds standard 20-inch wheels; Brembo brakes; heavy-duty cooling for the engine and transmission; performance suspension settings; and a limited-slip differential.

Among the major options, a dual-mode exhaust runs $895; the automatic and the V-6 are $1,495 each; the RS package is $1,950; and on the SS, Magnetic Ride Control is $1,695.

Also offered are navigation; a head-up display; remote start; a heated steering wheel; a sunroof; wireless phone charging; and color-keyed interior trim. Ambient lighting is also an option, and it can dazzle parking-lot crowds with a "car show" mode that cycles through a spectrum of colors when the car's parked

PERFORMANCE PART & ACCESSORIES

Just like its predecessor, the sixth-gen Camaro received its own share of performance parts and accessories.

In the performance department, both the Camaro SS and the Camaro LT get a performance exhaust kit. The axle-back system enhance the sound of the 6.2-liter V-8 and the 3.6-liter V-6 and, according to Chevy, offer "a premium appearance," which probably means the package also comes with custom exhaust pipes. But while the exhaust is a direct replacement for the factory system and maintains the warranty, it is not compatible with the optional dual-mode exhaust.

Chevy also offers a performance air intake that helps reduce air restriction. This item is only available for the SS. The list also includes four suspension lowering kits for both the LT and SS, which lower the vehicle by up to 0.8 inch. However, the kits aren’t compatible with the Magnetic Ride Control.

Those looking to upgrade the brakes in their Camaros, Chevy is offering four- and six-piston front Brembo packages. The former was developed for LT models, while the latter fits all versions, including the SS.

As far as visual enhancements go, Camaro owners can choose between a wide range of exterior components, as well as engine covers finished in red, blue or black. The catalog also includes three aluminum wheel designs in multiple finishes, grille kits, a blade-style rear spoiler and ground effects kit, four graphics packages, and various interior trim kits.

Competition

POWERTRAIN

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro engine lineup is very similar to the Mustang’s, as it features a turbocharged four-cylinder and naturally aspirated V-6 and V-8 options, but the blown four will serve as the base motor in the Chevy. The two smaller engines will be available in both LT and 2LT guise (they’re the only two trims with those engines), while the eight-cylinder is again SS-exclusive. In contrast, the V-6 Mustang is the bottom feeder and available with very little in the way of options.

The four—the first in a Camaro in 30 years—and the six can be ordered bolted to a Tremec TR3160 six-speed manual transmission or GM’s 8L45 eight-speed automatic. The SS gets the same transmission types and gear counts, but the manual is the familiar Tremec TR6060 (now with active rev-matching) and the automatic is the 8L90 that’s also available in the latest Corvette.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine makes 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, just about equal with its output in the Cadillac ATS and CTS. Chevy says it’ll return more than 30 mpg on the highway and hustle the Camaro to 60 mph in less than six seconds, although the company doesn’t specify which transmission achieves those numbers. For reference, we’ve tested the EcoBoost Mustang and achieved zero to 60 mph in 5.5 (manual) and 5.2 seconds (automatic). GM’s 2.0-liter is too coarse and uneven in its Cadillac applications, but hopefully the Camaro wizards have found a way to smooth out the power delivery. We also wouldn’t mind if they made it rev a little more freely.

ENGINE

Standard is the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, which may go against the standard muscle-car formula that says more cylinders are better, but this engine packs a punch. The upgrade from that is a more powerful (but with less torque) 3.6-liter V6 engine, with advanced fuel injection and, for the first time, cylinder deactivation for better fuel economy. But the real news is the V8, of course, now with 6.2 liters pumping out 455 horsepower in new Camaro SS models, the most powerful Camaro SS ever made. Transmissions range from the standard 6-speed manual that includes automatic rev matching on V8 models to the new 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Fuel-economy numbers aren't yet available, but should improve thanks to the new engines and lighter body. 

► 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 
275 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm 
295 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000-4,500 rpm 
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA 

► 3.6-liter V6 
335 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm 
284 lb-ft of torque @ 5,300 rpm 
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA 

► 6.2-liter V8 
455 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm 

SAFETY

The Camaro is brand-new, and rides on a new architecture, which explains why crash-test data has yet to roll in.

As of this writing, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS have put the new pony car through their regimen of testing. Past Camaros have performed very well under both series of tests.

The 2016 Camaro is built on an entirely new platform, though. It's shared with the Cadillac CTS and ATS, which have also aced their crash tests.

The Camaro offers some of GM's latest safety technology. A rearview camera and Bluetooth are standard, and blind-spot monitors, forward-collision warnings and rear parking sensors are available. The Camaro doesn't heap on other new technologies like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, though.

The Camaro's an ode to high-strength steel, and what it can do for safer car design. Slimmer pillars have cleared up the view out of the Camaro’s front glass, while a look backward suggests the lower seating position and high tail practically mandated the now-standard rearview camera. A surround-view set would be welcome, too.

We'll update this page and this score as information rolls in.
455 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm 
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA

FUEL ECONOMY

Fuel economy for the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro predictably swings depending on engine configuration, and is largely in line with its main competitor, the Ford Mustang.

The turbocharged inline-4 Camaro manages 22 mpg city, 31 highway, 25 combined when equipped with an automatic transmission, according to the EPA. Those figures dip slightly with a manual: 21/30/24 mpg.

For the V-6-powered Camaro, the automatic-equipped model is rated at 19/28/23 mpg. With the manual shifter, it drops to 18/27/21 mpg.

With the massively powerful V-8 in the Camaro SS, fuel economy isn't as atrocious as you might expect. The EPA pegs it at 17/28/20 mpg for automatic-transmission cars, and 16/25/19 mpg for manual versions.

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► Edited by : Shahen Tharammal

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