The first three generations of the Chevrolet Camaro won an undisputed cult status, but after the somewhat "soft" fourth generation, the American muscle car went silent for a long time. The fifth generation from 2009 helped him back to prominence, now replaced by the Camaro Gen Six.
And the novelty could be pigeonholed very simply – from the outside of evolution, under the surface of revolution. The sixth generation Camaro is based on the Alpha platform , which is known for example from the Cadillac ATS. In addition to rear-wheel drive , a MacPherson-type front axle and an aluminum rear axle with five-link independent suspension, this primarily means a proper diet. The architecture itself saved 60.5 kg, the axles a further 12 kg and the use of an aluminum dashboard frame instead of steel resulted in a saving of four kilograms. Overall, the Camaro has lost 90 kilograms between generations , while structural rigidity has increased by 28 percent! However, smaller external dimensions also go hand in hand with lower weight. The novelty measures 4784 mm in length, 1897 mm in width and 1348 mm in height, with 2811 mm between the axles. This means that the predecessor was 57 mm longer , 20 mm wider and 28 mm higher, with 41 mm more between the axles.
The press release proudly states that the only things the new Camaro has in common with the last generation Camaro are the SS badges on the V8 and the automaker's emblem on the rear of the body. Nevertheless, we can only talk about evolutionary changes of the well-known design. The shape of the body with the new roof should be much more aerodynamic thanks to 350 hours in the wind tunnel, which will have a positive effect not only on the dynamic properties, but above all on fuel consumption, which is so closely watched in Europe. The front part received the typical shape of the radiator grille and standard halogen lights. The RS and SS models, however, benefit from LED daytime running lights and projector headlamps. A similar situation is also repeated in the rear, where halogens are standard, but in higher versions there are full-LED taillights . In addition, you can recognize the SS model from the rear by the distinctive spoiler. The color palette includes ten shades, which the basic LT model combines with 18-inch rims and the top SS version with 20- inch rims . In both cases, the wheels are shod with Goodyear tires.
In the cabin, the changes are already much more noticeable and you can see a much greater inclination towards modern technologies. For example, the instrument panel is basically analog, but an eight-inch screen is available for an extra charge, which also serves as the output of the MyLink multimedia system. It will be discussed once more, because its main field of action is the eight-inch touch screen on the center console. It is further decorated with only a few buttons and interestingly shaped ventilation outlets. You would search in vain for the handbrake lever. This was replaced by electronics as part of the improvement, so you only need to press the appropriate button. As the first car in the segment, the Camaro brings complete LED ambient interior lighting . You can choose from a total of 24 colors, while the selection takes place via the Driver Mode Selector system controller. It works in the Snow/Ice, Tour, Sport and Track modes for the Camaro SS and, in addition to the lighting, also adjusts the settings of the engine, chassis, transmission and other mechanical parts.
The basis of the offer is the LT model with a two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an output of 279 hp and a torque of 400 Nm between 3000 and 4500 rpm. Chevrolet claims that the sprint from 0 to 96 km/h takes less than 6 seconds, and with a consumption of 7.8 l/100 km, it is the most fuel- efficient Camaro ever . The power unit also includes cabin noise suppression technology. In addition to the four-cylinder, the Camaro LT is also available with a 3.5-liter six-cylinder with an output of 340 horsepower and a torque of 385 Nm. In addition to direct injection and variable valve timing, it also includes cylinder deactivation . As I indicated in the introduction, the rear wheels are driven, in this particular case through a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed Hydra-Matic 8L45 automatic with paddles under the steering wheel.
The highlight of the offer is traditionally the SS version with a 6.2-liter eight-cylinder LT1 with a power of 461 hp and a torque of 617 Nm. If these values look familiar to you, you are not mistaken – it is indeed an engine from the last edition of the Chevrolet Corvette, equipped with a new exhaust pipe in the shape of a triple Y with an electronic flap for better sound (the six-cylinder is also here). And just by the way, it makes the sixth edition Camaro SS the most powerful ever. The standard is a six-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Management technology, an eight-speed automatic Hydra-Matic 8L90 with paddles under the steering wheel and a cylinder deactivation system will be available for an additional fee. For the first time ever, the SS model will be available with adaptive shock absorbers , and as the only model in the current range, it also has Brembo disc brakes with a diameter of 345 mm at the front and 338 mm at the rear. Better brakes are available for an extra charge on the LT model, measuring 320mm at the front and 315mm at the rear. Lower weight, in conjunction with higher performance and a modified chassis, give the Camaro SS one indisputable advantage – a better lap time than the previous Camaro 1LE achieved. It was developed with the aim of achieving the best possible lap times…
Source: Chevrolet
