Entering the sixth generation only a year shy of its 50^th Anniversary, the Camaro the new sixth generation comes out in time to allow the car to have an awesome celebration for the 2017 model year.  Even so, the 2016 model is one that certainly has a ton of new to the car with only the emblems being a carryover part of the car.  Even though that is all that is the same as the last generation, the Camaro has carried a recognizable appearance for many years, going all the way back to the beginning.

Why is this new Camaro so different?  Many times when there is a generational change the look of the car changes completely but the mechanics are carried over in some way.  Even though the new Camaro is basically the same looking car as the fifth generation with a completely new platform to enjoy the new Camaro becomes an amazing difference from the norm and why not?  The fifth generation was already a gorgeous throwback style of the car with a fantastic performance base.  Carrying this look over to the new generation with only a few tweaks gives Camaro lovers even more to enjoy from this iconic symbol of Americana.

With similar looks, the new Camaro is built on the new Alpha platform from GM.  This replaces the outgoing Zeta platform that was seriously heavy.  This new Alpha platform is also present in the Cadillac ATS and CTS and is light, stiff and modern to be fantastic.  As one of the greatest changes to any car, the new Camaro enjoys over seventy percent new parts.  The important changes, which really up the performance game include the suspension which now has up to two-inches more travel and has been built with aluminum members to help reduce the weight by up to 26 pounds.

The overall weight reduction for this car is 200 pounds in the V8 and over 300 in the V6 models.  This change is a result of not only the suspension, but also the roll bars, body structures, instrument panel, an aluminum hood, and even the shorter overall length and width which all add up to this change in the weight of the car, allowing the power to be maximized in this amazing sports car.

The new power player for the Camaro starts with the 3.6-liter V6 which gives you a strong 335 horsepower and 284 lb.-ft. of torque.  Moving up the platform the SS is powered by the same small bock V8 as the Corvette with is the 455 horsepower 455 lb.-ft. of torque engine that can make this awesome beast run other cars off the track with ease.  Because of this lighter weight car there will be a new four-cylinder engine in the form of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine bringing in 275 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque which will actually give you up to 30 mph on the highway.  All these engines will be attached to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Even though the overall design is similar to the previous generation there are some subtle changes.  The look is actually quite a bit more muscular that the previous model.  When you inspect it you can see small air intakes below the running lights on the lower front corners.  This helps to channel air to the outside of the fender wells and improve the drag coefficient.  On the SS models there are fully functional hood vents that relieve the under hood pressure to help reduce lift of the car and keep the car stuck well on the road for you.

On the inside of the new Camaro you can see a much more comfortable and impressive interior than ever before.  This starts with cup holders that are right of the shifter to keep cups away from the driver’s elbow along with seats that have greater vertical travel which provides better headroom for taller drivers.  The visibility is improved on the inside as well with A-pillars which have been reduced in size by nearly half an inch.  These changes, although subtle make the driving experience much better than before with some added comfort.

As we come closer to the launch of the new Camaro you will be able to enjoy learning more about this true symbol of driving in America that has been known as a sports car for several decades.  Even if you aren’t looking for a new Camaro, or might be waiting until 2017 for the 50^th Anniversary edition, you should enjoy learning more about how this car responds, what kind of times it can produce and what changes and adaptations GM makes to the new Camaro which has been a serious fan favorite for many years.