11 cool facts about the 2016 Camaro (C&D)
 

11 Surprising Facts About the New Camaro



1. It's built on a completely different platform

Despite the strong familial resemblance to the previous car, the dirty bits of the new Camaro are based on GM’s Alpha platform, used on the Cadillac ATS and CTS models, rather than the previous Zeta platform. As a result, all of the underbody pieces are completely different and not interchangeable.


2. Its standard four-cylinder engine is the first in 30 years

The entry-level LT model comes with a four-cylinder engine—the first one in a Camaro in 30 years. It’s the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder borrowed from the ATS, developing about 270 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. That’s roughly triple the horsepower of the 2.5-liter “Iron Duke” four offered in the 1982–1986 models.


3. The V-8 engine has three radiators

The main radiator is located in the conventional position, and two smaller radiators are stationed on either side, mounted at right angles.


4. The automatic transmission cooler is horizontal

At the bottom of the box formed by the V-8’s three radiators lies a horizontally mounted transmission cooler, through which air flows downward.



5. To save weight, the anti-roll bar drop-links are plastic

The front anti-roll bar drop-links on the V-6 models are described as composite. But they are actually a high-strength plastic, not reinforced by any fibrous material.


6. The HVAC vents do double duty

In a clever touch designed to minimize the number of buttons while making it easy to adjust the temperature setting of the HVAC system, each outer ring on the central air outlet rotates to set the system temperature. The set temp is then shown briefly on the central LCD display.


7. It took an unconventional path to a wider track

In order to preserve most of the Alpha platform structure that had been carefully developed for the ATS and CTS, the Camaro’s wider track (1.6 inches greater up front, 1.2 inches wider at the back—Camaro SS versus CTS) was achieved by using longer suspension pieces on the same pickup points. Most of these bits are aluminum, and, in total, they’re 21-percent lighter than the corresponding parts on the fifth-gen Camaro.


8. The roof is laser-welded

On most cars, the roof is MIG-welded to the sides of the car, leaving an untidy seam that must either be covered by a plastic strip, or hand filled and finished. On the lesser versions of a car, the plastic strips serve as an obvious reminder that you bought the cheap model. On the Camaro, this seam is laser-welded, producing a much neater seam that requires no handwork and looks better on all versions.


9. The instrument cluster is highly customizable

On the upper-trim versions, you get an 8-inch LCD screen that sits between the analog speedometer and tach. On this screen, you can display three different instrument configurations on the top third and at least four different screens underneath. These are independent of what is on the 8-inch LCD screen on the dash.


10. The SS model is "track capable"

In anticipation of expected hard driving, the Camaro SS is rated as track capable. That means that it can run for an entire tank of fuel at maximum speed around GM’s Milford Road Course without cooking its engine, transmission, differential, or brakes. That’s why it has so many radiators.


11. The hood vents are functional

The vents on the aluminum hood of the Camaro SS are functional and serve to relieve excess air from the engine compartment. This helps cooling flow and reduces lift. The position of the vents was chosen so that low-pressure air flowing over the hood would help extract the underhood air.


http://www.caranddriver.com/flipbook...te=DED052615#1

Nice find

Some things that stood out...

MIG welded roof. Nice touch.
'Track ready' SS - no 1LE then?
A LOT of cooling/radiators - good to see some focus on heat issues.

Great article.

Its not MIG welded - that's the conventional means. Its laser welded.

http://cdn.meme.am/instances/59249148.jpg

Yes. Too excited to notice my own typo I guess. Most likely robotic.

It says "track capable" which means there is still room to make it "track ready" i.e. A 1LE

It sounds better and better each time I read something about the sixth gen.,i just may have to trade my 10'on the new one,...?

Laser welded or "laser brazed". (you can google that term and lots shows up)

The good folks at Lansing Grand River are experts in using this technique, which they brought on board with the 2009 CTS.
http://www.autofieldguide.com/articl...w-about-lasers

Not only is it a (literally) seamless process, but it also adds immeasurably to the structural integrity of the vehicle based on how the roof is attached to the body. I've been fortunate enough to watch the process at the LGR facility and it is indeed, most impressive! This is a really big plus for the 6th Gen!!

Best regards,

Elie

:faint: This is a very cool fact for a base SS. I can't wait to see the 1LE spec and price

Quote:

In anticipation of expected hard driving, the Camaro SS is rated as track capable. That means that it can run for an entire tank of fuel at maximum speed around GM’s Milford Road Course without cooking its engine, transmission, differential, or brakes. That’s why it has so many radiators.

Cool find, thanks for sharing :thumb:

Great factoids. Thanks for taking the time to share.

I'll be right behind you Trading in my 2011.

Every time I hear additional information about this car, I like it more and more. Chevrolet really thought this out thoroughly and I already have a feeling that the 6th Gen Camaro will be THE best one EVER built (so far).

Interesting it is "track capable"....The new Z06 is "the most track capable corvette ever", but I'm reading that several people with Z06 are seeing overheating issues during track days. I hope the 3 radiators help the Camaro.

This info makes me want to get the new camaro even more. Gonna be a great car