View Single Post
Old 08-02-2013, 11:17 PM   #1
Doc
Dances With Mustangs
 
Doc's Avatar
 
Drives: 2010 1SS/RS MT
Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 3,819
My Design Idea for the 2016 Camaro

Since I've complained about the 2014 refresh and criticized the styling, I felt it would be worth the effort (and only fair) to at least show what I would like to see and have in mind for the styling of the 6th gen Camaro. These are my own ideas and while not exactly how I see it in my mind, they're pretty close. Trying to put on paper an image you have in your mind isn't quite as easy as you would think it would be. I'm not an automotive artist so I struggled greatly with various details; especially the side view. And for those that are curious, these are all done in Adobe Illustrator.

First we have the front/side/rear view of my interpretation of an SS 1LE which has the wide 19" wheels, wheel well extensions and racing stripes. The long "stripe" on the side isn't a stripe; it's actually a grooved recess to help hide body panel seams. The side scoops are functional; on the track models (1LE, ZL1, Z/28) they provide air to the trans and diff coolers. Putting the coolers back there helps shift some of the forward weight to the rear to improve the front to rear weight balance.
Name:  2016 Camaro 1.jpg
Views: 9922
Size:  38.8 KB

Next we have a pair of alternate views; the top views 5 and 6 are more traditional with the round tail light styling inspired by the 1970 1/2 Camaro, and round headlights. For views 5a and 6a on the bottom the back has a stylized version of the 1967 tail lights but with a horizontal backup light in the middle to modernize it a bit; the front has stylized rectangular headlights which are also a more modern look.
Name:  2016 Camaro 3.jpg
Views: 56279
Size:  315.3 KB

The 5b views below show the back of the SS on the top without the racing stripes so the body shape is easier to see, and the bottom view shows the back of the RS which does not have the wheel well extensions and has narrower tires than the SS.
Name:  2016 Camaro 4.jpg
Views: 13993
Size:  155.2 KB

Lastly we have 3 variations of the back. I tried several versions before I settled on (mostly) the traditional round tail lights but these are interesting nonetheless. View 1 shows a european style red/orange lens with the back up light in the middle of the orange turn indicator. View 2 shows a basically standard euro lens setup. Both views 1 and 2 have large Chevy logos that protrude outward and have lights underneath them that illuminate the license plate below. View 3 is the RS with the 1967 inspired tail lights, narrower tires and no wheel well extensions. The Chevy logo is smaller and the license plate lights are on the sides of the license plate. View 4 is the front of the RS again, with narrower tires and no wheel well extensions.
Name:  2016 Camaro 2.jpg
Views: 46430
Size:  283.8 KB

The overall styling inspirations are from various years. The back with the drop center is based on the 1970 1/2 models. Tail light treatments vary from 1967-70. The front is a hybrid inspiration of the 5th gen (which I consider part of the style heritage now) and the 1969 grill. The bottom of the front is actually inspired by Jim Hall's fabulous Chaparral racing cars of the 1960's which I always loved. The lower opening is completely clear; there's nothing there...it's completely open. I envision some kind of black grill structure in front of the radiator to protect it but the air flow otherwise is unobstructed. The running/fog light openings have enough space to put in air ducts for the brakes on the track versions; i.e. 1LE, ZL1, Z/28.

I haven't put any additional design thought into the ZL1 or Z/28 at this point but I'll probably work on some aero pieces (especially a rear wing). Trying to get all these style elements to balance and look right is not as easy as you might think.


So, what do you think... Good? Bad? Like it? It sucks do it over? I welcome legitimate style critique as long as it's about the design and style and not personal insults.
__________________

Blue Angel is here!!
1SS/RS LS3 M6 IBM
Doc is offline