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

snarky · 05-26-2015, 10:34 AM

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

cyberbro · 05-26-2015, 11:22 AM

Nice find

Raven87 · 05-26-2015, 11:37 AM

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.

BahamaTodd · 05-26-2015, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raven87

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.

Raven87 · 05-26-2015, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BahamaTodd

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

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

newb · 05-26-2015, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raven87

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.

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

LAWMAN · 05-26-2015, 05:00 PM

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,...?

garfin · 05-26-2015, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BahamaTodd

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

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

hotlap · 05-26-2015, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newb

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

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.

Kahdir · 05-27-2015, 11:50 AM

Cool find, thanks for sharing

ccflgearhead · 05-27-2015, 02:42 PM

Great factoids. Thanks for taking the time to share.

suplex · 05-27-2015, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAWMAN

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,...?

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).

solo40oz · 05-27-2015, 10:50 PM

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.

Jeffro19 · 05-28-2015, 09:22 AM

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

05-26-2015, 11:22 AM	#2
cyberbro Drives: Not a Camaro at this time Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 1,056	Nice find __________________ Order Status: 2000 8/27/15 3000 9/3/15 2000 9/22/15 (Order changed) 2016 2SS With Auto, NPP, MRC, Nav, Split 5 Spoke Bright Aluminum.

05-26-2015, 11:37 AM	#3
Raven87 C'mon- really? Drives: Looking for a ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Nortwestern Ohio Posts: 1,966 View My Garage	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. __________________ Steve 2018 Camaro 2SS 1LE Black #3805 - SOLD

05-26-2015, 05:00 PM	#7
LAWMAN Drives: 2010 cam.2ss/rs.iom,07'escalade esv Join Date: May 2009 Location: Pasc.Ms. Posts: 841	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,...? __________________ A9120159 1100:12/19/08 3800:06/19/09 6000:07/02/09

05-27-2015, 11:50 AM	#10
Kahdir Drives: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: PA Posts: 2,178 View My Garage	Cool find, thanks for sharing __________________ SEPA5.COM – South East Pennsylvania Camaro Owners

05-28-2015, 09:22 AM	#14
Jeffro19 Drives: 2018 ZL1 6M, Silverado High Country Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 2,101	This info makes me want to get the new camaro even more. Gonna be a great car __________________ Previous Camaro's - 2002 Z28 6 spd manual, T tops, Sebring Silver - 2010 2SS 6 spd manual, Cyber Gray Metallic Current Vehicles - 2018 ZL1 Red Hot 6 spd manual, Carbon Hood, Sunroof 2019 Silverado High Country, Daily Driver

05-26-2015, 10:34 AM	#1
snarky ultracrepidarianism Drives: '14 1SS/RS/1LE/NPP '18 Accord Sport Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: where folks drive like shit Posts: 1,297	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 __________________

05-27-2015, 02:42 PM	#11
ccflgearhead Drives: 2010 supercharged 2SS/RS Camaro Join Date: May 2015 Location: SW FL Posts: 28	Great factoids. Thanks for taking the time to share.

05-27-2015, 10:50 PM	#13
solo40oz Drives: My wife crazy Join Date: May 2009 Location: Austin Posts: 740 View My Garage	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.

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