OFFICIAL: 2016 Camaro weight at least 200 pounds lighter (March 30 update)
 

http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/...30-camaro.html

2016 Camaro Does More with Less
New model is at least 200 pounds lighter than current car

2015-03-30

DETROIT – For the all-new, 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, the team was challenged to improve the handling, acceleration and fuel economy of the award-winning current model.

To meet all three objectives, the team focused on a singular mission: reduce mass. By obsessively searching for opportunities to save ounces, the team pared more than 200 pounds off the Camaro compared with the fifth-generation model.

As a result, the Camaro does more with less, according to Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer:

“We kept the cornering confidence and control that make the Gen 5 Camaro 1LE so fun to drive, and added a greater sense of agility,” he said. “The new Camaro brakes harder, flicks into corners more quickly, and drives out of the corner faster. We expect it will set the benchmark in the segment and give many sports cars a challenge.”

A new architecture, one of the most mass-efficient ever from General Motors, is responsible for much of the weight savings.

Additionally, dozens of small changes cumulatively contributed to shedding pounds. For example, the beam that supports the instrument panel is now made of aluminum, saving 9.7 pounds (4.4 kg) over the steel beam on the current generation Camaro.

In addition, the front and rear suspension assemblies are now aluminum, and links on some models feature an intricate, structurally optimized design made with a rigid composite material that’s even lighter than aluminum. As a result, the total weight for the suspension is 21 percent lighter compared to current steel-intensive assemblies.

Chevrolet will introduce the all-new 2016 Camaro on Saturday, May 16, during a special public event at Detroit’s Belle Isle Park.



Attachment 704875

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro features an aluminum beam to support the instrument panel, which is 9.7 lbs. (4.4 kg) lighter than the previous steel beam. Changes like this help reduce total curb weight for the new Camaro by more than 200 pounds.

Attachment 704876

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro features aluminum front and rear suspension assemblies, with links on some models made of rigid composite material that’s even lighter than aluminum. As a result, the total weight for the suspension has been reduced 21 percent, compared to the previous, steel-intensive assemblies.

That would put a 1LE at 3660 pounds! Awesome news.

http://www.chevrolet.com/2016-camaro...-gallery-4.jpg
So only certain models get the composite speed holes...

That's outstanding news. Good job GM. I wonder if they'll take it further for the hi-po models.

I'll have to check the door sticker again but I tbink the 2015 1LE has a curb weight of over 3900 lbs.

I hope this means the curb weight will be 200 lbs less and not like the Mustang where the chassis was lighter but the finished car ended up heavier.

Yeah, that's the first thing I thought about when I saw that. I'm hoping for the SS to come in at or below 3700lbs. That might just happen.

Woot!

Another link, just different text.
http://blog.caranddriver.com/less-pa...r-2016-camaro/

I don't like the way this is worded:

Makes it seem like it will be inferior to the 5th gen in other aspects, but the weight will help keep it better. If you know what I mean.

I take it as less brakes, less tires, less wheels.. Sounds good to me.

I read it as more performance, less weight, but that's just me i guess.

More with less...read that as in outperforms the Gen 5 and at the same time as less mass in turn producing a better car. Add lightness.

I took it as less weight, i don't see them making other aspects inferior, i took it as, we're using different materials and engineered things a bit differently so that it would weigh less but outperform the previous incarnation.

Awesome, but I agree with others and hope this doesn't turn out to be a let down when they made the statement that the Mustang would weigh less.

The PR post specifically says "reduce total curb weight for the new Camaro by more than 200 pounds". My curiosity is whether they are referring to each variant from 2015 to 2016 or if only the top model or bottom model has shaved over 200 lbs. Those with the composite suspension members will have the most weight savings, but those probably only come with the heavier/stiffer pistons on the performance variants to keep them highly competitive on paper.

Personal note 1: Looks like the center console will be going to a more traditional affair with a normal center stack in the dash. I think this is a good thing. I'm looking forward to something more ergonomic and easier to customize.

Personal note 2: My fear that Gen6 is going to end up looking like a Scion FR-S competitor have not yet been quelled. I hope it has all been epic misdirect with the front clip, hood and those lights. "Body by Veilside, lights by APC, bred for the '95 Eclipse, now available in American RWD"? ;o(

1SS base is 3908lbs. Figure a bit more than that but then drop 200lbs (or more as GM states "at least") that would be 3708lbs for a base SS.

All good points.

This is fantastic news. Well done GM. Im really looking foreward to the actual reveal.

I wont believe it, till it's weighed!

The components they have showed as examples of weight reduction would be found on all models. So with that I would say it's safe to say the base models will see that 200lb loss. Performance models may see more, but could be offset by beefier components.

FR-S as a competitor? You are joking right?

God i love the words "at least".

2015 1LE curb weight is 3875lbs. I can't remember but I think the 2013's were even lighter.

Man I can't wait to see the unveiling of the 6th gen. I can't believe it's already been 6 years the 5th gen has been out wow time flies.

GM has stated 3875 and 3860.

3700lbs w/460 or so HP will be a gamechanger.

And there it is, thanks!

If the 6th gen is a total of 200lbs less, that would be the equivalent to a 20 hp increase correct? So the acceleration and speed should be like a 480 hp 5th gen? That's assuming if the LT1 comes with 460 hp for the camaro.

So will 3650:)

"At least 200 pounds"

3650 1le will destroy all cars within it's price range. It will take a gt350 to out run it.
Good times ahead.

Some minor weight mods will put it at 3600 easily!!

Sheesh if this gets any better sounding I may just have to look into getting a 6gen when mine is closer to paid off, unless there's a killer deal.

Hopefully the weight savings doesn't come by skimping on the interior.

SHHHHHHH!!!! Dont jinx it! Im trying to err on the safe side! Lol

This is sounding good. I'm really looking forward to May 16th.

At this point late in the process, You can take GM's word on the weight, the engineers are done with the car at this point (save minor adjustments on fit and finish or issues that arise in the validation and captured test fleet processes). My point is this...a Camaro weighing 200 pounds less is a reality. It may vary based on options, etc but we will have a significantly lighter car.

Don't count your chickens before they hatch. Wait until the car gets weighed by a third party. The Mustang fanboys got the rug pulled out from underneath them last year. Ford did indeed lower frame weight, but other changes added weight right back.

It does sound like Chevy is moving in the right direction, though. Fingers crossed.

This is great news and to use the 1LE as the benchmark makes me a proud Gen 5 owner!!

Agree, but so far it looks like weight was taken from other places.

Comparing two cars that aren't even in production yet, awesome.

I seriously doubt that. I expect the interior to be one of the biggests draws of the sixth gen.

I currently daily drive a 2013 Scion FR-S and these cars are not in the same class at all in comparison to a Camaro. Still a drastic weight/power/handling difference. But performance per dollar, my money is going to be on the 2016 Camaro for sure. I don't think it's going to look anything like it tbh. If anything, it's going to look extremely similar to a 5th gen.

FR-S is a headturner, but the Camaro actually has the power to back up the good looks. :)

key word is "at least" could be more, heck could be 250, 275? we don't know.