After the spy shots, renders, CNBC leaks and crappy cell phone pics, here is the 2016 Camaro, in all its glory. And it’s even better than yesterday’s leaked memo would have you believe.
First of all, it’s more powerful. The entry-level 2.0-liter turbo four puts out 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The all-new 3.6-liter V6 puts out 335 HP and 284 lb-ft of torque. (Yes, the turbo four has more torque than the V6. What an age we live in.)
But the real star of the show, of course, is the Corvette Stingray-sourced LT1 6.2-liter V8, now with 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. It’s the most powerful Camaro SS ever.
No zero to 60 times have been released yet, except to say that the turbo four will do zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds. Considering the Mustang EcoBoost does it in the mid-fives, that’s probably a conservative estimate.
Also: it looks a hell of a lot better inside than it used to. Check out the new steering wheel, the displays, the control rings around the air vents, the displays, the seats, and the gear shifter. They may not have worked on visibility much, but it’s a nicer place to spend time.
Other highlights include weight losses exceeding 200 pounds thanks to the new Alpha platform and liberal use of aluminum; standard Brembo brakes on the SS; a Drive Mode Selector like the Stingray and ATS-V have, which let you customize its behavior on everything from the snow to the track; a more aerodynamic design; optional Magnetic Ride on the SS; and an available eight-speed automatic, if shifting yourself isn’t your bag.
It looks like this car takes the great performance tech we’ve seen on the Stingray, outgoing Camaro ZL1, and new Cadillac V-series models and applies them to the more affordable Camaro. While the design may not be anything radical, the rest of it is.
Calling it now: the new Camaro will be a force to be reckoned with. I’m excited to get behind the wheel soon.
Contact the author at patrick@jalopnik.com.