2016 Chevy Camaro to shed more than 200 pounds

Chevrolet’s next-generation Camaro sports car will shed more than 200 pounds thanks to a new architecture constructed from lightweight materials.
The Camaro’s new chassis is expected to be derived from the rear-wheel drive architecture that underpins the Cadillac ATS. But in addition to the weight savings afforded by that platform switch, Chevy engineers also managed to cut mass by examine every component destined for the 2016 Camaro

For example, the current Camaro’s steel instrument panel support beam was swapped out for an aluminum unit, saving 9.7 pounds. The sixth-generation Camaro’s suspension assemblies will also be made from aluminum, netting a weight savings of 21 percent compared to the fifth-generation Camaro. Given those changes, the base 2016 Camaro could tip the scales at about 3,500 pounds, or 300 pounds less than the current Z/28.

“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,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “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.”

Chevrolet will officially unveil the 2016 Camaro on May 16th.