With the official unveiling of the all-new 6th-gen Camaro closing in, everyone (including us) is beyond anxious to lay their eyes on the car for the first time. We’ve already seen and heard the new Camaro through spy shots and footage all over the internet, and it’s a given that it will be available in various flavors. What we do know for certain is that it’ll be lighter, faster, and improved over the 5th-gen in every way.
The rumor mill is filled with questions regarding the entry-level engine; from the LFX 323 hp V6 to carryover from the current car, to a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine being the bargain buyer’s weapon of choice. Even the TT V6 borrowed from the ATS-V is rumored to make an entrance at some point. In terms of LS powerplants, don’t expect one.
With GM switching over to the new GEN-V engine architecture throughout their product line (including Corvette and full-size trucks), it wouldn’t make sense for Chevrolet to unleash a brand new Camaro out into the wild with an 8-year old LS3. From the looks of things, the last LS-powered vehicle sold from GM North America will be the 2017 SS sedan.
You can expect, however, a current model SS equivalent with a 450-460 hp LT1, and independent rear suspension to return across the range. We wouldn’t expect a 1LE, ZL1 or a Z/28 replacement until later into the production cycle, but with rumors of convertibles already running around, don’t be too shocked if it happens for 2016. Underneath, as we have already anticipated in previous articles form GM EFI, is the Alpha architecture that’s also shared with the ATS and CTS. This should provide Camaro owners with a lighter and more nimble vehicle.
Camaro6.com recently spawned these renderings for all of us Camaro fans to gaze upon, and it does provide a glimpse of what could be from General Motors. We’ll find out soon enough!
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of GMEFI Magazine, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles. When he isn’t tuning, testing, or competing with the brand’s current crop of project vehicles, he’s busy tinkering and planning the next modifications for his own cars.
