Blog for car lovers: 2016 Chevrolet Camaro: Key Updates, Pricing, Release Date

Overview

The Chevrolet Camaro is due for a major redesign for the 2016 model year. At first glance, it may not look like a next-generation model, but make no mistake- the car will be built on a new platform with some important revisions intended to make it a lighter, faster, and better overall vehicle compared to the previous generation.

For its 6th generation, the Camaro will move to the same platform as the popular Cadillac ATS, shaving off more than 200 lbs in the process. Suspension has been heavily revised with a double-pivot MacPherson strut up front which will tie-in to a quick-ratio electric power steering system. Enthusiasts may appreciate the continued availability of active suspension (dubbed Magnetic Ride Control) on upper trims.

Perhaps most notable is the addition of an all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine on entry models. The new powerplant will make 275 hp with 295 lb-ft of torque and get up to 30 mpg in highway driving according to GM estimates.

A more powerful 3.6-liter V6 with direct injection producing up to 335 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque is also available. Finally, SS models will get a 6.2-liter V8 making 455 hp with 455 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful Camaro SS ever offered.

Key updates for 2016 include a revised exterior and higher-quality interior with a number of customization options. For example, the new Camaro will get 10 exterior colors and 5 interior colors, with a host of wheel and design choices like custom grille kits and exterior graphics packages.
Expect more detailed information closer to launch.

Pricing & Release Date

Full official pricing has been released. The 2016 Camaro 1LT equipped with 4-cylinder turbo and 6-speed manual will start at $25,700 (before a $995 destination charge). Opting for the 8-speed automatic adds $1,495 to the price.

When you consider that the affordable LS model will not be offered for 2016, this equates to a $1,995 effective price increase over the outgoing model. However, the most significant price changes are arguably with the V6.

The Camaro 1LT V6 will start at $27,195, a $1,495 premium over the turbo. As a result, the Camaro will become one of the priciest V6 models in its class, $3,395 more expensive than the 2015 Ford Mustang.

Upper-spec SS models will receive the largest price increases. The 2016 Camaro 1SS will start at $36,300, a $2,795 increase over the 2015 model. The highest-trim 2SS will get a massive $3,995 increase to $41,300. Features like Magnetic Ride Control can be added for $1,695.

On-sale dates will vary by model. Chevy will first release the V6 coupe in Fall 2015. The turbo and convertible variants will follow in early 2016. The next-generation Camaro ZL1 and Z/28 are expected to debut much later in 2016 as 2017 models.

Stay tuned for the latest release info as it becomes available.