The Camaro has been an iconic muscle car since it got its start in 1967, and is still being produced today. This iconic muscle car is getting another reboot, and the 2016 Chevy Camaro SS will be the strongest Camaro ever released. The 2016 Camaro has thousands of customization options, and 4 trim levels to further the customization of your hot-rod. Depending on the number of optional features you decide to add to the trim level you pick, it can change the performance, look, price, technology, and anything else you can think of changing in a car. Even the spoiler. For our sanity, we will just focus on the big changes that come with the differences in trim level.
But first, there are some standard changes made across all trim levels for the 2016 Camaro, that is different from the current model.
Exterior
The exterior of the Camaro has been redesigned, in regards to looks and performance. The designers needed to create a modern body around a smaller and lighter frame, while still resembling the previous model year’s design. The result is a new and muscular looking hot-rod, that can perform just as good as it looks.
The redesign made the Camaro smaller, wider, and more athletic. The tighter proportions allowed the Camaro to shed 390 pounds that made for more responsive braking, more control going around corners, and an overall nimbler performance than its predecessor.
It was tested for many hours in a wind tunnel, ensuring that the new Camaro design was as aerodynamic as possible. Thanks to the new redesign, the Camaro was able to become more aerodynamic than before, improving gas-mileage and speed.
New Platform
Much of this redesign is thanks to the new platform the Camaro is sitting on. The Camaro is being supported by the same chassis in the Cadillac ATS, and it was a major factor in the weight loss. The suspension is comprised of aluminum components that reduce unsprung mass for better handling, and all wheel options are in lightweight aluminum.
This lightweight suspension combined with the Cadillac chassis has made the Camaro lighter than its predecessor, but not any weaker. In fact, it has actually become 28% stiffer than its predecessor, making the driver feel more connected to the road.
The 5-star safety rating of the chassis has also contributed greatly to the Camaro, making this the safest Camaro yet.
Interior
The interior has seen a completely new redesign as well. Most automakers sacrifice the quality of the interior and use the money to improve the performance of the car. However, you will find nothing but quality materials and technology inside the Camaro. Where there isn’t high-quality durable plastic, there is premium leather with fine accent stitching.
On the technology end, the new Camaro is equipped with MyLink and Apple CarPlay, supporting both iPhone and Android devices. The high definition touchscreen is equipped with features like SiriusXM radio, voice activated controls, navigation capabilities, and wireless phone charging. An OnStar Basic Plan is available that also includes RemoteLink Key Fob Services, allowing you to use your smartphone to remotely start your car, activate door locks, lights, and your horn.
Even the basic LT trim is equipped with a plethora of technological features, creating even more options as you go up in trim level.
Transmission
The transmissions will remain interchangeable throughout all the Camaro models. You can opt for the new high-performance eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. Or, if you are more of a traditionalist, the six-speed manual is being offered as well.
LT Powertrains
The powertrains in the LT offer massive fuel-savings, thanks to the engineering of the new body design. The standard turbo engine for the LT is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that puts out 275 horsepower and 295 pound-foot torque. For a muscle car, the efficiency is pretty great with this engine, and there is no sacrifice in performance.
You can say goodbye to the days of the automatic being considered a weak Camaro option. When paired with the manual six-speed and this 2.0 4-cylinder, the LT can hit 0 to 60 in just 5.4 seconds. Paired with the automatic, it can do 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds.
The other engine that can be paired with the 1LT and 2LT trims is the all new 3.6-liter V6. This V6 can put out 335 horsepower and 284-pound foot of torque. Thanks to the Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing technology, this V6 with an eight-speed automatic can nail 0 to 60 in 5.1 seconds, and 5.2 seconds when paired with a manual. In this case, the eight-speed automatic actually beats the six-speed manual in the 0 to 60 bracket.
Speaking volumes about the capability of the new paddle-shift transmission when paired with the new V6.
SS Powertrains
The SS is the big-boy of the Camaro trims, and both the 1SS and 2SS have the option to be paired with the 6.2-liter V8 engine with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing, exclusive only to the SS. Big expectations call for big performance, and the V8 SS delivers. This engine puts out 455 horsepower and 455 pound-foot of torque. It rockets the automatic Camaro SS from 0 to 60 in 4 seconds flat, and the manual in 4.3 seconds.
The mpg of the LT trims is to be determined, supposedly having a good fuel-efficiency to horsepower ratio. The SS EPA estimates are in though, and with the V8 it is supposed to get 16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, adding to a combined total of 19 mpg. We can expect that the fuel efficiency of the LT trim engine options will be better than the SS. However, as far as hot-rods go that is already some pretty good fuel-efficiency.
RS Package
The RS Package is unique only to the LT, and it adds 20-inch wheels, a deckled-mounted lip spoiler, HID headlamps with LED signature, LED taillamp, and a chrome accented grille. Standard, the LT trims come with 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED daytime running lamps, halogen projector-beam headlamps and a unique grille (not chromed out). The RS Package adds enhancement and additions in both functional technology and aesthetic looks, but isn’t required to be purchased.
The Camaro SS has no such available option, but comes with 20-inch wheels standard (as opposed to 18), HID headlamps, LED signature accents, LED taillamp, and a full suite of performance technologies. It also comes standard with a unique spoiler, functional air vents on the hood, integrated brake cooling ducts on the grille, and available magnetic ride control. Some features on the RS Package come standard on the SS trim levels, which naturally causes a price increase.
Safety in the SS
The 1SS and 2SS have some safety options that only come standard on this trim level. All Camaros are equipped with many features too help keep you as safe as possible. Some of the options unique to the SS trims are Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Rear Park Assist. Every possible safety function available for the Camaro comes standard on the 2SS trim, making it the safest Camaro to date.
The lower trims have the access to some of these safety features as well, and all Camaros are sitting on a 5-star safety rated chassis combined with a high strength steel safety cage that surrounds the cab. You won’t be losing out on safety if you choose the basic trim level.
Price
It’s a classic case of getting what you pay for. The standard 1LT is priced at $26,695 and increases up to $30,795 when going for the 2LT trim. The 1SS starts at $37,295 and the 2SS starts at $42,295. Adding on the RS package is $1,950 for the LT trims, the 3.6 V6 $1,495, and adding on the 8-speed costs another $1,495.
Much, Much More
There are many more options when it comes to the trim levels. On the Chevrolet website there is a “Build and Price Your 2016 Camaro” page dedicated to showing you all your options for each trim, and also factoring in the price. If I attempted to cover all of the options for the trim levels and the price, you would be reading forever.
Want the power of a hot-road and the technology and comfort of a luxury vehicle? You can have that. Want a basic Camaro to cruise around in and enjoy the ride? It’s yours. Or, go all the way with a 2SS trim fully focusing on performance and fully decked out. Chevy is pushing the new Camaro as a car that no matter what type of option you are looking for, you can have it. So far, that looks to be true.
