Chevrolet has been manufacturing one of the most popular pony cars in the world since September of 1966. The 1967 Camaro was created as a direct competition to the Ford Mustang, and the muscle car has given the Mustang a run for its money ever since.
Despite a brief manufacturing hiatus that started in 2002, the Camaro was revived for its fifth generation, that began production in March of 2009. The latest rendition of the Bowtie pony car is the 2016 Chevy Camaro, and represents the car’s sixth generation.
The American Muscle Car Comes Back to America
The 2016 Chevy Camaro means more than just the sixth generation of the sports car, however. It is the first time the Camaro has been produced at a plant in the United States since 1992, when Chevy last manufactured the third generation models here at home.
The first 2016 Chevy Camaro rolled off the Grand River assembly line in Lansing, Michigan on Monday, marking a huge milestone for both the manufacturer and the Camaro itself. With such a long awaited debut, General Motors orchestrated a very fitting ceremony to mark the Camaro’s manufacturing coming back to the United States. The first three 2016 Camaro models to be built in Lansing, Michigan, were red, white, and blue.
Erin Davis is the spokesperson for General Motors in Lansing and announced that “Everyone’s excited to see the Camaro roll down the line and get shipped to customers. We feel really lucky we’re the plant that gets to have it built not only in the U.S. but in Lansing.”
Bringing the Camaro Back to the U.S. Didn’t Happen Overnight
General Motors had sent the production of the Camaro to Canada after the third generation models were made here in the United States in 1992. The move was motivated by cost savings, and it wasn’t until now that General Motors was able to logistically move the Camaro’s manufacturing back to American soil.
The automotive conglomerate invested $175 million into the plant in Lansing, Michigan, to prepare it for the production of the new Camaro. Upgraded equipment and tooling needed to be purchased, and over 450 employees were hired to work during the second shift. Without these additional employees, the plant would not be able to keep up with the high demand of the new Camaro.
It may have taken a few years, a lot of money, and an influx of employees to bring the production of the Camaro back to the United States, but it looks like the muscle car is here to stay. Even the Mayor of Lansing, Virg Bernero, realizes the value that the Camaro brings to his city, “For this iconic brand to be made in Michigan puts us on the map. This says we do good work. It’s a stepping point for economic development.”
The newly redesigned Camaro is still at least a month away from landing at dealerships. General Motors anticipates that the arrival of the 2016 Chevy Camaro to dealerships nationwide, will happen sometime in mid-November.
A Look at the New Camaro
While we patiently await the arrival of the new Camaro at dealerships across the country, we can sit back and revel at all of the impressive changes that were made to the American muscle car for its sixth generation.
- Price – The first change that many consumers have noticed out of the gate is that the 2016 Chevy Camaro will actually cost them less than the previous model year. The cost of the new Camaro, with the $995 destination charge, will be $26,695. Comparatively, the 2015 Camaro of the same base trim level, cost $27,000. Arguing over what essentially comes out to be less than $400 in savings may seem trivial, but for drivers on a tight budget – the difference can mean actually owning a Camaro, or dreaming of owning a Camaro.
- Body Style and Models – The all new 2016 Camaro is offered as both a convertible or coupe body style. Once a driver decides on the body style, they are able to choose one of four trim levels. The 1LT, 2LT, 1SS, and 2SS complete the Camaro’s lineup and come in a variety of different engine options.
- Power & Performance – The base LT models come with the option of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, or a 3.6-liter V6. The smaller engine makes 275 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, while the larger option gets 335 horsepower, and 284 lb.-ft. of torque. For those who crave more of everything, the SS comes with a powerful 6.2-liter V8 that amasses 455 horsepower, and a matching 455 lb.-ft. of torque.
- Base Model Offerings – The base 2016 Chevy Camaro models come standard with more advanced technology than the previous model year. Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system, complete with Apple CarPlay, come standard on all 2016 Camaro models. A rearview camera, different driving mode options, and an automatic climate control system, are all standard across the board.
- SS Model Standard Features – The 2016 Camaro SS brings more to the table than a more powerful engine. The exterior stands out as more aggressive, differential and transmission coolers, a limited slip differential, and advanced Brembo brakes, are all included. The 2016 Camaro 2SS model comes with ventilated and heated front seats, a premium Bose stereo system, a wireless phone charging station, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Visualize Your Ride
Chevrolet recently released its Camaro Visualizer, which allows potential buyers to customize their 2016 Camaro from their computer or tablet. Users are able to look through the entire selection of optional features and accessories, and choose which ones they would like on their Camaro. The website then gives the user a visual of what their unique Camaro would look like.
The Camaro Visualizer lets users pick from ten exterior colors, over 24 accessories and options, and five interior colors. The online portal is a practical way for Camaro drivers to completely customize their muscle car, to their exact preference and taste.
If you really don’t want to wait until November to get a real feel for the 2016 Chevy Camaro, then take advantage of the Camaro Visualizer that Chevrolet has put together, and start your journey towards owning one of the most iconic, American-made pony cars in the world.
