“Built Chevy Tough” Takes On A Tougher Meaning For The 2016 Camaro! - Chevy Hardcore

“Built Chevy Tough” Takes On A Tougher Meaning For The 2016 Camaro!

Randy Bolig
April 13, 2015

logoIt might seem like the introduction of the new 2016 Camaro keeps dragging on, but be patient, it will definitely be worth the weight (savings)-pun intended. Our latest update has to do with how much design and engineering has gone into the body of the latest Camaro.

There is no doubt that the Chevrolet engineering team spent a countless amount of hours behind a computer screen honing intricacies of the 2016 Camaro. The time spent designing and engineering every aspect of the car was done in order to deliver an unrivaled driving experience that you will hopefully receive from the all-new 2016 Chevrolet Camaro. What’s more, is that this was all done before the first prototype even created its first burn out mark on the highway! All of this time on the computer, and spent structural modeling, led to the latest generation of Camaro being 28 percent stiffer than the previous model.

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The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro is based on the GM’s award-winning Alpha architecture, with 70 percent of the components unique to Camaro, including exterior dimensions, suspension geometry, and powertrain components.

“The modeling abilities of computer-aided engineering are advancing at incredible rates,” said Jim Karlavage, Camaro program engineering manager. “Today, we can accurately model opportunities to add torsional strength without adding unnecessary mass. The result is a lighter, stiffer structure that benefits every aspect of the driving experience.”

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that the more rigid the body structure, the easier it is for the engineers to more precisely calibrate the steering and suspension systems. This is because they don’t have to compensate for exponential chassis flex. The lighter but stiffer structure also enabled the size and mass of elements such as the wheels, tires and brakes to be scaled accordingly.

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According to GM, the structure of the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro is 28 percent stiffer and the overall weight is at least 200 pounds lighter than its predecessor. For that reason, parts like wheels/tires, and brakes have been re-scaled, and contribute to a car that is 200 pounds lighter than the previous year.

“The structural weight savings are compounded by opportunities to reduce un-sprung weight,” said Karlavage. “The result is a more nimble driving experience that rewards the driver with satisfying feelings of responsiveness and control.”

As we all know, Chevrolet will introduce the all-new, 2016 Camaro on Saturday, May 16, during a special public event at Detroit’s Belle Isle Park. We’re sure that the unveiling will be a huge success.

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro features aluminum front and rear suspension assemblies, with links on some models made of rigid composite material that’s even lighter than aluminum.
The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro features aluminum front and rear suspension assemblies, with links on some models made of rigid composite material that’s even lighter than aluminum.