If there is one thing that Chevrolet is making perfectly clear, it’s that the 2016 Camaro is not only lighter than its predecessor, but also delivers more power. To give you an idea of how much thought Chevy put into shaving weight from the car, take for instance that many of the bolts used to assemble some of its components are shorter (which equals lighter), than ever before. Don’t worry though, the bolts are long enough to securely fasten the components. The diet plan created by engineers had a positive result, as the base-model Gen 6 Camaro is roughly 390 pounds lighter than last year’s base model. Even the SS model dropped 223 pounds. But wait, there’s more …

Not only is the car lighter, but the good folks that built it provided it with 455 horses to propel it. When powered by the 455 horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine and an automatic transmission, testing has shown that a Camaro SS can reach 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds. So, with performance like this already available at your fingertips, why would anyone want to make any changes?

“The Camaro SS comes well-appointed with performance items like Brembo brakes, and a stiffer suspension, but for every enthusiast that is happy with how their new Camaro handles and looks, there is another that craves performance upgrades,” says Todd Christenson, marketing manager for Camaro and Corvette.

In other words, we’re car enthusiasts, upgrade is what we do.

As he hints, many performance upgrades are available.

“Camaro owners, whether V6 or V8 engine owners, can upgrade their Camaro with items like four- or six-piston Brembo brakes, cold air induction kits, and/or a performance exhaust,” he says.

Although not willing to go on record, another Chevrolet-shirt wearing member of the Bow Tie staff told us that some engine upgrades are on the horizon, but wouldn’t elaborate.

“Just like many accessory items, performance parts can also be ordered at the time the car is purchased, and all performance parts are tested and validated just like production parts. That means buyers do not need to worry if the part will fit or if it is durable, as it is engineered alongside the car,” says Christenson.

Just knowing there are performance upgrades available from GM is something that we’re certain will be met with great response. We asked about the possibility of Chevrolet-sanctioned, “stage oriented” kits ever being offered.

“I don’t know about that, a lot of this performance stuff is really for the hardcore racer. These cars already come with 455 horsepower. Although our performance parts catalog is huge, you have to remember, when you start changing engines and transmissions, we can’t validate what happens when that engine is changed, so we couldn’t offer a warranty,” sums up Christenson.