2010 to 2016 Camaro Specifications Chart: Educated Extrapolation
We’ve previously gone out on a limb to predict what the 2015 and 2018 Mustang specifications will be. We provided a chart showing the 2013 Mustang specifications against comparable models expected in 2015 and 2018 (yes, we are predicting that in the spring of 2017 an update will occur for the 2018 model year since Ford’s latest and greatest engines and transmissions will not be available in the spring of 2014 when the 20157 Mustang is expected to launch). We created an extensive spreadsheet based on what is known about the 2015 Mustang, and it wasn’t too difficult since we know the new chassis is closely based off the old, and since spy photos have supported what we call “education extrapolation”. Educated because as a member of the press we’ve been watching Mustang launches for many past generations, education because we’ve been an owner of many of those cars ourselves, and extrapolated because of course almost noting is announced – other than that there will be a Mustang. So, yes, we’re out on a limb, and we’re prepared to eat crow next spring when the car arrives. But, generally, enthusiasts who have gone thru out chart agree with most of what’s there.
So now it’s time to go even further out on a limb for the next Camaro, which we think will arrive for the 2016 model year. That could be as early as the summer of 2015, or as latte as the spring of 2016.
Facts: what do we know? Read more
Next Camaro production will move to Michigan from Canada
Automotive News reports that production of the next generation Camaro will move from its existing Canadian assembly plant in Oshawa, Ontario, to the Lansing Grand Rover Assembly Plant in Michigan. The Camaro will share an assembly line with the Cadillac ATS and the upcoming all-new CTS. Both the ATS and the upcoming new CTS share the new “Alpha” platform.
This all but confirms that the Camaro will also share the Alpha platform. GM will only say that the move will occur in the 2015 or 2016 model year. Keep in mind that the Alpha platform is all but state-of-the-art, and is also enormously lighter than the current Camaro platform. Conceivably, the Camaro could end up lighter than the 2015 Mustang… or at least on even terms.
Typically, the reaction of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union was a knee-jerk reaction, accusing GM of a quote “assault on Canada”. In reality, the decision was made for simple economics, consolidating all the production for the same platform in the same plant.
How to build a Cadillac ATS
Esquire magazine has an interesting article detailing how the new Cadillac ATS was designed and built. Esquire thinks that the ATS just might be the most important domestic car since the Model T.
We certainly can’t agree with that assessment, but we will agree that the new Alpha platform first seen in this new Cadillac ATS is extremely relevant to both GM and to the competition. If the Cadillac CTS failed to meet or match the hallowed BMW 3-series standard, the Cadillac ATS comes much closer. Not only within a few tenths of an inch in overall dimensions, but even closer in engines and drivetrains. And – at least by intent – in refinement.
Not all is perfect, of course, as we’ve seen in recent road tests where the 4-cylinder turbo ATS just barely lost to the BMW in straight-line performance *and* refinement (but, interestingly, not in skidpad). You may have been following the development of the all-new Alpha platform over the past several years, where engineers battled against conflicting corporate demands (switching back and forth over whether the platform would be able to house a V-8 or not – which has major ramifications for overall weight). But now the Alpha platform is locked in and in its first use for the Cadillac ATS.
Andrew Tingle
The ATS in Opulent Blue. It’s priced toward first-time luxury-car buyers at $33,990.
This type of weight loss is the only way forward, given increasing emissions regulations as well as the 54.5 mpg CAFE Standard being phased in over the next several years and due to be completed by 2025. Future Mustangs and Camaros (as well as Corvettes) won’t be about the ultimate horsepower number anymore, instead they will compete on the new standard of pounds per horsepower.
For the sake of posterity, we’ve saved the images from the article below. Unfortunately, Esquire didn’t provide the one image that we’ve seen elsewhere, but hoped they would capture. We’ve seen a bare bodyshell and chassis of the ATS in press briefings, and took special note of the extent of the work the designers undertook in order to save weight. Very clearly a “gram strategy” (to use Mazda’s term) was used to keep the weight of every single component to the absolute minimum required to perform the task. The bodyshell was also lightened with large numbers of stamped-in holes in order to lighten the body wherever possible without compromising structural and torsional requirements.
What will the future Alpha-based Camaro look like? The ATS saves weight and reduces cost by using a McPherson strut-type front suspension. The tires are shorter and smaller than those of the current Camaro. The chassis can accommodate the next generation 5.5 liter V-8, which will be offered for as many years going forward as the CAFE average of GM can sustain. The ATS engineers have said in interviews that a precise and well designed suspension doesn’t need to fall back on gigantic tires. Same for rim size: 19s are the largest offered with this chassis and 20s are not needed. The Camaro will certainly use wider tires, but not any taller. We could probably predict the Camaro tire size based on the ATS specifications. The use of the new Alpha platform means a better performing Camaro all around, with far better dynamic characteristics as well as higher quality.
Cadillac ATS chassis on the line at the Lansing Grand River assembly plant
Andrew Tingle
Andrew Tingle
Installing windshields.
Andrew Tingle
Assembly line
Andrew Tingle
A recently pressed inner-hood panel in Flint.
Andrew Tingle
Assembly line, underneath the ATS
Andrew Tingle
The Journey team constructing driver composites using Post-it notes.
Andrew Tingle
The andon board at LGR displays information about each workstation.
Camaro ZL1 Joins the 11-second Club
GM Press Release and video follows:
DETROIT – The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is officially in the “11-second” club, as engineers recently turned an 11.93-second/116-mph quarter-mile elapsed time run in a showroom-stock Camaro ZL1 automatic. A Camaro ZL1 manual ran an 11.96-second ET at 117 mph.
Only a few other production vehicles can run the quarter-mile as quickly as the ZL1. Fewer yet can also run 0-60 in 4 seconds, reach a top speed of 184 mph and lap the famous Nürburgring in 7:41.27 – all with the street-legal, factory-issued components and no time-consuming equipment adjustments at the racetrack.
“The ZL1 is great at everything and we’re very proud of that,” said Tony Roma, Camaro ZL1 program engineering manager. “You can take it to the drag strip and run 11-second quarter-miles all day long. You can also take it to a road course, where it’s balanced, handles well, and does exactly what you want – including lapping Virginia International Raceway’s Grand Course in under three minutes – and yet the ZL1 is sophisticated enough to use as a daily driver. It’s a supercar you can drive every day.”
For perspective, the Camaro ZL1 is so quick that some drivers who experiment with “drag radial” tires or full racing slicks may find themselves going too quick for most NHRA-sanctioned racetracks, where a five-point roll bar is required for vehicles running 11.49 or quicker. The 11.93-second ET in a stock ZL1 tested by the engineers wore the factory-issued Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 tires developed specifically for it, putting the car only a scant 0.44-second away from that additional racing safety requirement.
Tuned for the drag strip
The original, special-order 1969 Camaro ZL1s are still revered for their legendary performance on the drag strip and Chevrolet was keenly aware that customers for the new, 21st century edition would undoubtedly test its straight-line mettle in quarter-mile increments.
The Camaro team re-engineered 30 percent of a Camaro 2SS to make the ZL1, including special modifications just for the drag strip.
“We know many of customers will take their ZL1 to the drag strip,” said Gordon Rojewski, driveline development engineer – and who is also an experienced drag racer and owner of a turbocharged, 920-horsepower street car. “Some may just go once, to experience the full potential of the 580-horsepower LSA engine. Others may be more serious, going every other weekend with a set of slicks in the trunk. As such, we set out to make sure the ZL1 would perform for them – on the first pass and on the 100th.”
For example, to withstand the heavy loads of repeated hard launches, the ZL1 features a stout 9.9-inch rear differential mounted in a robust cast iron center section. It also features a standard differential cooler that can lower the temperature by 100 degrees F for improved performance and longevity.
The ZL1 also features asymmetrical half-shafts: a 60mm hollow shaft on the right and a 33mm solid shaft on the left. The different torsional stiffness rates of the shafts work in conjunction with the limited-slip differential to minimize the chance of wheel hop at launch. Engineers modified the rear suspension, as well, to accommodate an 18-inch wheel, for owners who want to fit a set of drag-radials with taller sidewalls to improve their ETs.
Even the ZL1’s exclusive Performance Traction Management (PTM) was tuned for the drag-strip. It integrates third-generation Magnetic Ride Control, launch control, traction control, electronic stability control and electric power steering response to enhance performance. Launch control (manual transmission only) automatically modulates engine torque for the best-possible acceleration without excessive wheel spin. When the driver pushes the throttle to the floor, the system holds a predetermined engine speed until the driver releases the clutch. Then, the system modulates engine torque 1,000 times per second to maximize the available traction.
Mode 5 of launch control is uniquely calibrated for drag strips that use VHT or similar traction-enhancing compounds on the starting line. In addition to validating the system for the stock tires, engineers also tested it with 18- and 20-inch racing-type drag radial tires in anticipation of the specialty tires many drivers will use at the track. Drag radials are very soft and provide nearly the traction of a full racing slick, allowing the car to launch at a higher rpm without wheel spin, which can translate into an even quicker ET.
Proven with 1,000 hard launch tests
To test the chassis and suspension components to ensure they were up to repeated hard-start launches typical at the drag strip, engineers subjected the ZL1 to the grueling “Woodward Avenue Schedule” at the GM Milford Proving Ground.
Named for the famous cruising route that cuts north through Detroit’s suburbs and has been the venue for untold thousands of unofficial launch capability demonstrations since the 1960s, each test cycle is a hard-launch, standing-start drag race up to 100 mph. The ZL1 was subjected to 1,000 test cycles before its driveline was stamped “approved”.
“The Woodward Avenue Schedule was a really brutal test, but it told us the Camaro ZL1 would live up to the way we knew our customers would drive it on the track,” said Rojewski.
The Camaro ZL1 is on sale now with a suggested retail price of $54,995 – including a $900 destination charge. The 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission includes TapShift control and is a $1,185 option. The Camaro ZL1 convertible goes on sale this summer.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
GM sweats the engineering at the Nurburgring for the Camaro ZL-1
We’ll have to admit it: as much as we dislike the Camaro’s rediculous size and bulk, as well as it’s concept car styling (especially the dashboard), we have to admire its engineering. It gets the worldwide platform with IRS that the Ford Mustang is still missing, it takes full benefit of GM’s engine families, and next spring it gets a 580 HP version of the Cadillac CTS-V supercharged V-8 engine.
And, more importantly, this is a Camaro that is much more than the sum of its parts. Endurance testing on the Nurburgring not only ensures that the car can survive the type of track days the rest of us do, it ensures that it can survive them for years on end as well as the travails of daily driving. We’ve experienced the downside of lousy engineering ourselves with our POS 2003 SVT Mustang Cobra, whose supercharged V-8 might have seemed state-of-the-art in its day but which in reality couldn’t survive more than a few hot laps on-track. Nor could it survive hot highways and stop-and-go driving in the heats of a Texas summer.
Note the details in these videos: the ZL-1 is the first performance car that GM has done that has either zero neutral lift or negative lift. Look at the engineering of the ZL-1 and you see a complete package with close attention to nealy all the big and small details: cooling, braking, handling (missing only excellent seating). Ergnomics are still far worse than a Mustang, and the total weight is far greater, but the sum of the engineering and especially the totality of testing is far more extensive. And, yes, we know the upcoming 2013 Shelby Mustang has been briefly tested on the Nurburgring, but that was the first time a Mustang has ever been tested there and it is in our observation (and in our experience as a former Mustang owner, track driver, and instructor) too little and too late.
Kudos to GM engineering for building and testing the most exceptional Camaro ever. The ZL-1 is the last milestone in the current Camaro; an all-new Camaro is in the early stages of engineering and certainly the lessons learned here will be used there.
2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 endures 24-hour track test
With 30 years of track events under our belts, failures have been the rule rather than the exception. Attacking Watkins Glen with 10.5″ disc brakes up front and 8″ drums in the rear and doing 140 MPH used to be crazy with complete brake swaps necessary each evening of the track weekend. That meant rotors, calipers, pads, and bearings. We’ve lost countless brakes over the years not because of the number of laps we’ve done or the speed at which we did them but because of the lack of basic engineering and testing our track cars of the past years have received from the factory. Yes, these were Mustangs and when the brakes weren’t failing the cooling systems notoriously failed. Some of our other cars, most notably Japanese cars, never ever had a single failure, problem point, or issue with the ultra high track temps here in Texas. And we were therefore much happier with them than we were with the spectacular failure of our 2003 Mustang Cobra, which couldn’t do ten laps without over-heating, was under-braked from the factory, and finally failed completely resulting in what would have been a 17,500 dollar bill without a factory warranty (which took a series of calls all the way up to Colletti to resolve ). In fact, it couldn’t even do a rush hour crawl down the expressway int he heat of summer without garking it’s fluid. What a POS that car was.
Chevrolet has a different idea. Test, test, and test again. Test for 24 hours. And design what we call a “complete car” - meaning design right from the start to take this kind of punishment. Extra large brakes and cooling system., transmission and diff coolers. The plan is, as the following video clearly states, to test the car so that it will do what the owners would do with it without breaking. That enormously appeals to us!
More from Chevrolet on the 3.6 liter “LFX” V-6
2012 Chevrolet Camaro Engine: More Power, Efficiency
New 3.6L V-6 LFX produces 323 horsepower and 30 mpg on the highway
2011-04-13
DETROIT – A new, more powerful and more efficient version of the 3.6L direct-injected V-6 will be standard in the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. It delivers an SAE-certified 323 horsepower (241 kW) at 6,800 rpm – 11 horsepower (8 kW) more than 2011 models. It is also 20.5 pounds (9.3 kg) lighter than the current engine, which enhances efficiency and driving dynamics.
The changes to the 3.6L V-6 – known by its new “LFX” engine code – represent greater refinements to an already well-balanced package, including the use of new, lighter-weight components and enhancements designed to improve performance, efficiency and durability. And while more powerful than the current 3.6L, the 2012 Camaro 2LS model will deliver an estimated 30 mpg on the highway with the LFX engine.
“This is a great engine architecture and our engineers have never stopped working to make it even better,” said Ameer Haider, assistant chief engineer for V-6 engines. “The enhancements for 2012 will deliver reduced engine weight and lower emissions – along with the greater power that Camaro drivers will certainly appreciate.”
The 3.6L is a 60-degree design, with the cylinder block and cylinder heads cast in aluminum for low weight. A forged steel crankshaft provides optimal strength in the bottom end, while the cylinder heads include four valves per cylinder, with a dual overhead camshaft design incorporating infinitely variable cam phasing. Compared to the 3.6L V-6 in 2011 models, the new LFX engine features:
- New cylinder head design with integrated exhaust manifold
- Improved intake port design and larger intake valves within the cylinder heads
- Longer-duration intake camshafts
- Composite intake manifold
- New fuel pump and isolated fuel rail
- New, optimized-flow fuel injectors
- Structural front cover and cylinder block enhancements
- Stronger and lighter-weight connecting rods
- Camshaft cap and throttle body design enhancements.
The LFX engine is significantly lighter than the current 3.6L V-6. The integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design saves approximately 13 pounds (6 kg) per engine over the cylinder heads and manifolds of the current engine, while the new composite intake manifold saves approximately 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) over the current aluminum intake. Additionally, a lighter-weight structural front cover and lighter-weight, high-strength connecting rods bring the total weight savings to 20.5 pounds (9.3 kg), which helps the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and enhances its feeling of driving balance.
“It isn’t often we get the opportunity to take more than 20 pounds off an engine. We met some aggressive targets while retaining great strength and reliability,” said Haider. “The engine is as durable as ever but now with improved performance and efficiency.”
Additionally, the optimized-flow fuel injectors and integrated exhaust manifolds/cylinder heads promote lower emissions. And along with its weight savings, the composite intake manifold has a smaller radiated surface area to help it maintain noise and vibration characteristics comparable to the previous aluminum manifold.
Greater airflow brings more power – and efficiency
The new cylinder heads also bring a revised intake port design that enhances airflow to the combustion chambers. Larger-diameter intake valves (38.3 mm vs. 36.96 mm) are used in the heads and work in conjunction with new, longer-duration intake camshafts to provide the engine’s boost in horsepower.
The valves let air in and exhaust escape from the combustion chambers. The duration of the camshaft determines how long the valves are open. By using larger valves and holding them open longer, more of the air is pulled into the combustion chamber, for a more powerful combustion. Often, the tradeoff for greater power is greater fuel consumption, but the LFX engineers adapted new fuel injectors that are optimized for the engine’s performance parameters. The result is more power without sacrificing fuel economy. The more-efficient combustion also means reduced emissions.
Of course, the LFX engine retains direct fuel injection. It optimizes fuel delivery to the combustion chamber by introducing fuel closer to the combustion chamber. The result is better efficiency in the combustion process leading to increased fuel efficiency at part and full throttle.
The LFX uses a new fuel pump for the direct injection system, along with a new, isolated fuel rail. The new fuel pump is quieter, while the isolated fuel rail further reduces fuel system noise.
Greater refinement and durability
Additional changes incorporated in the LFX deliver greater refinement, quietness and durability, starting with revisions to the front cover. It was redesigned with additional support ribs on the backside and an additional fastener to reduce noise and vibration. The cylinder block is modified slightly to accommodate the front cover’s additional fastener.
Inside the engine, the powdered metal connecting rods use a higher ratio of copper, which makes them stronger and enables further mass savings. Also, the camshafts feature new saddle-type caps for improved durability. Finally, the throttle body is updated with a new, digital throttle position feature that eliminates a previous mechanical contact for more trouble-free operation.
About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free” solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com
| LFX 3.6L V-6 DI VVT | |
| Type: | 3.6L V-6 |
| Displacement (cu in / cc): | 217 / 3564 |
| Bore & stroke (in / mm): | 3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6 |
| Block material: | cast aluminum w/ cast-in-place iron bore liners |
| Cylinder head material: | aluminum |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing |
| Ignition system: | electronic individual coil-on-plug; individual cylinder knock control and extended-life platinum-tipped spark plugs |
| Fuel delivery: | direct fuel injection |
| Compression ratio: | 11.5:1 |
| Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): | 323 / 241 @ 6800 (SAE certified) |
| Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): | 278 / 377@ 4800 (SAE certified) |
| Recommended fuel: | regular unleaded |
| Maximum engine speed (rpm): | 7200 |
| Emissions controls: | evaporative emissions system, catalytic converter, equal-length exhaust, dual close coupled and dual under floor catalytic converters, positive crankcase ventilation, intake and exhaust cam phasers, electronic throttle control |
2012 Camaro V-6 ups the ante with the new LFX 3.6 liter V-6
Chevrolet has announced details of it’s heavily revised V-6 engine for the 2012 Camaro. The Camaro arrives in the fall of 2011 and includes suspension changes and much-needed interior ergonomic improvements.
According to Chevrolet, the new engine, dubbed “LFX”, features:
- New cylinder head design with integrated exhaust manifold
- Improved intake port design and larger intake valves within the cylinder heads
- Longer-duration intake camshafts
- Composite intake manifold
- New fuel pump and isolated fuel rail
- New, optimized-flow fuel injectors
- Structural front cover and cylinder block enhancements
- Stronger and lighter-weight connecting rods
- Camshaft cap and throttle body design enhancements.
Integrating the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head is a technology whihc is becoming much more common over the past few years. The benefit is purely emissions. Hobbyists won’t be able to install an aftermarket header onto this design, but very likely the exhaust flow is so optimized that it wouldn’t be of much value anyway.
Chevrolet emphasizes in their press release the importance of direct injection. Horsepower is rated at 323 – compare that to Ford’s port-injected 3.7 liter engine with only 305 (what was leading edge a year ago is falling behind as more technology is applied). Torque is an extremely healthy 278 lb-ft. Very clearly Chevrolet, like Ford, understands that the driving characteristics of the base engine greatly add to the desirability of the car. And the sales figures for the Camaro, besting the Mustang, clearly demonstrate this.
A new generation V-8 engine family is coming too, although it won’t be available in 2012. All of the same technologies seen in this V-6 will be applied to an all-new 5.5 liter V-8 engine that will provide equal or better power and much improved emissions and mileage. The biggest problem for the Camaro, however, remains the shear size of the car. Solving that problem wil have to wait a few years for the arrival of an all-new and much lighter chassis. As a driving enthusiast, it’s very difficult to get very excited about the current car due to it’s size and bulk, but the next generation Camaro arriving in the in 2014-2015 timeframe will see advanced technology applied to the design of thchassis.
Full Chevrolet Press Release follows:
——————————————————————————————————————————————-
2012 Camaro: 45th Anniversary Edition Boosts Power, Comfort
Sports car brings new, more powerful V-6, sport suspension and new technologies
2011-04-13
DETROIT – Chevrolet Camaro, America’s most popular sports car, extends its momentum with enhancements for the 2012 model year. Highlights include an improved version of its standard 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine, a new FE4 performance suspension package for SS coupes and several interior and technology improvements, such as a revised instrument panel design, new steering wheel and rear camera system.
The enhancements arrive in time for Camaro’s 45thbirthday, which will be celebrated with this summer’s release of the 45th Anniversary Special Edition Camaro. Continuing the tradition of Camaro anniversary models, the 45thAnniversary Special Edition carries all the upgrades for 2012, with additional unique design elements, inside and out.
“The appeal of Camaro design and performance has powered it to the top of its segment,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “For 2012, we’re capitalizing on that momentum with enhancements to Camaro’s performance and comfort.”
Also coming in early 2012 is the high-performance Camaro ZL1, the most technologically advanced car ever developed in its segment.
Class-leading 3.6L V-6 engine
Camaro’snew 3.6L direct injection V-6 – the LFX engine – goes into production this summer. It delivers an SAE-certified 323 horsepower (241 kW) at 6,800 rpm – an increase of 11 horsepower (8 kW) over the 2011 engine, with no compromise in fuel economy.
The LFX delivers the most standard power in the regular sports car segment. It is also 20.5 pounds (9.3 kg) lighter than its predecessor, which promotes a more balanced driving experience. EPA-estimated highway fuel economy for the ’12 Camaro is 30 mpg (2LS model).
Compared to the 3.6L V-6 in 2011 models, the new LFX engine features:
- New cylinder head design with integrated exhaust manifold
- Improved intake port design and larger intake valves within the cylinder heads
- Longer-duration intake camshafts
- Composite intake manifold
- New fuel pump and isolated fuel rail
- New, optimized-flow fuel injectors
- Structural front cover and cylinder block enhancements
- Stronger and lighter-weight connecting rods
- Camshaft cap and throttle body design enhancements.
Direct injection is the key technology enabling the engine’s combination of power and efficiency. It optimizes fuel delivery to the combustion chamber by introducing fuel closer to the combustion chamber. The result is better efficiency in the combustion process leading to increased fuel efficiency at part and full throttle. It also uses a new fuel pump for the direct injection system, along with a new, isolated fuel rail. The new fuel pump is quieter, while the isolated fuel rail further reduces fuel system noise.
FE4 suspension enhances performance
The new FE4 suspension debuts as a performance improvement for the Camaro SS coupe in 2012, focusing on more refined handling.
“Our objective was to create a more precise sport suspension for the SS coupe, with greater road-holding capability,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. ”We applied lessons learned from extensive track testing to better refine the suspension geometry for flatter cornering, a more neutral balance during hard turns, and minimized understeer at the limit.”
Elements of the FE4 package include:
- Retuned front and rear dampers
- New solid front (23 mm) and rear (24 mm) stabilizer bars
- Twenty-inch aluminum wheels and P245/45R20 front/P275/40R20 rear tires (SS).
More than just new components, the new FE4 performance suspension incorporates learning from the ongoing development of the high-performance Camaro ZL1. In particular, the suspension geometry has been adjusted, including reshaped stabilizer bars that are repositioned outboard of the shock mounts. This results in more effective body control and more precise response in performance driving.
Interior, exterior and technology updates
The 2012 model year brings appearance, ergonomic and technology upgrades inside for Camarodrivers and passengers. The interior updates include a revised instrument panel appearance, with new instrument graphics and trim, as well as a new steering wheel design and a power lift feature for the front passenger seat. The steering wheel features a fresh new look and ergonomic improvements intended to support performance driving.
Also new for Camaro in 2012 is a Rear Vision Package, which adds a rearview camera system and an auto-dimming mirror to the existing Rear Park Assist feature. The rearviewcamera system complements the rear parking assist by providing a video display of the area behind the car, with the video image appearing in the car’s inside rearview mirror.
On the exterior for 2012, a new rear spoiler will be added as a standard feature for Camaro; and the taillamps that had been a part of the RS appearance package option are also being made standard. Additionally, a new, body-color “sharkfin” antenna joins the RS package.
Crystal Red Tintcoat replaces Red Jewel as an exterior color.
45th Anniversary package details
Launching this summer, the 45thAnniversary Special Edition commemorates both Camaro’s lineage and its 21st-century revival. Camaro fans will get their first look at the 45th Anniversary Special Edition at the Camaro5 Fest II, April 15 in Arizona. The anniversary package will be offered on Camaro’stop two trim levels (2LT and 2SS) for both coupe and convertible body styles.
The exterior signature of the 45th Anniversary Special Edition is its unique rally stripe, in red and silver, that contrasts the Carbon Flash Metallic paint. The package also includes:
- Unique 45th Anniversary hood and deck stripes; badges located beneath the front fender emblems
- New-design 20-inch wheels in dark silver
- Fog lamp and taillamp bezels finished in dark silver
- RS-style taillamp lenses
- Standard rear spoiler and HID headlamps
- Body-color roof molding
- Jet Black interior with leather-trimmed seats featuring the 45th Anniversary logo
- White instrument panel and door trim inserts with the 45th Anniversary logo on the instrument panel
- Red, white and blue stitching on the seats, steering wheel, shift knob/boot, door armrests and console lid
- 45th Anniversary logo on the steering wheel and sill plates.
About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand withannual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free” solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com
Question: Anybody need a 550-HP Supercharged Camaro?
Answer: of course we do.
And as usual Camaro5.com has all the scoop on the upcoming new models of the Camaro, including the 2012 Z28, the 2011 Camaro convertible, and the styling changes coming for 2012: front and rear lights, side mirrors and more - no word yet on the planned and very much needed dashboard change.
But the best news is their latest video – showing a 2012 Z-28 engineering test vehicle at The Nurburgring.
While Ford might have the hottest engine in a ponycar right now, GM isn’t far behind. The supercharged LSA 6.2 liter V-8 borrowed from the Cadillac CTS-V will also produce over 550 HP in the Z28. It also gets the same big Brembos (6-piston front and 4 rear) as well as specific suspension tuning.
And this is where Ford and GM differ. GM is testing it’s hottest upcoming model on the hottest race track in the world, while Ford tests on a couple of club tracks in Michigan. And while Ford has produced any number of over-heating performance cars, cars that won’t live on a racetrack (and sometimes not even on the street) without over-heating, GM torture tests on the toughest and longest racetrack in the world. The advantage goes to GM here, as well as to it’s customers who will be able to take the Z28 to track days without killing the engine (and their warranty).
GM also tested the Caddy CTS-V there two years ago, and in the process set the fastest production 4-door lap time to date. The test program for the Camaro is at this early point focused on durability, but just like the CTS-V test program a lap time will squeak out of the system sooner or later. And it will be great. It won’t be 911 or GT-R territory, because this is a very heavy and crude car compared to those, but it will be by far away better than any production Mustang could produce. Not that Ford even bothers to test there in the first place.
GM Performance Parts releases LS9 Supercharger Kit for LS3 engines
How much is enough? With the proper internals and pulleys, this kit will produce 650 horsepower from your LS3 engine. GM has released this part and the list price is $7500.
Note carefully the wording of the information provided: “with internals“. The real LS9 engine has not only specific internals, but a stronger block as well. Anything less won’t meet production-type durability targets, much less get around the block for more than a few times. Stock engines will produce less power.
Otherwise, this is a ”plug and play” kit, with gaskets and presumably a tune for the factory computer. Still to be answered: fuel system upgrades. Note, too, that GM is using the dual-intercooler model of this system – that’s a very good thing.
