5 Ways the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro is shaking up the Muscle car segment

The long-awaited and heavily teased 2016 Chevrolet Camaro has finally been unveiled. Using an evolutionary approach to development, GM's new flagship muscle car builds on the fifth-generation model which has been around since 2010 with a huge raft of tweaks to bring it up to date. So just how does the Camaro plan on making an impact against the likes of the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger? Here are five reasons why the Camaro should be the one to watch in this market.

1. Evolved Design:

Thankfully, the sixth-generation Camaro retains the bold and brash look of the fifth-generation. Visual tweaks to modernise it include redesigned LED lights, a sharper bodykit and a more aerodynamically efficient shape. To complement the new design, the Camaro has a wide range of options for greater personalisation with 10 exterior colours along with stripes, wheels and other visual accessories to choose from.  

2. Greater Performance & Efficiency:

The Camaro is available with six powertrains, each with optimised power and efficiency. New to the range is a Turbocharged 2.0 found in the LT base model. Like the Mustang, Chevrolet now offers a four cylinder power unit in the Camaro. This unit is short on power compared to the 2.3 EcoBoost with only 275hp as opposed to the 317hp in the Euro-Spec Mustang. Still, this engine is capable of the 0-60 sprint in under 6 seconds so it is hardly a slouch. 

Where the Camaro really shines is with the more potent engines. The 3.6 V6 produces 335hp and the range-topping SS model features the 6.2 V8 'LT1' engine from the Corvette Stingray and is good for 455hp. All engines can be specified with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission.

3. Improved Handling:

Changes to the chassis, including a more extensive use of aluminium, means the new Camaro weighs 200 lbs (90kg) less than its predecessor, leading to greater agility. The sixth-gen Camaro features a multilink MacPherson strut front suspension and a five-link independent set-up at the rear, while magnetic ride control is now available on the SS, previously only found on the Corvette and last-gen Camaro ZL1

4. High-Tech Interior:

The visible changes continue on the inside with a more driver-focused layout in the cabin. Behind the steering wheel sits an 8-inch high-definition display of gauges and taking up the centre of the dashboard is an infotainment display, also measuring at 8 inches. Other features include ambient lighting, sound resonators to enhance induction noises in the cabin and a driver-mode selector. Continuing the greater emphasis on personalisation, the interior can be specified with a choice of 5 colour combinations.

5. Future Models:

Despite the Camaro SS having a fairly impressive output of 455hp, this is far from the most powerful sixth-generation Camaro. The chances of the Supercharged ZL1, track-optimised Z/28 and possibly other models with a higher output being introduced later down the line is almost certain, so be on the look out for those models.

The Camaro will be initially be available in its homeland, the USA, later this year. UK-spec cars will arrive around a year later but unlike the Mustang, it will not be available with right hand drive.