2016 Chevy Camaro to be Longer, Lighter and Turbocharged

The current-generation Chevrolet Camaro is nearing its end, so what can we expect in the future?

As the American muscle car category heats up with the all-new Ford Mustang and new Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, Chevy has its work cut out to ensure its next-generation Camaro can compete.

For starters, Chevy will follow in Ford’s footsteps by adding a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the Camaro lineup for the first time. Expect it to be a variant of Cadillac’s 2.0-liter turbo that makes 272 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque in the ATS. Naturally, the Camaro wouldn’t be a Camaro without a small-block V8 offering and a V6, so expect those to be retained with enhancements.

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro will be built on GM‘s new Alpha platform, but the company will utilize the long-wheelbase variant that underpins the 2014 Cadillac CTS. And just like the new CTS, expect the 2016 Camaro to shed several hundred pounds of weight.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Chevy Camaro Z/28 Review

The new platform will accommodate a wheelbase that is 2.3 inches longer than the current Camaro and will be a full 7.5 inches longer than the Mustang’s. It will however, be shorter than the Dodge Challenger’s wheelbase. With the American automaker keeping the Camaro on the larger side, it leaves room in the lineup to add a smaller sports car – think Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ competitor.

In terms of styling, rumor has it the 2016 Camaro will draw inspiration from the second-generation Camaro, which debuted as a 1970.5 model.

GALLERY: 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

[Source: Automobile Mag]

Discuss this story at our Chevrolet Camaro forum