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GM Boss Promises "ZL1 Satisfaction" from the Next Gen Camaro SS

It is widely expected that the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro will be significantly better than the current generation, but based on comments by General Motors’ boss Mark Reuss, the 6th gen Camaro could set a new standard for the muscle car segment.

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The February 2015 issue of Motor Trend has an interview with General Motors President Mark Reuss that covers a variety of hot topics, most notably offering some vague insight into the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro. Reuss really didn’t reveal anything groundbreaking on the next gen Chevy muscle car, but his brief comments allude to great things for the 2016 Camaro.

The interview is lengthy and it touches on quite a few topics, but the very end is what caught my attention, as Reuss offered some interesting opinions on the Camaro based on his time driving the 2016 model. Reuss told Motor Trend to “think about that satisfaction that a ZL1 offers” and he went on to talk about that satisfaction being offered on other, lower cost models.

ZL1 Qualities in the 2016 Camaro SS
In dissecting Mark Reuss’ comments about the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro to Motor Trend, we have to first look at the current Camaro ZL1. Prior to the arrival of the track-ready Camaro Z/28, the Camaro ZL1 was the best overall performing GM muscle car ever, with a high tech adjustable suspension setup, a big brake package and a high horsepower, supercharged engine.

Camaro Galleries:
The new 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
A first look at the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
The 2012 COPO Camaro Convertible

I do not expect to see a supercharged engine option for the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS, but we can expect to see slight improvements in the brake setup compared to the current SS and I fully expect to see the magnetic suspension system from the ZL1 to be offered in the next gen Camaro SS – even if only as an option. As for the engine, I expect that the 2016 Camaro SS will pack the new LT1 V8 from the Corvette Stingray, which will offer a fair increase over the current LS3 engine.

In the interview with Motor Trend, Reuss also stated that the next generation Camaro would not get heavier. He didn’t actually say that it would be lighter than the current Camaro, but with the move to the new platform, it has been expected that the 2016 Camaro would be lighter than the comparable 5th generation model. When you factor in a slightly smaller stature with a lower curb weight, the 2016 Camaro SS with a higher performance suspension system, a Brembo braking package and the Corvette’s LT1 could conceivably compete with the current Camaro ZL1.

Even if the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS cannot outgun the current Camaro ZL1, the changes mentioned above should make good on Reuss’ promise of ZL1 satisfaction from a less expensive Camaro SS.

Camaro SS as the Muscle Car Standard
Provided that Mark Reuss’s comments about the excitement of the Camaro ZL1 coming to the next generation Camaro SS are true – and I fully expect that they will be – the 2016 Camaro SS will set the new standard for the muscle car segment. Shy of the Camaro Z/28 and perhaps the new Hellcat Challenger, the 5th gen Camaro ZL1 was really the total package for a muscle car. It didn’t pack the raw power of the Shelby GT500 Mustang, but it offered plenty of power to make it a handling beast. While the next Camaro SS wont pack 580 horsepower, the quick revving LT1 with 450-460 horsepower in the lighter 6th gen Camaro could go toe to toe with the current ZL1 in every race shy of a quarter mile drag race.

If General Motors can make the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS as impressive as the ZL1 in terms of handling and braking, the 450 horsepower LT1 should be enough to set the new expectations for the affordable muscle car segment. The 2016 Camaro SS wont compete with the likes of the Shelby GT350 or the Hellcat Challenger (I expect a new super-Camaro to handle those models), but the 6th gen SS package could become the crème of the crop in terms of the high volume muscle cars.

Most importantly, a 2016 Camaro SS that is even almost as good as the current Camaro ZL1 should be enough to hand a serious beating to the 2015 Ford Mustang GT.

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro is rumored to debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January, so hopefully we will only be waiting and speculating for another model or so.

Source: Motor Trend

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Comments

JM (not verified)    December 11, 2014 - 4:50AM

I can't wait for the new camaro to come out I hope that all that performance comes out also on a strong automatic transmission model. Please GM make us happy. That was the only thing that keep me out of buying the present 1LE.

Auto Motive (not verified)    December 27, 2014 - 3:58PM

In reply to by JM (not verified)

The next gen ZL1 will get the LT4 Z06 engine upgrade with the same hp/torque as the newly debut CTS at 640 hp and 630 torque. With a rumored lighter car at about 3500 lbs this ZL1 should run quite well with the hellcats. Mustang lost out big with the 400 lb increase but if the GT500 retains the 5.8 and tweaks it a bit a 700hp machine isn't out of the question.

van bond jr (not verified)    February 7, 2015 - 1:17AM

The Camaro is, at best, a decently performing car and all around a mediocre vehicle but that comment about it beating the mustang is laughable. the Camaro has always used a bigger engine and no matter what it did even if it could beat it on a drag strip, the camaro will never be as good of a car as a mustang. It is, and always will be a close second. GM's Chevrolet brand will never have the build quality, ride or just the premium feel that even the most basic Ford has. I would even say that their flagship impala barely has the build quality of a base Ford Fiesta. But i will say Kudos to the GM team for finally starting to make decent products something GM has not done in the last (at least) 25 years, they still have an extremely long way to go before Chevrolet becomes anything more than just a decent "commuter level" vehicle a title i wouldn't even give their fabled ZL1

Auto Motive (not verified)    February 7, 2015 - 2:33PM

In reply to by van bond jr (not verified)

The Camaro, Mustang and Challenger are true American Modern Muscle cars that car guys (not you ass wipe) appreciate and drive as daily drivers. I have met many ass wipes like yourself and from your sentence structure and grammar may have a GED. I can spend hours talking with owners of all cars at cruises that have pride in owning a classic or modern muscle car and some like yourself miss out on stories from the past and today about their treasures. Luckily I raised a great family that loves ALL cars and own some great vehicles. Getting down to business you have little knowledge of the Camaro over the Mustang. First off the GT500 on a dragstrip will eat the Camaro ZL1 all day. The Camaro Z28 rules the track in the past and now comes the track ready Mustang 350 that's ready to take the crown. The Challenger hellcat Charger can do a qtr mile on slicks at a blazing 10.65-10.95 with my wife driving. Next gen Camaro ZL1 with the CTS LT4 at 640 hp and coming in rumored 3500 lbs could be the fastest muscle car coupe on the planet. Can Shelby possibly muster up the ante with a production Mustang GT500 in the 700 hp range? The next gen Challenger hellcat will be lighter by 700 lbs and still have the hellcat. Now we are talking some shit here with all three muscle cars.

Me (not verified)    February 12, 2015 - 1:01AM

In reply to by van bond jr (not verified)

You literally have no idea what you're talking about. I have owned Ford, Chevy and Dodge. They're all pretty much the same quality off the floor. So, you are absolutely blinded by your love for Fords, even the POS fiesta it seems. Besides, my Sync in my Flex totally blows.

Clem Clemons (not verified)    February 16, 2015 - 7:30AM

In reply to by van bond jr (not verified)

Imagine him driving around in his little Fiesta, LOL. I did the Ford thing with Three F150s, a 95, 04, and an 07. All trucks gave me trouble but the 95 and the 07 major expense and breakdowns. I have 40k miles on my 2013 Silverado and it is a much more refined and reliable truck. Just saying!

Travis (not verified)    May 17, 2015 - 10:57AM

I just love the fact that we are experiencing the new muscle car era. I like the the new camaro I can't wait to see the 6th Gen zl1. There all pretty close stock for stock currently. Obviously the hellcat has a lot more power but with 275's out back and a little bit of a weight issue keeps it kinda close the mustang if you can stomach the the looks enough to get in it is right there with the cat. Over all I would go with the zl1 speed,handling,quality and curb appeal. I think it's the total package.

Travis (not verified)    May 17, 2015 - 11:30AM

I just love the fact that we are experiencing the new muscle car era. I like the the new camaro I can't wait to see the 6th Gen zl1. There all pretty close stock for stock currently. Obviously the hellcat has a lot more power but with 275's out back and a little bit of a weight issue keeps it kinda close the mustang if you can stomach the the looks enough to get in it is right there with the cat. Over all I would go with the zl1 speed,handling,quality and curb appeal. I think it's the total package.

dabrion (not verified)    September 7, 2015 - 2:27AM

I'm a camaro horse....But i love american muscle period.... Can't imagine this world without the competitors.... I adore the challenger, but handling and lack of power just weren't for me. Mustang, is just too weak. I'll talk sh&t about doge and ford but glad their both around... too many ricers out there. I enjoy smoking them all