When Chevrolet introduced the now current-gen Chevrolet Camaro, it was a big deal. Boasting an all-new, retro-inspired design it was a vehicle that made everyone's mouth drop. It also had broad appeal.
There's a simple reason for this: it was a car that everyone wanted. It was the rebirth of a classic.
Now though Chevrolet has to build a follow up and delivery the same, if not better, results. It's got its work cut out for itself.
Set to debut this Saturday, May 16, is the 2016 model year Camaro. While Chevrolet has already teased the all-new car a couple of times, we're expecting it to look largely the same. It doesn't seem we were that far off in our estimations, either. Chevrolet showed more of the car yesterday than it has before and it is very much an evolution of design.
According to Chevrolet, this vehicle went through a barrage of testing just to ensure it was aerodynamically sound with even the slightest changes implemented. While General Motors seems to think this is unique, it seems that this type of testing is pretty standard across the industry.
That said, scope out the most important bits of the release, the two teaser images below.
Chevrolet's press release follows:
2016 Camaro is all about the Aero
Total aerodynamic lift improved by 30 percent for improved stability
2015-05-11
DETROIT – After 350 hours of wind tunnel testing – often 24 hours a day – the new Camaro will slip more easily through the wind, and drivers of the Camaro SS will experience a marked improvement in reduced aerodynamic lift.
These changes illustrate the lengths the aerodynamics team went to for improved performance, stability, cooling and lower wind noise intrusion
"The importance of aerodynamics increases exponentially as we increase vehicle performance," said Kirk Bennion, Exterior Design manager. "As engine output increases, we need more engine cooling. As acceleration and top speeds climb, we need to reduce lift for better high-speed stability. However, we cannot make any changes at the expense of increasing drag, which can hurt fuel economy.
"To balance these different aerodynamic targets, we tested literally hundreds of changes on the new Camaro, millimeters at a time."
For example, the initial design called for the lower grille bars to be set at a 20-degree angle to the horizon. However, after meticulous testing, the team improved engine-cooling airflow by 1 percent by shifting the angle to 13 degrees – a change that achieved the airflow target while maintaining the original grille design.
And rather than a traditional front air dam to reduce aerodynamic lift, the team developed a flush belly pan that stretches from the front grille to the center of the vehicle. Paired with small "spats" forward of the front tires, the smooth underbody helps reduce total lift by 30 percent – while also reducing aerodynamic drag.
Chevrolet will introduce the all-new, 2016 Camaro on Saturday, May 16, during a special public event at Detroit's Belle Isle Park.