2016 Camaro coming May 16th

[JustACarGuy]

Okay y'all are probably gonna call me crazy, but I have a theory on the 200+ lbs weight loss claim by GM. Ready?

The 200 or more pounds lost is referring not from one single 5th gen vehicle to one single 6th gen vehicle - it means the entire 6th gen lineup lost 200(+) pounds when compared to the equivalent 5th gen lineup. Heres how I got there.

Official statement by GM: "The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro features an aluminum beam to support the instrument panel, which is 9.7 lbs. (4.4 kg) lighter than the previous steel beam. Changes like this help reduce total curb weight for the new Camaro by more than 200 pounds."

The key word I focused on is "total" curb weight. Why would they say this? "Total" as opposed to what? Partial curb weight, or double curb weight? There's no such thing, there is simply the curb weight. With that in mind I interpret their words to mean that they added the curb weights of the cars throughout the lineup, at least where there is a known equivalent. Let's keep going.

1. Claim that there is a loss of at least 200 lbs. How do we get to this? Compare the premium trims:
(Heaviest 5th gen V8 trim + heaviest 5th gen V6 trim) minus (Heaviest 6th gen V8 trim + heaviest 6th gen V6 trim) = 200 lbs difference

2. Claim of more than 200 lbs weight loss? Simple, this is comparing the base models.
(Lightest 5th gen V8 trim + lightest 5th gen V6 trim) minus (lightest 6th gen V8 trim + lightest 6th gen V6 trim) = 200+ lbs difference. Makes sense as base models are typically less heavy than premium trims.

Further, this theory explains some other issues that arose from a 200 pound single-vehicle difference theory.

Per the chevy website, the curb weight for a 1SS is listed as 3908 lbs. The ATS-V is reported to be 3700 or so lbs. If we take the 200 directly from the 3908, that puts us right at the weight of an ATS-V. Now, Mr. Pill may say some crazy things now and then, but I think he is correct and we can all agree that this is not compatible. Why? Well we know for certain that 1) the 6th gen camaro will gain some physical size over the ATS platform, and 2) the addition of the V8 power train / drive train is going to add mass and reinforcements that are not present on the ATS-V or any other model. BOTH of these factors are going to add weight, and so there is simply no way that the 1SS could weigh in at 3700.

BUT, if the 1SS was to lose say, 75 lbs, and the base V6 model was to lose 125 lbs (or some other combination, heck even 100/100), well now that is certainly much more realistic and plausible. And there is the 200 pounds we're looking for.

Keep in mind that these comparisons do not include the ZL1, Z28, or convertibles, because I'm pretty sure GM isn't including these in their figures.

In summary, this whole thing turns on my interpretation of the "total" modifier of curb weight. It's wild, but everything fits into place properly with this interpretation.

Of course this is just speculation I could be wrong.

Your right...you are crazy! lol (just teasing man). But I seriously doubt they would go to such dumb extremes to compare weigh savings....as you said...by adding up the weights of multiple models. I think you are reading into the word "total" too much. "Total" is what it simply is....curb weight.

When you speak of the ATS-V and think the SS needs additional drivetrain mass to handle the V8 you are likely incorrect. The ATS-V is just as, or more powerful (HP and TQ) and faster than the new Camaro SS is going to be. I guarantee you that ATS-V powertrain can handle the LT1 V8. No question. So no weight needs to be added for drivetrain. Yes...weight may be added by the small addition in track width and body panels, but the ATS-V also has mag ride, more standard features, and possible other things like additional sound deadening material inside that a base 1SS is not going to have. Those things alone are going to add up to 50+ pound (if not 75 - 100...not really sure how much more mag ride adds over a standard suspension). In the end, the SS should weigh somewhere in the range of the ATS-V...give or take.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, but I think you should just bank on (at least SOME trim V6, or V8) losing 200+ pounds by itself compared to the previous model.

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[SVTClark]

Well said.

I disagree. I think your renders are as close as they come. Of course there will be some details that will be revealed that was not on your render, but I believe the general body work is accurate.

 

[whysoserious]

Your right...you are crazy! lol (just teasing man). But I seriously doubt they would go to such dumb extremes to compare weigh savings....as you said...by adding up the weights of multiple models. I think you are reading into the word "total" too much. "Total" is what it simply is....curb weight.

When you speak of the ATS-V and think the SS needs additional drivetrain mass to handle the V8 you are likely incorrect. The ATS-V is just as, or more powerful (HP and TQ) and faster than the new Camaro SS is going to be. I guarantee you that ATS-V powertrain can handle the LT1 V8. No question. So no weight needs to be added for drivetrain. Yes...weight may be added by the small addition in track width and body panels, but the ATS-V also has mag ride, more standard features, and possible other things like additional sound deadening material inside that a base 1SS is not going to have. Those things alone are going to add up to 50+ pound (if not 75 - 100...not really sure how much more mag ride adds over a standard suspension). In the end, the SS should weigh somewhere in the range of the ATS-V...give or take.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, but I think you should just bank on (at least SOME trim V6, or V8) losing 200+ pounds by itself compared to the previous model.

Guilty, haha! Yeah I actually did think about what you said about the ATSV. That TTV6 is stout so it does stand to reason that the car is already robust enough to handle high power. That said, I do think it'll weigh at least a little more than 3700. It'll be interesting to see what they roll out. If it's the high performer that it's being built up to be, then hopefully Ford will respond in kind. I love the S550 but I do think it's somewhat tempered performance wise.

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