Chevrolet Camaro VI (2016–2024)

From Zeta to Alpha: what changed against the fifth generation

The fifth-generation Camaro sat on the large Zeta platform developed with Holden. For 2016 Chevrolet moved the car to Alpha, the rear-drive architecture of the Cadillac ATS and CTS, although GM said about 70 per cent of the Camaro's architectural parts were unique to it.

The new car kept the long-bonnet shape but shrank in every direction. Against the 2015 model it is about 57 mm shorter, 23 mm narrower and 31 mm lower, and the wheelbase dropped from 2,852 mm to 2,812 mm. The front suspension changed from a multi-link design to MacPherson struts.

The engine line-up changed too. A turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder became the entry engine, the V6 moved to the newer LGX, and the SS took the LT1 V8 from the Corvette family in place of the LS3 and L99. The full story of the earlier cars is in the overview of all Camaro generations.

Trims, interior and the 2019 facelift

Launch trims were LT (1LT and 2LT) and SS (1SS and 2SS), with a cheaper 1LS added for 2017. All versions had automatic air conditioning, cruise control, Apple CarPlay and seven airbags. The 2SS added heated and ventilated leather seats, blind-spot monitoring, Bose audio and wireless charging.

The car's history splits into three phases:

• 2016–2018: original styling. The 1LE track package returned for 2017 on V6 and V8 coupés, the ZL1 and ZL1 1LE arrived, and a 50th Anniversary edition in Nightfall Gray marked half a century of the nameplate.
• 2019–2020: a mid-cycle update brought new infotainment, a 10-speed automatic for the SS and a 1LE option for the four-cylinder. Critics disliked the 2019 SS nose, so for 2020 Chevrolet gave it a body-coloured bumper and moved the bowtie to the upper grille. An LT1 trim, using the same V8 as the SS, and a 3LT arrived the same year, while the 2LT lost some equipment.
• 2021–2024: the 1LE was dropped from four- and six-cylinder cars for 2022. The 2.0 and 1LS disappeared for 2024, the final year, which brought a Collector's Edition and a 56-car ZL1 Garage 56 Edition.

The sixth generation was the 2016 Indianapolis 500 pace car and the MotorTrend Car of the Year for 2016.

Sixth-generation Camaro engines, gearboxes and the ZL1

All four engines drive the rear wheels. Figures are SAE net, with kW first.

The Camaro ZL1 went on sale for 2017. Beyond the LT4, it brought Magnetic Ride suspension, Recaro seats, Brembo brakes with 390 mm (15.35 in) front discs and 11 heat exchangers to keep engine, gearbox and differential cool. Chevrolet claimed 0–60 mph in 3.5 seconds, a quarter mile in 11.4 seconds at 204 km/h (127 mph) and a top speed of 319 km/h (198 mph).

The ZL1 1LE is the track version. It is about 27 kg (60 lb) lighter than the standard ZL1 and uses Multimatic spool-valve dampers, adjustable top mounts and springs about three times stiffer. Its aerodynamics generate about 136 kg (300 lb) of downforce at 241 km/h (150 mph). Chevrolet's own Nürburgring Nordschleife lap of 7:16.04 was 13.6 seconds quicker than the regular ZL1; both are manufacturer claims.

On lesser cars the 1LE package added Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential and stiffer suspension: the FE3 set-up from the SS on the V6, and FE4 Magnetic Ride Control on the SS.

Size and weight of the sixth-generation Camaro

The table shows a US-market SS coupé. The ZL1 1LE sits lower, at 1,321 mm (52.0 in).

Crash tests of the 2016–2024 Camaro

The IIHS tested a 2016 Camaro SS coupé and applies the results to 2016–23 models. It rated the car Good in the driver-side small overlap, moderate overlap (original test) and side (original test) evaluations, Good for head restraints and seats, and Acceptable for roof strength. LATCH child-seat anchors were rated Marginal. For 2021–23 the optional forward collision alert earned a Basic front crash prevention rating, as it has no automatic braking. No Top Safety Pick award was found.

The US government programme gives a slightly different picture. NHTSA's database shows these results for the coupé:

NHTSA lists no 2023 or 2024 rating. There is no Euro NCAP test.

Reliability notes and which one to buy

No large independent reliability survey ranking the sixth generation was found. J.D. Power named it the most dependable midsize sporty car for 2016, 2017 and 2021, which is an award rather than failure data.

• V8 for less: a 2020-on LT1 trim car, which uses the SS's 339 kW (455 hp) V8; for lower running costs, a 2020-on V6 with the 10-speed automatic.
• Most complete SS: a 2020-on 2SS, with the revised nose and the 10-speed automatic if you want two pedals.
• Track days: an SS 1LE with FE4 dampers, or a ZL1 1LE if the budget allows; check tyre and brake wear.
• Collectors: a 2024 Collector's Edition, especially one of the 350 ZL1s.

For alternatives, compare the Ford Mustang, browse sports cars and other American cars, or see the Chevrolet range.