Chevy’s 2016 Camaro begins rolling off the line at Michigan assembly plant
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
Sixth-generation pony car with souped-up 455 horsepower option to hit dealerships by mid-November
A 2016 Camaro on the assembly line at Lansing Grand River Assembly. PHOTO: Jeffrey Sauger for Chevrolet
LANSING, Mich.—With a 455 horsepower LT1 6.2L V-8 engine beneath the hood, the wait is over for the most-muscled version of Chevrolet’s iconic pony car ever.
The company has announced the first wave of production models will leave the plant later this week and be dealership-ready for customer deliveries by mid-November. After a US$175 million tooling and equipment upgrade to support production, GM’s Lansing Grand River Assembly is now consistently turning out new models of the sixth-generation Camaro.
“It is an exciting day for everyone involved in bringing the new Camaro from a concept to the assembly line,” Mike Trevorrow, Lansing regional plant manager, said. “As the transporters head out to dealerships across the country, the hard work and pride of everyone at Lansing Grand River Assembly goes with them.”
Ranging from $26,695 for the 1LT to $37,295 for the 1SS, Chevy’s Camaro offers a range of performance, technology and refinement options.
“Six all-new powertrain combinations are offered, including a standard 2.0L Turbo and an available, all-new 3.6L V-6 in LT models, and the 455-hp LT1 6.2L V-8 in the SS – making it the most powerful Camaro SS ever. Each engine is available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission,” the company said.
Chevrolet said the first vehicles to be delivered will be coupes, while convertible and models with the 2.0L Turbo engine will begin shipping in early 2016.
Designers have cut down the vehicle mass by 223 to 390 pounds, depending on the model, creating a more nimble, responsive driving experience. The company said the new exterior contributes to performance through reducing aerodynamic lift for better handling while enhancing efficiency.
“There has been a lot of excitement and anticipation around our community and throughout the world for the next-generation Camaro,” UAW Local 652 President Mike Green, said. “We have received great products here because of the quality of work always performed by the Lansing autoworker, active and retired.”
