The Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro have legendary status as forefathers in establishing muscle car popularity the world over. In anticipation of the new Camaro’s eventual début on our market, GM displayed the latest generations of both Icons at JIMS.
According to GM, the fifth-generation Camaro delivers a great heritage with a modern, advanced package of performance, comfort and technology. The retro-styled coupé certainly looks the part with a low-slung stance and “muscular” design cues like the V-shaped grille, bonnet bulge, chop-top like pillars and narrow windows and whee larch flares that do more than just pay homage to the original.
“We acknowledged the Camaro’s strong heritage but recognised that keeping this modern sports car relevant means more than simply honouring a classic car,” says Ed Welburn, Vice President of GM Global Design.
In a nod to the Camaros of old, the GM styling team continued the retro theme with the interior by adding a pair of deeply recessed instrument binnacles that incorporates round gauges housed in square binnacles and 1969 Camaro-like centre console gauge cluster, as well as adding that modern touch with advanced LED light pipe technology, large chrome-trimmed controls, low-gloss surfaces and premium fabric or acrylic trim appliqués.
The Camaro is powered by a 6,2-litre LS3 V8 unit that produces 314 kW and 553 N.m of torque. In six-speed automatic transmission guise however, it delivers 298 kW and 535 N.m of torque and includes GM’s fuel-saving Active Fuel Management system – enabling it to cruise on only four cylinders during light conditions. GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control are standard equipment, while the six-speed manual ‘box includes a Launch Control feature for quick take-offs.
Safety features include dual-stage front airbags, front seat mounted thorax side airbags and head curtain bags for front and rear occupants.
The Corvette Z06 is a direct road going descendant of the championship-winning Corvette racing programme that includes the Le Mans 24-Hour race in its annual schedule. Equipped with a motorsport-inspired powertrain and suspension features, the Corvette Z06 is prepped to provide high levels of capability and technology.
The Z06’s LS7 seven-litre V8 engine produces 377 kW at 6 200 r/min and 644 N.m of torque at 4 800 r/min. As the Z06 weighs in at a little over 1 442 kg, it is capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 3,7 seconds (in first gear) and with a six-speed manual transmission can go on to a top speed of 320 km/h.
The Z06’s aerodynamics were a result of the experience gained by the Corvette racing programme – where high speed stability and cornering capabilities are paramount. On the racetrack, the cars from this programme use large rear wings but the Z06’s elevated rear spoiler provides enough downforce to balance the front splitter without negatively affecting aerodynamic drag.
Although heavily motorsport-derived, the Corvette Z06 was designed to be a high-performance vehicle for daily use. As such, comfort and convenience features are in abundance and include High-Intensity Discharge lighting, fog lamps, leather seating, dual-zone air conditioning, cabin air filtration and a Head-up display (HUD) with track mode and g-meter as standard.
