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Press Release: 2016 Camaro is all about the Aero

9.6K views 55 replies 31 participants last post by  Diego  
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
2016 Camaro is all about the Aero
Total aerodynamic lift improved by 30 percent for improved stability
GM Media
May, 11, 2015

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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.
 
#4 ·
Re: 2016 Camaro is all about the Aero (May 11th Update)

BTW - I think the GM press office needs a grammar proof reader. :)

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro spent 350 hours in the wind tunnel, testing minute changes to improve aerodynamics. For example, the angle of the lower grille was changes from 20 to 13 degrees, to provide a 1-percent improvement engine cooling and maintain the car’s sleek design.
Corrected
The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro spent 350 hours in the wind tunnel, testing minute changes to improve aerodynamics. For example, the angle of the lower grille was changed from 20 to 13 degrees, to provide a 1-percent improvement engine cooling and maintain the car’s sleek design.
 
#9 ·
Note that the hideous rear deck spoiler gets no mention. Meaning that its completely useless, hypocritical to what they're trying to sell here and only there to pander to the mullets. Fingers crossed that its easily removable.

Otherwise, what a sexy roofline! Too bad its interrupted by that cheap chunk of plastic.
 
#15 ·

Monkeying with Levels brings out some details.

I tried it with the profile and didn't see anything special to deem it post worthy.
 
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#32 ·
It looks the complaint about gunslit windows has been rectified.
 
#37 ·
Oh wow, I guess the roofline is more different than the spy photos have suggested, I like it! Hopefully the rest of the car doesn't disappoint. I might be ready for another new car payment in around 3 years, which would be perfect for year 2 of the Gen 6 Camaro.