Chevy Serious About Camaro Performance

The all-new sixth-generation Camaro isn’t due in showrooms for a few more weeks, but Chevrolet is already announcing a bevy of track performance upgrades that will be available starting in late 2015 and early 2016, just in time for track season.

Available from your local dealer – and in some cases, the factory – new Camaro owners looking for even more performance from the SS, V-6 and Turbo-4 models can choose from performance air intake and exhaust systems, lowering kits, ground-effects packages, spoilers and even performance Brembo brake systems.  Best of all, each mod was designed, engineered and tested by GM’s Camaro team and will be covered by a factory warranty.

The track worthy portions of the 2016 Camaro performance parts will include:

Performance exhaust – Kits will be available late this year for Camaro SS with the LT1 V-8 and Camaro LT with the 3.6L V-6 (sorry Turbo-4 buyers, you’ll have to look elsewhere). These axle-back systems enhance the performance sound of the Camaro and offer a premium appearance, but don’t promise any additional power. Each is a direct replacement for the factory system and maintains the vehicle’s factory warranty, but these kits are not compatible with the available dual-mode exhaust system. Available in late 2015, pricing TBA.

Suspension lowering kits – This is where we start to see Chevy looking to make the Camaro into a track day star, starting with tightening up the suspension. Incorporating higher-rate front and rear coil springs, along with specifically tuned struts and shocks, theses kits lower the vehicle up to 0.8-inch (20mm), while optimizing ride quality and vehicle performance. They also deliver a lower center of gravity that enhances the feeling of responsiveness and should improve driver confidence in cornering, if not actual skid-pad numbers. Four kits are available for LT and SS coupe and convertible models. The SS kits are not compatible with vehicles equipped with the available Magnetic Ride Control, as that system can make needed changes on the fly. But if Mag-Ride isn’t to your liking or in your budget, Chevy didn’t forget about you.  Available early 2015, pricing TBA.

Brembo performance front brake package (four-piston calipers) $2,000 – As any track veteran will tell you, the real secret to going fast is stopping better and without fade, which means better rotors, calipers, fluid and brake lines.  Continuing its partnership with Brembo, this kit is an upgrade for Camaro LT models with the 2.0L Turbo and 3.6L V-6 engines and features four-piston aluminum calipers in red with performance brake pads and 13.6-in. x 1.2-in. (345mm x 30mm) vented and slotted Duralife rotors – the same size as the Camaro SS. The kit is a direct replacement for the original front brakes and includes low-expansion front brake hoses and all necessary hardware.  Available now.

Brembo® performance front brake package (six-piston calipers) $3,000 – Those looking for even more stopping power can opt for six-piston monoblock aluminum calipers in red with performance brake pads and two-piece, 14.6-in. x 1.3-in. (370mm x 34mm) vented and slotted Duralife rotors (cast-iron braking rings with aluminum hats). This kit is available for all Gen Six Camaro models and includes low-expansion front brake hoses and all necessary hardware.  Available now.

Performance air intake – A basic air intake kit for the SS’s LT1 V-8, it includes a reusable open-element air filter and a sealed compartment.   Whether there are any performance gains to be achieved remains to be seen.  Available early 2016.

While there isn’t a blower or turbo offered for the currently naturally aspirated motors, these factory offerings show Chevy really does consider the new Camaro to be at home at your local road course instead of just the drag strip.  We’re hoping to get our hands on one of the new SS’s soon, and would love to benchmark test these new offerings.  Stay tuned!