Camaro Sheds Weight, Adds Speed

The top-end SS version of the all-new Chevrolet Camaro coupe, which is equipped with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, can sprint from zero to 60 mph in four seconds, according to the latest specifications from General Motors Co. Stopping the car from that speed can be done in just 117 feet, GM says.

Borrowed from the Corvette Stingray, the V-8 engine makes 455 hp and a like amount of torque that enables the Camaro SS to cover a quarter mile in 12.3 seconds at 116 mph. Acceleration is slightly slower when the engine is mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The Camaro's mid-level RS edition is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6, which generates 335 hp and 284 lb-ft. of torque. The mill hits 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with the automatic and 5.2 seconds with the manual. The RS rides on Goodyear Eagle F1 tires.

The base Camaro with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine has a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds with the manual and 5.5 seconds with the automatic. The powertrain makes 275 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. GM notes that the turbo four-banger kicks out the same horsepower and has better acceleration than the early 1990s-era Camaro Z28, which was powered by a 5.7-liter V-8.

Part of the improved performance with all engine options comes from the car's lightweight construction. The sixth-generation Camaro is as much as 390 lbs lighter than its predecessor, depending on configuration. The car also benefits from a 12-piece modular chassis that Chevy says provides improved strength and rigidity, enhancing handling for both coupe and convertible versions of the car. The Camaro SS can take corners at 0.97 g, while the RS and base model are rated at 0.89 g and 0.85 g, respectively.

The three versions of the Camaro coupe arrive in dealerships later this year. Convertible variants are due in 2016.