The old is new again with the 2016 new Camaro, as it marks the return of the LT1 engine code. Previously found in older generations of Camaro and Corvette, the LT1 is the engine swap of choice for those who can’t afford the LS1. Speaking of the LS1 who doesn’t love the GEN III GM block that’s powered countless of engine swaps since the early 2000s?
Whereas the older version of the LT1 name used a distributor and some potential, it was ultimately scrapped for the GEN III LS1. It was a significant step up for the first F-Body Chevy Camaros, but it didn’t quite realize it’s true potential. That is until the Chevrolet Stingray, which received the new 6.2L LT1 which is the culmination of the Chevy small block as we know it.
GM had the new Camaro out at the Detroit Auto Show, flexing the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in their display.
Headlining the new Camaro is of course the new SS. This model will get the powerhouse 6.2L LT1, which utilizes direct injection and variable valve timing operation. These two developments are a true evolution of the Chevy small block, and marks the LT1 as the new pinnacle of GM’s engine engineering.
Chevy still has some ground to gain, especially when it comes Ford and the Mustang but this is certainly a step in the right direction. The new Camaro is already the fastest and quickest production Camaro to date, and it’s taken home countless awards from the motoring press. Other than the changes to the powerplant the 2016 new Camaro is much the same as the previous year.
Once the aftermarket gets their hands on the new engine, it’s only a matter of time before people start to realize how much potential is in the new Camaro and the LT1. The new Camaro stood out in the sea of trucks and diesel platforms, as the one of the few shining spots on sports car performance in Detroit.
What is your take on the new Camaro? Love it? Hate it? Are you as excited about the LT1 as we are? Leave us a comment below and let us know!
