Generation 6 vs. Generation 5 Chevrolet Camaro

A reader wrote me to ask my opinion on the 6th (2016) generation Chevrolet Camaro styling versus that of the 5th (2010) generation Camaro.  Truth is, I hadn't paid much attention to the 6th generation design because it is superficially similar to that of the 5th generation.  And, especially, since I'm not in the market for a Camaro, I was only vaguely aware that there even was a 6th generation.  Mea culpa.

The Camaro Wikipedia entry discusses the various generations is here.  I wrote about the evolution of Camaro styling through the 5th generation here.

According to Wikipedia, the 5th generation cars were based on General Motors' Zeta platform of 2006-2017.  Given that 2017 phase-out, Chevrolet needed a new platform for its Camaro line.  So the 6th generation was based on GM's available 2012 Alfa platform used for smaller Cadillacs.  This platform is to be phased out, which is one reason why current speculation holds that future Camaro-type cars will be on electric platforms.

This Zeta-to-Alpha platform change meant that Camaros had to be redesigned for the 2016 model year or thereabouts.   Apparently, folks at GM thought 5th generation styling was so appropriate that the 6th generation cars should look pretty much the same in general, though differing in details.

As for these recent Camaros, wheelbases are: 2010 = 112.3 inches (2852 m); 2016 = 110.7 (2812 mm). Lengths are: 2010 = 190 inches (4826 mm); 2016 = 188.3 inches (4783 mm).  No important differences here.

All images below are via Chevrolet.

Gallery

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe

2016 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe
Windshields look alike, hood bulges are similar.  Front impact area is more thin on the Gen-6 and the air intake zone taller, though widths are about the same.  Headlight-to-headlight sweep is much less tall, but the '10 character remains.

The '16 passenger compartment greenhouse seems a trifle shorter and its profile is more curved.  Door shapes are similar, but not the same, further implying the new structure.  The large, sculpted wheel openings help retain the '10's character.  Side sculpting differs, the Gen-6's lacking the Gen-5's mid-body carry-through crease.  The roughly similar window profile helps carry the Gen-5 theme.

The most noticeable change here is the shape of the tail light assemblies, though all the sculpting has been changed for 2016.  Given the small amount of carryover (mainly the backlight window and C-pillar area), the design still says "Camaro."