The sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro was launched for the 2016 model year with a slightly more compact body and a significantly lighter architecture. The pony car was also redesigned inside and out, while the V-6 and V-8 engines were replaced with brand-new powerplants -- the latter borrowed from the Chevy Corvette. Additionally, the Camaro gained its first four-cylinder in decades in the form of a turbocharged 2.0-liter. Obviously introduced as an answer to the Mustang's 2.3-liter EcoBoost, the four-banger is shared with the Cadillac ATS and CTS.

In dealerships for around a year as of November 2016, the Camaro has spawned many limited-edition models, and has received a wide range of aftermarket upgrades from various tuning shops. At the 2016 SEMA Show, Chevy launched a few new parts and accessories for the Camaro, including the base four-cylinder version. The latter was showcased as the Camaro Turbo AutoX, a concept car that brings together existing and upcoming upgrades from Chevrolet Performance and Chevrolet Accessories.

“This concept pushes Camaro in a new direction, integrating new performance parts that make the most of the turbocharged Camaro’s lightweight dynamics,” said Jim Campbell, GM vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports.

The Turbo AutoX concept will share the Chevrolet booth at the SEMA Show with no fewer than 20 other cars and trucks.

Continue reading to learn more about the Chevrolet Camaro Turbo AutoX Concept.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro Turbo AutoX Concept

Specifications
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  • Model: 2016 Chevrolet Camaro Turbo AutoX Concept
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Pros
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Exterior

There are many reasons to want to stare at the Camaro Turbo AutoX, but the most obvious of them all is the Shock Yellow paint that's as flashy as they get. Changing its shade depending on lighting conditions, the bright yellow is complemented by Pearl Nickel and silver stripes on the engine hood and trunklid. Beyond the fancy color, it also features Carbon Flash Metallic accents on the hood vents, rockers, and rear diffuser, but several aftermarket parts too.


Up front, the standard Camaro bumper is enhanced by a larger splitter based on that offered with the more powerful SS version. The vented hood is also borrowed from the Camaro SS, but this time with no modifications whatsoever. The coupe also gained a front tow hook, probably to enhance the car's track appeal, as well as a GoPro camera mount.

Around back, we can find a rear diffuser from the Chevrolet Accessories ground effects kit, an all-new rear spoiler, and polished 4-inch exhaust outlets. The look is rounded off by black bow-tie badges, a feature that's already available on production models. Finally, the beefed-up Chevy rides on 20-inch Chevrolet Accessories aluminum wheels wrapped in Goodyear performance tires.

Interior

Note: Standard Chevrolet Camaro interior shown here.

Cabin updates aren't as comprehensive, but the Camaro did get black leather upholstery and a race-inspired, flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in suede for enhanced grip. The same material was used on the shift knob and boot, while the dashboard received a carbon-fiber insert. Chevy also added a bolt-in harness bar with a five-point safety harness, a feature that should come in handy on the race track.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, the AutoX concept sports the same turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that Chevrolet introduced with the sixth-generation Camaro, but the engine is backed by a suite of upgrades. For starters, the unit benefits from a concept cold-air intake system and a calibration upgrade. Chevy says that the turbo now generates up to 20 pounds of boost and makes most of the usable power. Specific output figures aren't available, but it's safe to assume that the concept has more than the standard 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of twist.

Chevy also added a Performance exhaust system that delivers a throatier note, while reducing backpressure by around 14 percent, while the six-speed manual transmission comes with a concept short-throw shifter.

More upgrades are available in the chassis department, starting with a Chevrolet Performance lowering kit with stiffer springs and revised dampers. The kit lowers the ride height by up to 0.75 inches. A concept Plus Performance handling kit with larger stabilizer bars and stiffer suspension links improves dynamics, while a concept strut tower brace enhances chassis stiffness. Stopping power comes from a Chevy Performance front brake kit with two-piece, slotted 14.6-inch rotors and six-piston calipers.

Conclusion

It's no mystery that the new four-cylinder Camaro has a lot more potential than it was given from the factory, but if you were looking for solid proof, than the Turbo AutoX concept is here to confirm just that. As much as I'm a fan of the Camaro SS, I must admit that I find the AutoX to be extremely appealing thanks to its performance-oriented exterior and beefed-up drivetrain and chassis components. The livery helps too, especially the flashy yellow paint. The bad news is that this concept isn't going into production as is, but there is some good news in here: most of the concept parts will soon become available via Chevrolet Performance.