Smaller yet roomier, lighter and more fuel-efficient but also more powerful, the 2016 Camaro.

After a steady build-up of leaks and teases, Chevrolet has finally pulled the wraps off the sixth-generation Camaro, a model that it claims is lighter, faster, more nimble and more fuel-efficient than the “pony car” it replaces.

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro is also more technologically sophisticated, introducing a number of new features – such as a first-ever turbocharged engine — and expanding the availability of others, including a magnetic ride control suspension. And even more high-tech features and variants are set to follow, senior General Motors officials confided.

The short-term goal is to keep the Camaro at the top of the muscle car heap. Despite the launch of an all-new version of the Ford Mustang last year, the Chevy coupe has been the segment’s number one seller for five consecutive years, though it has lost its lead during the first four months of 2015.

“We expect this car to inspire a whole new generation of buyers” to come to Chevrolet showrooms, said Alan Batey, president of GM’s North American operations, whether they buy a Camaro or one of the brand’s many other models.

The sixth-generation 2016 Camaro shares its basic platform with the Cadillac ATS.

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro adopts a less retro design than the outgoing model which was launched in late 2009, seven years after Chevy temporarily abandoned the nameplate.

The goal, said Mark Reuss, GM’s global product development director, was “making it look like a car for tomorrow, rather than a car for yesterday.”

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The visual redesign is only a part of the dramatic changes the 2016 Camaro has undergone. The new model now shares the same basic platform as the well-reviewed Cadillac ATS sedan and coupe models. At 188.3 inches, it is about two inches shorter than the old Camaro, its 110.7-inch wheelbase shrinking by 1.6 inches.

The new car sheds about 200 pounds of weight for comparable models, in part, due to increase use of aluminum for such parts as the hood and windshield frame.

The Camaro SS LS1 V-8.

That said, the interior is roomier, Chevrolet officials noted. And more modern. One of the features that generated oohs-and-aahs from Camaro fans attending the Detroit debut was a new, customizable lighting system for the interior. It even features an optimized “show mode” for use at car club gatherings.

Though the Caddy ATS and Chevy Camaro share the same basic platform, there have been some critical changes made. To accommodate the pony car’s wider wheels and tires, the front and rear track of the Chevrolet model is more than an inch wider than the Caddy. That also required some suspension modifications, including longer links.

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The new Camaro maintains the prior generation’s use of an independent rear suspension. But it also expands the use of GM’s Magnetic Ride Control, a system that can automatically adjust the stiffness of each of the shocks in the time it takes the coupe to travel one inch at 60 mph. The MagneRide technology will now be available on the mainstream SS model, as well as the specialty LS1 edition.

Inside the new Camaro.

Chevy plans to offer a wider range of variants of the Camaro for 2016. It will offer three engines, including the new 2.0-liter Turbo making 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. According to Reuss, it will get 30 mpg on the highway yet still launch from 0 to 60 in less than 60 seconds.

Ford, notably, added a turbo EcoBoost version of its Mustang last year. It is expected to be the dominant version for overseas sales – and the addition of the turbo Camaro suggests Chevy may try to boost its overseas presence, as well.

The old base V-6 Camaro has been replaced with a new 3.6-liter six-banger turning out 335-hp.

At the top of the food chain is a 6.2-liter LS1 V-8 making 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft. That notably matches the numbers of the Chevy halo car, the Corvette Stingray. While the maker hasn’t released performance numbers, expect the Camaro to be a bit slower due to its added mass.

GM global product chief Mark Reuss.

The 2016 Camaro will allow a driver to adjust up to eight key vehicle settings – such as suspension stiffness and throttle and transmission response — with the turn of a knob.

The 2016 Camaro also will offer the sort of electronically controlled exhaust system we’ve seen on a number of high-performance European models, such as the Jaguar F-Type. Depending upon how you have things set, electronically regulated valve will let exhaust gases bypass the muffler. The result: less back pressure, better performance – and one very loud exhaust note.

The new car spent a total of 350 hours in the wind tunnel, according to Chevy officials and by adding such things as a new underbody pan and front “spats,” front lift was reduced by 30%. At the same time drag was cut sharply, even while improving engine breathing.

The gen-six Camaro spent extensive time in the wind tunnel to reduce drag and improve breathing.

While Chevy officials wouldn’t provide specific details they acknowledged there will be a number of variants to come, much as with the outgoing Camaro.

“The market is so competitive we’re not going to wait six or seven years to do new things with this car,” said Reuss.

With tough new emissions and mileage standards facing the industry in the years ahead, the big question is how radical Chevy might go. As Ford is doing with the Mustang, Chevrolet is studying all its options, even looking at electrified powertrains.

“We clearly have the technology” if consumers and regulators demand, said CEO Barra. “We’re going to be customer focused on how we apply it.:

The new 2016 Chevrolet Camaro will reach showrooms sometime in the fourth quarter of the year.

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