The realization that less vehicle weight makes the engine work less and burn less fuel is gaining traction with automakers. Latest case in point: the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro will weigh 200 pounds less than the 2015 model, putting curb weight for the base LS and LT models at about 3,500 pounds. Engineers were challenged to improve handling, acceleration and fuel economy for 2016. The new vehicle structure, which it shares with the rear wheel-drive Cadillac ATS and CTS, is responsible for most of the weight loss, reports AutoWeek magazine, though dozens of smaller changes also contributed. One example: an aluminum beam that supports the instrument panel is almost 10 pounds lighter than the one it replaces.
The upcoming 2016 Camaro will be a claimed 200 pounds lighter than the previous model, as well it probably should be since it will share the smaller architecture of the Cadillac ATS (pictured).
