The 2012 Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition. Image: © GM Corp.
For years, V-6 engines have been built the same way. The heads bolt to the engine block, and the exhaust manifolds bolt to the heads; the design has been proven for the past hundred years or so, so why mess with a good thing? Fortunately for us, the engineers working on Chevrolet’s V-6 engines aren’t satisfied with the status quo, so they’ve designed a better mousetrap. By casting the exhaust manifold into the aluminum head, Chevy’s engineer’s have managed to shed 12 parts per cylinder head and have shaved a total of 13 pounds off the weight of the finished engine. The net result is an increase from 28 mpg highway in 2011 to 30 mpg highway for the 2012 Camaro V-6.
The new head design, on the right. Image: © GM Corp.
But we enthusiasts care more about additional horsepower than a few more mpgs, and Chevy has delivered here as well. This year’s 3.6-liter V-6 gets larger intake valves (38.3 mm, vs. 36.9 mm) and 10 percent better exhaust flow than last year’s V-6, resulting in an increase of 11 horsepower. The 2012 Camaro V-6 is now rated at 323 horsepower, which gives it a clear advantage over Ford’s 305 horsepower V-6 in the Mustang (which, admittedly, is a lighter car than the Camaro).
By eliminating the conventional cast iron exhaust manifolds, Chevy was able to make the 2012 3.6-liter V-6 some 4.6 inches narrower, and they were able to move the catalytic converter closer to the exhaust point, which lowers emissions. It’s quieter at idle, too, but I’m not sure I’d brag about that to pony car buyers. Still, what’s not to like about more horsepower, less weight and better fuel efficiency?
Source: Chevrolet
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
