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The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro will feature 323 horsepower, or 11 more ponies than the 2011 model. But General Motors engineers didn't accomplish this feat by adding direct injection or variable valve timing. In fact, the 2011 version of the 3.6-liter V6 already incorporated those high-tech engine components.

Instead, engineers were able to add extra power by allowing the high-tech mill to breathe better. To do this, intake airflow was improved by seven percent through extensive simulation and bench testing. As a result, power is up by 11 horsepower, while exhaust flow is improved by 10 percent.

Engineers also manged to remove an incredible 13 pounds from the 3.6-liter by integrating the exhaust manifolds into the aluminum cylinder head. This change meant that a pair of old-school iron manifolds, 12 bolts, a pair of gasket and heat shields with six more bolts were eliminated.

Beyond weight savings, these changes also eliminate the potential for gasket failure while fuel efficiency is improved. The 2012 Camaro 2LS model will now boast 30 miles per gallon on the highway, up from an also respectable 29 mpg from the 2011 model.

Hit the jump to watch a short video, which shows exactly how GM was able to shave 13 pounds off of an already reasonably light engine. Then you can stay to read over The General's press release.Continue reading Here's why the 2012 Camaro V6 makes 11 more horsepower

Here's why the 2012 Camaro V6 makes 11 more horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 May 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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[url=http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/heres-why-the-2012-camaro-v6-makes-11-more-horsepower/]More...

94QuasarZ

A 323 hp V6 that gets 30 mpg hwy....yeah, I'm sold....

TOO Z MAXX

Put that drivetrain in a 3rd gen and it would get 33mpg and maybe more

Slappy3243

I am not a big fan of integrating the exhaust manifold into the cylinder heads but it is still pretty cool that GM is really tweaking this engine .

graham

That's a cylinder head porter's delight! I like the design and I usually hate that much of the exhaust tract inside the head (makes me think of tractor engines and Detroit D60 heads). Nicely done! Almost 1.5hp/cid ain't no joke off the production line!!

2010_5thgen

wow...impressive.....and why isnt the v8 direct inject yet?

ws6transam

Yeah no lie! I was thinking the EXACT same thing... A daily driver third-gen with this engine a set of 3.23's or 3.08's out back would make for a terrific, fuel efficient commuter car, with distinctive style.

:looks left and right: Maybe I could find a cheap late 80's Formula. They have a pretty good drag coefficient. I wonder what the weight difference is between this V6 and a 305TBI?

km9v

Would there be any issues w/ heat?

ws6transam

The longer exhaust tracts probably do introduce more heat into the cylinder head, but I would imagine that careful management of coolant port design could take that into account. Remember that those exhaust gases move fairly quickly through the port, and the majority of the hot air should make it into the exhaust pipes.

--

Hey - I just got to thinking about something. Since the engine now has a single flange on each side of the engine, would this not make turbocharger installation a bit less complex? How capable is the V6 block in terms of increased stress and cylinder pressure?

OutsiderIROC-Z

ws6transam

http://media.gm.com/content/Pages/ne...0CAM%20HiR.jpg

Now that makes a great wallpaper for your computer screen!

I found it here:
http://media.gm.com/content/media/us..._camaro_engine

WhiteHawk

I was thinking the same thing - $2000 turbo kit for 500 hp and still get 30 mpg or better highway. You just need a turbo to match the flange and hopefully there is room on the engine bay.

-Geoff

94QuasarZ

Gentlemen, we may very well just be watching the LFX V6 taking over before our very eyes.

JakeRobb

I'm not sure why AutoBlog is only picking up on this today. This news came out over a month ago -- the only thing new that I see is the cutaway photo of the new head+manifold design.

https://www.camaroz28.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=807189

SSPORT10

I am willing to bet that next spring we will see the next gen V8 small block with direct injection and VVT when the C7 Corvette and its details are shown.