Chevy's Camaro 1LE is more than a satin-black hood
Chevy finally has the track package for the all-new Camaro you've been waiting for. It's called the 1LE. And while that moniker won't grab your attention, it more than makes up for it with performance prowess.
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Image: Chevrolet
In fact, the additional extras of the 1LE are so potent, Camaros fitted with it lap the Big Willow track at Willow Springs outside Los Angeles three seconds faster than the standard Camaro SS. And that's nothing to shake a stick at.
Importantly, you can specify the 1LE on either the V6- or the V8-powered Camaro. With the 335-horsepower V6 under the hood, buyers get an up-rated suspension, lighter wheels, Brembo brakes, a limited-slip rear differential, additional powertrain cooling components, dual mode exhaust, suede steering wheel, and — of course — the satin black hood.
Image: Chevrolet
Things get a bit more exciting when the 1LE is added to the 455-horsepower V8 model. That gets much of the same above plus Magnetic Ride Control suspension like that on the Cadillac ATS-V, and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires that allow the car to pull 0.97G in cornering grip and 1G in acceleration, which is about half of what an F-15 pilot experiences (not really. But it sounded good, right?).
I point out all of this for good reason. Even if you're not in the market for a 1LE, I hope that, when you see one on the road, you'll have the appropriate appreciation for it. After all, the buyer hasn't simply been suckered into a lame exterior appearance package, he or she has signed on the line for a serious American performance coupe. And that deserves respect.
Image: Chevrolet
