If you are interested in Chevy Camaro, there are choices to be made. You can go for base model 3.6 -liter V6 with 335 hp or you can opt for SS version with 6.2-liter V8 and 455 hp. If you are track crazy, there is even more in shape of ZL1 version with 6.2-liter V8, same as SS’s, but here with startling 640 hp. So, you are now wondering, what the 1le is representing? Well, it is something for people who would buy V6 but still desire something from SS V8, or for someone who would take SS but weep about ZL1 abilities.
EXPLANATION
The 1le is performance package that existed for V8 SS model, but due to the high demand of Camaro lovers now it is available also for 3.6-liter version. Conveniently 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE will include brakes, tires and suspension stolen from the model above, which in conclusion means that V6 receives bits from the SS version, while the SS receives bits and pieces from the ZL1.
Furthermore, extra cooling, a short-throw shifter, a dual-mode exhaust, special faux-suede wheel and unique, but subtle aero package with a matte black finish which is also reserved for the hood, is going to separate it from regular versions. Nonetheless, it will never shout its difference since there are no 1le marks anywhere on the car.
CAPABILITY
Let’s start with better SS 1LE and say from the beginning that grip power is 1.02 g which is enough to put BMW’s M4 on shame and that for $30k less. V6 can tackle 0.97 g which is remarkable too, especially if you are not racing driver looking for an extra inch of the apex. Back now to SS 1le, and his Goodyear’s Eagle F1 Supercar tires which will keep the car glued to the surface.
This is done with help of FE4 suspension and magnetorheological dampers as well, and continued with limited-slip differential controlled electronically, six-piston Brembo brakes from the ZL1 with plush red calipers, and which will all make improved SS quite of a track beast. To clarify all in numbers, SS 1LE will hit 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and do the quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds at 115 mph while running through Milford track three seconds faster than regular SS.
Don’t discount V6 1le version yet. Extra cooling for the engine oil, differential, and transmission are present on both version as same, and mechanical limited-slip diff and four-piston Brembos from the stock SS reserved for V6 will prove as sufficient for many. In numbers, it needs 5.2 seconds to 60 mph and completes the quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds at 102 mph, which is still praiseworthy.
Steering response for both vehicles is immediate when Track mode is engaged, and very strangely if you wonder off the track with mode still turned on, it will not break your spine while driving on “beautifully paved” public roads. Check the Tour mode button, and you will ride on clouds, very rare with this kind of track pedigree vehicles.
CONSIDERING ONE
Performance package in question ask for additional $4,500 if you go for V6, or additional $6,500 if you go for V8 SS. For both of these, you’ll get a touch of higher model specs without having to reach out completely in terms of money.
We can totally end the discussion now, about whether somebody should opt for 1le package when having in mind the fact that SS version equipped with it, can leave BMW M4 breathing its exhaust fumes on the track. It says enough about the desirability of enhancement in question and about Camaro itself. And for the sake of answering the question from the title, faster is never too much.
2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1le Gallery
