Chevrolet News:Chevrolet Adds A Camaro 1LE & Changes For Other Camaros In 2013

[William Maley]

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William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

March 27, 2012

If there is one thing Ford and Chevrolet do very well with their muscle cars, it has to be both offering many variations of said car. Case in point, Chevrolet has introduced the 2013 Camaro 1LE package.

“The Camaro 1LE combines the best elements of the SS and ZL1 to take road-racing performance to a whole new level. That the 1LE breaks the three-minute lap at VIR puts it in the upper echelon of performance cars. That it starts under $40,000 makes the Camaro 1LE one of the most affordable, most capable track-day cars offered by any manufacturer,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer.

The 1LE package includes a variable-effort electric power steering, Tremec TR6060-MM6 close-ratio six-speed manual, transmission cooler, monotube rear dampers, larger stabilizer bars, a strut tower brace, 20-inch aluminum wheels from the ZL1, Goodyear Eagle Supercar G:2 tires, an uprated fuel pump, aerodynamic changes, and an available dual-mode exhaust system.

Inside, the 1LE packages adds the ZL1 steering wheel and a short-throw shifter.

Pricing for the 1LE will be released sometime later this year.

But wait, there's some more Camaro news. Regular SS models will get stabilizer bars with drop links, power steering, and an available dual-mode exhaust system from the ZL1. Also, Chevrolet's MyLink system will be available on the 2013 Camaro LT, SS, and ZL1.

Press Release is on Page 2

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2013 Camaro 1LE: 426-hp, 1g cornering, under $40,000

• 1LE features Camaro ZL1-inspired chassis and suspension enhancements
  
• 2013 Camaro LT, SS and ZL1 models available with MyLink infotainment system
  

DETROIT – The road-racing inspired Camaro 1LE performance package returns for 2013 with unique gearing, suspension tuning, and tires that makes the model capable of more than 1 g of lateral acceleration and a sub-three minute lap time at Virginia International Raceway's Grand Course. It is offered on Camaro SS coupes with manual transmissions.

"The Camaro 1LE combines the best elements of the SS and ZL1 to take road-racing performance to a whole new level," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. "That the 1LE breaks the three-minute lap at VIR puts it in the upper echelon of performance cars. That it starts under $40,000 makes the Camaro 1LE one of the most affordable, most capable track-day cars offered by any manufacturer."

In anticipation of consumers entering the 1LE in amateur-racing events, Chevrolet is pursuing SCCA approval of the 1LE package for Touring Class competition.

For 2013, all Camaro SS models including the 1LE will feature standard variable-effort electric power steering and an available dual-mode exhaust system. Both features were introduced on the ZL1. Additionally, 2013 Camaro LT, SS and ZL1 models are available with Chevrolet's color touch radio with MyLink infotainment system.

"With the 2013 model year, Camaro offers something for almost every driver, including: the 323-horsepower, 30-mpg 2LS; the all-new, 580-horsepower supercharged ZL1 convertible; the COPO Camaro for drag-racing; and the new 1LE for amateur track days," said John Fitzpatrick, Camaro marketing manager. "We expect the range of choices, and enhancements for 2013, will help Camaro remain America's most-popular sports car."

Camaro sales were up nearly 20 percent for the first two months of the year, building on an 8.5-percent gain for all of 2011. The 1LE package goes on sale this fall with the 2013 Camaro line. Pricing will be released later this year.

A heritage of handling

The Camaro 1LE package was introduced in 1988, inspired by Camaro's involvement in Pro-Am road racing.

For 2013, the 1LE package is offered only on 1SS and 2SS coupe models, featuring a 6.2L LS3 V-8, which is rated at 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb-ft of torque (569 Nm). In addition, 1LE is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

While the Camaro SS features a Tremec TR6060-M10 for all-around performance, the Camaro 1LE features an exclusive Tremec TR6060-MM6. Paired with a numerically higher 3.91 final-drive ratio, the close-ratio gearing of the transmission is tuned for road-racing performance. As with the ZL1, the 1LE transmission features a standard air-to-liquid cooling system for track use.

The 1LE also features exclusive, monotube rear dampers instead of the twin-tube dampers on SS models. The new hardware allowed engineers to tune the 1LE suspension to focus on optimal body-motion control while preserving much of the ride quality and wheel-motion control of the Camaro SS.

Other changes to optimize the 1LE for track-day use include:

• Larger, 27-mm solid front stabilizer bar, and 28-mm solid rear stabilizer bar for improved body control
  
• Higher-capacity rear-axle half shafts to cope with increased levels of traction
  
• Strut tower brace for improved steering feel and response
  
• ZL1-based 20 x 10-inch front and 20 x 11-inch aluminum wheels
  
• 285/35ZR20 Goodyear Eagle Supercar G:2 tires front and rear (identical to the front tires for ZL1)
  
• ZL1 wheel bearings, toe links and rear shock mounts for improved on-track performance
  
• ZL1 high-capacity fuel pump and additional fuel pickups for improved fuel delivery during high-cornering
  

Visually, the 1LE package for 2013 is distinguished by its matte-black hood, front splitter and rear spoiler – as well as the 10-spoke ZL1-based wheels, which are finished in black. The functional front splitter and rear spoiler contribute to the car's on-track performance by helping to reduce aerodynamic lift at high speeds.

Inside, the 1LE package incorporates the ZL1's flat-bottom steering wheel, trimmed in sueded-microfiber and designed for easier heel-and-toe driving on the racetrack. The quick-acting, short-throw shifter from the ZL1 is also trimmed in sueded microfiber.

Electric power steering and dual-mode exhaust bring ZL1 technology to SS models

All 2013 Camaro SS models, including the 1LE, will benefit from performance technologies that debuted on the 580-horsepower Camaro ZL1.

The improvements began in 2012, when all SS Coupes incorporated the ZL1-derived chassis element: Stabilizer bars with drop links repositioned outboard of the control arms. This made the stabilizer bars four times more effective than in previous models, for improved control of body roll and crisper response to steering input.

New for 2013, the electric power steering system developed for the ZL1 will be standard on all 2013 SS models. The variable ratio, variable effort system provides light efforts for easy maneuverability at parking-lot speeds as well as increased resistance at higher speeds. This provides more feedback, and a more direct steering feel, to the driver.

Also new for 2013 is an available dual-mode exhaust system, available on Camaro SS models with the LS3 V8 engine and six-speed manual transmissions. Similar to the systems found on the ZL1 and Corvette models, this vacuum-actuated system provides a quieter driving experience at low engine speeds and a more aggressive sound at high engine speeds.

MyLink connects you

Chevrolet's color touch radio with MyLink infotainment is available on all 2013 Camaro LT, SS and ZL1 models. The color touch radio, with a 7-inch touch screen, also can be paired with an available in-dash GPS navigation system – a first for the Camaro.

The color touch radio with MyLink gives customers a higher level of in-vehicle wireless connectivity and customized infotainment options, while building on the safety and security of OnStar. It seamlessly integrates online services such as Pandora® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio® using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth-enabled phones.

MyLink adds stereo audio streaming and wireless control of smartphones, building on the voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability already offered in most Chevy vehicles. The high-resolution, full-color touch screen display makes media selection easy to navigate.

MyLink also retains all the capabilities of today's entertainment functions, including AM/FM/Sirius XM tuners, auxiliary and USB inputs.

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[hyperv6]

Watch this weekends NHRA Summit Race at Vegas.

The Pro Stock Teams are running and Chevy will have people in town. I just have a hunch with this LE1 news and with who is in town they will have the new cars unveiled?

The feed back I have heard from KB Racing they are happy so far with the testing so far. The timing for all this news media is just right for the drag cars to be unveiled even if they are not race ready yet.

I am not sure if they are ready to race yet but the last I heard they are not far off.

I wonder if a COPO could also appear?

It still would be hard to stop running the GXP's with the way they are running right now. At least the chassis and the engines will not change.

Edited March 27, 2012 by hyperv6

[G. David Felt]

Sweet, always nice to have more performance as an option.

[cletus8269]

bout time they brought this option back.

[hyperv6]

Watch this weekends NHRA Summit Race at Vegas.

The Pro Stock Teams are running and Chevy will have people in town. I just have a hunch with this LE1 news and with who is in town they will have the new cars unveiled?

The feed back I have heard from KB Racing they are happy so far with the testing so far. The timing for all this news media is just right for the drag cars to be unveiled even if they are not race ready yet.

I am not sure if they are ready to race yet but the last I heard they are not far off.

I wonder if a COPO could also appear?

It still would be hard to stop running the GXP's with the way they are running right now. At least the chassis and the engines will not change.

No Camaro at this point at Vegas but the Camaro Diciples will be meeting and advising on present and future product. I would have to assume they are already being quized on things for the Alpha at this point.

As for the 1LE it is kind of like a Z06 like Camaro. Autoblog was already saying it would be slower than the Boss in lap times. I think they should wait till they drive it first. It is anymore the most HP does not always lap the fastest.

Now this is what I expected the Z28 to be now I wonder what else they have planned.

Edited March 27, 2012 by hyperv6

[Camino LS6]

1LE interests me far more than the COPO does - I love road course racing.

I'd even say that it edges out the ZL-1 for me.

[Robert Hall]

Sounds like this is a recipe for a Z-28...surprised they went with the obscure 1LE name. Will be interesting to see how it compares to the Boss 302. This definitely sounds like the Camaro I'd like to drive on twisty back roads...

Edited March 28, 2012 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Northstar]

Apparently the 1LE laps Virginia International Raceway in under 3 minutes. The Boss Laguna Seca does it in 3:02.8

[Camino LS6]

VIR is a great track, and less than 3min. around it is cookin'.

Sounds like this is a recipe for a Z-28...surprised they went with the obscure 1LE name. Will be interesting to see how it compares to the Boss 302. This definitely sounds like the Camaro I'd like to drive on twisty back roads...

I don't think you'll see a Z/28 until you see an Alpha Camaro.

[Camino LS6]

...and then certain Z/28s may be 1LE cars.

Historically speaking Z/28 = 1LE, but marketing is something else entirely.

1LE has never been a model designation before, but its intent and content are equivalent to what the first Z/28s were.

Both were prep packages for road racing, but Z/28 became a marketing entity along the way as well, and now it seems 1LE will do the same (if only for a short time).

[ocnblu]

My memory may be clouded by time, but my impression of the 1LE option has always been that it was a bare bones car with performance hardware. This new one will sell for $40k? That's no stripper.

Where's the a/c and radio delete? The minimal sound deadening? I wish for a road ready Camaro with the 6.2L/six speed manual and black Rally wheels like the base model. This ain't it.

[hyperv6]

The 1LE was a car option for those who wanted to showroom stock race. Like you said it has a lot of deleted items. The problem is they only wanted to sell a few and that is just what they did as few people were willing to pay a big price for a stripped down car.

GM with this package can race it in several series now in the SCCA. But they this time kept the other items in the car as they plan to sell as many as they can. The added weight is not much witht he kind of weight this car now has. dropping 100 pounds would help little and the loss of AC and Radio would kill a lot of sales.

From what I was told they still have plans for a Z28 but no one is talking. I wonder if it will be held out till 2015 for the new Alpha chassis. The Disciples met last weekend in Vegas and got to drive some of the new toys. I also know they are getting asked more and more on the Gen 6 so I expect the Gen 5 will just see some upgrades and then bow out for the new car.

[G. David Felt]

Interesting, wonder just how many ponies a new Z28 would see? I cannot imagen it surpassing the CTS-V but then everything has a top limit and performance level. Be interesting to see where these cars are in 10 years.

[hyperv6]

Interesting, wonder just how many ponies a new Z28 would see? I cannot imagen it surpassing the CTS-V but then everything has a top limit and performance level. Be interesting to see where these cars are in 10 years.

I do not expect the Z28 to ever top the ZL1. The Z 28 will play a specialty model based on the 1LE model would be my guess. It will be a street ZL1 lacking the engine and extra weight. Think Z06. They The key is they have something special planned but just what?

10 years from now they will be Turbo 4 and TT V6 cars with a limited edition [read expensive V8]. The cars will be lighter and smaller. With less weight they will be as fast or faster 0-60 but they will handle better and stop faster. This is one car as long as you don't count cylinders will benefit from the down size. You figure the ATS Turbo is 3200 the Alpha Camaro will be right there with it with only a little more weight for the V6 and V8.

Less mass will do wonders when used with the new magnetic suspensions.

[G. David Felt]

Interesting, wonder just how many ponies a new Z28 would see? I cannot imagen it surpassing the CTS-V but then everything has a top limit and performance level. Be interesting to see where these cars are in 10 years.

I do not expect the Z28 to ever top the ZL1. The Z 28 will play a specialty model based on the 1LE model would be my guess. It will be a street ZL1 lacking the engine and extra weight. Think Z06. They The key is they have something special planned but just what?

10 years from now they will be Turbo 4 and TT V6 cars with a limited edition [read expensive V8]. The cars will be lighter and smaller. With less weight they will be as fast or faster 0-60 but they will handle better and stop faster. This is one car as long as you don't count cylinders will benefit from the down size. You figure the ATS Turbo is 3200 the Alpha Camaro will be right there with it with only a little more weight for the V6 and V8.

Less mass will do wonders when used with the new magnetic suspensions.

Thanks for the post, that leaves some food for thought.