TriShield

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.

deft

iTrader: (7)

In before someone worries about how much it will weigh.

HioSSilver

iTrader: (8)

Now they are starting to build a car I would buy.

1CAMWNDR

iTrader: (21)

So that interior and infotainment crap is what Chevy thinks goes on a track model . Why is a stripped down ***** to the wall performance car such a bad idea?

UltraZLS1

iTrader: (13)

Build sheet on camaro5 says 3849. Same as a 1SS.

Would have been nice if they added a little more power with a cam change to around 450hp. It is going to have a hard time against a Boss on most tracks with standard SS power.

Looks like GM is saving the extra power for 2015 and the new chassis.

Z Fury

iTrader: (1)

Agreed.

TriShield

MyLink is apparently standard on all Chevrolets for 2013. I don't like it either, it's full of things I would never use and the tech advances to quickly to be built into a car.

SSCamaro99_3

iTrader: (1)

Because we, as enthusiasts, are such a small fraction of the new car buying segment, that catering to us does not turn a profit. Sad but true.

TriShield

It's a good thing Toyota and Subaru are stepping up with their new lightweight track coupe. One that weighs nearly one thousand pounds less, will use less fuel and whose tires won't cost five hundred dollars or more a pop. It will also cost substantially less to buy brand new.

jmurray87

iTrader: (1)

No no magnetic ride suspension? Sounds like a good setup either way but still the MRS would have been pretty fun in a 1LE SS.

SparkyJJO

iTrader: (11)

Well I would hope it would use less fuel as the engine sounds to be relatively gutless

skorpion317

iTrader: (8)

So they release a track-oriented model capable of pulling 1G, but do nothing to address LSx oil starvation in high-G turns?

MI-Z/28

+1

I'd be interested to see how it does at the strip with the improved gearing and stickier rubber over the SS. Any predictions?

Zmg00camaross

iTrader: (11)

This cracked me up.lol

chaman

iTrader: (5)

Im waiting on the new Camaro platform (6th gen). To me the major stepping stone with this 5th gen is the platform itself. I hope GM brings a more efficient platform next time around. They are just trying to keep up with the Mustang different versions in the market right know. They need to make Ford follow them instead of the other way around.

beerwhiskeyjoe

I can see what they're doing allowing you to order 1LE on a 2SS is to directly compete with the Boss 302, I can see no weight reduction because the 302 doesn't weight any less than a GT...

But this just seems ghey. This is about the same as SLP with the freakin' G8 Firehawk or new GN... its an abuse of the name. 1LE= Lightweight stripper, bottom line, no discussion. This car would have been better off as a z28, and use 1LE as an option across all trims to rip out every, single, tiny piece that doesn't help drive the car or keep you from getting killed....

jmurray87

iTrader: (1)

At least the weight will all this is only that of a bottom end 1SS and not that of a fully loaded 2SS car.

In today's world getting a true stripper model like many are crying out for will not happen, way to many safety regulations and what not these days.

LS1LT1

iTrader: (16)

I guess this is the "Z28" we were hoping for?
Or maybe that's still coming?

LS1LT1

iTrader: (16)

All true.
But I think you forgot to mention the part about the Toyota/Subaru being notably slower in a straight line than a plain jane grocery getter such as a Dodge Avenger V6, never mind a Camaro/Mustang V8.
Not exactly very "track coupe" in my opinion but hey, apparently you like it.
And yes I understand, not everyone is quite man enough to handle a V8 anyway.

david068513

iTrader: (2)

Welcome, the boss killer has arrived. I'll be ordering one soon.