2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE: How Many More Numbers and Letters Can They Add?
We kid the fine folks at Chevrolet, we are cool with the long name, because this latest Camaro is the most bad ass yet.
This is an interesting change of pace: the sixth generation Camaro has only recently received it’s supercharged ZL1 variant. Now there is a 1LE version of the ZL1. Much like the Camaro SS 1LE, this latest ZL1 receives a lot of tweaks in the pursuit of speed and track day dominance. How much of an evolution is this 1LE-ification to the ZL1? GM says that the new 1LE is 3 seconds a lap faster around their Milford Proving Ground circuit than the standard ZL1. That’s big.
How did they accomplish that?
More aggressive aero, for starters. It has aggressive dive planes on the front fascia and a big wing on the trunk.
More aggressive suspension, as well. The front end has adjustable coil-over suspension, and has had the standard strut tops replaced with adjustable camber plates. That means extra camber can be dialed into the front axle to aid tire wear and increase front end bite. The rear anti-roll bar (sway bar) is 3-way adjustable, meaning it can be softened to increase grip or stiffened to minimize understeer, as necessary. Chevorlet bestowed the Camaro ZL1 1LE with very fancy Multimatic DSSV shocks. Standing for “Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve,” this technology patented by Multimatic allows for very-finely tuned control over the movement of the fluid within the shock absorber, on both bump and rebound.
More aggressive wheel and tires round off the package. An inch smaller in diameter than the standard ZL1, and an inch wider makes for some of the most aggressive wheels ever offered in a factory package. By our math, that means the ZL1 1LE is riding on 19×11″ wheels up front and a staggering (literally) 19×12″ rear wheel setup. Those tires are paired to Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires, that the General is quoting “can do up to 1.10G around the skidpad.”
So the ZL1 1LE is more everything, except for where it isn’t, because it weighs 60lbs less than the standard car. The standard ZL1 powertrain: the supercharged LT4 engine and 6-speed manual, are unchanged from the regular car. Then again, with 650 horsepower, it’s not exactly lacking in grunt.
Pricing is TBD, and will be announced closer to the sale date of the car, later this year. Whatever the cost may be, if you want to be the King, or Queen, of the track day, then it’s worth it, and this is the car for you.
