MotorWeek Checks Out the ZL1 1LE On Track
Show host Jon Davis credits ‘more down force, more grip & upgraded suspension’ for helping 650 HP Camaro effortlessly tackle the track.
Those of us who prefer curved circuits rather than 1/4-mile ones know that horsepower doesn’t mean squat when it comes to a fast lap. If there’s no control of the car, then you can’t even utilize the reserves of power on tap. Thinking of performance in such a way actually makes the Camaro ZL1 1LE look “efficient” in comparison to the standard ZL1.
It’s unusual to think of the 1LE as “efficient” but when you are going for a lap time, the ability to maintain speed and put power down is at a premium. John Davis from MotorWeek points out the highlights, including “more down force, along with more grip to handle it, and upgraded suspension to control it.” Along with a revised traction control system, the 1LE shows little roll and a lot of poise. If fine-tuning is your thing, you can even adjust the ride height, camber plates and rear sway-bar, too. There’s no doubt this machine is serious about corners.
However, all that grip doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, nor does fun turn into trouble. You won’t find any snappy handling characteristics, despite the LT4 engine’s ease by which it can overwhelm the rear tires of available grip. Davis is thrilled with the fact that “the car will do what ever you ask it to do.”
ALSO SEE: We Drive the 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE!
Asking the ZL1 1LE to drag race is somewhat out of its realm of talents. If straight line speed is your main requirement for a Camaro, the 1LE may not be for you, especially when equipped with the 6-speed manual. That doesn’t mean it can’t accelerate, but if you really wanted to have a 1LE, the 10-speed automatic is going to give you that 60ft time you want. For us? We’ll reluctantly stick with the dying breed of the manual transmission.
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