Chevrolet unleashes Camaro SS 1LE
1LE upgrade package for SS brings many of the track-focused enhancements that debuted in the fire-breathing Camaro ZL1Chevrolet’s Camaro ZL1 has been the bowtie brand’s hero car over the past year, but now comes a new 1LE package that enables owners of the lesser SS to access at least some of the goodies that come in the range-topping ZL1.
Although there are no powerplant mods – the standard 318kW 6.2-litre LS3 V8 is retained – the SS 1LE does score a Tremec TR6060-MM6 six-speed close-ratio manual transmission paired with a numerically higher 3.91 final-drive ratio. Chev claims 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. It also scores exclusive, monotube rear dampers instead of the twin-tube dampers on SS models, allegedly enabling the boffins to tune its 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 optimise the 1LE for track-day use include a larger 27mm solid front stabiliser bar and 28-mm solid rear stabiliser bar, higher-capacity rear-axle half shafts and a strut tower brace for improved steering feel and response.
The SS 1LE rides on chunky, ZL1-based 20x10-inch aluminium rims shod with 285/35ZR20 Goodyear Eagle Supercar hoops front and rear, and there are also ZL1 wheel bearings, toe links and rear shock mounts for improved on-track performance.
Visually, the 1LE stands apart from the bogger SS via its matte black hood, front splitter and rear spoiler – as well as its 10-spoke ZL1-based wheels, which are finished in black.
Chevrolet claims 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 suede-microfibre, while the pedals are designed for easier heel-and-toe driving on the racetrack. The quick-acting, short-throw shifter from the ZL1 is also trimmed in suede-microfibre.
In anticipation of consumers entering the 1LE in amateur-racing events, Chevrolet is pursuing SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) approval of the 1LE package for Touring Class competition.
We reckon it would also make a pretty handy weapon for next year’s Targa Tasmania…
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