CHICAGO MOTOR SHOW: Chevy Camaro 1LE

Chevrolet has revealed new 1LE performance packages for its sixth-generation Camaro V8 and, for the first time, V6 in Chicago overnight.

As we've reluctantly reported several times, the Mk6 Camaro won't be available in Australia in its current form, despite the new Alpha platform on which it's based being package-protected for right-hand drive.

However, right-hand drive production could coincide with a midlife facelift for the Camaro due within a few years, potentially giving Holden dealers an answer for Ford's new Mustang and GMH the 'mystery V8 sports car' it has promised after Commodore production ceases Down Under next year.

If that happens, a range of Camaro options – including the new 1LE performance package you see here – could also become available to Australians.

Claimed to "set new benchmarks for attainable track performance", the 1LE packs bring improved handling and racetrack performance, plus more visual volume in the form of a satin black bonnet, specific wheels and other tweaks.

The first 1LE package for the 250kW 3.6-litre Camaro V6 – available in 1LT or 2LT coupe trim in the US – comes with more aggressive FE3 suspension comprising new dampers, rear cradle mounts, ball-jointed rear toe links and stabiliser bars.

There are also lightweight 20-inch forged aluminium wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 245/40 R20 front and 275/35 R20 rear tyres, four-piston front Brembo brakes and a mechanical limited-slip differential with 3.27:1 ratio.

Chevy says the upgraded mechanical package delivers an estimated 0.97g in cornering grip and, to keep things cool, it adds engine oil, differential and transmission coolers. There's also a Camaro SS fuel system to cope with higher cornering loads.

Cosmetic upgrades include a suede-clad steering wheel and shorter-throw shifter, a satin black bonnet, front splitter and unique three-piece rear spoiler, and unique high-flow upper and lower grilles with satin black accents.

Options will include Recaro seats and a Performance Data Recorder (PDR).

Meantime, the new 1LE package for the 340kW 6.2-litre LT1 V8-powered Camaro SS manual includes Magnetic Ride Control dampers and upgraded springs and anti-roll bars as part of a new FE4 suspension tune, plus a new first-in-class electronic limited slip differential (eLSD).

Matched with unique forged aluminium wheels, 285/30 ZR20 front and 305/30 ZR20 rear Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres and a 3.73:1 LSD ratio, GM says lateral acceleration will exceed 1g, while the Recaros and PDR will also be available to V8 buyers.

Braking for the 1LE SS is via new six-piston monobloc front red Brembo callipers featuring the 1LE logo, and two-piece front rotors measuring 370mm – seven per cent larger than Camaro SS.

As with the V6, there's a track cooling package, suede-trimmed steering wheel and shorter-throw shifter, and satin-black bonnet, mirrors and three-piece rear spoiler, plus satin-graphite front splitter and rear diffuser.

There's also the option of the PDR video/data recording system, but the iLE V8 comes standard with Recaro front seats.

Camaro chief engineer Al Oppenheiser said the 1LE V6 is as quick around Willow Springs racetrack as the old Camaro V8, while the V8 1LE is three seconds quicker than the standard SS.

"The Camaro 1LE packages follow a recipe any track-day enthusiast will appreciate," he said. "Start with a lightweight, stiff structure and then add higher levels of suspension stiffness and damping, more aggressive tires, higher downforce, more powerful brakes and more cooling.

"The result delivers better performance in all measures. In our development tests, the V6 Camaro 1LE delivers lap times comparable with the previous-gen V8 model.

"The 2016 Camaro SS 1LE sets the new benchmark for the segment, lapping the Big Willow track at Willow Springs three seconds faster than the standard Camaro SS."

Chevrolet first offered a 1LE pack for the Camaro in 1988, continuing on the fourth-generation model in 1999, but it then disappeared until being released for the Mk5 Camaro in 2013.

The new 1LE Camaros will be available in the US from late this year. Pricing and performance data are yet to be revealed.