By Drew Johnson
Monday, Jul 30th, 2012 @ 9:15 am
 
Chevrolet is spicing up its Camaro lineup for the 2013 model year with the addition of a new 1LE performance package, which the automaker confirmed today will start at $37,035 including a mandatory destination charge.

The 1LE package adds several goodies from the top-spec Camaro ZL1 while keeping the overall bottom line in check.

Aimed at the road racing crowd, the 1LE package can be added to SS coupe models equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. However, 1LE cars ditch the SS' standard Tremec TR6060-M10 in favor of a performance-tuned Tremec TR6060-MM6 with a numerically higher 3.91 final-drive ratio.

The 1LE also replaces the twin-tube dampers found on standard SS cars with monotube rear dampers, which Chevrolet says provides better body-motion control while maintaining a comfortable on-road ride.

Other 1LE performance upgrades include larger stabilizer bars, a strengthened rear end, strut tower brace and a ZL1-derived high capacity fuel pump. A dual-mode exhaust system will stand as a 1LE option.

Although those improvements don't change the Camaro SS' 426 horsepower rating, Chevy says the car can pull 1g in the corners.

In order to visually set the 1LE apart from its SS counterparts, the package includes a matte-black hood, front splitter and rear spoiler, as well as 10-spoke alloy wheels borrowed from the ZL1.

Inside the 1LE borrows even more content from the ZL1, including a flat-bottomed steering wheel and shift knob. The 2013 1LE also ushers in a color touch radio with MyLink infotainment, which will be available on Camaro LT, SS and ZL1 models.

"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."

The 1LE package will be available on both 1SS and 2SS trim levels with a manual transmission.

Track day special hits the track
In addition to confirming the 1LE's base price, Chevrolet today also announced that an essentially stock Camaro 1LE lapped the challenging Virginia International Raceway Grand Course in 2:58.34, a figure that puts it in what GM refers to as the "upper echelon of performance cars."



VIR's four-mile Grand Course is configured to take advantage of both a car's power and its handling tenacity, which means that fast times are generally reserved for cars significantly more powerful than the Camaro 1LE.


The Camaro 1LE piloted by engineer Aaron Link was modified with only a racing seat and a roll cage. Driven on a steamy morning earlier this summer, the 1LE car's sub three-minute lap time puts it on par with recorded figures for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Audi R8 5.2 FSI.

By comparison, Link drove a more powerful Camaro ZL1 around the Grand Course in 2:52.4.

"Like the ZL1, the 1LE is very easy to drive fast, and its performance is very consistent," said Link. "Even in the hot, humid conditions through a tank of fuel, there were no issues with brake fade, changes in grip, or powertrain performance.
  

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