Remember when we told you that the Chevy Camaro Z28 is still coming? Well, this isn’t it. However, the upcoming Chevy Camaro 1LE Performance Track Package for the 2013 model year could might as well be. With both visual and mechanical upgrades, this red devil will try and bridge the gap between the 426-horse Camaro SS and the 580-horse Camaro ZL1. It will be priced between the SS and the ZL1 as well, with plans to start at under $40,000 when it launches later this year.
Yes. 1G cornering abilities and 426 horsepower for under $40,000. And because the 1LE package is track-oriented, Chevrolet is pursuing SCCA approval of the 1LE package for Touring Class competition in anticipation of buyers entering the 1LE in amateur-racing events.
The photos themselves do a lot of the talking, with black accents complementing the otherwise red (or yellow) body finished off by red Brembo calipers. But perhaps the biggest, most welcome changes include the optional 7-inch touchscreen found in the interior, complete with a backup camera, GPS and Chevy MyLink.
Gone are the Pirelli tires found on the SS, and in their place is a set of stickier Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar Generation 2 (G:2) front and rear tires, the same as on the ZL1. As a result of having such grippy tires, the half shafts of 1LE have been strengthened to handle the increased grip and handling of the 1LE’s rear rubber. A strut tower brace has been added as well to enhance cornering and balance, as have front (27mm solid) and rear (28mm solid) stabilizer bars.
Replacing the Camaro SS’ TREMEC TR6060-M10 manual transmission will be the 1LE’s TREMEC TR6060-MM6 manual unit. Borrowed from the Camaro ZL1, this tranny features a standard liquid-to-liquid cooling system for track use. Also borrowed from the ZL1 is electric power steering, a flat-bottom sueded steering wheel and shift knob, a dual-mode exhaust, and black 10-spoke 20-inch wheels. The 426-horse, 420 lb.-ft. 6.2L LS3 V8 remains untouched, unfortunately.
Perhaps there will be more to come at the 2012 New York International Auto Show in the coming days. And will it be better than a Ford Mustang Boss 302/302 Leguna Seca? We’d love to find out.
Update: General Motors has officially confirmed the 1LE Camaro. Yay!
[nggallery id=442]At a time of year when luxury car ATP usually rises.
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aweeesoooome
Now this is what I'm talking about! But why isn't it called the Z28?
Im a little curious as to why this isnt called Z28 either. But then, it could be that theyre still saving the Z28 name for something else. But that being the case, what do they have in mind for the Z28 name if there is anything? Then again, between 1973 and 1996 there was no SS model so maybe GM is putting away Z28 for the time being.
Its also interesting that LS3 isnt being touched, but then maybe the engineers dont think it needs to be given the other changes (suspension and transmission). Of course, I could also understand if they didnt want to touch the engine because they figured a good number of buyers are going to be throwing their own mods at it so in the end it would have been a waste of money for GM.
In any case though, I want two!!!!!
A llittle?
You mean what the hell GM, why is a car that is almost exactly like what a Z28 is not called a Z28. 1LE? Seriously? Is this a camry?
Unless they have something else planned for Z28 they better name this Z28 when its being sold. OR ELSE.
1LE has some heritage. It was first introduced in 1988 and it was also a track-ready package that had time in the SCCA circuit.
Maybe GM will add the Z28 with a more powerful engine to split the difference between the 426bhp 1LE and the 580bhp ZL1?
It'd be awesome if a Z28 model became available with the Z06's 505bhp 7.0L V-8 engine or would that be too cost-prohibitive since it is largely a hand-built motor? If so, how about the LSA motor (supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine) de-tuned to produce around 525bhp?
Then the ZL1 could be tweaked to produce 600bhp. And while you're at it, please add All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) as an option. It would give the Camaro a trump card over the Mustang and enhance its appeal in snowy areas!
AWD isn't exactly plausible with the Zeta platform. Plus, the world isn't ready for an AWD Camaro.
But, how would you feel if the fantasy Z28 utilized a TT V6?