If you were hoping for a repeat of the bonkers bargain that was the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro 1LE with the 2017 Camaro 1LE, it’s not the case this time around.
Remember, the previous-generation Camaro 1LE added just $3,500 to the sticker price of a Camaro SS, which granted access to Camaro ZL1 hardware and sticky, sticky tires. Even chief Camaro engineer Al Oppenheiser stated it may have been a little too much bang-for-your-buck.
This time around, a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE will tack on $6,500 to the MSRP of a Camaro 1SS. With 2017 MSRP prices, that pins the 2017 Camaro SS 1LE at $44,400 before all the taxes, and title fees are tallied up. It’s a stark contrast to the $37,900 price tag of the 2015 Camaro 1LE, but there’s arguably greater performance to be had.
The $6,500 adds a track cooling package, larger Brembo brakes (seven percent larger than those found on the Camaro SS), FE4 suspension system with Magnetic Ride Control, with specific tuning for the Magnetic Ride dampers, springs and stabilizer bars and more.
More importantly, there are Goodyear Eagle F1 tires at each corner, developed specifically for the sixth-generation Camaro. But, most importantly? The price undercuts the Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 by more than $10,000, and it matches or beats the GT350 in performance.
If the 2017 Camaro SS 1LE is too rich for your blood, the LT 1LE does offer hopped up performance on an even lesser budget. For just $4,500, the 2017 Camaro LT 1LE will have no issues pulling nearly 1 g of grip.
So, is the price right? That’s for you to vote on below and discuss in the comment section.
Comments
This is a hell of a car for the money. You save $10,000 vs a GT350 and you can still embarrass it on the track! 🙂
An anonymous vote might give some reliable data, but how about an actual customer’s decision? I was all set to buy a 2017 1le. I’ve owned Holdens in Oz and BMW’s in America, all used. I now want a new car, this 1le looked the absolute perfect beast for me. But then I read the prices, and with taxes and dealer markup and interest coming to $50k, I just simply couldn’t afford one until several years of saving could be done. So I jumped at a Scion FR-S because the brand is dying and dealers were possibly allowed to deal. I got a special khaki release-2.0 manual for price/tax/”markup”/interest all-in total at $34k. My original plan was to play with this until I could afford the 1le. But now I’ve driven the 86 at 7500rpm in the Sierra’s … the Camaro/BMW/Holden-Chevy SS is too heavy! I’m never going back. Now I want a Corvette, and need more saving years.
Sorry guy, but the SS 1LE is so far past what a FR-S offers it blows my mind you admitted passing on one for that. The SS 1le is 44k and you should be able to have it for that price out the door unless you need to have it on day one. Even a no option 1ss would have only cost a few grand more than you paid for your FR-S as people were getting 10% off without issue.
The FR-S is an incredibly slow car that handles well. A v6 1le could probably be had for around 38k and it wouldn’t be so annoying slow.
Now if you don’t like the car, you don’t like it. But for $6500, the package is an incredible deal.
Thanks Mike for letting the facts get in the way.
When we talk times anymore you have to be precise as the Camaro and Mustang are not like the old days where one time fits all models.
Depending on the version of the car and now with most automatics running significantly faster they leave us with some very diverse times for each model.
So for anyone debating a tenth here or there do your home work and find out what model and transmission the car is and it will give you the reasons.
Facts, getting in the way…
Motor Trend:
FR-S manual 2806 lbs
Camaro 2016 T4 1lt manual 3738 lbs
Camaro 2016 V8 1ss manual 3908 lbs
It truly makes a difference to the drive.
Those are not the weights of the 2016 Camaro.
2.0 comes in at about 3,300-3,350 pounds and SS starts under 3,700..
Facts like they are two different cars in two different classes.
If you like smaller high reving underpowered cars that is fine. But do not compare it to a V8 powered larger sedan.
If you want to complain about weight speak about the Mustang that is heavier and gaining weight unlike the Camaro that has take it off.
Mike, I don’t have $50k. Can you lend it to me? Can you name the dealers giving 10% off to everyone? Meanwhile for the next three years, I want to drive something, should I walk? Or drive an Aveo?
Mike, have you put your hard-earned on a Camaro in your drive right now? How much $$$ ???
If you don’t have the money that is a personal issue.
The fact is they will be offering incentives soon on the 2016 cars to clear them out and you will get some decent deals. Many dealers stock is limited in many areas but if you find what you like you should be able to get 10% off if you know how to bargain and use the web.
As for me I am thinking truck right now but the 1LE V6 is tempting and cheaper. I may make a change when I make my move in about a year. I am waiting to see if they offer a sun roof in the mid sized trucks and what other option packages. I would like a ZQ8 package but I am not sure it will be offered.
So you want to toot your own horn. Sorry I have been wanting to use that one LOL!
The FR-s is a nice car and it has to be light as it is very light on power too. To be fair to it and the Camaro they are two totally different cars due to the size, weight and power. The only thing they share are two doors.
Still the Camaro is a bargain for what you get today in the market the way it is priced out. All the cars are too damn expensive but what are you going to do?
The FR-s and now Toyota has been riding on the edge as it has not sold as well as expected. GM had really wanted to do one and Mark Ruess had pushed for a Sub Alpha platform to support it but has yet to be able to pass a business case to sell it.
As it is the FR-s would not be around if it were not for it being sold globally and I think it will take GM to move and make this smaller RWD car a Cadillac as well an Opel and Holden to make a case for it.
As for 7500 RPM that is not really appealing to most drivers. Low end torque with a flat curve is really something most Americans love. They do not like revving the piss out of something to make any power. The LNF turbo made max torque at 1800-5300 RPM. This is a great way to replace that V8 feel most are used to.
Thanks Scott3! Yes, tooting my own horn is something I love to think I’m great at, as you know. I’m glad you said the FR-S is nice, and underpowered is understatement. Lucky, I have Edelbrock to thank for a solution. I assume he honed his skills on small blocks?
You are correct to say 7500 rpm is not popular. When I was test-driving the 86 with the salesman-who-knew-absolutely-zero on board, he said “I never heard the engine sound like that before. No other customer got a car to do that, how do you do that?” I pointed at the HUGE tach right in the middle of the dash and ran it up to 7k, and he said “Ohhhh, that’s what that’s for….”
Just asking what is the thrill of doing 7500 RPM and only do 6.2 0-60 and 14.6 1/4 mile.
That is kind of like putting a playing card in your spokes and pretending your bike is a motorcycle. LOL!
I find it a bit odd that the SS is posted on the Chevrolet website accelerating 0-60 in 4.0 seconds and the SS 1LE is advertised a. 0-60 time of 4.2. Is it because of the larger tires? Is it that much heavier than the normal SS? You would think with the 1LE would at least match the cheaper SS model in that category.
Look a little closer at the Camaro page, the 4.0 is for the 8spd auto and most other tests have been around 4.2 for the 6spd manual. This has been confirmed in various auto mag reviews. The 1LE is manual only thus being a bit slower than the auto. Much to my dismay as well as many other enthusiasts, we just can’t shift faster and more efficiently than the modern automatics. However, I’ll take the .2 difference just so I can enjoy the overall involvement with the machine.
Yesterday I saw an SS time of 4.3, beating the GT350 by .1 (4.4). They keep changing the numbers. I guess when it actually gets out on the road, we will finally get the real numbers.
It all depends on the driver and conditions at time of test. The fact that all these different reviewers in different conditions keep getting similar numbers shows that the car performs right at the speculations of the manufacturer. This car gets down the road in a hurry and I doubt very seriously in everyday situations the average driver will notice .1 or .2 seconds in the positive or negative at all. If you choose to try and test this in a stop light to stop light situation or even on a track against a similar vehicle and lost by .1 or .2 seconds how would you know if it was the car or the driver? You can’t get caught up with the minute numbers. If you like the Camaro get one because you like it and the fact it will have plenty of excitement to give you in most all driving conditions. As I said in another post, I’ll take a difference if it means I’m enjoying the ride. I’m not always looking for a race to 60. If you are not sure about the Camaro because .1 or .2 seconds have been added or subtracted through subjective reviews, then someone else will take your place in line.
I will stick with the 5th gen 1LE, real world joe shmo 0-60 will be equal, Corner forces same, I will have shoulder and knee room still. After Supplier discount, $1,000 private offer, and a discount from dealer do to 2014 stop sale, my out the door price was $35,500 1SS 1LE NPP and XYZ (Recaro’s)